One Week in Malta: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

After landing in Malta, head to your hotel to check in and get settled. Two of the best areas to base yourself are St. Julian’s and Valletta, and each offers something a little different depending on your travel style.

St. Julian’s has a livelier, more modern feel — it’s known for its waterfront promenade, restaurants and nightlife. It’s a great option if you want easy access to dining, beaches and a fun, energetic vibe. On the other hand, Valletta is quieter and full of old-world charm. As Malta’s capital, it’s rich in history and incredibly walkable, with cobbled streets, baroque architecture and sweeping harbor views. It’s perfect if you want a more romantic, slow-paced experience and to be immersed in Maltese culture right outside your door.

Once you're settled, spend your first afternoon exploring Valletta. Its pedestrian-friendly streets are perfect for wandering — pop into local shops, stop for pastizzi or coffee and take in the golden architecture. If you're up for it, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral or the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. End the day with a relaxed dinner and a glass of wine overlooking the water — you’ll get a perfect taste of what makes Malta so magical.

Start your day with a short drive or rideshare (Uber was so easy to use!) to Mdina, Malta’s former capital and one of the most magical places on the island. Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is full of winding, golden-stone alleyways, stunning architecture and panoramic views over the countryside. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Wander slowly through the city’s narrow streets, stop for coffee at Fontanella Tea Garden (the views are incredible) and take time to explore spots like St. Paul’s Cathedral or the city walls.

Just outside Mdina’s gates, you’ll find Rabat — a charming town that’s less touristy but just as worth visiting. Don’t miss the St. Paul’s Catacombs if you’re into history, and definitely grab a pastizz from Crystal Palace (a local favorite for a reason).

Mdina and Rabat are easy to explore in one day, and both offer a slower, more intimate side of Malta. Wear comfy shoes, bring your camera and don’t be surprised if you spend more time here than planned — it’s that enchanting.

Today’s all about sunshine, swimming and soaking up that iconic turquoise water. We booked a boat tour to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and it ended up being one of the most memorable days of the trip. The water is unreal — crystal clear and the perfect shade of blue for swimming, snorkeling or just floating and pretending you're in a postcard.

A few personal tips: if you’re prone to seasickness (like my friend!), definitely pack Dramamine or something similar — the boat ride can be a little choppy depending on the day. Once you arrive, you absolutely have to get one of the infamous cocktails served in a pineapple.Yes, they’re touristy, but so fun and totally part of the experience.

No matter what time of day you go, expect crowds, especially in peak season. But don’t be afraid to wander away from the main beach area — we did, and found a quiet little spot tucked into the rocks. Our butts were sore from sitting on stone all afternoon, but the peace and clear water made it so worth it.

Some tours also include stops at the nearby Crystal Lagoon or sea caves, which are gorgeous and a little less busy. Bring sunscreen, a towel, water shoes (those rocks are no joke) and snacks if your tour doesn’t include lunch. It’s a laid-back, sun-soaked day you won’t forget.

After a few active days, it’s time to slow down and soak up the sun. Spend the day in Sliema, one of Malta’s buzziest seaside spots, perfect for a more laid-back beach day. Instead of sandy beaches, Sliema is known for its rocky slabs and natural pools that line the waterfront — and honestly, it’s such a vibe.

We spent hours lounging on the flat rocks, swimming in the crystal-clear water and hopping between the man-made ladders and natural coves. It’s a popular hangout for locals, especially in the afternoon, but it never felt too hectic. Bring a towel or yoga mat (the rocks aren’t the comfiest), some drinks, and snacks for a no-frills beach day. There are a few beach clubs nearby, too if you want food, cocktails or sunbed rentals.

It’s also a great area to go for a walk along the promenade or grab lunch by the water. If you're feeling fancy, treat yourself to a late afternoon Aperol spritz at The Compass Lounge or Surfside for a super chill sunset vibe.

Today is all about exploring one of Malta’s most underrated gems — The Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua. These historic harborside towns sit just across the water from Valletta. They are packed with character, beautiful architecture and fewer crowds than the capital.

We started in Birgu (Vittoriosa), which ended up being one of my favorite spots on the island. It’s quiet, authentic and full of charm. You can stroll along the marina, pop into the Inquisitor’s Palace or Fort St. Angelo and just enjoy getting lost in the winding streets. For lunch, grab a table at Terrone — the food is amazing, and the views across the water are such a bonus.

Getting there is super easy — just take the Valletta ferry across the harbor (it’s cheap, quick, and offers some of the best views of the city from the water). After lunch, you can either continue exploring the other two cities on foot or head back to Valletta for a relaxed evening.

This day was such a nice mix of history, local life and waterfront beauty — perfect if you're craving something a little slower-paced but still rich in culture.

For your second-to-last day, head north to experience a slower, more scenic side of Malta. Start the day at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches with a slightly more wild, untouched feel. It’s a bit of a walk down (and back up!) a long staircase, but the views and calm, clear water are 100 percent worth it. Bring water, a towel and snacks if you want to camp out for a while — it’s one of the best places to swim and chill without big crowds.

If you’re up for a little walk, you can hike along the coastal path between Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay, which makes for a super scenic, low-effort adventure.

In the late afternoon, head over to Golden Bay for sunset. It’s one of the best on the island. The beach is more developed (and a bit busier), but it’s a great place to grab a drink or dinner with a view while you watch the sky light up over the water.

This day was such a peaceful way to wind down the trip — sun, sand and a little slice of coastal magic.

It’s your last day in Malta, so take it slow and soak up every final moment. Start with a relaxed breakfast. Mint in Sliema or Lot Sixty One in Valletta are great spots for good coffee, fresh pastries and a little morning people-watching.

Spa day: Treat yourself to a few hours of total relaxation at Carisma Spa & Wellness at Hugo’s Hotels in St. Julian’s. It’s the perfect place to unwind before your flight — think soothing massages, steam rooms and calming spaces to just breathe and reflect. If you’ve been walking and adventuring all week, your body will thank you.

One more beach moment: If you’re not ready to say goodbye to the sea, head back to the Sliema waterfront. Or take one last dip at Exiles Beach or the Tigné Point pools. These spots are super close to Valletta and St. Julian’s, so you can squeeze in a final swim or just sit with a book by the water.

Whichever path you choose, give yourself time to wind down, reflect and just enjoy Malta’s peaceful pace one last time. Then it’s off to the airport — with your camera roll full and a little sun still on your skin.