Malta is a Mediterranean island country that is located in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea. With its sister islands, Gozo and Comino, it forms one of the world’s smallest countries. Although Malta is just 116 km² in size, it has a lot to offer visitors in the way of attractions. This article will explore what you can see in Malta in seven days.
The list below includes some of the top attractions that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Malta. Most of these attractions are located on the main island of Malta, but there are a few that can be found on Gozo and Comino as well.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Malta today!
What to see in Malta in seven days
Malta is a beautiful island country that is well worth visiting. There are many things to see and do in Malta, including temples, churches, and fortresses. The beaches in Malta might be small and narrow, but they are some of the best in the Mediterranean. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine. If you’re looking for nightlife, there’s no shortage of clubs and casinos in Malta. Finally, don’t forget to visit Gozo and Comino – two sister islands that are just as beautiful as Malta.
Here are the top 10 sights not to miss when you visit Malta:
1. Valletta
The capital city of Malta is home to many historical sites, including St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options to be found in Valletta. Valletta’s old town has some of the best restaurants and bars on Old Theater Street and Republic Street.
Expect to spend at least a day exploring Valletta’s charming streets if you are not staying here. You can easily expect to spend at least two hours in St. John’s Co-Cathedral if you listen to the audio guide.
If you do stay in Valletta for your trip to Malta, I recommend The Manoel Boutique Hotel on Old Theater St. I stayed there for nights and loved how close to the bus terminal it was.
2. Fort Manoel
Fort Manoel is located in Gzira, Malta, and it was built in the 18th century by the order of Saint John. The fort is well-preserved, and it is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the fort’s many rooms and corridors, and there is also a museum on-site that showcases the fort’s history. There are also panoramic views of the surrounding area from the fort’s roof.
If you’re visiting Malta, I recommend spending half a day exploring Fort Manoel. The fort is an interesting historical site, and the views from the roof are amazing.
3. St. Julians and Sliema
Both St. Julians and Sliema are located on the main island of Malta and are home to plenty of bars, restaurants and nightlife options. St. Julians is especially popular with tourists and is often called “the party town” of Malta. Both towns offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and are well worth a visit during your stay in Malta.
There is a beautiful boardwalk that you can take from St. Julians to Sliems to get to the ferry port to Valletta. Along the way, be sure to check out Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay Beach near the church Knisja tal-Karmnu.
4. Mdina and Rabat
This walled city was once the capital of Malta and is now home to many churches and museums. As people moved to Vittoriosa, Mdina became known as the “Silent City.” Today, cars are limited in Mdina, so residents and tourists can still fill the uninhabited atmosphere of Mdina. But, while visiting Mdina and Rabat, don’t forget to take a picture of the Mdina Gate and Fountain, where Game of Thrones was filmed. Plan to spend at least half a day, if not a whole day, to experience this historic site truly.
5. Vittoriosa and the Three Cities
Vittoriosa or Birgu and the Three Cities are located at the heart of Malta’s Grand Harbor. Vittoriosa is the oldest of the three cities, with a long history that dates back to 1000 BC. The city is filled with rich cultural heritage, including Fort St Angelo, which was built in 1530 by order of Emperor Charles V.
The Three Cities also offer plenty of entertainment options, such as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. From here, you can take a ferry to Valletta or visit nearby attractions such as Marsaxlokk Bay and Blue Grotto Cave.
6. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk Bay is a popular fishing village and a great place to go sightseeing. On Sundays, the local fishermen gather in Marsaxlokk Bay to display their catch of the day – an event that attracts locals and tourists alike.
7. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
These two prehistoric temples are some of the oldest structures in Europe and date back to the Neolithic period. The Hagar Qim temple is one of the oldest structures in Europe and is well worth a visit if you’re interested in history or archaeology. Mnajdra Temples are a religious site that dates back over 5,000 years. The temples were first excavated in 1840. They are close to each other, and near Blue Grotto, so you can try to visit them in one day.
8. The Blue Grotto
Take a boat ride around this natural sea cave and marvel at its beauty, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. If you are short on time, you can drive to the Blue Grotto viewpoint, where you can see the popular view of this cave. It’s a short one-minute walk from the parking lot, but a view to last for a lifetime.
9. Gozo and Comino Islands
Explore what these two smaller islands have to offer, including beautiful beaches, ancient fortresses and some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Mediterranean. The Ġgantija Temples are some of the oldest structures in the world and date back over 5,000 years! The temples are located on Gozo but can easily be reached from Malta via a ferry from Valletta or Cirkewwa Terminal.
10. Popeye’s Village
Popeye’s Village is a theme park located in Malta that was built as a set for the movie Popeye. The park is full of attractions for the entire family, including rides, games, and shows. You can easily spend at least half a day here with all the shows and entertainment options they give. If you want you can go to St. Paul’s for a nice dinner afterwards.
Best of Malta in Seven Days Tips
From personal experience, here are some of my tips to make your trip to Malta better:
- Use public transport. If you are a budget traveller or not in a rush, the public buses in Malta are your friend. Tickets are 2 euros each way. Get a Flexibus card or single-day rides based on your travel itinerary to save money. It’s a myth that the public transport in Malta is terrible, especially off-season. I used it in November, and the buses were barely 2-3 minutes late.
- Car services. Using Bolt, Taxi, or Uber will cost anywhere from 15-30 euros per destination.
- Chose Bolt. Bolt is more common than Uber and 2-3 euros cheaper than a taxi.
- Google Maps. Use Google Maps to see what bus number you need. Usually, multiple bus lines run to the same place.
- Get on a ferry. Take the Valletta – Sliema ferry at least once for the experience, but I highly recommend going to Gozo and Comino as well.
- Plan before travel. Be sure to plan out what you want to do and what attractions you want to visit in advance so you can group them in one trip, especially if using public transport.
- You can’t see everything. Seven days are not enough if you want to see everything. Malta is a small island, but it is not that small. There are many sights, majestic cliffs, underground tunnels, caves, lighthouses, and more to visit in Malta. Don’t rush. See what is important to you personally.
- Protect yourself. Don’t forget your sunscreen when visiting Marsaxlokk or any of the other beaches!
- Sightseeing Tours. Lastly, I highly recommend using a sightseeing tour bus if you can afford to splurge 20-25 euros. They are hop-on-hop-off buses, so you get an audio tour during the bus ride and can explore each stop before hopping on the next bus. If you do decide to go on a sightseeing tour, I recommend getting the first one as it takes 30 minutes to an hour between each bus. Also, most of these companies have customized tours like Popeye’s Village, so talk to them if you need transportation or other organized tours. You can find kiosks for the tours at the bus terminal in Valletta by the fountain.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure-filled vacation, Malta has something for everyone! With its historical sites, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore what Malta has to offer.
