Steal my 7-day Malta Itinerary for the ultimate first trip to this special island. From diving to sightseeing, this Malta itinerary has everything you need.
“The Best Diving in the Mediterranean.” This was the only thing I knew about Malta before we booked our flights.
We decided to go like we decide most things… because we’d never been, because it looked nice and because we had two weeks to kill before a friend’s birthday in Paris.
So, we needed to stick around Europe, but we wanted to go scuba diving.
When we arrived, I was blown away. This tiny island nation in the Mediterranean Sea surprised me on every single level. After spending 10 days in Malta (not nearly enough, by the way) exploring the underwater world of the archipelago, I fell in love, and I know I’ll be back.
PSA: Malta offers a digital nomad visa, which means you can extend your stay for up to an entire year!
In this post, I’m sharing my 7-day Malta itinerary for first-timers who are also planning on scuba diving. If you’re not planning on diving, there will be a few days of this itinerary that don’t make much sense for you! But I’ll throw in some ways to fill your days at the end.
Overall I’ll help you explore the most beautiful places in Malta, from gorgeous beaches to picturesque medieval towns and epic dive sites.
(This itinerary does not include Gozo. I didn’t make it that far on this trip. We decided to save Gozo for our next visit.)
Justyn’s Quick 7-Day Malta Itinerary Recommendations:
🏨 Stay: If you have the budget, stay for a couple of nights in Valetta Old Town. However, Sliema is a great place to base yourself on all the island’s exploration.
🤿 Favorite dive sites: Um El Faroud Wreck, Għar Lapsi
⭐️ Highlights: Give yourself a full day to explore Valetta, take the ferry to the 3 Cities, and make sure to visit the Old City of Mdina.
🇲🇹 Travel tip: Get connected fast with an eSIM for Malta.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting my blog! This is the fastest, easiest way to support my lil travel bloggin’ dream. 🫶🏻
The Perfect 7 Days in Malta Itinerary
Table of Contents
- Things to know before you go
- 7-Day Malta Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Malta
- Is 7 Days in Malta Enough?
- Cost of Travel in Malta
- Malta Travel Planning Essentials
- What to Pack for Malta
Everything You Need to Know About Malta
Malta is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Sicily and consists of three islands; Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Gozo and Malta are inhabited while Comino is not. Malta is only 122 mi2, making it one of the smallest countries in the world.
Despite its size, Malta has a fascinating and rich history and cultural heritage. Malta was ruled by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, the British Empire, and more. Each left their mark on the country. You’ll notice it first in the Maltese language, which is Arabic in origin, but it also uses words derived from Italian, English, and French.
And even though it’s Arabic in origin, it uses a Latin script.
Quick Facts about Malta
- The Capital of Malta is Valletta
- The National Language is Maltese, though English is very widely spoken
- Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport in Malta
- You don’t need a visa to visit Malta, but it is a part of the Schengen Zone
- They use the Euro (€1 = $1.05)
- The tap water is ‘De-Salinated’ which means it is safe to drink but it tastes a bit funny.
- Tipping is customary but not mandatory, it’s recommended that you leave between 5-10% for good service (especially in touristy areas)
- There is no airport in Gozo. You need to fly to Malta and then take a ferry or speedboat
Getting to Malta
Even though Malta only has one International Airport, there are two ways to get there. You can fly to Malta, or you can take the ferry from Sicily.
The easiest and quickest way to get to Malta is by flying. If you’re coming from the US, you’ll probably have to fly somewhere else in Europe first, before continuing to Malta. Even coming from the UK we had a layover in mainland Europe.
Search for cheap flight deals on Kiwi. Make sure to keep an eye on baggage allowance (especially if you’re bringing any diving gear!)
You can also take a ferry to Malta from Sicily. There are two ferry routes that operate between Sicily and Malta, running 19 trips per week. Virtu Ferries operates 2 routes, Catania to Valletta 6 times a week & Pozzallo to Valletta which runs 13 times a week. The ferry takes just under 2 hours.
Safety in Malta
Malta felt incredibly safe to me. It’s a fairly quiet country that’s used to a lot of tourists. The locals were kind and helpful and everyone spoke amazing English (better than me we often joked). While on our trip I frequently went for early morning runs in the cities we stayed in with no issue.
Personally, I think Malta is definitely a country where I would travel solo. In my opinion, it would be a great country to visit on your first solo trip.
Getting Around Malta
First things first, download Bolt. This is used across the island and is super easy to book. You can easily get yourself from the airport to your hotel. We used Bolt to go across the island to each place that we stayed and we booked a Bolt back to the airport at the end of our trip.
Pro tip: If you’ve never used Bolt – don’t sign up until you’re in Malta. They were advertising discounts on your first trips at the airport (but this was only for new customers).
If you’re staying in Malta for longer than a week or you want to do any independent scuba diving, then I highly recommend renting a car. It would be easy to navigate the island and it would give you so much freedom.
We didn’t rent a car on our trip and managed to see everything we wanted on the island without trouble. Malta is well connected with buses and ferries, making it easy to get around. While there are buses that take you around the island, they are not always accurate with the timetables. If you need to get somewhere on time, take a Bolt.
Bus and ferry tickets are affordable, making travel easy. The only downside is waiting for buses that may or may not come on time.
The Best Time to Visit Malta
You can visit Malta all year long for beautiful Mediterranean weather. However, the summers are going to be very busy and therefore very expensive. As with most places, I recommend visiting in the shoulder season.
And yes, the sea does get cold! I don’t recommend diving in Malta in the winter months unless you have a dry suit. Apparently, people come to Malta in January to dive and expect it to be warm. It is not.
March to May is a great time to visit for mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful blooming flowers across the island. We visited in September and it rained the first few days but afterwards was beautiful. However, it was still very hot and busy.
Eating Vegetarian/Plant-Based in Malta
Typical Maltese food isn’t overly vegetarian or vegan-friendly. However, Malta still is! There were plenty of delicious vegetarian restaurants and options at normal restaurants for us to choose from. We actually ate very well, especially around Sliema.
You’ll also find incredible vegan and vegetarian options in the supermarket. There were more vegan cheese options than I’ve seen in supermarkets in London. We made it our mission to try them all!
Here’s a quick overview of my 7-Day Malta Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Malta & Exploring Valetta
- Day 2: Valletta & The Three Cities
- Day 3: Move Locations + Beach Day
- Day 4: Diving
- Day 5: Diving
- Day 6: Mdina Day Trip
- Day 7: Beach Day & Fly Out
My 7-Day Malta Itinerary for First-Timers
As with most of my itineraries, this moves at a fairly slow pace. It gives you a chance to see the highlights, while also relaxing and savoring your slow mornings and routines.
Malta diving is unlike any other diving we’ve experienced in the world. Because it’s shore diving, you’ll often have 1 hour+ surface intervals and long drives, which means on diving days, I don’t stuff your schedule with anything else.
If you’re not diving, keep reading for some recommendations on how else to explore the islands!
I also work while I travel, so I like to leave plenty of time for sitting behind my computer (boring but it must be done!) That being said, if you’re not diving or you’re pressed for time, you could squish this 7-day Malta itinerary into 4-5 days quite easily.
Lastly, feel free to move things around. I started my trip in Sliema with several days of sightseeing before moving on to diving. If you want to dive throughout your trip or swap things around – feel free! This 7-Day Malta itinerary is meant as a guideline and jumping-off point for your trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Malta & Exploring Valletta
1. Visit the Old Town of Valletta
One of my favorite things to do in the world is explore the old cities of Europe. We have nothing like it in America and ever since I visited my first European city (Prague), I’ve been fascinated with them. I love the architecture, cobblestone streets, and history.
And Valetta is one of the best that I have explored. Start your trip strong with a walk through the Old City. I hope you love it as much as I do. If you’re staying in Sliema, you’ll want to take the ferry over and then it’s just a short walk from the ferry terminal to the city ‘center’.
If you want any chance to get pictures of Valletta without tourists, you need to stay overnight so you can explore after the majority of the ‘day-trippers’ have left.
2. The National War Museum at Fort St Elmo
I will be the first to admit that I was very off-put by the name. Based on the name alone, I was not overly interested in visiting this museum. However, I will also be the first to admit that snap judgment was wrong. If you want to get a comprehensive view of the history of Malta, this should be your first stop.
Malta has known a lot of wars. Many, many people have conquered the island at one point in history or another. This museum is where you will learn about all of that and more. It’s built at Fort St. Elmo which is also cool to explore in its own right.
Important information:
- Location: Mediterranean Street, St. Elmo Place, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
- Opening Every Day: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Ticket Cost: €10.00
- Recommend Stay: 2 hours
Please note: If you’re planning a visit to Fort St. Elmo without attending the ‘In Guardia’ show, regular admission is permitted only from noon onwards.
3. Have Lunch at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant
Eating is one of my favorite things to do on any trip. My husband will be the first to tell you that I plan my city breaks around restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. A long day of exploring calls for good food and wine. While traditional Maltese food is full of options like fish and rabbit, there are a few restaurants in Valetta that cater to vegetarians who want to get a taste of Maltese cuisine.
As with any major tourist destination, if you want to find better and cheaper food, make sure that you walk a few blocks away from the main tourist attractions. A few restaurants I can recommend in Valetta include:
- Gugar Hangout & BAR: Close to St. Elmo and a great place to grab a local beer or glass of wine
- Cafe Jubilee: make sure to try the Moroccan lentil, chickpea, and freekeh soup
- Grano Sandwiches: make sure to get there early! Once they sell out of something, it is officially OUT
- 33 Steps: a vibey place to go for a cocktail. Also, make sure to get there early or you will not be able to find a seat
4. Explore the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens
Both parks in Valletta were originally recreation areas for the knights.
The Lower Barrakka Garden is close to Fort St. Elmo, so it’s possible to walk that way once you’ve finished your visit! The views over Malta are amazing. You’ll have a chance to see local flowers in bloom and take pictures of the Three Cities.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are further along in Valletta, closer to the main square and Il-Berġa ta’ Kastilja. I recommend exploring both as they offer different panoramic views, but the Lower Barrakka Gardens were definitely my favorite. They were much quieter (at least when we visited)
Both gardens offer a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. They’re open from 7 AM to 10 PM and are free to access. The Upper Barrakka Gardens have a lift, making them even more accessible to the public. Once again, if you want a chance to have either of these gardens all to yourself, you’ll want to start your day there at opening time!
5. Have Dinner at Ayu Travelers Kitchen
This was probably the best meal that we ate in Malta. It’s back near Sliema, making it a great option if you aren’t staying in Valletta. They do book up, so it’s important to call ahead and make a reservation. You can also make a reservation on their website.
The atmosphere inside is comfortable, upscale, and global. The restaurant was designed after the world travels of its owner – and the menu is designed to match. We loved the Iranian stew (Fesenjan) and the Jordanian Bedouin mix. You can view their whole menu here.
Day 2: Valletta & The Three Cities
1. Start Your Day at Brillace Cafe
It’s going to be a long day of exploring! So make sure you start with coffee and a croissant from Brillace Cafe. It’s by far my favorite find around Sliema. This cute cafe makes good coffee and fun-flavored croissants. It’s definitely a place that’s always buzzing with locals – which means it must be good right?
Once you’re fueled up for the day, take the ferry back to Valletta to explore the old city more. You’ll also be exploring the Three Cities today which is just another short ferry ride from Valletta.
2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is considered a National treasure of Malta. It was built by the Order of the Knights of St. John and was completed in 1577, soon after the Great Siege (which you’ll have learned all about at Fort St. Elmo!) The Knights dedicated the church to St. John the Baptist.
You’ll be able to see collections of tapestries, tombs, and artifacts that have been donated by every knight and Grand Master in the history of Malta. This Cathedral is beautiful and it’s a great place to explore the history of the Knights in Malta.
Important information:
- Location: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
- Open Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 4:15 PM
- Ticket Cost: €15.00
- Recommend Stay: 1 hour
3. Visit the Grand Master’s Palace
Just a couple of blocks from the cathedral is the Grand Master’s Palace. It’s been newly restored and over 80% of the palace is open to the public. This is another monument built by the Knights of St. John as they expanded the new capital city of Valletta.
Here you can see the most comprehensive visual storytelling of the Great Sige of 1565 painted by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio. You can also see late 18th century Baroque ‘illusionistic ceiling paintings’ which showcase the pageantry and grandeur of the Grand Masters of Malta.
Important information:
- Location: VGX7+9GX Palazz tal-President, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
- Open Daily: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Ticket Cost: €12
- Recommend Stay: 1-1½ hours
4. Stroll the Valletta Waterfront
Before hopping on the ferry to the Three Cities, make sure to take a walk along the Valletta waterfront. You’re definitely going to want to take your camera – this is one of the most picturesque waterfronts in Europe. The only eyesore is the excessive amount of monstrous cruise ships and mega yachts that dot the harbor.
This unique waterfront is made up of iconic buildings with colorful doors. Located in the Grand Harbor, the waterfront was built in 1752 by Grandmaster Emanuel Pinto da Fonseca, and designed by Andrea Belli. It’s home to 19 spacious warehouses that are known as the ‘Pinto Stores’.
The warehouses used to be used as stores by the Knights of Malta and other merchants. They’re still used today as bars, restaurants, and shops.
5. The Three Cities
The Three Cities are just as picturesque as Valletta but much quieter. It’s easy to take the ferry over – and then you can spend a couple of hours on your own walking tour.
The Three Cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua and they have their own unique history in Malta. The oldest of the three is Vittoriosa, which has existed since before the Middle Ages. (The history of Malta is extensive and OLD. It’s such a special place!)
I recommend exploring the Birgu Waterfront, taking in the views from the Senglea tip viewpoint, getting lost in the quiet and winding streets of Birgu, and seeing the panoramic view from Fort Angelo.
If you would like a guided tour and history of the Three Cities, this is an amazing (and affordable) option.
6. Drinks at the 33 Steps
Take the ferry back to Valletta and stop for a drink at the 33 Steps bar. It’s a gorgeous bar on a street that’s entirely stairs (hence the name). It also gets very busy so make sure that you get there before sunset!
However, if there aren’t any seats on the steps available, there are other bars along that same street to choose from. It’s a lively place to have a drink and relax after a full day.
Afterwards, find yourself somewhere to have dinner either in Valletta or around your accommodation. Since we were staying in Sliema, we decided to hop on the ferry back for dinner. If you’re also staying around Sliema, I recommend Balance Bowl for dinner.
They had an amazing happy hour and their food was incredible.
Day 3: Move Locations + Beach Day
1. Move Hotels
I recommend moving to St. Paul’s Bay if you’re planning on doing any diving in Malta.
There are more dive shops located in this part of the island and it’s always nice to explore a new area. St. Paul’s is also well connected on the bus to spend a day exploring Mdina. Malta’s a fairly small island but it’s still nice to stay in a new area with this 7-day Malta itinerary.
Moving hotels might take up a chunk of your day, so I recommend relaxing in St. Paul’s once you arrive. St. Paul’s is small and easily walkable no matter where you’re staying. We stayed off Mosta Road near the roundabout and walked everywhere in St. Paul’s.
2. Relax on the beach at Il-Bajja tax-Xama’
Once you’ve checked in you can head out for a beach day. Il-Bajja tax-Xama’ is a lovely beach that’s just outside of St. Paul’s. It’s a great place for relaxing and swimming. You could definitely spend a few hours here just reading and swimming.
If you want something a bit closer to St. Paul’s, you can explore St. Paul’s Bay Waterfront or Buġibba Perched Beach. They don’t offer the same sandy beach, but they’re still a close spot where you can relax and swim in the crystal clear water.
3. Sunset Drinks and Dinner
St. Paul’s has a vibey downtown area with bars offering happy hours around sunset. I recommend heading that way for a sunset drink along the water. Our favorite sunset spot while we were in St. Paul’s was called Parrot the Pirate’s Bay. They didn’t have a happy hour but they had cheap beer and wine and a spot right on the water.
After the sun sets head into St. Paul’s for dinner, we stayed at an apartment with cooking facilities to help us save money, but a few of our favorite restaurants in St. Paul’s were ‘Momo’s Hub and Resto Bar (we love Nepalese food and this place was excellent!) and Pulcinella Pizzeria Napoletana for an excellent pizza.
Day 4-5: Diving
We dove with Maltaqua and highly recommend them. They were professional, very safe, friendly, and accommodating. We also booked their Sands Accommodation which was very affordable compared to other options. A huge benefit is their gear room at the apartments where you could wash and store your gear after diving.
Diving in Malta was unlike anywhere we’d been before. It’s shore diving, so you’ll be picked up in the morning and driven to various spots on the island for your dives. There are facilities around the most popular dive sites with options like drinks, snacks, and toilets for divers.
We had nice long surface intervals between dives with Maltaqua which was ideal for my computer as the dives in Malta tend to be deep. I highly recommend Malta for Advanced Divers and you’ll be able to enjoy the wrecks more if you have your deep certification.
We dove in September and I was wearing a 5mm long wetsuit. I got cold on every dive but the other divers in our group were wearing shortie wetsuits and didn’t get cold. If you tend to get cold like me, I would at least make sure you have boots and a hood.
These are the dive sites we did in Malta:
- Cirkewwa Reef
- The Rozi Wreck
- The Faroud Wreck (my favorite!)
- Faroud Reef
- Ghar Lapsi – Finger Reef
- Ghar Lapsi – Middle Reef
If you want to know more about diving in Malta and see our dive logs, I’ll do a future post focused on that!
However, if you’re not diving in Malta, then I recommend spending at least one day doing a tour around Gozo. We didn’t have time to explore Gozo on this trip but I would have loved to see it. Here are some tours I recommend for non-divers in Malta.
Additional 7 Day Itinerary Malta Activities:
- Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour (I wish I could have seen the Blue Lagoon and Sea caves! They look amazing)
- Mellieha: Popeye Village Malta Film Set
- St Paul’s Bay: Malta National Aquarium (such a unique and beautiful aquarium!)
- Cruise Around Malta’s Harbours & Creeks
Day 6: Mdina Day Trip
You always need a day break between diving and flying, which means a day trip to Mdina is the perfect way to end your first trip to Malta. If you’re staying around St. Paul’s, you can grab the public bus to Mdina. The bus ride will take around 40 minutes and it’s by far the most affordable way to get to Mdina. The bus drops you off right outside the old city walls.
Mdina is the former capital of Malta. It’s a tiny, walled city that lies on a hilltop in the center of the island. Fewer than 250 people live in Mdina, a town with a history that’s more than 4,000 years old. It’s also known as the ‘Silent City’ which you’ll notice, especially if you’re there on a weekday in the morning or evening (when the day trippers leave).
1. Wander the Streets of Mdina
Mdina is small. You can easily wander through the whole city at a leisurely pace in around an hour. Make sure to take in the colorful doors and unique doorknockers (one of my favorite things about all of Malta!) There are plenty of great photo spots in this picturesque city and you’ll see plenty of people lining up for the most popular Instagram shots.
As usual, I recommend wandering away from the crowds where you’ll find whole winding alleyways to yourself. This is the sort of city where you can escape the crowds and find your own creative and beautiful photos.
2. Learn the History of the City
As I mentioned before, Mdina has a history that’s over 4,000 years old. Throughout the city, there are maps and markers where you can conduct your own walking tour. But if you really want to learn the unique history of this tiny walled city, I recommend visiting the Mdina Experience. They have an informative 30-minute film that walks you through the history of Mdina for €6.
The Mdina and Rabat walking tour is also a great way to learn the rich history of Mdina. It lasts about 2 hours and takes you around everything there is to see. The guides are all really knowledgeable so this is easily the best way to learn about the city.
3. Eat Lunch at Coogi’s Restaurant
Coogi’s Restaurant and Tea Garden is a gorgeous restaurant in Mdina with plenty of tasty options for vegetarians and a whole menu for vegans. They have a beautiful garden full of plants and it’s a great escape from the heat of the city. If you’re going on the weekend, it can be a good idea to make a reservation in advance. (Photo courtesy of Coogi’s Restaurant)
4. Wander through Rabat
Make sure to wander through the winding streets of Rabat before heading back to St. Paul’s. Rabat is the bigger, more modern town right outside the gates of Mdina. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes if you want to rest and have a drink. Plus it’s home to streets and streets of the famous Malta balconies. I couldn’t get enough of those balconies on our trip.
After a full day exploring Mdina and Rabat, hop on the bus back to St. Paul’s.
Day 7: Beach Day & Fly Out
It’s your last day in Malta! Depending on what time your flight leaves today will determine how you spend your day. When it came time to go to the airport we hopped in a Bolt. Our flight was around midday so we had a lazy morning and headed to the airport after checkout.
However, if you have time make sure to soak up your final hours of sunshine in the Mediterranean! Use your morning to get all packed up and then head out to the beach or waterfront in St. Paul’s for some final moments.
The airport in Malta has a lovely lounge which you can access with a Priority Pass, making flying out a dream. I honestly don’t know how I ever traveled without a Priority Pass.
Where to Stay in Malta
For your first time in Malta, I recommend spending a few days around Valletta or Sliema so that you can explore the history of Malta. If you have the budget, spend at least 2 nights in Valletta so you can explore the city before and after the day-trippers go home.
It’s such a small island that’s really well connected, so no matter where you stay you should be able to see it all. If you’re planning on diving, make sure to stay in the same town as your dive shop. For us, this meant moving to St. Paul’s Bay for half of our trip because we chose to dive with Maltaqua.
There are a lot of dive shops in St. Paul’s Bay so it’s a great place to stay for the second half of your adventure. It’s also really well connected to get to Popeyes Village and Mdina.
Where I stayed near Sliema: Marina Suites & Apartments (7.6⭐️)
Around Sliema, we stayed at Marina Suites and Apartments. The room was a good size and close to plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the ferry port in Sliema.
We booked our trip very last minute and there were definitely fewer options for accommodation. However, this hotel was decent. The Wi-Fi worked well and having a kitchen was very nice.
Where I stayed in St. Paul’s Bay: Sands Holiday Apartments (booked with our dive shop)
This is the accommodation provided by Maltaqua – the diving shop we dove with in Malta. The apartment was amazing. It has a huge living space, bathroom, and bedroom. Well-equipped kitchen and shared ‘wet room’ where you can wash and store your dive gear.
We were really blown away by how nice the apartments were. They’re about a ten-minute walk from the seafront. If you want to dive with Maltaqua, I highly recommend booking the accommodation with them.
Other Accommodation Options in Malta
Most Unique Hotel in Valletta: The Capital Boutique Hotel Valletta (9.5⭐️)
Affordable and extremely well-reviewed for Valletta. Its location is perfect, the rooms are huge with a separate living area and breakfast is included. You can also pay slightly more and have your own balcony!
Valletta Hotel with a Rooftop Pool: 66 Saint Paul’s & Spa (9.1⭐️)
This hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool where you can relax and enjoy the sunset after a full day of exploring the old city. They have beautiful rooms, and very good breakfast included.
The Best Apartment in St. Paul’s Bay: Del Mar Luxury Apartments (8.8⭐️)
If you’re a fan of having your own space, then this hotel in St. Paul’s Bay will be perfect for you. Bright, spacious rooms with air conditioning and balconies.
Adults-Only Luxury in St. Paul’s Bay: Seaview Hotel (9.1⭐️)
This hotel has two swimming pools, a sun terrace, a gym, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant. The rooms have balconies and there is wi-fi throughout the property. Adults-only is always a bonus in my book as well!
Book a Hotel in Malta
Is 7 Days in Malta Enough?
Short answer, absolutely not! While you can see everything in Malta with this 7-day itinerary, I highly recommend adding a couple of extra days for Gozo – especially if you’re planning on diving and sightseeing. The diving days are long, so it doesn’t leave much time for sightseeing and history. You really need to give yourself time for both.
If you’re working while you’re there, you’ll definitely want to add on a couple of days for that as well.
I would turn this into a 10-day trip and go to Gozo for a couple of days, or a 2-week trip to give yourself some days off between everything. There is so much to see and do in Malta – your 7 days will be full.
Cost of Travel in Malta
Daily Budget
Depending on the time of year, Malta can be a really affordable destination for travel in Europe. That being said, I highly recommend that you avoid going in the height of summer. Prices (especially for hotels) are going to be very high during the summer months. If you aren’t planning on diving (or if you dive in a drysuit) you could go in the winter for the best prices.
This budget is based on traveling in the shoulder seasons. Also, I’m leaving prices in Euros – just do a quick conversion for your currency. On our trip, we averaged €85 a day (each) in Malta.
🏨 Hotel room: €40-€100 a night
🛏️ Hostel room: €10-€35 a night
🍛 Lunch / Dinner: €10-€20
🍻 Beer: €3 (local beer) / Wine: €3 / Cocktail: €6
🚰 Drinking water: €1
🤿 Shore Diving: €40
🚂 Intercountry Buses: €2.5 (for 3 hours)
Overall, your budget in Malta is going to depend on where you stay and what activities you do! Diving (for us) costs €40 per dive, but that didn’t include one set of equipment and a tip for our guide. You can also spend more or less on eating out then we did – but we ate out for about 1 meal a day (sometimes less). 33% of our budget went to accommodation and 35% went to diving.
If you want to track your travel expenses with ease, then I really recommend the Travel Spend App.
Malta Travel Planning Essentials
Ready for your trip? Here are a few things to help you plan and make the most of your adventure to Malta.
Flights: Find affordable flights to Malta on Kiwi.
Visas: Malta is in the Schengen Area. The rules for US travelers to the Schengen Area will be changing. Keep an eye on updates here so that you always know what’s required before you visit. When required, the Schengen ETIAS will only cost travelers €7.
Travel Insurance: I never travel without travel insurance! As a full-time digital nomad, I highly recommend SafetyWing. Learn more and get insured here.
Airport Transfer: Download Bolt before your trip! Bolt is an easy ride-sharing app that is used widely in Malta. If you haven’t used it before, I recommend waiting to sign up until you’re at the airport in Malta (they had discount codes in the airport for your first couple of rides when we arrived).
Accommodation: After 10+ years of traveling and staying in hotels around the world, I always recommend Booking.com. They have the best properties available at the best rates. You can look at Airbnb but the fees are getting very high – Find affordable accommodation in Malta.
Malta Guidebook: The new Lonely Planet travel guides are evolving to meet the needs of travelers in the age of the internet! I recommend the Malta Lonely Planet Guide for your trip. It’s a great resource on the geography and history of this unique country.
What to Pack for This 7-Day Malta Itinerary
Camera: You’ll definitely need a good camera in Malta! I spent most of my trip taking pictures of the beautiful old streets, unique balconies, and fun door knockers. This camera is light, compact, and easy to use. It goes all around the world with me.
Underwater/Action Camera: I recently switched from GoPro to Osmo Action 5 from DJI, specifically because of the quality of the underwater videos. I love this camera. I find that I can share the videos directly after taking them – without the hours of editing needed from GoPro shots.
Hooded Microfiber Poncho: This towel has been a game-changer for me! I love having it for beach, pool, and diving days. I actually saw someone using one of these in Malta in between the dives and knew I needed one. Make sure to get one with a pocket like this. It can be warm in the sun between dives – but if it rains, it can also be really cold, and having this towel to wrap up in is amazing.
Cute Sunhat: The sun is really strong in Malta – especially when it bounces off of the white and cream-colored buildings. Having a good sunhat will help protect you from sunburn. It’s also a cute accessory for an island like Malta!
Kindle: My Kindle has probably traveled to more countries than most Americans. As an avid reader, I love having the ability to read multiple books at once – and on each trip. The Kindle helps me save weight in my suitcase and travel lighter. I use the Libby app to rent books from the library meaning I can also save money on books. If you’ve never used a Kindle before, I highly recommend it for travelers.
Sandals: I love my Tevas. I have worn them almost every single day since I got them – and if something happened to them, I would get the exact same pair again. They are so comfortable and perfect for travel. They’re comfortable for all-day exploring and I’ve worn them on short hikes as well. Shop my favorite sandals for travel.
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