Are you ready to plan 5 day Malta itinerary? Malta is small enough to cross in under an hour, yet layered with baroque cities, Bronze Age temples, and coves as clear as glass. This 5 day Malta itinerary blends culture and coast at a leisurely pace:
Valletta and the Three Cities, the silent streets of Mdina, sea-cliff viewpoints at Dingli, and a full day on Gozo for citadels, salt pans, and sunset swims. You’ll boat to Comino’s Blue/Crystal Lagoons (weather-permitting), step inside Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, and wander colourful harbours like Marsaxlokk.
Getting around is simple—buses, short ferries, and walkable historic centres—so you won’t need a car. Expect short hops, frequent café breaks (pastizzi, anyone?), and flexible add-ons if the sea is choppy or crowds peak. Use this guide day-by-day or mix the stops to suit your base in Valletta, Sliema/Gżira, St Julian’s, Mellieħa, or Gozo day trip.
5 Day Malta Itinerary Map: Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, Comino
5 Day Malta Itinerary
Day 1 — Valletta Essentials (Half Day) + Easy Afternoon
The 5-day Malta itinerary begins with a morning hotel pickup and transfer to the UNESCO-listed city of Valletta. Walk the City Gate area, Republic Street, and the bastions. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio), Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Grand Harbour overlooks. An optional intro show to Malta's history and heritage.
Afternoon ideas (on your own): Lascaris War Rooms, National Museum of Archaeology, ferry to Sliema for the promenade. Good to know: Valletta has slopes and steps—comfortable shoes recommended.
Day 2 — Mdina, Rabat & Central Malta (Full Day, lunch & wine)
Explore Mdina’s quiet lanes and viewpoints, then Rabat for the Catacombs of St Cataldus. Continue to Dingli Cliffs, San Anton Gardens, Ta’ Qali Artisan Village (glass & filigree), and Mosta’s Rotunda. Lunch with a glass of wine included.
Pace tip: Mdina is best before mid-day crowds; your guide will sequence stops accordingly.
Day 3 — The Three Cities (Half Day)
Unpack Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla): fortresses, churches, piazzas, and the yacht marina. Glide along the creeks on a traditional frejgatina (weather permitting). Try the three cities half-day tour!
Add-on ideas: Consider a harbour cruise or a visit to the Inquisitor's Palace (Birgu) after the tour.
Day 4 — Gozo Highlights (Full Day, lunch & wine)
Ferry to Gozo. Visit Victoria and the Citadel, the UNESCO Ġgantija Temples, and coastal stars—Xlendi, Dwejra, and the Inland Sea. Optional boat ride at Dwejra if the seas allow. Lunch with a glass of wine included.
Pace tip: Gozo roads are short but winding—expect many short scenic stops.
Day 5 — Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto (Half Day)
See colourful luzzu boats in Malta’s largest fishing harbour and browse the open-air market (Sunday is the biggest). Continue to Qrendi for the Blue Grotto viewpoint; optional short boat trip to the sea caves (sea state permitting).
If seas are rough: swap in Hagar Qim/Mnajdra temples or Għar Lapsi cove views.
5 day Malta itinerary Tours Package with Gozo Island and Transfers
Tour includes:
- Pickup and drop-off at hotel or closest meeting point in Malta
- Air-conditioned transportation in a bus or coach
- Licensed tour guide
- St. John's Co-Cathedral entry
- St. Cataldus Catacombs entry
- Mosta Church entry
- Ggantija Temples entry
- Audio-visual show ticket
- Harbor creeks tour on a traditional Maltese frejgatina boat
- Round-trip Gozo day trip ferry tickets.
Not included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Gozo
- Lunch during the 3 half-day tours
- Optional boat trip at the Blue Grotto
- Optional boat trip at Dwejra Bay
- Extra drinks during lunch on the 2 full-day tours
- Tips (optional)
- Hotel accommodation not included.
Malta FAQs — Quick, Practical Answers
Can you visit Malta without a car?
If you plan this 5 day Malta itinerary, Malta is very doable by bus, short ferries, and walking—mainly if you base in Valletta or Sliema/Gżira. Rideshares and taxis are available for late evenings or early mornings.
Is Gozo doable as a day trip?
Absolutely. A classic loop takes you to Victoria Citadel, Ġgantija, and Dwejra/Xlendi. If you love coastal walks or slower evenings, consider one night on Gozo.
Malta Blue Lagoon vs Crystal Lagoon—differences?
Blue Lagoon is the iconic turquoise spot—and the busiest. Crystal Lagoon sits nearby, is usually calmer, and is better for snorkeling, often feeling less crowded. Both are Malta hidden gems.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
April–June and September–October – warm, swim-friendly seas, extended daylight, lighter crowds, most boat trips running.
How many days are enough to spend in Malta?
Three days cover Valletta, Mdina, and a Gozo taster; five days add Comino/Crystal Lagoon and the south coast (Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim/Mnajdra).
Where to stay in Malta?
For transit and ferries: Valletta or Sliema/Gżira. For nightlife: St Julian’s. For beaches: Mellieħa (still bus-friendly). For slow pace: Gozo (Victoria/Xlendi/Marsalforn).
5 day Malta itinerary gives you the best of everything—Valletta's baroque lanes, Mdina's quiet walls, Gozo's rugged coast, and Comino's crystal coves—without rushing. Mix city strolls with swims, ancient temples with sunset viewpoints, and keep Day 5 flexible for sea conditions. Ready to lock it in? Compare top-rated tours and hotels, then tailor the order to your base.