3 Days In Malta: What First Time Visitors Shouldn’t Miss
3 days in Malta is just about perfect for seeing the island’s main highlights without missing anything major. I spent a full week exploring Malta, taking day trips all over the island, and three days gives you just enough time to hit the unmissable spots (hello, Blue Lagoon).
Malta is tiny (seriously, you can drive end to end in about an hour), which means you can pack a lot into a short trip without constantly feeling like you’re racing from place to place.
This 3-day Malta itinerary is based on firsthand experience of what I loved and what mistakes I made, all with realistic pacing so you can actually enjoy the experience on this European island instead of just checking boxes. After all, it’s your vacation!
3 Days in Malta: Quick Guide + Map
Running short on time? Here’s a quick guide of everything you need to know about Malta
Where to Stay in Malta
- Radisson Blu Golden Sands for beaches.
- Hotel Valentina for affordable luxury and walkability.
- Westin Dragonara or Radisson Blu Golden Sands for families.
- The Phoenicia for true luxury.
When to Visit Malta
- Late May to Mid-October.
Best Things to Do In Malta For 3 Days
- You must take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon.
- Do a day trip to Gozo (you can easily take the ferry with or without a car).
- Explore Mdina. It’s worth it to pay to enter the cathedral.
3 Day Itinerary Map
I’ll breakdown the 3 day in Malta itinerary below, but here’s a map you can use to see the day by day breakdown!
Before we dive into my full review, if you want to stay up to date on travel itineraries and tips and tricks for booking luxury travel on an affordable budget, feel free to sign up for my free email list!
Day 1: Valletta + Marsaxlokk (History Meets Coastal Charm) 🏛️
Morning: Valletta Walking Tour 🚶
Start your 3 days in Malta by exploring Valletta, the capital city that’s basically an open-air museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site packs incredible baroque architecture, stunning harbor views, and thousands of years of history into less than a square mile. There are ruins throughout the city that are pretty amazing to wander past.
- Get to the Upper Barrakka Gardens around 9 AM before the cruise ship crowds arrive. The views over Grand Harbor are spectacular, and you’ll understand immediately why the Knights of St. John chose this spot. The gardens are free and offer the best panoramic views in the city.
You can also visit the Lower Barakka Gardens about a 10 minute walk away. It’s closer to the water and also free to visit. - Walk down to St. John’s Co-Cathedral next. The outside looks plain, but the inside is absolutely jaw-dropping with intricate baroque details and Caravaggio paintings. It’s worth every euro of the €15 entrance fee. The cathedral floors are marble tombstones of knights, and the ceiling frescoes are some of the most impressive I’ve seen anywhere.
- Spend the rest of your morning wandering Valletta’s narrow streets. The city is compact enough that you can see most of it on foot in a few hours. Pop into local shops, grab a coffee at a sidewalk café, and just soak in the atmosphere. There’s history pretty much everywhere you look.
Lunch: Valletta or Marsaxlokk 🍽️
Grab lunch in Valletta (rabbit is a local specialty!) or wait until you get to Marsaxlokk (about 30 minutes south). I’d vote for Marsaxlokk since you’ll want to spend the afternoon there anyway.
Afternoon: Marsaxlokk Fishing Village 🐟
Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village with colorful boats (called luzzus) lining the harbor. It’s way more relaxed than Valletta and gives you a totally different side of Malta.
The waterfront is packed with seafood restaurants. Pick one with a view, order the fresh catch, and take your time. This is vacation, remember?
The harbor area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and if you’re there on a Sunday morning, the fish market is worth checking out.
The water here is calm and clear. There are a few spots where you can swim right from the rocky shore if you want to cool off. I recommend reef shoes for Malta’s rocky beaches.
Evening: Dinner in Valletta 🍣
Head back to Valletta for dinner. Aki is an award-winning sushi restaurant and is legitimately excellent. The chef sources incredible fish and the omakase is worth the splurge. Book ahead.
If sushi isn’t your thing, there are dozens of great restaurants in Valletta. Walk around until you find something that looks good or consider a food tour (I took one and it was definitely a helpful introduction to the unique food in Malta).
Why This Day Works ✨
- Valletta and Marsaxlokk are on the same side of the island, so you’re not spending half the day driving around
- You get your fill of history in the morning, then switch to beach relaxation in the afternoon (which I always love)
- It’s a solid introduction to what makes Malta so special (an amazing balance of history and beach!)
Day 2: Blue Lagoon (Early) + Mdina (Late Afternoon) 🏖️
Early Morning: Blue Lagoon Boat Tour ⛵(Must-Do Activity!)
This is the day you’ve been waiting for. The Blue Lagoon is the single biggest reason most people visit Malta, and it is 100% worth it. The water is stunning and I would like to spend the rest of my life floating in it.
Book an early morning boat tour (8:30 AM departure) and this is non-negotiable. This is the exact tour I took, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a small boat (max 30 people), stops at the Blue Grotto, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Paradise Bay (a favorite beach for locals!), and costs about €30. I’ve got a full review of the day here.
By booking an early tour, you’ll have the Blue Lagoon almost to yourself for about an hour before the massive tour boats arrive.
We swam, snorkeled, used the boat’s waterslide, and just relaxed in the most beautiful water I’ve ever seen.
When we left the Blue Lagoon around 10:30 AM, giant boats were just pulling up full of hundreds of people waiting to get in the water. I have to imagine that’s a far less peaceful experience.
The Crystal Lagoon is just as stunning than the Blue Lagoon and way less crowded because big boats can’t fit through the narrow passages. My boyfriend spent an hour swimming through the sea caves and said it was one of the coolest experiences of the trip.
Paradise Bay is a favorite beach for locals and our final stop. My boyfriend napped on the white sand while I snorkeled with fish by the rocks. Altogether, a pretty awesome half day.
Most Malta boat tours return by 2-3 PM, which gives you the whole afternoon ahead of you to keep exploring!
Late Afternoon/Evening: Mdina 🌅
After your boat tour, drive to Mdina (about 25-35 minutes from the northern coast). Mdina is Malta’s ancient walled city, called “The Silent City” because cars aren’t allowed inside and very few people actually live there.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, they filmed some scenes by the entrance gate (including Catelyn and Ned’s last moments together), so you’ll definitely want to check it out!
Arriving in late afternoon means you’ll catch golden hour and sunset, when the honey-colored stone buildings look absolutely magical. Walk through the narrow medieval streets, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (it’s worth visiting and paying the entrance fee), and enjoy the views from the city walls.
The city feels like stepping back in time. It’s small enough to explore in a few hours, and there are several restaurants inside the walls if you want dinner there. We grabbed happy hour drinks at a cute café and played cards while the sun went down.
Rabat is right next to Mdina and worth a quick stop for pastizzi (local savory pastries) if you’re hungry. Try the pea version!
Why This Day Works ✨
- Seeing the Blue Lagoon in early morning + Mdina at sunset helps you avoid crowds at both places
- The timing flows naturally so you can hit both major spots without feeling rushed
- It’s a really lovely balance of beach activities and history exploring
Day 3: Gozo Day Trip 🌴
Full Day: Explore Gozo 🗺️
If you’re spending 3 days in Malta, you should definitely see Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island. Gozo is more rural, more relaxed, and offers a totally different vibe from the main island.
Getting to Gozo is incredibly easy. Drive (or take a bus/taxi) to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal in northern Malta and hop on the ferry. It runs every 45 minutes, takes about 25 minutes, and costs around €25 round trip for a car with passengers. You can drive your rental car right onto the ferry.
What to See in Gozo 👀
- Start with the Citadel in Victoria (Gozo’s main town). This medieval fortress sits on a hilltop with views over the entire island. The cobblestone streets and old fortifications make you feel like you’re in a different era. It’s free to walk around the ramparts.
- Visit the Salt Pans near Xwejni Bay next. I really, really loved this stop and would say it’s a must-do. These ancient salt harvesting pools have been used for over 350 years and they’re fascinating to see. The geometric patterns carved into the rock create this incredible visual, especially in good light. I’ve never seen anything like it.
- Ramla Bay is Gozo’s most famous beach with distinctive reddish sand. The water is beautiful and the beach is much less crowded than Malta’s popular beaches. We kicked back here for about an hour reading and swimming.
- Ta’ Pinu Basilica is worth a quick stop if you’re into architecture. The basilica sits in the countryside with views over farmland and the coast.
Important Ferry timing!
This was my major mistake! Leave Gozo by 3 or 4 PM at the latest. The 5 PM ferry back to Malta gets absolutely packed (especially on Sundays), and we waited over an hour just to get on a boat. Earlier ferries are much less crowded.
Why Gozo Is Worth It 💙
- It gives you a calm, scenic finish after two pretty busy days hitting the highlights on the main island
- The slower pace and fewer crowds feel really refreshing
- You get to see a totally different side of Malta that most quick visitors miss
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Malta 🏨
Malta is small enough that you should stay in one place for all three days. You can reach anywhere on the island in under an hour, so there’s no need to pack and unpack.
- Mellieha (where I stayed) is perfect if you want beach access and a resort vibe. I loved waking up and swimming in the ocean every morning. The Radisson Blu Golden Sands had the most epic breakfast buffet and a private beach – I will definitely be back.
- St. Julian’s is ideal for walkability, restaurants, and nightlife. You’re close to everything without needing a car.
- Valletta itself is great for history buffs who want to be right in the heart of the old city.
Check out my full guide to where to stay in Malta for detailed recommendations.
Getting Around During 3 Days in Malta 🚗
I rented a car for the week and highly recommend it for a 3-day trip. It cost about €60 total for the week through DiscoverCars, and having the freedom to leave early for boat tours or drive to Mdina at sunset made everything easier.
We picked up our car at the airport and it was no trouble at all. You drive on the left side of the road (like the UK), but after about 30 minutes you get used to it. I promise, it’s not that hard!
I’d read blogs that said people drive crazily in Malta, but even coming from the U.S. where drivers are pretty calm, I honestly thought it was completely fine.
The bus system works well if you don’t want to drive. Buses connect all major towns and tourist sites for €2-3 per ride. You’ll just need to plan around bus schedules.
What to Skip with Only 3 Days in Malta ⏭️
With a short trip, you need to prioritize. Here’s what you can skip:
- The Three Cities – They’re interesting but honestly not essential for a first visit. Save them for when you come back.
- Popeye Village – It’s fun if you have kids, but it’s pretty out of the way and eats up half a day. I’d rather do the Blue Lagoon if you ask me.
- Multiple beach days – With only three days, one boat tour to the Blue Lagoon gives you plenty of beach time. Save the full lazy beach days for a longer trip.
Best Time to Visit Malta for 3 Days ☀️
The best time for 3 days in Malta is May through early October when the weather is warm and you can swim.
July and August have the warmest water but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. It’s the best time of year, but the most expensive!
I went in mid-October and the weather was still lovely. The ocean was a bit chilly but totally swimmable, and crowds were way smaller than summer. September and early October are the sweet spots.
Avoid November through March unless you’re okay with cooler weather and limited boat tours.
Budget for 3 Days in Malta 💰
Malta is surprisingly affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations. Here’s roughly what to budget:
- Hotel: €50-150 per night depending on location and season
- Car rental: €60 for 3 days (or €10-15 total for buses)
- Boat tour: €30 per person
- Meals: €15-30 per person for restaurants
- Activities: €10-15 for museum/cathedral entrances
- Gozo ferry: €25 round trip for car + passengers
Total for 3 days runs around €400-600 per person depending on your hotel choice and meal preferences.
What I’d Do Differently With Only 3 Days In Malta
- Book restaurants in advance. Some of the best spots in Valletta (like Aki) fill up on weekends. I’m usually pretty spontaneous with dining, but making reservations ahead of time would’ve been smart.
- Bring an underwater camera phone case. The Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are so ridiculously stunning that I really wish I’d had better equipment (even a simple pouch like this) for underwater photos.
FAQs About 3 Days in Malta
Yes, three days gives you enough time to see Malta’s main highlights including the Blue Lagoon, Valletta, Mdina, and Gozo. You won’t see everything, but you’ll hit the unmissable spots without feeling rushed. If you can swing a full week, you’ll have more time for beaches and relaxation, but 3 days works great for a long weekend.
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is hands-down the prettiest spot with its unbelievable turquoise water. Mdina at sunset is a close second with those honey-colored stone buildings glowing in golden light. The Crystal Lagoon near Comino is also stunning and less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.
Tipping isn’t expected in Malta, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated. I usually left a few euros at restaurants where service was excellent. For boat tours, €5-10 per person for the crew is nice if they did a great job.
September is probably the best month because you miss the July and August crowds but it’s still warm enough to swim. May and June are also great. I visited in mid-October and the weather was still lovely, though the water was a bit cooler.
Stay in one place for all 3 days since Malta is so small. Mellieha is perfect for beaches and a resort feel. St. Julian’s is ideal for walkability and nightlife. Valletta puts you in the heart of the historic city. Check out my detailed guide to where to stay in Malta for specific hotel recommendations.
Paceville (the party district in St. Julian’s) can get loud and rowdy on weekend nights, so avoid staying right in the middle of it unless you’re specifically looking to party. Otherwise, Malta is very safe and there aren’t really areas to avoid. The island is small enough that even “touristy” spots aren’t overwhelmingly crowded outside of peak summer.
For 3 days, I’d recommend renting a car. It’s pretty cheap and gives you total flexibility for early morning boat tours and sunset trips to Mdina. That being said, if you’re staying in Valletta, you can probably swing the buses just fine. The bus system works fine and costs €2-3 per ride, but you’ll spend more time waiting around. Malta drives on the left (like the UK), but it’s easy to adjust. Check out my full guide to renting a car in Malta.
Final Thoughts: 3 Days in Malta Is Perfect for a Long Weekend ✈️
3 days in Malta gives you just enough time to experience what makes this tiny Mediterranean island so special. The Blue Lagoon is as stunning as everyone says, Valletta packs incredible history into a compact area, Mdina feels like a time machine, and Gozo provides the calm, scenic finish.
The key to making 3 days work is smart pacing. Early morning boat tours beat the crowds. Sunset timing at Mdina gives you magical light without the midday heat. A full day on Gozo balances out the busier first two days.
Three days isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s plenty to fall in love with the place and start planning your next trip back.
Book your boat tour early, grab a car if you can, and don’t stress about seeing every single thing. Focus on the highlights, build in downtime, and actually enjoy your vacation.
Cheers to your next adventure! 🇲🇹
