4 day itinerary in Malta with day trip to the Islands of Gozo and Comino

Hi fellow travellers! 🙂 I’ve just got back from a fascinating trip to Malta and I can finally share my 4-day itinerary, which also includes a lovely day trip to the islands of Gozo and Comino. Fabio and I actually did 3 days, but I’d recommend adding an extra one! Ready to follow me on this new adventure? Let’s go!

In short: Malta is easy to visit in 4 days (we did 3, but with an extra day you can enjoy it more). Our itinerary: day 1 Valletta, the Three Cities and Marsaxlokk; day 2 the trip to Comino (Blue Lagoon) and Gozo; day 3 the north (St Paul’s Bay, Mellieha, Popeye Village); day 4 Mdina, Rabat and the Dingli Cliffs.
Getting around is easy by bus (about €2) or with Bolt, with no need to rent a car.

Where to stay in Malta

In short: the best areas to stay are Sliema and St Julian’s (well connected and convenient as a base), or Valletta if you want to experience the capital. From the airport you can get in by bus (about €2) or with Bolt (€10-13).

As soon as you arrive at the airport you have 2 options: the bus, which for about €2 takes you anywhere, or Bolt, which for €10-13 takes you to Sliema, St Julian’s or Valletta.

We stayed in Sliema, but St Julian’s is also a great starting point. Here are a few hotels I’d recommend for your stay in Malta. Remember to book as early as possible to find great options at a low price:

Boho Rooms Sliema: this is the apartment we stayed in. At first I wasn’t crazy about it, but then, looking again at the prices of other hotels, I’d say that in terms of value for money and location it’s not bad after all. Find it HERE.
Privilege Suit Sliema: located in Sliema, less than 1 km from Balluta Bay and a 13-minute walk from Exiles Beach. Find it HERE.
Vegas Resort: in St Julian’s, just 400 metres from St George’s Bay. It’s a comfortable 3-star with a seasonal outdoor pool, terrace, restaurant and private parking, 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Great location: 200 metres from the centre and 500 from Portomaso Marina. Find it HERE.
Number 11 St Julian’s (Handwritten Collection): also in St Julian’s, 600 metres from St George’s Bay and practically right in the centre (just 20 metres!). Another 3-star with an outdoor pool, terrace, restaurant, private parking, 24-hour reception and free WiFi, a stone’s throw from Portomaso Marina. Find it HERE.
The Exiles Hotel: in Sliema, a few steps from St Julian’s Bay and Manuel Dimech Street. A more basic option, with a terrace to relax on and free WiFi throughout. Find it HERE.

Day 1: Valletta, the Three Cities and Marsaxlokk

In short: the first day is dedicated to Valletta (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

We kick off our adventure by taking the bus from Sliema and arriving at the Triton Fountain, the gateway to Valletta. Valletta is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, so I’d recommend losing yourself in its streets to take in its historic beauty. It’s also one of the smallest capitals in Europe, covering just 0.8 km², so it really won’t take you long to explore the whole of it.

Main attractions:

Upper Barrakka Gardens: don’t miss the Saluting Battery, a ceremony that takes place at 12:00 and 16:00. For a better view, you can buy the €3 ticket.
St John’s Co-Cathedral: famous for its works by Caravaggio, including the celebrated “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” (his largest painting and the only one he signed), and for the spectacular ceiling frescoes painted by Mattia Preti.
Lower Barrakka Gardens: another panoramic garden offering a stunning view over the harbour.
Historic streets: wander through Valletta’s little lanes and admire its historic buildings and characteristic colourful balconies.

For lunch, I’d recommend trying the pastizzi and qassatat. Pastizzi are flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, while qassatat are small savoury pies filled with ricotta, spinach and other ingredients. They cost next to nothing (around 50 cents) and you’ll find them everywhere — perfect for a low-cost lunch.

After exploring Valletta, take the bus to reach the Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla). Take a stroll to discover their rich history and the charm of their ancient streets.

Finally, head to Marsaxlokk, a wonderful little fishing village famous for its Sunday morning market. Even on a weekday I found Marsaxlokk charming and less crowded, so it’s perfect for a quiet walk along the harbour, admiring the traditional Maltese boats: the luzzu.

Day 2: Gozo and Comino (Blue Lagoon)

In short: the second day is dedicated to the trip to Comino (with the Blue Lagoon) and Gozo (Marsalforn, Ramla Bay, Victoria). Important: since 2025, to land at the Blue Lagoon you need to book a free QR code online in advance.

For today’s excursion, you can decide whether to rely on organised tours with GetYourGuide and if you enter the code ANGELAISAI5 you also get a discount on any attraction or experience you decide to book! Indicative prices, they may vary:

From Bugibba: tour of the islands of Gozo and Comino, the Blue Lagoon and the sea caves, at €25 per person. Link HERE.
From Sliema: cruise to Comino, the Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, at €30 per person. Link HERE.
From Cirkewwa: Comino, Gozo, the Blue and Crystal Lagoons and a cruise through the caves, at €25 per person. Link HERE.
From your hotel in Malta: jeep tour of Gozo with lunch and hotel transfers, at €80 per person. Link HERE.
HERE you’ll find all the other experiences and guided tours you can book in Malta.

Alternatively, you can book on the spot at one of the many kiosks dotted around Sliema or Valletta, or do as we did and organise everything yourselves. Up at 6 to catch the bus from Sliema to the port of Cirkewwa, where the ferry to Comino departs. The first ferry leaves at 8:15. We went for a small speedboat, even though the sea was a bit choppy and the crossing was bumpy. 🙂 I was told that larger, more stable boats run at different times, depending on the number of people. By leaving so early, though, we got to enjoy the Blue Lagoon without the crowds: a real paradise!

Important update (after our trip): since 1 May 2025, to land at the Blue Lagoon you must book a free QR code online in advance, choosing one of three daily time slots, on the official website (bluelagooncomino.mt). A cap on visitor numbers has also been introduced, along with a reduction in kiosks and sunbeds, so the situation described below (sunbeds at €15) may have changed: check before you travel.

The sunbeds cost €15, regardless of what time you arrived (we were here in June 2024). If you arrive later and find it crowded, you can still explore the island and find less busy but equally beautiful spots.

The ferry ticket, which cost us €15, also included the journey from Comino to Gozo. On Gozo we rented a scooter for €40 a day and explored the island. Watch out: they drive on the left!

Main attractions on Gozo:

Marsalforn: a wonderful coastal town where we stopped for lunch at Otters Bistro — delicious pasta dishes! Heads up: garlic is everywhere, and there’s a lot of it, haha.
Ramla Bay: one of Gozo’s most famous beaches, known for its red sand. Perfect for a post-lunch nap.
Rabat (Victoria): the heart of Gozo, where we explored the old town and the citadel.

There’s actually a lot, lot more (like the Blue Hole, which we didn’t have time to see), so if you have an extra day I’d recommend spending a night on Gozo to fully enjoy the island in total relaxation. We then wrapped up the day by taking the fast ferry from Gozo to Valletta.

Day 3: The North of Malta

In short: the third day explores the north of Malta: St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Mellieha with its bay, and Popeye Village.

The third day is dedicated to exploring the northern part of Malta, full of beautiful coastal landscapes, charming towns and unique attractions.

We start the day with a visit to St Paul’s Bay. This spot is known for its natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. It’s also an important historical site, as St Paul is said to have been shipwrecked here. We carry on with a visit to Bugibba Square, the beating heart of the Bugibba resort. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars and shops, perfect for lunch. Then enjoy a stroll along the coast and, why not, a nice swim never hurts. 🙂

More attractions in the North of Malta

Mellieha is one of the most picturesque towns in the north. Here you can visit the beautiful parish church and enjoy the panoramic view over the bay below. Then treat yourself to a refreshing swim at Mellieha Bay, one of the largest and most popular beaches in Malta, ideal for relaxing in the sun and taking a dip in the sea.

Popeye Village: if you’re travelling with children (or if you’re a Popeye fan), visit Popeye Village, the original film set of the 1980 movie “Popeye”. Today it’s a theme park with attractions for all ages. The cost is around €18 for adults (check, it varies by season), and many people spend whole days here between mini-golf, beaches, shows and more.

Day 4: Mdina, Rabat and the Dingli Cliffs

In short: the last day is dedicated to Mdina (the “Silent City”), Rabat with St Paul’s Catacombs, and the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island.

We start the last day with a visit to Mdina, also known as “The Silent City“. This name comes from its calm, quiet atmosphere, since traffic is banned in most of the city and only a few residents live there. Mdina is a fortified city with a history going back over 4,000 years, with cobbled streets and majestic palaces that tell of a glorious past. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll definitely recognise a few corners! 🙂

A few steps from Mdina you’ll find Rabat, another town rich in history and culture. Here you can find St Paul’s Catacombs, a complex of Roman catacombs considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta, and St Paul’s Grotto, where St Paul is said to have lived during his stay in Malta.

If you have time, head towards the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta, located along the island’s western coast. Last evening in Valletta.

Other useful tips

Getting around by bus: download the Tallinja app to get around easily by bus. Just enter your destination and it’ll tell you which bus to take. Tickets cost €2, but there’s also the option of getting a travel card. If you don’t get the card, you can pay on board with a contactless card or cash, but with an extra charge of 50 cents.
Taxis: you can use Uber or Bolt to get around, although Bolt is more widely used. Prices are low: a 30-minute ride costs around €12-13.
Recommended restaurants: below I’ve left the restaurant tips from my Instagram followers. One piece of advice: book ahead to be safe!

And if you want to see the story highlights from my trip to Malta or the summary video of this itinerary, remember to follow me on Instagram: @angelaisai. And happy travels! 🙂

What I recommend packing for Malta

Frequently asked questions about Malta

How many days do you need to visit Malta?

With 3-4 days you’ll see the main highlights. We did 3, but I’d recommend adding one more: with 4 days you can fit in the trip to Gozo and Comino at a relaxed pace, without rushing. Malta is small, so journeys are short.

How do you get around Malta? Do you need to rent a car?

It’s not essential. The buses (Tallinja app, about €2 a ride) connect pretty much everything, and for the more awkward routes there are Bolt and Uber at low prices (Bolt is the most used). Remember that in Malta they drive on the left.

Do you need to book to visit the Blue Lagoon in Comino?

Yes. Since 1 May 2025, to land at the Blue Lagoon you need a free QR code booked online in advance, choosing a time slot. A daily visitor limit has also been introduced, so it’s worth organising in good time.

When is the best time to go to Malta?

Spring and early autumn (April-June, September-October) are ideal: warm but not scorching weather and fewer crowds. In high summer it’s hot and very crowded, especially on Comino. Winter is mild, but the sea is less inviting.