7 days in Malta: a ready-made itinerary for the island

The start of the journey

You can reach Malta from Ukraine with direct flights by Maltese airlines Air Malta. Ticket prices start at 180 euros round-trip, with luggage included, and the flight lasts 3 hours and 20 minutes. Please note that direct flights from Kyiv arrive on the island in the evening, so plan in advance how to get from the airport to your desired city.

If direct flights from Ukraine are not possible, you can reach Malta from neighboring countries such as Krakow, Warsaw, Katowice, Budapest, and Bucharest. Prices are roughly the same—starting from 80 euros round-trip if you book your ticket in advance. Choose your departure city based on your starting point and where it's easier for you to get to. Most flights to Malta depart early in the morning.

We’ve previously discussed what to do in Malta, where to go depending on your holiday plans, and what to see and try. This time, we’ll focus on a specific travel itinerary, transportation options, and a checklist of places worth visiting during these 7 days. The cities included in the itinerary can be mixed and matched depending on your preferences. Let’s get started!

Day 1: Valletta and Sliema

Valletta is the capital of Malta, a fortified city with an ancient port and medieval architecture.

How to get there

Bus. You can reach the capital by bus. If you plan to travel around the island by bus, it's more cost-effective to purchase a 7-day unlimited travel pass (Tallinja card). The adult ticket costs 21 EUR, and the child’s ticket is 15 EUR.

Car. Renting a car will cost from 22 EUR per day, and you can rent a car directly at the airport. The cost of gasoline is around 1.3 EUR per liter. Entry to the historic center of Valletta is subject to a fee.

Taxi. A taxi from the airport to the capital starts at 15 EUR. The airport website provides approximate prices for trips to other cities on the island.

Valletta sightseeing checklist

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Grandmaster’s Palace
• Fort St. Elmo
• Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Palazzo Ferreria and Royal Opera House
• National Museum of Fine Arts

Sliema

This city, home to Malta’s only skyscraper, is considered the island’s most vibrant business and shopping center. It’s a great option for evening strolls, with the promenade offering beautiful views of Valletta.

How to get there from Valletta

Bus. A one-way ticket costs 1.50 EUR during the winter, 2 EUR in the summer, and 3 EUR for night routes. The schedule and fares can be found on the website of the Maltese Transport Association.

Ferry. The ferry operates in Marsamxett Harbour from the Sliema Ferry terminal in Valletta. The ferry arrives at the Sliema Ferry terminal in Sliema, with the journey taking only 5 minutes. The one-way fare for an adult is 1.50 EUR, and a round-trip fare is 2.80 EUR. Night fares and discounts for children and adults over 60 years old are also available. You can check the schedule and prices on the ferry operator's website.

Car, Taxi. The distance between the cities is 7 km. A taxi ride will cost between 10 and 25 EUR, and the journey takes 15-20 minutes.

Day 2: Gozo Island

The second-largest island is ideal for a relaxing beach vacation and diving. The capital, Victoria, is home to one of the country’s main attractions—the Citadel.

How to get there

Ferry. The ferry departs from the village of Cirkewwa and arrives in Gozo at the port of Mgarr, with a travel time of 20-30 minutes. The fare for an adult is 4.65 EUR during the day and 4.05 EUR at night. Children under 12 years old pay 1.15 EUR. The schedule and prices vary depending on the season, and all information is available on the official website of the ferry operator. You can also check the rates for transporting your vehicle there.

Cruise. A one-day cruise along Malta’s northern coast includes a tour of Gozo and a visit to Comino. Boats depart from Sliema or Bugibba. The price for an adult ticket is 40 EUR, a child’s ticket is 30 EUR, and children under 5 years old travel for free. All details can be found on the company’s website. You can also take a cruise with Captain Morgan Cruises, where the fare for an adult is 35 EUR, for a child is 18 EUR, and children under 4 years old travel for free. Detailed information is available here.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Gozo Island attractions checklist

• Ġgantija Megalithic Temples
• The Citadel
• Watchtowers
• Ta' Pinu Basilica
• Xerri's Grotto and Calypso's Cave
• Wied il-Għasri Valley
• The Azure Window (Unfortunately, it collapsed during a storm in March 2017)
• Ramla Bay and Beach

Day 3: Comino Island

Officially, only 4 people reside on Malta’s third-largest island, Comino, which is famous for its Blue Lagoon.

How to get there

Ferry: Ferries depart from Marfa and Ċirkewwa, arriving at the Blue Lagoon. The journey takes 25-35 minutes, costing 13 EUR round trip for adults, with cheaper fares for children. Prices and schedules vary by season and can be checked on the ferry company’s website.

Boat: Boats from Comino Ferry Service depart every 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the season from Gozo and Ċirkewwa. Ticket prices and schedules can be checked on their website.

Cruise: For 30 EUR, you can take a cruise to Comino from Sliema or Buġibba. It’s best to check the schedule and prices on the operator’s website. For 25 EUR per adult and 10 EUR per child, you can also go on a day cruise with Captain Morgan Cruises. Details and itinerary can be found here.

Comino Island attractions checklist

• Blue Lagoon
• St. Mary’s Tower
• St. Mary’s Chapel

Day 4: The three cities

Cottonera is a historical area of the island, encompassing the cities of Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla), and Senglea (Isla). Bus schedules and street signs may still use the old city names.

How to get there

Bus: Regular buses at standard fares will take you to one of these cities in 30-40 minutes. You can check the schedules and routes on the Malta Public Transport website.

Ferry: A ferry operates between Valletta and Cospicua. A one-way ticket costs 1.50 EUR for adults, and a round trip is 2.80 EUR. There are also night tariffs and discounts for children and seniors. Check the schedule and prices on the operator’s website.

Taxi: Taxi fares from Valletta start at 10 to 25 EUR, with the journey taking 15 minutes. You can book a taxi online here.

Day 5: Mellieħa

This resort area of Malta is primarily known for its beautiful coastlines.

How to get there

Bus: You can reach Mellieħa from the capital by buses № 41, 42, 49, 250.

Car or taxi: A taxi from Valletta costs around 30 EUR.

Mellieħa attractions checklist

• Mellieħa Bay
• St. Agatha’s Tower (The Red Tower)
• Madonna’s Grotto
• The Sanctuary of Our Lady
• Fort Campbell

Day 6: Mdina and Rabat

Mdina is the ancient capital of Malta. Officially, only 300 people live in the “Silent City.” You can experience typical Maltese town life in the nearby Rabat.

How to get there

Bus: You can get there from Valletta by buses № 51, 52, and 53.

Car or Taxi: A taxi from Valletta costs around 15 EUR.

Train: You can take a sightseeing tour around Mdina and Rabat on a tourist train. The train departs from and returns to Domus Romana. The 8 km route takes 30 minutes, costing 4.50 EUR for adults, 3.50 EUR for seniors, and 1.5–3 EUR for children. Audio guides are available. More details on the website.

Mdina and Rabat attractions checklist

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Cathedral Museum
• Catacombs
• Carmelite Church
• Torture Museum

Day 7: Marsaxlokk

This small fishing village is known for its fish market and restaurants specializing in seafood. You can have lunch by the sea, walk to St. Peter’s Pool – a natural swimming pool, and buy honey, jam, fruits, nuts, and wine at the local market.

How to get there

Bus: Buses № 81 and 85 run from Valletta.

Car or Taxi: It takes 20-25 minutes by taxi from Valletta, costing around 14 EUR. You can also reach the airport from Marsaxlokk in 15 minutes by taxi (10–14 EUR).

Despite its compact size, Malta amazes with its nature and architecture, and even a 7-day trip won't be enough to fully appreciate all its treasures. However, you’ll definitely choose your favorite spots for the next visit. Regardless of the season and budget, there’s always something to do and see in Malta, so don’t hesitate – pick your dates, book your flight to Malta, and get ready for new discoveries!