1 Week in Malta Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect 2025 Trip
Worrying about a 1 week in Malta itinerary? Don’t sweat it!
Malta is a tiny island with a big personality, and it made the perfect destination for our honeymoon in December 2024.
After a rough Ryanair flight and one of those landings where you feel like applauding the pilot, we were greeted by sunshine and the Mediterranean breeze—definitely worth the bumpy ride.
We based ourselves at the Qawra Palace Resort & Spa, rented a car to explore the island at our own pace, and still found time to soak up the sunshine. That said, Malta’s public transport is surprisingly reliable, so if the idea of navigating narrow roads and parking makes you shudder, don’t worry—you’ll still have an amazing time without a car.
Disclaimer: we were on a t i g h t budget (saving for Australia is no joke). Everywhere we went, there were definitely more things to do. So I will let you know exactly what we did, and also what else there was to do had we had the budget for it!
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Our 1-Week Malta Itinerary
This itinerary takes you through exactly what we did over the week, with enough flexibility to tweak things depending on your mood (or the weather, if you’re also visiting in winter).
Friday – Arrival Day
After dropping our bags at Qawra Palace Resort & Spa and taking a little time to check out the hotel (and admire those sea views), we hit the road for our first adventure.
First stop: St. Julian’s. I’d been here years ago with my dad when we stayed at St Julian’s Bay Hotel (highly recommend it, by the way), so I was really excited to go back and see it again.
We had a wander along the waterfront, stopped for a drink in a couple of restaurants, and just soaked up the December sunshine. It was such a chilled way to ease into holiday mode.
After that, we headed to Marsaxlokk, famous for its colorful fishing boats. The boats didn’t disappoint—they looked amazing in the soft light of the sunset. It was the perfect spot to wind down after a busy day of traveling and set the tone for the rest of the week.
Saturday – Gozo Adventure
We caught the ferry to Gozo from the Ċirkewwa Passenger Terminal.
Fun fact: you don’t pay on the way there!
On the way back, you drive through a toll booth where it’s €20.35 for a car and two passengers (return).
Once off the ferry, we drove about 15 minutes and parked for free all day here. From there, it was a 15–20 minute walk uphill to the Citadella.
We bought the Citadella Combo Ticket for €5 each at the Visitors Centre, which gave us access to the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House, Gozo Nature Museum, The Old Prison, and the Citadel Visitor Centre. If someone at the Visitors Centre asks if you want to watch the film, say yes!
It was really interesting and gave us a great overview of Gozo’s history before we explored.
My favorite part was the Gran Castello Historic House—an absolute maze of rooms and stairs (so maybe skip it if stairs aren’t your thing). We spent a few hours wandering the Citadella itself, which is fascinating and packed with stunning views and history.
After we’d had our fill, we strolled back down to the car, popping into a few shops along the way. On the drive back to the ferry, we made a quick stop at the Ta’Kola Windmill.
If you’re keen to extend your day on Gozo, there’s plenty more to do, like visiting the Ġgantija Archaeological Park, exploring the Salt Pans, or checking out their famous dive sites. We kept things a bit shorter since Callum wasn’t feeling 100%, so we were happy to head back to the hotel for some poolside relaxation in the afternoon.
Sunday – Coastal Gems
We started the day at the Popeye Viewpoint. While we didn’t go into Popeye’s Village (we were sticking to a budget), I had to stop and get a photo of the colorful little houses by the bay. The viewpoint is a fantastic option if you just want to admire it without spending extra.
Next, we made our way to the Red Tower. It was closed when we visited, but the drive up was still worth it for the views. Even without going inside, it’s a peaceful place to stop and take in the surroundings.
Finally, we visited Coral Lagoon, and let’s just say my nerves were tested. Callum got far too close to the edge for my liking, but the natural sea cave is an interesting sight. It was a bit of a dim day when we went, but I imagine in the summer it’s even more striking with the clear water and bright skies.
Afterwards, we stopped for a walk along Mellieħa Bay, taking in the sea air and keeping the day relaxed. This was still very much our honeymoon “warm-up” before the busy five days ahead, so we took our time and enjoyed the slower pace.
Monday – Valletta Day
We kicked off the day by parking here, which, to be honest, looked pretty dodgy when we pulled up. But don’t let appearances fool you—it was perfectly fine and an absolute steal at just €1 for the whole day, including a shuttle ride into Valletta.
Once we arrived, we started with a stroll along Valletta’s main shopping street, taking in the mix of shops, cafes, and historic buildings. We passed St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is stunning inside if you have the time (and don’t mind the crowds).
Then we hopped on the Valletta Fun Tourist Train, which was a great way to see the city’s highlights without wearing out our legs. Along the route, we spotted a few Game of Thrones filming locations (we’ve got a full guide to those here if you’re a fan!).
After the train ride, we headed to the Saluting Battery at Upper Barrakka Gardens to watch the cannons being fired. It’s a short but impressive display, and the views over the Grand Harbour from up there are gorgeous.
From the gardens, we took the Barrakka Lift down to sea level, then decided to wander along the area by the cruise port. It’s a great spot for snapping photos of the ships, and the walk took about 30 minutes, bringing us right back to the parking lot.
If you’re more into museums, Valletta has plenty to keep you busy all day, but we were content just strolling around and soaking up the atmosphere. It was fairly busy when we visited, so we kept things relaxed and didn’t try to cram in too much.
One thing I really wish we’d done was a boat tour to the Three Cities, as it looked so relaxing and such a unique way to see more of the area. Unfortunately, showers were imminent, and we didn’t want to get caught out there, so we had to skip it this time.
Tuesday – Mdina and Rabat
We started the day by parking near Mdina and walking up the hill to enter through the famous Gate. Mdina, known as the Silent City, feels like stepping into another era with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and complete lack of traffic (other than the odd horse-drawn carriage).
After exploring on foot, we hopped on the Mdina Fun Train for an easy tour that showed us more of the area. Then, we walked about 20 minutes to St. Dominic’s Priory, which was a must-see for us as Game of Thrones fans.
Now, this is where things got a bit funny. On our way back to the car, we decided to check out the catacombs. I confidently led us inside, thinking we were at St. Paul’s Catacombs. Turns out… we weren’t. Somehow, we’d actually wandered into the Wignacourt Museum instead.
No idea how I managed that—saw a sign for catacombs and just went for it! But honestly, it turned out to be a happy mistake. For just €6 each, we got to explore underground catacombs and even some WWII shelters. If you’ve got the time, I’d definitely recommend it! That said, next time, I’ll make sure to visit St. Paul’s Catacombs properly so I can compare.
On our way back to Qawra, we stopped at the Mosta Dome. It’s absolutely massive and worth popping in for a quick visit—it’s hard to believe it survived a direct bomb hit during WWII without exploding. It’s a great way to round off a day of history and exploration before heading back to relax for the evening.
Wednesday – Comino (or Not…)
We’d originally thought about visiting Comino and the Blue Lagoon, but with it being Christmas Day, ferries weren’t really running and most things were closed—so we decided to skip it and stay close to the hotel instead.
It actually turned out to be just what we needed. After a few busy days of sightseeing, we had a relaxed morning, went for a walk along the Qawra promenade, and made the most of the indoor pool at the hotel.
If you’re visiting over the holidays, it’s worth knowing that Christmas Day is pretty quiet in Malta—so it’s a good excuse to slow down and enjoy where you’re staying.
If you’re heading to Malta outside of the Christmas period, though, Comino is a popular day trip. Ferries to the Blue Lagoon usually run from Marfa or Ċirkewwa for about €13 per person return. It’s best known for its crystal-clear water and tiny island vibes—great for swimming, sunbathing, or just a scenic boat ride if the weather plays nice.
Thursday – Scenic Drives
Back to sightseeing mode! We started the day at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra—two seriously impressive prehistoric temple sites. It’s €10 each to get in, and honestly, even if you’re not usually into ancient ruins, the setting alone is worth it.
You’re right by the sea, with views that make you forget you’re looking at something built before the pyramids.
Next, we stopped at the Blue Grotto viewpoint. We didn’t do the boat tour (it was a bit breezy and I wasn’t in the mood to get splashed), but the view from the top is postcard-perfect, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
To finish the day, we drove along the Dingli Cliffs—no hiking boots needed, just a few easy stops along the way to stretch our legs and admire the coastline. It’s super peaceful, and a lovely low-effort way to wrap up the day before heading back to Qawra for dinner and a bit of downtime.
Friday – Farewell
Our flight wasn’t until the afternoon, so we had time for one last little outing. The Malta National Aquarium is just a few minutes down the road from Qawra Palace, so we popped in for a relaxed morning. Tickets were €14 each, and it was a fun way to wind down the trip—especially if you’ve got a soft spot for jellyfish and those tunnel-style tanks.
Afterwards, we grabbed a quick lunch and did one final (slightly chaotic) repack before heading to the airport. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but we left feeling like we’d made the most of our week—even with a few quiet days and budget-friendly choices along the way.
FAQS
How much does 1 Week in Malta Cost?
Let’s talk money. Malta can be surprisingly budget-friendly—especially if you’re travelling in the off-season. Here’s what you can typically expect to pay in peak season (think spring to early autumn):
🏨 Accommodation: A mid-range hotel like Qawra Palace Resort & Spa usually costs around £70–£100 per night, depending on the season.
🚗 Car rental: Expect to pay £20–£40 per day, plus fuel.
⛴️ Ferries: For Gozo, it’s €4.65 return on foot or €15.70 with a car. The Comino ferries are slightly more, usually around €13 per person.
🍽️ Meals: Eating out is fairly affordable, with most restaurant meals landing between €10–€25 per person.
🏛️ Attractions: Entry fees are budget-friendly—think €6 for the Red Tower, €10 for Ħaġar Qim, and similar.
🧾 Tourist tax: About €0.50 per person per night, capped at €5 each.
💡 What we actually spent in December
We visited in December, which definitely helped with costs. Our 7-night all-inclusive stay at Qawra Palace Resort & Spa, including Ryanair flights and airport parking, came to £1,100 total for two people with Love Holidays.
We also hired a car for the week (driving in Malta as a tourist is surprisingly easy) for €90, spent about €25 on fuel (we drove pretty much daily), and paid a €10 tourist tax between us.
☀️ And the weather? Not bad! It was around 16°C, with a mix of sunshine, strong winds, and the odd shower. So while Malta’s a decent winter sun option, it’s definitely a bit hit or miss weather-wise. You might get warm blue-sky days, or you might need a raincoat and a jumper—pack for both just in case.
All in, we reckon Malta can cost anywhere from £600–£1,200 per person, depending on your travel style and time of year.
Is 1 Week in Malta Enough?
Yes—100%. Malta’s compact size makes it super doable in a week. We managed to see ancient temples, medieval cities, dramatic coastlines, and even squeeze in a bit of poolside lounging without feeling rushed.
There were definitely things we didn’t get to—like exploring more of Gozo or seeing St. Paul’s Catacombs properly—but that just gives us an excuse to come back. A week gives you enough time to explore, relax, and enjoy the slower pace, without feeling like you’re constantly racing from one place to the next.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a mix of culture, coastlines, and a bit of sunshine (even in December), this 1 week in Malta itinerary ticks a lot of boxes. You can explore ancient temples, stroll through quiet old towns, hop between islands, or just sit by the sea with an ice cream. It’s easy to see a lot in a week without feeling rushed—and just as easy to slow down and enjoy the view.
I absolutely loved Malta. It felt welcoming, relaxed, and full of character. I’m already planning a trip back with friends so I can show them all my favourite spots—plus fit in the things we missed the first time around (looking at you, boat tour to the Three Cities).
If you’re planning your own 1 week in Malta itinerary, I hope this gives you a solid place to start.
