10 Days in Malta: Malta, Gozo & Comino

Planning 10 days in Malta and wondering how to make the most of every day? You’re in the right place. This complete Malta, Gozo and Comino itinerary has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable. I include information of interest, tips, and details of the places to visit across all three islands, along with a map.

I spent 10 days there covering the main island, Gozo, and Comino — renting a car, island-hopping by ferry, and exploring it all as a completely independent traveller. This guide covers everything: what to see, where to eat, how to get around, and all the practical details you need to cook up your own perfect trip to Malta. 🇲🇹

As always, I’ll start with some general information about the country and then detail the main points of interest in a day-by-day itinerary with a map!

This is the list of everything you will find in this article:

Is Malta Worth Visiting?

Absolutely — and I say that as someone who tends to be honest about destinations that overpromise.

Malta has a rare quality: it’s tiny but extraordinarily rich. In 10 days, you can explore a UNESCO World Heritage capital, visit prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, swim in some of the clearest water in Europe, and wander a medieval silent city with a population of just 250 people. And then do it all over again on two completely different islands.

What surprised me most was how easy it is to explore independently. English is an official language, the road network is simple, and with a rental car, you can reach virtually everything in under 30 minutes. You really don’t need a package deal or a travel agent to have an exceptional holiday here.

From the jaw-dropping baroque interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Game of Thrones streets of Mdina, to the turquoise stillness of Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the ancient temples of Gozo, there’s far more to Malta than the package holiday brochures suggest.

Is Malta cheap? It’s reasonably priced by Western European standards. Is it worth it? Completely. And with the right planning, you can experience the very best of it — which is exactly what this guide is for.

A. Malta: Essential Facts

Location

Malta is a small archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, situated about 90 km south of Sicily (Italy) and 290 km north of the African coast. It consists of three inhabited islands — Malta (the largest), Gozo, and Comino — plus two tiny uninhabited islets.

Its strategic position at the centre of the Mediterranean made it one of the most fought-over places in history — and you can feel that everywhere you go.

The capital city is Valletta, located on the northeastern coast of the main island, and the smallest EU capital by area.

Area

The Maltese archipelago has a total surface area of just 316 km² — making it one of the smallest countries in the world. The main island of Malta covers 246 km², Gozo 67 km², and Comino a tiny 3.5 km².

Don’t let the size fool you. Malta is extraordinarily compact but incredibly rich — you can drive from one end of the main island to the other in under an hour, yet easily fill 10 days with things to do and see.

Population

Malta has a population of around 550,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world, more so than India or the Netherlands. Unbelievable, right?

Most people live on the main island, with around 30,000 on Gozo and just a handful on Comino.

Demonym

Maltese.

Language

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. English is a legacy of British rule (1800–1964), which means everyone speaks English, all signs are in English, and you’ll never feel lost or unable to communicate. As an independent traveller, this makes Malta remarkably easy.

Maltese itself is fascinating — the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, with roots in Arabic, Italian and English all jumbled together. You’ll hear it everywhere, and it sounds quite unlike anything else!

Remember that you can check the language spoken in each country using the tables I attach to my articles, Countries by Language and Best Time to Go.

B. Planning Your Malta Trip: Practical Tips

Currency

Malta is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro (€). It joined the euro in 2008, replacing the Maltese Lira.

In my post Currency exchange, cards and cash abroad (Complete Guide), there is a table that shows the currency used by country, plus all the essential information about managing money while travelling.

Plugs and Voltage

Another British legacy! Malta uses Type G plugs — the same three-pin plugs used in the UK. The voltage is 230 volts at 50 Hz. If you’re travelling from the UK, you need no adapter at all.

Travellers from continental Europe will need a Type G adapter.

Remember that you can refer to my article Plug Types by Country for more details in the Travel Logistics section.

Best Time to Visit Malta and How Many Days

Best time to visit Malta

*️⃣ Malta has a classic Mediterranean climate — mild winters, hot dry summers, and sunshine practically year-round. The best time to visit is from March to June and September to October. July and August are scorching (regularly above 35°C) and the island — especially the Blue Lagoon — gets extremely crowded.

I visited at the end of May and beginning of June — warm enough for beach days, not yet oppressive, and the Blue Lagoon was still manageable crowd-wise. Perfect timing!

If you want to pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, see my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

How Many Days in Malta

*️⃣ To cover the main island, Gozo, and Comino with a mix of sightseeing and beach days, I recommend at least 7 days. You could squeeze the highlights into 5 days, but you’d be missing the slower, more authentic side of the islands — and that’s honestly the best part.

In my posts How Many Days I Need to Visit Each Country and How Many Days I Need to Visit Each City, I explain the number of days needed to visit each destination.

✈️ Flights: Compare the best prices on flights using Kayak.

Before You Travel: Know the Rules — Entry requirements for Brits travelling to the EU have changed since Brexit — and more changes are coming with the EU’s new EES border system and ETIAS authorisation. Make sure you’re prepared before you book. 👉 UK-to-EU Travel Rules for Brits.

C. Getting Around Malta

If you want to explore Malta at your own pace — and I really, really recommend you do — renting a car is the single best decision you’ll make. Malta is small enough that most journeys take under 30 minutes, car hire is affordable, and the freedom it gives you is priceless. Beaches, cliffs, hidden villages, the Gozo ferry — all of it becomes easy with a car.

There is a public bus network, which is a decent option if you’re sticking to the main towns, but it’s slow and doesn’t reach many of the island’s best spots.

Renting a Car in Malta

I hired a car with OK Rent a Car using Discover Cars. The collection at the airport was quick and easy. I’d recommend booking in advance, especially in summer, to guarantee availability and a better price.

If you are considering renting a car, I recommend reading my post Car Rentals (Complete Guide), which provides all the information and tips to avoid any surprises.

D. Malta History & Culture

Flag

The flag of Malta is divided into two equal vertical stripes — white on the left and red on the right. In the upper corner of the white stripe sits the George Cross, edged in red, awarded to Malta by King George VI in 1942 in recognition of the island’s extraordinary bravery during the Second World War.

It’s one of only two national flags in the world to feature a military decoration. In case you’re wondering, the other is Spain’s.

Origin and Brief History of Malta

Malta has been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years — one of the oldest settled places on Earth. Its prehistoric temples, built around 3600–2500 BC, predate both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

The island’s position at the centre of the Mediterranean made it irresistible to every great power in history. The Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St John, Napoleon, and the British all ruled Malta at various points — and each left their mark on the architecture, language, food, and culture.

The most dramatic chapter in Maltese history is the Great Siege of 1565, when the Ottoman Empire launched a massive assault with an estimated 40,000 troops. The Knights of St John, with just a few thousand men, held out for four months in one of the most celebrated military defences in European history. Valletta — the magnificent capital built by the Knights immediately afterwards — stands as their permanent monument to that victory.

During World War II, Malta suffered years of siege and near-starvation under constant Axis bombing — yet never surrendered. The collective award of the George Cross to the entire Maltese population remains one of the most extraordinary acts of recognition in British military history.

Malta gained independence in 1964, became a republic in 1974, and joined the European Union in 2004.

Interesting Facts about Malta

• Malta has prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Ħaġar Qim and Ggantija temples date to around 3600–3200 BC, making them among the oldest freestanding structures on Earth.
• Valletta is the smallest EU capital by area — just 0.8 km² — yet the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule that surprises many visitors.
• Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet and the only Semitic language that is an official EU language.
• Malta withstood one of the longest sieges of WWII. Heavily bombed by the Axis powers, the island never surrendered and was collectively awarded the George Cross by King George VI in 1942, which is why the George Cross appears on the Maltese flag.
• Pastizzi — Malta’s iconic flaky savoury pastries — cost less than 1€ each and are eaten at any time of day. They are outrageously good. Don’t leave without trying them.

Food and Drink

Maltese cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, North African and British influences. Some things you absolutely must try:

• Pastizzi — flaky savoury pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap and utterly addictive. Go to Crystal Palace near Mdina for the best on the island.

• Ftira — traditional Maltese bread, chewy and ring-shaped, often filled with tuna, capers, tomatoes and olives.

• Rabbit stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek) — the unofficial national dish. Rabbit slow-cooked in red wine with tomatoes, herbs and garlic.

• Kinnie — Malta’s own soft drink, made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. Get it ice cold.

• Maltese wine — the island has been producing wine since antiquity. Look for Marsovin or Meridiana labels.

E. 10-Day Malta Itinerary (Day by Day) + Map

Below is the map for visiting Malta, Gozo, and Comino in 10 days. Each day is colour-coded and numbered to indicate the order of the sites to visit.

My hotel, the Seaview Hotel Malta, was in St Paul’s Bay, in the centre-north of the island. I chose it for its location, the fact that it’s adults-only (always a plus for me), and its excellent value for money.

🛏️ Accommodation: Find hotels and unique stays at great prices in Malta with Booking.com.

1. Malta — Day 1: Arrival + Mdina & Rabat

Landing in Malta early in the morning and heading straight to the hotel would be a crime. The airport is practically next door to one of the most extraordinary places on the island, so we’re making a few stops first 😉.

Welcome to Mdina. 🏰

a. Mdina — The Silent City

Malta’s former capital is known as the Silent City — with a permanent population of just 250 people, the narrow medieval streets feel entirely unchanged from the Middle Ages. Most cars are banned, which helps the city offer a quiet and tranquil experience.

Fittingly, Mdina was originally founded as a walled settlement over 4,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban centres in Europe. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones (I am!), you’ll also recognise it as a filming location, mostly used in Season 1.

Things not to miss in Mdina:

• Mdina Gate — the dramatic Baroque entrance, built in 1724, and instantly recognisable as the King’s Landing Gate in Game of Thrones.

• The Ditch Garden — located below the citadel and first laid out in the 15th century, it now hosts festivals, fairs, and concerts.

• Pjazza Mesquita (Mosque Square) — its distinctive balcony and columns also appeared in Game of Thrones, standing in for Littlefinger’s brothel in Season 1.

• St Paul’s Cathedral — a 17th-century Baroque cathedral with stunning ceiling frescoes. Open Mon–Sat, 9:30 am–4:30 pm; closed Sundays.

• Palazzo Falson — a medieval townhouse turned museum.

📌 Admission: Mdina itself is free. The Cathedral and Museum cost €15 for adults.

✳️ Recommendations to eat/drink:

Fontanella Tea Garden — a rooftop restaurant inside Mdina with arguably the best views on the island. Their chocolate cake has a near-mythical reputation among locals. A great place to take a break.

I didn’t go, but just outside Mdina’s gate (5-minute walk), Crystal Palace is a legendary local café widely considered the best place in all of Malta to try pastizzi 🥐.

b. Rabat

The neighbouring city of Rabat is a 5-minute walk from Mdina’s gate. Don’t skip it! — It feels like a real, working Maltese town and hides one of the island’s most impressive underground sites.

• St Paul’s Catacombs — a vast network of underground burial chambers, in use from as far back as the 3rd or 4th century BC, long before Christianity arrived on the island. Despite a popular myth, Heritage Malta confirms there’s no evidence early Christians ever hid here from persecution — it was simply a (very large) cemetery.

• St Agatha’s Catacombs — a separate site with beautifully preserved medieval frescoes, named after the same young martyr commemorated in Mdina’s own St Agatha’s Chapel.

• St Dominic’s Priory — another Game of Thrones filming location (Season 1, Episode 7).

c. Mosta

On the drive to the hotel, I took a quick detour to Mosta to see the Church of the Assumption, better known as the Mosta Dome — its dome is one of the biggest in Europe.

During WWII, a German bomb pierced the dome during a packed Mass and failed to explode. The story is still talked about as a near-miracle, though what’s on display today is a replica; the real bomb was defused and disposed of at sea.

Some churches have relics; Mosta has a bomb. Malta, you absolute legend. 💣

d. St. Paul’s Bay

St Paul’s Bay is the name of the historic centre, full of hotel developments and an endless choice of restaurants. It takes its name from the same shipwreck story behind Mdina’s cathedral — tradition holds that St Paul washed ashore right here in 60 AD, on his way to Rome.

This is where my accommodation was, Seaview Hotel Malta, and where I enjoyed a well-deserved rest after such a long day.

2. Malta — Day 2: Golden Bay Beach

a. Golden Bay

After all the history of Day 1, it was time to slow down. I took the morning easy — no alarms, no itinerary, just the simple plan of finding some sand and getting in the water.

Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most beautiful beaches — a wide sweep of warm, reddish-gold sand backed by low ochre cliffs, just 5 km (around 10 minutes by car) from St Paul’s Bay. Facilities include sunbeds, parasols, a beach bar, and calm, clear water for swimming.

It’s a lovely beach, and I understand exactly why it’s one of the most famous on the island — but it wasn’t my favourite. Maybe it was just bad timing, but the day I visited, it was full of jellyfish, and I do not get along with jellyfish 🪼.

⭐ Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot, especially from June onwards. There’s a car park above the beach — paid in summer, free in shoulder season.

So much for a relaxing day — between dodging jellyfish, it was anything but. By the afternoon, I was ready for a proper shower, so I headed back to St Paul’s Bay for exactly that, followed by a few cocktails and a well-earned dinner.

✳️ Recommendations to eat:

Chang Thai Restaurant — I love Thai food, and this place did not disappoint. Highly recommended.

3. Malta — Day 3: Valletta

No visit to Malta is complete without its capital: Valletta, the smallest EU capital by area — and possibly the most impressive per square metre of anywhere I’ve visited.

Built from scratch by the Knights of St John in the 1560s, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed as a “city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”, it is a rare example of a fully planned Renaissance capital.

Wandering Valletta feels like walking through a fortified storybook: honey-coloured limestone, narrow streets that open suddenly onto sea views, and balconies that seem to lean out for gossip.

🤑 Parking tip: Don’t drive into Valletta — it’s not worth the stress. Use the car parks just outside the city walls, or the park-and-ride at Floriana.

I started my visit to the city with a free walking tour. I recommend it as an introduction to Valletta to get an overview of the city and learn details you won’t find in guidebooks.

🚶‍♀️📷 Free Tour: Join a fun, informative free tour with a local guide — book via Freetour.com.

What to see in Valletta:

a. St. John’s Bastion

Cut into Valletta’s defensive walls, St John’s Bastion is less flashy than the city’s cathedrals, but it’s pure military elegance. Today, it feels more like a quiet lookout than a battlefield.

Interesting fact: The bastion is part of Valletta’s original 16th-century fortification system, designed by military engineer Francesco Laparelli, an assistant to Michelangelo himself. The city’s defences were, quite literally, shaped by Renaissance architectural thinking.

b. St John’s Co-Cathedral

Don’t be fooled by the plain exterior of St John’s Co-Cathedral — the inside is one of the most breathtaking interiors in Europe.

Every surface is carved and gilded, the floor is a mosaic of nearly 400 marble tombstones belonging to Knights of the Order, each one a tiny memorial telling its own story, and Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist hangs inside — his largest work, and the only one he ever signed. Entry fee applies.

c. Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury

Once the seat of the Knights of St John, this palace still feels like a place where decisions shaped empires — ornate corridors, armour-filled halls, and ceremonial rooms throughout. The Armoury holds one of Europe’s finest collections of historical armour.

Interesting fact: Parts of the palace are still used today as the Office of the President of Malta, blending live government with 16th-century architecture.

d. Republic Street and Merchants Street

These two streets run parallel through the heart of Valletta and together form the city’s main historic and commercial spine — good for a late-afternoon wander, coffee, and souvenir shopping.

Republic Street is the busier of the two, lined with major landmarks like St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace, while Merchants Street has a more everyday feel, with small shops and cafés echoing centuries of trade.

Interesting fact: Republic Street has had several different names over the centuries, each reflecting a different ruler, before finally being renamed after Malta became a republic in 1974.

e. Manoel Theatre

One of the oldest working theatres in Europe — small but elegant, with gilded balconies and a slightly time-worn charm that only adds to the atmosphere.

Interesting fact: Built in 1731 to entertain the Knights, it means Valletta had a functioning cultural venue before many modern European capitals did.

f. Fort St Elmo

Guarding the tip of the peninsula, the star-shaped Fort St Elmo has seen centuries of naval warfare and now houses the National War Museum.

During the Great Siege of 1565, it held out for over a month against overwhelming Ottoman forces — buying crucial time that helped save Malta.

g. Upper Barrakka Gardens + Noon Cannon

A small terrace garden with arguably the most spectacular viewpoint in Malta: the Grand Harbour, with its layered forts and golden stone reflecting off the water.

Every day at noon, ceremonial cannons fire from the Saluting Battery below — a tradition dating back centuries, originally used to signal time and welcome ships. Plan to be here just before midday.

h. Lascaris War Rooms

Hidden underground, this maze of tunnels once served as the Allied command centre during the Second World War, coordinating major Mediterranean operations.

Interesting fact: The invasion of Sicily — Operation Husky — was planned from these very rooms in 1943.

i. Fort St Angelo

Sitting across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, Fort St Angelo feels less like a single monument and more like a layered fortress-city. Its stone ramparts rise straight out of the water in Birgu, and from the upper terraces you get sweeping views back toward Valletta’s skyline.

It’s also the Red Keep’s prison and underground chambers from Game of Thrones.

Interesting fact: The fort is thought to have served a military role on and off for close to 1,000 years — possibly as an Arab fort as early as the 9th century, later refortified by the Knights of St John, then the British Royal Navy, right through to Malta’s own armed forces. That kind of long, layered military history is rare to find anywhere in Europe.

j. The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua)

Technically not part of Valletta, the Three Cities sit just across the Grand Harbour and offer a quieter, more historic glimpse into Malta’s maritime past — narrow streets, fortified walls, and harbours filled with traditional boats. Vittoriosa (Birgu) was the Knights’ first base in Malta, while Senglea and Cospicua offer scenic waterfront walks and a slice of authentic local life.

Interesting fact: The Three Cities are collectively considered the “cradle of Maltese maritime history,” and famously withstood the Great Siege of 1565 — before Valletta even existed.

After so much sightseeing, it was time to head back to my base in St Paul’s Bay for a well-deserved rest — and a meal that, frankly, wasn’t worth recommending. Valletta itself has plenty of dinner options if you’d rather stay and eat where the day’s adventures took place.

4. Malta — Day 4: Paradise Bay Beach

For Day 4, the plan was to take it easy again — rest and recover from the previous day. The beach of choice was Paradise Bay.

a. Paradise Bay Beach

Paradise Bay is a small, sheltered cove on Malta’s northern tip, close to the Gozo ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa and about 15–20 minutes (roughly 11 km) from St Paul’s Bay.

The water is clear, the bay enclosed, and it’s noticeably quieter than Golden Bay. This 100-metre stretch of sand sits below the cliffs, just 400 metres from the coastal road.

Interestingly, the beach has shrunk noticeably in recent years due to erosion caused by strong winds — long-time visitors often say the sandy area used to be much larger.

🏖️ Spoiler alert: of all the beaches I visited in Malta, this was my favourite. It isn’t very big, but in early June, it wasn’t too crowded, and by arriving early, I managed to get a good spot. To me, it truly lived up to its name — paradise 😍.

After a very relaxing day, it was time to head back to the hotel for a good shower, then out for a nice meal and a bit of fun 🍹🪩

✳️ Recommendations to eat:

Carvv Grill and Enoteca — I have to admit, it wasn’t the cheapest place, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself, don’t you? The food quality was amazing!

5. Malta — Day 5: Optional Sicily Extension

Sicily (Optional)

From Malta, it’s possible to take a short flight (or ferry) to Sicily — a wonderful add-on if your schedule allows. My original itinerary included two days in Syracuse (with the extraordinary Neapolis Archaeological Park, a still-functioning Greek Theatre, and the charming island of Ortigia) — but a flight cancellation had other plans for me that trip!

I’ll cover Syracuse properly in a dedicated post, based on the trip where I actually explored it. For now, if you have 10+ days and enjoy ancient history, absolutely consider it. Flights are short and cheap, and Sicily will knock your socks off.

As for me, with Sicily off the table, I ended up staying by the pool at the hotel and enjoying a few cocktails instead 🍹, which turned out to be a pretty good plan B.

If you’re not doing Sicily, this is a perfect flexible day — the Three Cities, a second visit to Valletta in the evening, or simply relaxing at the hotel. 🛏️

6. Malta — Day 6: Mellieha Bay + Popeye Village

Day 6 paired two very different kinds of Malta charm: a proper beach day at Mellieħa Bay, followed by a slightly surreal stop at one of the island’s quirkiest attractions.

a. Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay)

Mellieħa Bay is Malta’s longest and widest sandy beach — shallow, safe, and a firm favourite with Maltese families. It’s about 17 minutes (11 km) from St Paul’s Bay, and the water stays surprisingly shallow well out, making it ideal for paddling and swimming.

It wasn’t my ideal beach — surrounded by so many families with kids — but it’s a lovely spot, and well worth a visit.

b. Popeye Village

A short hop from Mellieħa, at Anchor Bay, sits Popeye Village — built in 1980 as the film set for the musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams. It’s now a small family-friendly attraction with a water park, boat rides, and the original set still standing.

It’s a real family favourite, packed with kids when I visited, so I gave it a miss and simply enjoyed the view from the lookout point above — honestly, that was plenty for me. If that sounds like your scene, though, go for it!

This place gets very busy, so I recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure your visit. You can do that here: Popeye Village Tickets. Have a great time!

After a rather peculiar day, I returned to St Paul’s Bay for dinner.

✳️ Recommendations to eat:

Made in Sud: For dinner, pizza. If you fancy pizza, this is the place: good quality and good price. You won’t regret it!

7. Malta — Day 7: Gozo Island

Today, the route took me to the country’s second island: Gozo.

If Malta is the active, history-packed big sister, Gozo is the quieter, greener, more laid-back sibling — noticeably more rural, noticeably slower, and many visitors end up wishing they’d stayed longer.

The island is about a quarter of the size of Malta, but its population is only around 30,000.

✅ How to get to Gozo

Gozo is separated from the main island by the Gozo Channel — only 6 km (about 4 miles) at its narrowest, easily crossed by ferry from Ċirkewwa, on the northern tip of Malta.

• ⏱️ Crossing time: ~25 minutes
• 🕐 Frequency: Every 15–45 min (24/7 all year round)
• 🌐 Website: gozochannel.com

⭐ Tip: No advance booking needed — just turn up. Take your car on the ferry so you keep your wheels for the whole day on Gozo.

✅ What to see on Gozo:

a. Xewkija

On the way to the main city, Victoria, I stopped in Xewkija.

It’s a small village in the centre of Gozo, best known for the striking landmark that dominates the island’s skyline. It has a traditional feel, with quiet streets and a strong local identity — but it’s the church that really draws attention.

Interesting fact: Xewkija is home to the Rotunda of St John the Baptist, whose dome — built largely by hand by local parishioners over roughly two decades in the mid-20th century — is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe. At 75 metres high and weighing around 45,000 tonnes, it visually dwarfs the surrounding village.

b. Victoria (Rabat) and the Citadella

Victoria is Gozo’s small capital, located almost at the centre of the island.

Dominating the skyline, the Citadella is a fortified hilltop citadel offering sweeping views across the whole island — it’s where the entire population of Gozo once retreated when pirates or invaders threatened. Inside, narrow streets, old churches, and museums sit packed within ancient walls.

Interesting fact: The Citadel site has been fortified since the Bronze Age, long before the Knights of St John rebuilt it.

At the heart of the Citadella stands the Cathedral of the Assumption, a Baroque church built between 1697 and 1711. Step inside and look up — the most striking feature isn’t a dome at all, but a painted illusion of one. The Knights ran out of money before construction could finish, so the ceiling artist painted a trompe l’oeil dome so convincing that most visitors don’t realise it’s flat until they’re told.

c. Dwejra Bay (Former Azure Window)

The iconic Azure Window was a 28-metre natural arch that collapsed into the sea in March 2017 during a storm.

The rocky coastline is still spectacular, and the Inland Sea nearby — a small lagoon connected to the open sea by a tunnel through the cliff — is well worth seeing.

This magnificent place was also the setting for the Dothraki wedding of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones.

d. Ta’ Pinu Basilica

A striking basilica set in open countryside, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of Malta’s most important pilgrimage sites.

Interesting fact: The original chapel on this site is believed to be linked to reported miraculous healings in the late 19th century.

e. Xagħra

Xagħra is one of Gozo’s most characterful villages, set on a hilltop with views stretching down to Ramla Bay. It blends everyday village life with major historical sites, including the nearby Ġgantija Temples and the impressive parish church at its centre.

The village square is a relaxed spot to pause, surrounded by cafés and traditional stone houses that reflect Gozo’s slow pace of life.

Interesting fact: Xagħra’s parish church, the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, dominates the skyline and is famous for its striking red dome and elegant façade—an unusual architectural statement for such a small island village.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Ġgantija Temples sits Ta’ Kola Windmill, one of the few Maltese windmills still standing with its sails intact. Built in 1725, it’s named after its last miller, Żeppu ta’ Kola, who used to signal villagers by blowing into a conch shell whenever the wind was right for grinding grain.

f. Ġgantija Temples

One of the oldest free-standing stone temple complexes in the world, set on a quiet hill in Xagħra. The massive limestone blocks and prehistoric layout make it feel almost otherworldly. Built around 3600 BC, Ġgantija is the world’s second-oldest known human-made religious structure — older than the Great Pyramid, and even older than Stonehenge.

Interesting fact: The name “Ġgantija” comes from the Maltese word for “giant,” because locals once believed giants built it.

There is not much shade around, so don’t forget a hat and sun cream! 😎👒

g. Ramla Bay

Gozo’s finest beach — a crescent of distinctive reddish-golden sand, framed by low green hills, and far less crowded than anything on the main island. It’s the perfect place to unwind and round off a day of sightseeing.

Interesting fact: It’s also home to the legend of Calypso’s Cave, said to be the nymph’s home in Homer’s Odyssey.

With the ferry back to Malta, it was time to head back to St Paul’s Bay — tired, sun-kissed, and already missing Gozo’s slower pace.

8. Malta — Day 8: Comino & the Blue Lagoon

Comino is tiny — just 3.5 km², car-free, and home to barely a handful of people. But it punches well above its weight, because this little speck of rock between Malta and Gozo is home to the Blue Lagoon.

a. The Blue Lagoon

Right then. The Blue Lagoon. I’m going to be honest with you: the photos you’ve seen on Pinterest don’t lie. The water really is that colour. 💙

It’s a sheltered bay with water so clear and turquoise it looks digitally enhanced. It isn’t. The underwater visibility is extraordinary — perfect for snorkelling.

b. Beyond the Blue Lagoon

It rightly steals the spotlight, but Comino has more up its sleeve if you wander a little further. Just below the old watchtower lies the Crystal Lagoon, a quieter, deeper-hued alternative for snorkelling.

Head north, and you’ll find Santa Marija Bay, the island’s other proper beach, with food kiosks and sun loungers for hire. Santa Marija Tower was built in 1618 to fend off Barbary corsairs, and is free to climb whenever the Knights’ flag is flying.

With no cars allowed, Comino also makes a brilliant spot for a quiet hike or cycle — it doubles as a nature reserve and an important stop-off for migratory birds.

😯 Fun fact: the island’s name comes from the cumin seed that once grew wild here. Locals still sometimes call it “Kemuna.”

How to get to Comino

Leave your car at Ċirkewwa (no cars on Comino) and take the ferry. You can check the times and book tickets in advance on the official Comino Ferries website.

• 💶 Cost (adults): €15 return (2026)
• 🕗 Ferries: 8:30 am to 6 pm

⭐ Tip: Take the first or second morning ferry. The Blue Lagoon fills up fast — arriving early means you’ll get the magic before the day-trip boats arrive.

Bring snorkelling gear if you have it 🤿. It’s a beautiful place, but don’t arrive too late, or it will be crowded!

For a more personalised experience without having to fight for a seat or space to put your towel down, consider booking a private tour!

After another great day, it was back to St Paul’s Bay for a rest — dinner that night, less memorably, was just dinner.

9. Malta — Day 9: Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim & Dingli Cliffs

Day 9 took me south, to some of Malta’s oldest and most dramatic sights — sea caves carved by the water, temples older than Stonehenge, and cliffs that mark the edge of the island itself.

a. Blue Grotto

A series of spectacular sea caverns on Malta’s southern coast near the village of Qrendi. The water inside glows with phosphorescent blues and greens as light refracts through the underwater flora — best in the morning when the sun is at the right angle.

📌 You can book a Boat ride. There are different options depending on your starting point with GetYourGuide.

b. Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples

A few minutes’ drive from the Blue Grotto, you’ll find two megalithic sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1992: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.

These prehistoric temples date to around 3200 BC — among the oldest freestanding structures on Earth, about 1,000 years older than Stonehenge.

Both sites are less than a 10-minute walk apart, and there is also a visitor centre that is worth a visit for context.

• Ħaġar Qim Temples is the larger site, made of massive limestone blocks and likely used for rituals. It sits on a hill with sea views.
• Mnajdra Temples are nearby and better known for their precise alignment with the sun during solstices and equinoxes.

c. The Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens

Tucked away in the quiet village of Siġġiewi, the Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens is one of Malta’s most underrated stops. Set inside a beautifully restored quarry, it tells the story of the honey-coloured stone that literally built the island — from its ancient megalithic temples to Valletta itself.

The jaw-dropping fact? Malta’s limestone first formed around 22 million years ago, and the site even contains a genuine Punic tomb dating back to the 4th century B.C. History doesn’t get much more hands-on than this.

d. Dingli Cliffs

No trip to Malta is complete without a stop at Dingli Cliffs, the island’s highest point at 253 metres above sea level. Standing at the edge, you can hear the waves crashing far below but never feel them — the drop is so dramatic that the sea feels like another world entirely. On a clear day, you can even spot Sicily on the horizon, some 90 kilometres away.

Come at sunset. No admission fee, rarely busy.

After a day spent among caves, temples, and cliff-top views, it was back to St Paul’s Bay to wind down with dinner and a good night’s rest.

10. Malta — Day 10: Marsaxlokk + Departure

Marsaxlokk

The perfect final morning. Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village on the south-east coast, is one of Malta’s most characterful spots and largely bypassed by package tourists — the last working fishing village left on the island.

The harbour is lined with traditional luzzu fishing boats in vivid reds, yellows and blues, each with a pair of eyes painted on the bow — a Phoenician tradition believed to protect fishermen at sea, practised here continuously for 2,500 years. 🐟

Take a final stroll along the harbour, browse the Sunday fish market, and settle in for one last coffee or meal before heading to the airport. The promenade is dotted with restaurants, so you’re spoilt for choice.

📌 Marsaxlokk is 22 km from St Paul’s Bay (about 37 minutes). It’s perfect for a visit if you have an evening or mid-afternoon flight.

After that, I made my way back to the airport for my flight home, taking one last look back on everything I’d experienced. Malta left a lasting impression. It’s a place where centuries of history meet everyday charm, and where every corner seems to tell a story.

Goodbye, Malta—it’s been an unforgettable holiday.

Other Things to Do

If you have more time or want to swap out some days, here are a few more excellent options:

• Marsaskala — a quieter, local resort town on the southeast coast, good for a relaxed lunch by the water.
• Ancient Tarxien Temples — another UNESCO megalithic site inside a residential suburb of Valletta.
• Sliema and St Julian’s — for more cosmopolitan eating, nightlife and waterfront strolling.

I hope you enjoyed this itinerary.

F. Ready to Book your Trip?

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Safe travels! 🌏✈️

Additional Information

You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

Remember to check the Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.

If you need any clarification, you can leave me a comment or fill out the contact form. I will be happy to help you. 😊

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