Malta Gozo
5
Day Itinerary •
Malta
Five days across Malta and Gozo gives you the full extraordinary depth of the most historically dense island nation in Europe, from Valletta's Caravaggio masterpiece and the extraordinary Grand Harbour to the world's oldest freestanding stone structures at Ggantija, the remarkable Blue Lagoon at Comino and the underground prehistoric wonder of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, the most extraordinary prehistoric site in the entire Mediterranean. This extended route covers Malta and Gozo completely. Valletta and Mdina on Day 1, the remarkable south Malta temples and Three Cities on Day 2, Gozo ferry with Ggantija, Victoria and Ramla Bay on Day 3, the extraordinary Comino Blue Lagoon and Ghajn Tuffieha beach on Day 4, and the remarkable Marsaxlokk fishing village, Tarxien Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum on Day 5.
Best Time To Visit
April to June and September to October for finest conditions
Getting There
Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA)
Getting Around
Bus, hire car and ferries. Malta is 27km long.
Budget Per Day
Approx 60 to 160 EUR per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, flat island walking
DAY 1
VALLETTA
MORNING
VALLETTA UNESCO WORLD CAPITAL AND ST JOHN'S CO-CATHEDRAL
The extraordinary Valletta, the smallest capital city in the European Union and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built entirely by the Knights of St John in a single grid plan between 1566 and 1571 on a bare limestone peninsula. The remarkable St John's Co-Cathedral, the finest Baroque interior in the Mediterranean, houses the extraordinary Caravaggio masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist from 1608, the only signed work by Caravaggio and the largest painting the artist ever created. Entry approx 15 EUR. 20 min walk
MIDDAY
GRAND HARBOUR AND UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS
The extraordinary Grand Harbour of Valletta, the finest natural deep-water harbour in the Mediterranean and the most historically significant harbour in European history, where the remarkable 16th-century fortifications of Valletta, the extraordinary Fort St Angelo on the Birgu headland and the fine Three Cities across the water create the most extraordinary harbour panorama in the Mediterranean. The remarkable Upper Barrakka Gardens give the finest elevated view over the extraordinary harbour. The fine saluting battery fires at noon daily. 15 min walk
AFTERNOON
MDINA, THE SILENT CITY
The extraordinary Mdina, the finest walled medieval city in Malta and one of the most remarkable small fortified cities in Europe, perched on the highest point of Malta with extraordinary views across the entire island. The remarkable car-free streets of Mdina, the fine limestone palaces and the outstanding Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, built over the site where St Paul reputedly converted the Roman governor after his shipwreck on Malta in 60 AD, are the finest medieval ensemble in Malta. Entry to cathedral approx 5 EUR.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola, a remarkable underground prehistoric temple complex carved entirely by hand from the limestone at around 3,600 BCE, is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world and the finest single archaeological site in Malta. Entry strictly limited to 10 visitors per slot. Book online at heritagemalta.org months ahead. Entry approx 35 EUR.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe Cordina, Valletta The finest and most historic cafe in Malta, in operation since 1837 on Republic Street. Extraordinary pastizzi and fine Maltese coffee. | Lunch: Upper Barrakka Gardens cafe Outstanding lunch with the most extraordinary harbour view in the Mediterranean. | Dinner: Rubino, Valletta The finest traditional Maltese restaurant in Valletta. Extraordinary stuffed squid, fine bragioli and remarkable kapunata.
DAY 2
SOUTH MALTA
MORNING
HAGAR QIM AND MNAJDRA NEOLITHIC TEMPLES
The most extraordinary prehistoric temples in the world, the remarkable Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes on the southern cliffs of Malta, predating Stonehenge by 1,000 years and the Egyptian Pyramids by 500 years. The extraordinary South Temple at Mnajdra is precisely aligned with the equinox sunrise and the remarkable solstice sunrise and sunset, making it the finest astronomical observatory in prehistoric Europe. Entry approx 10 EUR. 20 min drive
MIDDAY
BLUE GROTTO BOAT TOUR
The extraordinary Blue Grotto on the south coast of Malta, a remarkable series of interconnected sea caves with the most extraordinary azure and turquoise light created by the fine reflection of sunlight off the white sandy seabed through the cave water. The remarkable boat tour through the extraordinary cave system gives the finest colour display in the Mediterranean. Tours approx 8 EUR from Wied iz-Zurrieq. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE THREE CITIES AND FORT ST ANGELO
The extraordinary Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the finest medieval harbour towns in Malta and older than Valletta itself. The remarkable Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa, the most significant medieval fort in Malta from where the Knights defended against the Great Siege of 1565, and the extraordinary Inquisitor's Palace, the only surviving Inquisitor's residence in the world, are the finest historic sites in the Three Cities. Fort entry approx 10 EUR.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Tarxien Temples complex in Paola, a remarkable group of four interconnected Neolithic temple structures from around 3,150 BCE, contains the extraordinary fragmentary remains of the largest prehistoric statue ever found in Malta, a remarkable female figure estimated at 2.7 metres when complete. Entry approx 5 EUR. The finest ancient sculpture in Malta and far less visited than Hagar Qim.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Pastizzeria near hotel Outstanding traditional Maltese pastizzi breakfast. The fine ricotta and remarkable pea-filled pastries are the finest fast food in Malta. | Lunch: Wied iz-Zurrieq harbour Outstanding fresh grilled lampuki dolphin fish at a fine Blue Grotto harbour restaurant. | Dinner: Vittoriosa waterfront Outstanding traditional Maltese dinner in the extraordinary Three Cities. Fine rabbit stew and remarkable Maltese wine.
DAY 3
GOZO
MORNING
GOZO FERRY AND GGANTIJA TEMPLES
The extraordinary ferry from Cirkewwa to Mgarr on Gozo, the finest inter-island crossing in the Mediterranean with the remarkable limestone cliffs of Gozo rising from the extraordinary blue channel. The remarkable Ggantija Temples at the top of the Gozo plateau, the oldest freestanding stone structures in the world at approximately 3,600 BCE, predate Stonehenge by 1,000 years. The extraordinary scale of the massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 50 tonnes, is the most remarkable prehistoric construction in Europe. Entry approx 10 EUR. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
VICTORIA CITADEL AND GOZO COUNTRYSIDE
The extraordinary Victoria Citadel, the finest fortified hilltop town in the Maltese islands, rising dramatically from the flat Gozo countryside on a remarkable rocky outcrop. The remarkable views from the extraordinary Citadel walls across the entire island of Gozo are the finest elevated panorama in the archipelago. The fine Victoria market town below the Citadel is the finest traditional Maltese market. 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
RAMLA BAY RED BEACH AND CALYPSO CAVE
The extraordinary Ramla Bay, the finest beach in the Maltese islands, where the remarkable orange-red sand is unique in the Mediterranean and the extraordinary clear turquoise water over the fine sandy seabed creates the most beautiful natural beach in Malta. The remarkable Calypso Cave above the bay, traditionally identified as the extraordinary cave of the nymph Calypso in Homer's Odyssey who held Odysseus for seven years, gives the finest elevated view over the remarkable beach.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Azure Window in Gozo collapsed into the sea in 2017, but the remarkable Fungus Rock at Dwejra Bay where it stood is still the finest coastal landscape on Gozo, with extraordinary sea caves, the fine Blue Hole dive site and the remarkable inland sea of Dwejra. The extraordinary diving at the Blue Hole is the finest in the entire Mediterranean. Dive with a local operator for the most extraordinary underwater experience in Malta.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Gozo hotel or ferry cafe Good breakfast before the Cirkewwa ferry. Fine traditional Gozitan ftira bread and remarkable gbejniet cheese. | Lunch: Victoria Citadel restaurant Outstanding traditional Gozitan lunch. Extraordinary bragioli beef olives and fine Gozitan widow's soup. | Dinner: Ta Frenc, Gozo The finest restaurant on Gozo in a remarkable old farmhouse. Extraordinary Gozitan cuisine and fine Maltese wine.
DAY 4
COMINO
MORNING
DIVING OR SNORKELLING AT COMINO AND BLUE LAGOON
The extraordinary Comino island and the remarkable Blue Lagoon between Comino and the uninhabited Comino islet, the finest natural swimming and snorkelling location in the Maltese islands, where the extraordinary crystal-clear shallow turquoise water over the white sandy seabed creates the most beautiful natural lagoon in the central Mediterranean. The fine diving at Santa Maria Caves and the remarkable Crystal Lagoon dive site adjacent to the extraordinary Blue Lagoon are the finest diving near Comino. Ferry from Cirkewwa approx 15 EUR return. 1 hour ferry back
MIDDAY
COMINO ISLAND WALK AND SALT PANS
The extraordinary Comino island, accessible only by boat and home to only a handful of permanent residents, where the remarkable walking trails through the extraordinary dry limestone scrubland pass the fine Comino Tower from 1618 and give outstanding views of the remarkable Santa Marija Bay and the extraordinary stretch of Mediterranean between Malta and Gozo. The fine salt pans on the northern shore of Comino are the finest traditional salt production site in the archipelago. 1 hour ferry
AFTERNOON
GOLDEN BAY AND GHAJN TUFFIEHA BEACH
The extraordinary Ghajn Tuffieha, the finest undeveloped beach on the main island of Malta, accessible only by 200 steps down from the remarkable clifftop and entirely free of beach bars and development. The remarkable red-orange clay cliffs behind the extraordinary beach create the finest natural beach setting in Malta. The outstanding Golden Bay beach immediately adjacent is the finest easily accessible beach with facilities on the island.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary diving at the Comino Santa Maria Caves, a remarkable series of underwater limestone caverns with extraordinary light effects from the Mediterranean sun filtering through the cave entrances, is the finest single dive site accessible from the main Maltese islands. The remarkable visibility of 30 metres plus in the extraordinary clear Mediterranean water makes this the finest diving in the central Mediterranean.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before Comino ferry Good breakfast before the Cirkewwa ferry to Comino. | Lunch: Packed lunch on Comino Excellent packed provisions for the extraordinary Comino island. No restaurants on the island outside the hotel. | Dinner: Rubino, Valletta or Trabuxu Outstanding Maltese farewell dinner in Valletta. Fine traditional stuffed squid and remarkable Maltese rabbit.
DAY 5
HERITAGE
MORNING
MARSAXLOKK FISHING VILLAGE AND SUNDAY MARKET
The extraordinary Marsaxlokk, the finest traditional fishing village in Malta, where the remarkable brightly painted luzzu fishing boats with their extraordinary painted eyes of Osiris on the bow fill the fine harbour in the most colourful morning scene in the archipelago. The outstanding Sunday morning market fills the remarkable harbour front with the finest fresh fish, extraordinary local produce and the best traditional Maltese market atmosphere in the island. The fine fish market open daily is the best in Malta. 20 min drive
MIDDAY
TARXIEN TEMPLES AND HAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM
The extraordinary Tarxien Temples prehistoric complex in Paola containing the remarkable fragmentary female figure sculpture from 3,150 BCE, then the fine Hal Saflieni Hypogeum if pre-booked, the only underground prehistoric temple in the world carved entirely by hand from the limestone over 5,000 years ago. The extraordinary three levels of underground chambers, the remarkable red ochre decorations and the outstanding acoustics of the main chamber create the most extraordinary prehistoric interior in the world. Entry approx 35 EUR, must book months ahead. 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
VALLETTA FAREWELL AND WATERFRONT
A final extraordinary afternoon in Valletta, visiting the remarkable National Museum of Archaeology with the finest collection of prehistoric temple artefacts including the extraordinary Sleeping Lady figurine from the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, and the fine afternoon light on the extraordinary honey-coloured limestone facades of Republic Street. The remarkable view across the Grand Harbour in the late afternoon with the extraordinary Three Cities opposite in the golden Mediterranean light is the finest farewell to the most extraordinary small island nation in Europe.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Sleeping Lady figurine in the National Museum of Archaeology, a remarkable terracotta figure of a sleeping person carved in approximately 3,600 BCE and found in the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, is the finest prehistoric sculpture in Malta and one of the most extraordinary prehistoric art objects in Europe. The remarkable figure in its fine museum case is the finest single exhibit in Maltese archaeology.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Marsaxlokk harbour cafe Outstanding fresh pastizzi and fine Maltese coffee at the extraordinary Marsaxlokk harbour before the market. | Lunch: Marsaxlokk fish restaurant Outstanding fresh grilled swordfish and remarkable lampuki at one of the finest harbour fish restaurants in Malta. | Dinner: Guzé, Valletta Outstanding elegant farewell dinner in Valletta. Extraordinary Maltese-Mediterranean cuisine in a fine vaulted dining room.
Where To Stay
Valletta Ursulino or Palazzo Ignazio. Approx 80 to 200 EUR per night. Sliema or St Julian's Preluna or Hilton Malta. Seafront. Approx 70 to 220 EUR per night. Gozo Option Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz for Gozo nights. Approx 150 to 350 EUR per night.
Top Tips
1. Book the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum months ahead. Entry is capped at 80 per day and sells out completely.
2. The Blue Lagoon at Comino is extraordinary but very crowded July and August. Visit in May, June or September.
3. Visit Hagar Qim at opening (9am). The summer heat and tour groups make afternoon visits difficult.
4. Ta Frenc on Gozo and Guzé in Valletta require advance booking. Two of the finest tables in Malta.
5. Marsaxlokk Sunday market is the finest in Malta. Arrive by 9am for the fresh fish market.
6. Book the Comino ferry in advance for summer weekends. The Blue Lagoon is extraordinary but very popular.
Total Budget
55 to 475 EUR/day