I’ll admit, 3 days in Malta is a bit of a rush although wholly doable. We landed on a Sunday night and flew out on a Thursday morning so we only had 3 full days to explore all that Malta has to offer. There’s definitely plenty more to do on this absolutely stunning island that I didn’t squeeze in but, if it’s a fleeting visit you have planned, this is the best way to see the entire island and its main attractions.
For a small island, Malta is very spread out and I would definitely recommend renting out a car. Still, I made it around pretty well using the Hop-On, Hop-Off buses! Normally, I would be the first person to refuse tour buses as I think finding your way around a new city is part of the adventure. However, in Malta you’d be walking for hours to get from place to place, so the buses are a fantastic connection between all the best landmarks. They cost only €20 per person and you really get to see the whole island while soaking in the sun with the wind in your hair. You can have a closer look at what Malta Sightseeing offer here.
With all that being said, here is How I Spent… 3 Days in Malta!
Day 1
Mdina and the Mdina Gate
While Mdina and Rabat are stops on the sightseeing tour, I felt that I wouldn’t have enough time to properly explore the silent city as part of the tour. Mdina is one of the most stunning parts of Malta. It’s as if you stepped into a Game of Thrones set as you walk among the untouched, ancient, walled city. Completely free from urbanisation, Mdina was the old capital of Malta. It has narrow winding streets and the most beautiful architecture. The views from the top of the walls of the surrounding area are breathtaking. There are plenty of tours and museums within Mdina to pass the day.
Fontanella Tea Garden
Time to stop off for a sugar rush in the prettiest tea room. They also serve ordinary food, but the deserts in Fontanella are what really take the cake (I have no shame that I just said that). Sit outside on the roof or in the shade beside the angel fountain watching the fish swim around.
Rabat
The heart of Rabat is a very short walking distance from the Mdina Gate. The main draws are the catacombs, the grotto and the churches. Food and drink are exceptionally cheap in Rabat with a glass of wine costing no more than €1.50. Another stunning area to simply wander around and maybe even a visit to Casa Bernard, a stunning family home from the 16th century that you can take a guided tour through.
St. Paul’s Cathedral and Catacombs
The Christian, Pagan and Jewish catacombs were used for more than 500 years. A visit to the catacombs includes a history of the area and access to over 20 catacombs, galleries and tombs with a chance to walk around inside. A little creepy if you visit alone like I did! A huge number of people were buried here and it’s interesting to see the differences between the different religious burials. The area is also surprisingly beautiful considering.
Bay Street Shopping Centre
We were staying in St. Julians which meant we were right near the Bay Street Shopping Centre. A lot of well known brands can be found here as well as souvenirs and bargains downstairs. Yet at the end of the day, it’s just a shopping centre. It’s right beside St. George’s Bay so if you’re lying out there in the sun it might be a nice place to get some shade for a while.
St. Julian’s and Spinola Bay for Dinner
There is unlimited choice of places to eat in St. Julian’s. From fresh seafood to Italian to steakhouses, you will absolutely find something to your taste while taking in the beautiful sea view from the bay. It is also the nightlife centre, just so you know!
Day 2 – South of Malta
Most of what I wanted to see in Malta was in the south of the island so this tour was quite rushed. Somehow, I still fit in everything I planned on doing and more! If I had more time, I would have spent it in Valletta and taking in the city.
Valletta
The capital city of Malta and one of the most beautiful area. Take walk along the waterfront which leads you to all the places below.
Lift to the Barrakka Gardens
For anyone who is afraid of heights, you might want to walk up the hill rather than taking the lift. It’s only €1 and saves a bit of a trek up to the gardens otherwise. Also, the view on the way up is unlike any other.
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens & The Saluting Battery
The upper gardens are the best place to get a panoramic view of Valletta. Surrounded by flowers, statues and memorials, the gardens are probably the most peaceful part of Valletta. Overlooking the ocean, you can look down from the Saluting Battery, a row a canons.
Auberge de Castille
Following through the gardens and out the back, you are led to the Auberge de Castille where you can visit the extraordinary State Rooms and Artillery. It is the current office of the Prime Minister and even if you don’t venture inside, it’s quite a sight as you’re passing.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Museum
Malta is hugely religious so you won’t be short of churches and cathedrals to visit. Although St. John’s doesn’t look as awe-inspiring as the Mosta Rotunda on the outside, the inside is decadent showcasing the wealth of the Catholic Church. The decor of churches and cathedrals never cease to amaze me, and it’s probably the only reason I visit them.
Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
The most colourful part of Malta! With boats of all colours, shapes and sizes docked in this fishing village, you’ll have a view like no other having lunch or a few drinks in Marsaxlokk. If fish food is your heart’s desire then the markets and restaurants here are a dream. The atmosphere is relaxed and you could easily lazy hours away.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a natural cave that you can take a boat trip around. The sight alone is enough to get off the bus for, but if that doesn’t convince you then the ice cream should! There is a parlour at this stop selling varieties of ice cream you’d struggle to find elsewhere, including banoffee flavoured! Another beautiful place for lunch with a view.
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
These are two fascinating pre-historical monumental temples built over 5000 years ago in which you can walk around the chambers and doorways and find sculptures and alters. The details inside as well as the mind boggling reality that these huge temples were built so long ago somehow make a walk around very worthwhile.
Day 3 – North of Malta
There was a lot less that I wanted to see on the North tour so we spent more time in each place and got on the bus a little later. It might be a good idea to revisit Valletta again on the North tour as there is just so much to see and do in the capital and it would have been nice to stroll around for a while.
Sliema
Our second bus tour was departing from Sliema so we headed down early to take the time to have a stroll around the shops. I despise wasting shopping on holidays but after I walked the feet off of my Gran I decided not to put up a fight. Sliema is yet another beautiful area which seemed to be a hub of all tours and the point where you could get boat trips and ferries. The area is also dotted with a variety of restaurants and sitting out watching the boats is bliss. There’s also a funky cat statue to find hidden in the area. The coastline is the best one for joggers if you’re so inclined.
Mosta Rotunda
I’ve seen so many churches in my life that you would think I believed in God. However, the Mosta Rotunda is unlike any other and absolutely worth a visit. The building is gigantic and, for scale in the photos, I’m 5ft 5″. This is the third largest rotunda in the world and it was built without using scaffolding over 27 years! It has a circumference of over 54 metres and is over 56 metres high. By some miracle, during WWII, a bomb was dropped on the rotunda but it never exploded. A replica of this can be seen below the building.
Golden Bay
One of the few sandy beaches of Malta and likely the most beautiful. During the day the secluded beach is full of swimmers and by the evening time people have set up BBQs. If you only visit one beach in Malta, this should be the one. Don’t forget your togs and sunscreen!
Bugibba Square and St. Paul’s Bay
A relaxing end to a hugely busy holiday. Hop off the bus at the fishing harbour St. Paul’s Bay and stroll along the seaside up to Bugibba Square. Bright and colourful boats are docked and it’s ocean as far as the eye can see. The square is full of restaurants and bars. Sit in the sun and have a cocktail. You’ve seen the best that Malta has to offer.
Other landmarks and museums
- San Anton Gardens
- Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum
- War Museum & Fort St. Elmo
- The Malta Experience
Just That Girl J 