I wish I was told how beautiful and diverse Malta was when I moved here in May, I struggled for the first few months as it was also summer but I kinda got a hang of it after a few missed buses and wrong turns.
Are you a newbie like me? Well, here is a 10-week itinerary covering the top sights and activities in Malta for newbies, with food recommendations, bus times and sunset spots:
Week 1:
Valletta: Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Baroque architecture, the Grand Harbour and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, and try the local pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or peas).
Bus: Take bus 133 from the airport to Valletta.
Food: Try pastizzi at the iconic pastizzi shop Crystal Palace in Rabat or at Is-Serkin in Valletta.
Sunset: The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer stunning views of the Grand Harbour, especially at sunset.
Week 2:
Mdina: This medieval walled city is full of charming narrow streets, palaces and churches. Visit the Mdina Cathedral, the Mdina Dungeons and the Fontanella Tea Garden for panoramic views.
Bus: Take bus 51 from Valletta to Mdina.
Food: Try the rabbit stew at the Medina Restaurant in Mdina.
Sunset: The Fontanella Tea Garden offers stunning views of the Maltese countryside.
Week 3:
Rabat: This town is home to St. Paul’s Catacombs, a network of underground burial chambers dating back to the Roman era. Visit the Domus Romana, a Roman villa, and the Wignacourt Museum, which houses a collection of art and artefacts.
Bus: Take bus 52 from Valletta to Rabat.
Food: Try the local specialty lampuki (fish) at the Tal-Petut Restaurant in Marsaxlokk.
Sunset: The Dingli Cliffs offer dramatic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Week 4:
Sliema: This popular seaside resort is home to a long promenade, cafes, restaurants and bars. Visit the Stella Maris Church, take a boat trip to the nearby island of Comino, and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Bus: Take bus 13 or 14 from Valletta to Sliema.
Food: Try the fresh seafood at the Ta’ Kolina Restaurant in St. Julian’s.
Sunset: The promenade in Sliema offers stunning views of the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Week 5:
St. Julian’s: This lively resort town is home to casinos, nightclubs and bars. Visit Spinola Bay, take a boat trip to the nearby island of Gozo, and enjoy a night out on the town.
Bus: Take bus 13 or 14 from Valletta to St. Julian’s.
Food: Try the traditional Maltese cuisine at the Nenu the Artisan Baker in Rabat.
Sunset: The Spinola Bay offers a picturesque setting to enjoy the sunset.
Week 6:
Ramla bay
Gozo: This smaller and quieter island is home to the Azure Window, the Cittadella and the Inland Sea. Visit the Ggantija Temples, take a boat trip to the Comino Blue Lagoon, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Bus: Take bus 306 from Valletta to the Gozo ferry terminal.
Food: Try the local Gozitan speciality cheeselets at the Gozo Farmhouse in Victoria.
Sunset: The Azure Window offers a dramatic setting to enjoy the sunset.
Week 7:
Comino: This tiny island is home to the Blue Lagoon, a popular swimming and snorkelling spot. Visit the Crystal Lagoon, take a boat trip around the island, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Bus: Take a boat from Gozo or Malta to Comino.
Food: Try the fresh seafood at the Comino Hotel Restaurant on Comino.
Sunset: The Blue Lagoon offers a beautiful setting to enjoy the sunset.
Week 8:
Marsaxlokk: This fishing village is a great place to experience the local Maltese culture. Visit the Sunday fish market, take a boat trip around the harbor, and enjoy the fresh seafood restaurants.
Bus: Take bus 81 from Valletta to Marsaxlokk.
Food: Try the fresh seafood at the La Capanna Restaurant in Marsaxlokk.
Sunset: The Marsaxlokk harbor offers a picturesque setting to enjoy the sunset.
Week 9:
Golden Bay: This popular beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. Visit the Golden Bay Cliffs, take a boat trip to the nearby island of Cominotto, or try your hand at water sports.
Bus: Take bus 41 from Valletta to Golden Bay.
Food: Try the fresh seafood at the Golden Bay Beach Restaurant in Golden Bay.
Sunset: The Golden Bay Cliffs offer stunning views of the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Week 10:
Mellieha: This town is home to the Mellieha Bay, a popular swimming and snorkelling spot. Visit the Popeye Village, a film set built for the 1980 Popeye movie, and enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Bus: Take bus 41 from Valletta to Mellieha.
Food: Try the Maltese rabbit at the Il-Mithna Restaurant in Mellieha.
Sunset: The Mellieha Bay offers a beautiful setting to enjoy the sunset.
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