The Holidays in Malta local guide · Updated October 2026
Discover what to do in Malta, where to stay near Valletta, how to get around and how to shape three memorable days—from harbour mornings to golden-hour city walks.
A little island with layers
Malta brings together a walkable historic capital, centuries of architecture, lively fishing villages, clear swimming spots and the everyday rhythm of Mediterranean harbour life—all across a compact island nation.
It works especially well for a first city break or a longer family holiday: spend the morning in Valletta, take a ferry across the harbour, and finish the day by the water. English is an official language, and the central towns are well connected by public transport. Build in breathing room; Malta’s best moments often happen between the headline sights.
This guide focuses on the central harbour and nearby destinations, with practical notes to help you plan. Attraction hours, transport routes, sea conditions and seasonal services can change, so check official sources before setting out.
Best things to do in Malta
Use the central harbour as your starting point for Malta’s most rewarding experiences.
01 · Valletta
Follow the grid of honey-coloured streets, look up at carved balconies and pause at Upper Barrakka Gardens for a Grand Harbour view. Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral and the museums at a pace that leaves time for a café stop. Valletta is compact, but its churches, bastions and side streets reward a full day.
02 · The central harbour
Ta’ Xbiex and Pietà invite slower mornings: marina promenades, local cafés and a front-row look at everyday island life. Continue towards Gżira or cross the harbour to Valletta. A walk here is an easy way to see the working side of the island between sightseeing days.
03 · Sliema & Gżira
Come for the ferry, waterfront swimming spots, shopping and a broad choice of restaurants. Take the promenade at golden hour, then use the ferry for a scenic link to Valletta when operating. Check the current timetable before you travel.
04 · Mdina & Rabat
Walk the quiet lanes inside Mdina’s fortified walls, then continue to neighbouring Rabat for historic sites and a lived-in town feel. Go early or late for softer light and cooler streets. Allow time for the journey across the island.
05 · Gozo & Comino
Gozo offers a slower rural change of pace, coastal walks and Victoria’s Citadel. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear water and gets busy, especially in peak season. Check official ferry operators, access rules and sea conditions before travelling.
06 · Three Cities
Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua face Valletta across Grand Harbour. Explore the waterfront, bastions and narrow streets, then return by ferry when services are running. This is one of the easiest ways to turn a Valletta day into a harbour adventure.
Where to stay in Malta
For a first visit, Ta’ Xbiex and Pietà balance access to Valletta with calmer marina-side evenings.
Choose a spacious three-bedroom home with a private rooftop pool, terrace, BBQ and seaview. Ideal for families or a group that wants its own outdoor retreat.
Explore the Ta’ Xbiex penthousePrefer watching the boats? This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has a large terrace over Msida Marina, with a BBQ and room to spread out.
Explore the Pietà apartmentProperty details and live availability are confirmed on each booking platform. Choose the home that best fits your group and travel dates.
A relaxed Malta itinerary · 3 days
A first-time Malta itinerary that gives each day a clear focus and keeps your evenings open.
Start in Valletta while the streets are fresh. See the main sights that matter to you, pause at Upper Barrakka Gardens and leave room for lunch. In the afternoon, take a harbour ferry if services are operating, or stroll the waterfront. Stay for dinner in the capital or return to your base for a quieter evening.
Keep day two close to home. Walk the marina promenades, linger over a café stop and explore Gżira or Sliema. Take a swim where conditions allow, then enjoy a slow terrace afternoon. Head out for sunset and dinner along the seafront.
Choose one full-day direction. Mdina and Rabat make a rewarding history day; Gozo offers a change of landscape; Comino is best for a water-focused trip when boat access and conditions suit. Check opening hours and transport before leaving, and avoid trying to combine distant highlights in one day.
Staying five to seven days? Add a beach day, a village evening or another island excursion instead of squeezing everything into this short itinerary.
Getting around Malta
A car is optional for a central-harbour stay. Buses reach towns across Malta and Gozo; ferries can make the Valletta–Sliema and Valletta–Three Cities crossings part of the day out.
Practical tip
Routes, timetables, ferry operations and attraction hours can change. Confirm the latest details with official providers before you travel.
Malta travel FAQs
Three days gives you time for Valletta, the central harbour and one day trip. Five to seven days makes space for beaches, Mdina, Gozo or Comino without making every day a race.
The central harbour around Ta’ Xbiex and Pietà is a convenient base for visitors who want access to Valletta, Sliema and ferry connections while staying in a calmer residential neighbourhood. See our Ta’ Xbiex penthouse and Pietà marina apartment.
Yes. Buses serve towns around Malta and Gozo, while ferry services connect Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities. Check the official route planner and timetables for your exact dates.
Spring and autumn are popular for comfortable sightseeing. Summer suits beach-focused trips and long evenings; winter is quieter and mild. Check forecasts and seasonal transport before you travel.
Malta can suit families who combine sightseeing with relaxed time by the water. Choose accommodation with enough space for your group, plan travel around children’s pace and check swimming conditions locally.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a light layer for breezier evenings. Pack swimwear for suitable weather and check the forecast close to departure.
When to come
Spring and autumn bring warm light and gentler sightseeing. Summer is made for sea days and late dinners. Winter is quieter, greener and ideal for culture.
A few useful notes
Choose your base
Compare the private-pool penthouse and the marina-view apartment.