Malta

How many days: 4

Four days gives you time for Valletta, the old capital Mdina, a boat trip and a beach. A long weekend is enough for the highlights.

The island is small, so you can reach most places in under an hour. Gozo, the neighbouring island, is a short ferry ride away.

What to do in Malta

Walk through Valletta

The capital is a compact walled city with grand palaces, churches and sea views. Its streets are laid out on a grid, with steep steps down to the harbour.

See St John's Co-Cathedral

A plain exterior hides an extravagant baroque interior, including a famous painting by Caravaggio. Check the visiting rules before you go.

Visit Mdina

The old walled capital is quiet and atmospheric, known as the Silent City. It is best visited early or late to avoid the crowds.

Take the harbour ferry

Small boats cross the Grand Harbour and give good views of the fortifications. A cheap way to see Valletta from the water.

Swim in the Blue Lagoon

A turquoise bay between two islands. It is very busy in summer, so go early.

Explore Gozo

The smaller, greener sister island has quiet villages, cliffs and a historic citadel. Take the ferry for a day trip.

Visit the Megalithic temples

Some of the oldest free-standing buildings in the world, older than Stonehenge. Check the official site for visiting details.

See the Upper Barrakka Gardens

A terrace in Valletta with a view across the Grand Harbour. A salute is fired from the battery below at set times, so check the official site.

Visit the Three Cities

Three old fortified towns across the harbour from Valletta. Quieter and more traditional, with narrow streets and views back to the capital.

What to eat and drink

Pastizzi

Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, sold in small shops for a snack. A Maltese classic.

Rabbit stew

Considered the national dish, slow-cooked in wine and garlic. Look for traditional restaurants.

Fresh fish

Grilled fish is served at harbour-side restaurants. Ask about the catch of the day.

Maltese bread and ftira

Crusty bread baked in traditional ovens, and the ftira, a flat bread topped with tomatoes, olives and tuna.

Pastries and sweets

Almond and honey desserts are popular, including a fig-filled pastry called imqaret.

Local wine and beer

A growing local wine scene produces wines from island grapes. Cisk is the local beer.

Getting around

Buses cover most of the island, and a single card is used for most journeys. They can be slow in traffic.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are common and handy for beaches and nightlife.

A hire car gives flexibility, but remember that people in Malta drive on the left.

Good to know

• Summer is very hot and busy. Spring and autumn are better for sightseeing.
• Cobbled streets and steps can be hard going. Bring comfortable shoes.
• Malta uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted. Carry a little cash for small places.
• Respect religious sites, and cover shoulders and knees when you enter a church.
• Malta has a long tradition of hospitality to visitors, and English is spoken everywhere. Signs, menus and tickets are in both Maltese and English, which makes arriving here straightforward.
• Malta is very densely populated and can feel busy, especially in summer. Quieter spots are easier to find in Gozo, in the north and in the early morning.
• Water around the island is clean and clear, but sea conditions change. Check flags before you swim.