Malta trip - 3 days on the island

If you are looking for a way to spend 3 days in Malta, you are in the right place! My three-day itinerary is perfect for first-timers or veterans who enjoy frequenting the Mediterranean island. Day 1: VALETTA Start your day at St John’s Co-Cathedral and admire one of Malta’s most lavish churches, and then head to the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Casually stroll along the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and watch the cannons fire at noon. You can also check out the Triton Fountain, Fort St Elmo, or the Lascaris War Rooms. MDINA The fortified city of Mdina was the original capital of Malta until the 16th century. When the majority of its inhabitants moved out, Mdina gained the nickname “The Silent City”. Today, Mdina is a well-preserved medieval city that is a must-visit for any Malta itinerary. Many people will head to Mdina in the morning, so wait until the afternoon to explore and it will be less crowded. It’s about 20-25 minutes from Valletta by taxi or 45 minutes by bus. Mdina is the perfect place to chill out and have a little wander around the labyrinth of streets. Oh, and the views from Bastion Square are amazing, you can literally see half way across the island! Day 2: GOZO Malta is actually a small archipelago made up of 5 islands, the second largest being Gozo. And it’s a must-visit for your 3 day Malta itinerary! I love Gozo, it’s usually described as what Malta used to be like or the “hidden gem” of Malta. If you are staying in Valletta, there is a fast boat that goes directly from the Grand Harbour to Gozo. The fast ferry runs frequently throughout the day and takes about 45 minutes. It’s also a great way to see Malta from a different perspective, so sit on the left side of the boat! Day 3: BLUE GROTTO Get your day started early and head to the Blue Grotto on the southern coast of Malta. I recommend going to the viewpoint first, there is a bus stop if you are taking the bus, or you can tell your Bolt driver to drop you off there. The Blue Grotto is one of the many cave complexes around the island, but you can take a small boat inside this one! The boat trip is only about 15 minutes, but it’s worth it to see the morning sun bouncing off the water and throughout the cave walls. MARSAXLOKK When you are finished with the Blue Grotto, head to Marsaxlokk on the east coast. This is the perfect place to grab some lunch because there are so many restaurants to choose from right on the waterfront. Marsaxlokk is the island’s most picturesque fishing village, known for its colorful luzzo boats (traditional Maltese fishing boats) bobbing around in the harbor. The seafood scene here is amazing and the Sunday market is a must-visit if you are lucky enough to time your trip right!