Planning a holiday in Malta? With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, fascinating history, charming historic towns, and vibrant dining scene, Malta is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a memorable island escape. Five days gives you more time to explore the island’s famous landmarks, discover hidden corners, enjoy seaside experiences, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Located in St. Julian’s, Ross Street Hotel provides a convenient base for discovering Malta’s attractions while enjoying the restaurants, shopping, and entertainment nearby. Follow this five-day itinerary to experience the best of Malta at a comfortable pace.
Day 1: Discover St. Julian’s and Malta’s Coastal Lifestyle
Morning: Explore Spinola Bay
Begin your Malta adventure in St. Julian’s, a lively coastal destination known for its picturesque waterfront and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Take a leisurely walk around Spinola Bay, admire the traditional fishing boats, and enjoy the views across the harbour. Stop at a local café for breakfast or a morning coffee while watching the town come to life.
Afternoon: Relax at St. George’s Beach
Spend the afternoon at St. George’s Beach, a popular sandy beach in St. Julian’s. Enjoy the sunshine, relax by the sea, or take a swim when conditions are suitable.
Alternatively, explore the nearby streets, discover local shops, or enjoy lunch at one of the area’s restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine.
Evening: Experience Paceville
As evening arrives, explore Paceville, one of Malta’s best-known entertainment districts. Choose from a variety of restaurants, enjoy a relaxed dinner, or discover the lively nightlife.
Return to Ross Street Hotel after your first day of exploration and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Explore Valletta and the Three Cities
Morning: Discover Historic Valletta
Start your second day in Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its impressive Baroque architecture, historic fortifications, and charming streets, Valletta offers a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s past.
Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral to admire its richly decorated interior and remarkable artworks. Continue to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Take time to explore the narrow streets, browse independent shops, and stop at a traditional café for a Maltese pastry.
Afternoon: Visit the Three Cities
Continue across the harbour to the historic Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These waterfront destinations offer a quieter atmosphere, beautiful harbour views, and a wealth of historic architecture.
Walk through Vittoriosa’s old streets, admire the fortified waterfront, and discover the maritime heritage that shaped Malta over centuries.
Evening: Enjoy a Waterfront Dinner
Return towards St. Julian’s and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice. After a day filled with history and sightseeing, a relaxed evening is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Malta’s food scene before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Experience Mdina and the Maltese Countryside
Morning: Wander Through Mdina
Spend your third day discovering Mdina, often called the Silent City. This historic fortified town is famous for its medieval streets, elegant palaces, ancient walls, and peaceful atmosphere.
Enter through the impressive city gate and wander through the narrow lanes lined with historic buildings. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, explore the charming squares, and enjoy the beautiful architectural details throughout the city.
Mdina is also an excellent destination for photography, offering picturesque views and a distinctive atmosphere that feels different from Malta’s busier coastal towns.
Afternoon: Discover Rabat
Just outside Mdina lies Rabat, a town rich in history and local character. Explore its traditional streets and, if you are interested in archaeology and early Christian history, consider visiting St. Paul’s Catacombs.
Take a break at a local café and sample a traditional Maltese pastry, such as a pastizz, before continuing your journey.
If time permits, explore more of the surrounding countryside or visit a nearby village to experience another side of the island.
Evening: Return to St. Julian’s
Head back to St. Julian’s for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner, take a stroll around Spinola Bay, or unwind at Ross Street Hotel after a day exploring Malta’s historic heartland.
Day 4: Discover the Blue Grotto and Malta’s Southern Coast
Morning: Visit the Blue Grotto
Dedicate your fourth day to Malta’s spectacular coastal scenery. The Blue Grotto, near the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq, is known for its impressive sea caves, rugged cliffs, and brilliantly coloured waters.
Visit the scenic viewpoint to appreciate the coastline from above. If weather and sea conditions permit, consider taking a local boat excursion to explore the caves from the water.
Check local conditions before travelling, as boat trips may be suspended during rough seas.
Afternoon: Explore Marsaxlokk
Continue to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village in southern Malta known for its colourful luzzu fishing boats and waterfront atmosphere.
Walk along the harbour, browse local shops, and enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch at a restaurant overlooking the water. On Sundays, the village is particularly well known for its fish market, although opening arrangements and market activity can vary.
After lunch, spend some time enjoying the harbour views and observing everyday life in this charming coastal community.
Evening: Enjoy a Relaxed Night
Return to St. Julian’s and spend your evening at your own pace. Choose a restaurant for dinner, explore the local cafés, or enjoy a quiet walk along the waterfront.
After a full day of coastal exploration, a relaxed evening helps you recharge before your final day in Malta.
Day 5: Explore Sliema and Enjoy Your Final Day in Malta
Morning: Walk Along the Sliema Promenade
Begin your final day with a visit to Sliema, a popular coastal destination known for its promenade, shopping areas, cafés, and sea views.
Enjoy a walk along the waterfront and admire the Mediterranean scenery across the harbour. Stop for breakfast or coffee at a seaside café before exploring the town’s shopping streets.
If you prefer a different perspective of Malta, consider a harbour cruise departing from the surrounding coastal area, subject to availability and weather conditions.
Afternoon: Discover Local Shopping and Maltese Flavours
Spend the afternoon exploring Sliema’s shops and boutiques, picking up souvenirs, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.
You could also use this time to discover Maltese cuisine. Look out for traditional dishes such as stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), ftira (traditional Maltese bread), or fresh local seafood, depending on your preferences.
Keep your schedule flexible so you can revisit a favourite location or enjoy a final seaside break before the holiday ends.
Evening: Celebrate Your Malta Getaway
Return to St. Julian’s for your final evening. Enjoy a memorable dinner, revisit Spinola Bay, or take one last walk through the lively streets of the town.
Reflect on five days of historic discoveries, coastal scenery, local flavours, and Mediterranean experiences before returning to Ross Street Hotel for your final night.
Where to Stay in Malta: Ross Street Hotel
The right accommodation can make your Malta holiday more enjoyable. Ross Street Hotel in St. Julian’s offers a convenient base for exploring the island while keeping you close to local restaurants, entertainment, and coastal attractions.
Whether you prefer a courtyard-view room, a room with a balcony, a street-view room, or accommodation with a side sea view, explore the available room categories to find an option that suits your travel plans.
After a day of sightseeing, return to the hotel to relax, recharge, and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Essential Tips for Your 5-Day Malta Itinerary
- Plan your transport: Malta has public buses, taxis, and other transport options. Check journey times and connections before travelling between destinations.
- Group nearby attractions: Explore Valletta and the Three Cities together, and combine Mdina with Rabat to make better use of your time.
- Check opening times: Historic sites, museums, catacombs, and other attractions may have different opening hours or require advance reservations.
- Prepare for walking: Comfortable footwear is useful for cobbled streets, historic centres, and coastal paths.
- Check coastal conditions: Boat trips and swimming opportunities depend on the weather and sea conditions.
- Try local food: Sample Maltese specialities, from pastizzi and ftira to fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
- Allow time to relax: Avoid filling every hour with sightseeing. Some of Malta’s best experiences come from enjoying a waterfront café or wandering through a quiet street.
Make the Most of Your Malta Adventure
Five days in Malta offers the opportunity to experience much more than the island’s famous landmarks. From the coastal charm of St. Julian’s and the historic streets of Valletta to the peaceful beauty of Mdina, the dramatic Blue Grotto, and the traditional harbour of Marsaxlokk, each day reveals a different side of this Mediterranean destination.
With Ross Street Hotel as your base, you can explore Malta at your own pace while enjoying the convenience of staying in St. Julian’s.
Ready to discover Malta? Book your stay at Ross Street Hotel and start planning your unforgettable five-day Mediterranean getaway.