Planning a week-long holiday or an extended stay in Malta? This beautiful Mediterranean island offers a wonderful mix of historic cities, spectacular coastlines, traditional villages, delicious local cuisine, and a lively social scene. Whether you are visiting for seven days or staying longer, Malta has plenty to discover at your own pace.
From the vibrant waterfront of St. Julian’s to the historic streets of Valletta, the peaceful charm of Mdina, and the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, every day brings a new experience.
With Ross Street Hotel in St. Julian’s as your base, you can enjoy convenient access to restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and popular attractions while exploring Malta throughout your stay.
Follow this seven-day itinerary for inspiration and discover how to make the most of a longer visit.
Day 1: Discover St. Julian’s and Its Coastal Charm
Morning: Explore Spinola Bay
Begin your Malta adventure in St. Julian’s, a popular coastal destination known for its picturesque harbour and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Take a leisurely walk around Spinola Bay, admire the colourful traditional fishing boats, and enjoy views across the water. Stop at a local café for breakfast or a morning coffee before exploring the surrounding streets.
Afternoon: Relax at St. George’s Beach
Spend the afternoon at St. George’s Beach, a popular sandy beach in the St. Julian’s area. Enjoy the sunshine, relax beside the sea, or take a refreshing swim when conditions permit.
Alternatively, discover nearby shops and cafés or enjoy lunch at a restaurant serving Mediterranean and international dishes.
Evening: Experience St. Julian’s Nightlife
As evening arrives, explore Paceville, known for its restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and lively nightlife.
Enjoy dinner, discover the local atmosphere, or take a peaceful walk along the waterfront before returning to Ross Street Hotel for a relaxing night.
Day 2: Explore Valletta and the Three Cities
Morning: Discover Malta’s Historic Capital
Spend your second day in Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its Baroque architecture, historic fortifications, museums, and charming streets.
Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral to admire its remarkable interior and artistic treasures. Continue to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Take time to explore the historic streets, browse independent shops, and stop at a traditional café for a Maltese pastry.
Afternoon: Visit the Three Cities
Cross the harbour to explore Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, collectively known as the Three Cities.
Discover historic waterfronts, traditional streets, impressive fortifications, and buildings that reflect Malta’s rich maritime heritage. Vittoriosa is particularly rewarding for visitors interested in the island’s history.
Evening: Enjoy a Harbour-Side Dinner
Return towards St. Julian’s and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice. After a day filled with sightseeing, unwind and enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3: Experience Mdina, Rabat, and the Maltese Countryside
Morning: Wander Through the Silent City of Mdina
Discover Mdina, Malta’s former capital, known for its medieval architecture, fortified walls, elegant palaces, and quiet atmosphere.
Walk through the impressive city gate and explore narrow lanes lined with historic buildings. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and admire the picturesque squares and architectural details.
Mdina is also an excellent destination for photography, offering beautiful views across the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon: Discover Rabat
Just outside Mdina, Rabat offers another glimpse into Malta’s cultural and historical heritage.
Explore its traditional streets and consider visiting St. Paul’s Catacombs to learn more about the island’s early Christian history. Stop at a local café to sample pastizzi, a traditional Maltese savoury pastry.
If you have additional time, explore nearby villages and enjoy the quieter side of the island away from the busier tourist areas.
Evening: Return to St. Julian’s
Head back to Ross Street Hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening. Choose a local restaurant for dinner or revisit Spinola Bay to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.
Day 4: Discover the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk
Morning: Admire the Blue Grotto
Dedicate your fourth day to Malta’s spectacular southern coastline. The Blue Grotto is famous for its sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and vivid blue waters.
Visit the viewpoint to appreciate the scenery from above. If the weather and sea conditions are suitable, consider a local boat trip to explore the caves from the water.
Boat excursions are weather-dependent, so check local conditions before setting out.
Afternoon: Explore Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Continue to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village known for its colourful luzzu boats and picturesque harbour.
Walk along the waterfront, explore the village, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Fresh seafood is a popular choice, although other local and international dishes are also available.
If your visit falls on a Sunday, you may also have the opportunity to explore the village’s well-known fish market, subject to local arrangements.
Evening: Enjoy a Relaxed Return
Return to St. Julian’s and spend the evening at your own pace. Enjoy dinner, take a waterfront stroll, or relax at the hotel after a day exploring Malta’s southern coast.
Day 5: Discover Sliema and Malta’s Waterfront Lifestyle
Morning: Walk Along the Sliema Promenade
Start your fifth day in Sliema, a popular coastal destination known for its promenade, shopping areas, cafés, and Mediterranean views.
Enjoy a leisurely waterfront walk and take in views across the sea. Stop for breakfast or coffee at a seaside café before exploring the local streets.
Afternoon: Shopping and Local Experiences
Spend the afternoon browsing shops and boutiques or enjoying a relaxed lunch. Sliema is a convenient destination for shopping, dining, and discovering everyday life in Malta.
You could also consider a harbour cruise from the surrounding area, depending on departure locations, availability, and weather conditions.
Evening: Enjoy St. Julian’s Dining Scene
Return to St. Julian’s for dinner. Choose a restaurant serving Maltese specialities, fresh seafood, or international cuisine.
If you are staying longer than a week, this is also a good opportunity to discover a favourite restaurant or explore a different part of the town.
Day 6: Discover Gozo and Malta’s Sister Island
Morning: Travel to Gozo
Dedicate your sixth day to Gozo, Malta’s neighbouring island, known for its countryside, traditional villages, historic landmarks, and scenic coastline.
Travel by ferry and check current schedules before departure. Once on the island, begin exploring Victoria, Gozo’s main town, which is home to the impressive Cittadella.
Walk through the historic fortified area and enjoy views across the island.
Afternoon: Explore Gozo’s Villages and Coastline
Continue discovering Gozo’s distinctive character. Visit picturesque villages, admire the rural landscapes, and explore coastal viewpoints.
Depending on your interests, you could visit the Ta’ Pinu Basilica, explore the Dwejra area, or spend time enjoying the island’s quieter beaches and scenic surroundings.
Allow enough time for transport between attractions and for your return ferry journey.
Evening: Return to Malta
Travel back to Malta and return to Ross Street Hotel. After a full day of exploring Gozo, enjoy a relaxed evening in St. Julian’s.
For guests planning an extended stay, Gozo is also worth considering as a separate overnight trip rather than a rushed day excursion.
Day 7: Enjoy the Maltese Coast and Your Favourite Discoveries
Morning: Choose a Beach or Coastal Walk
Spend your final day enjoying Malta at a slower pace. Depending on the season and your interests, visit a beach, explore a coastal walking route, or return to a favourite waterfront location.
You might choose to discover another part of the coastline or simply enjoy the Mediterranean scenery without a tightly planned schedule.
Afternoon: Explore Local Shops and Cuisine
Use the afternoon to purchase souvenirs, discover local products, or revisit a destination you particularly enjoyed during the week.
Take time to sample more Maltese food, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or relax at a café before your final evening.
Evening: Celebrate Your Malta Experience
Return to St. Julian’s and enjoy a memorable final dinner. Take one last walk around Spinola Bay or enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere before returning to Ross Street Hotel.
Your seven-day journey offers a wonderful introduction to Malta’s history, coastline, culture, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Planning a Longer Stay in Malta?
If you are staying for ten days, two weeks, or even longer, there is no need to rush through the island’s attractions. An extended visit gives you the flexibility to explore beyond the main tourist destinations and enjoy everyday life in Malta.
Here are some ideas for making the most of your additional time.
Explore More of Malta’s Beaches
Discover different coastal areas and choose between sandy beaches, rocky swimming spots, and scenic seaside locations. Depending on the season, consider visiting Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, or Għajn Tuffieħa.
Check local swimming conditions and transport options before visiting, especially during the warmer months.
Spend More Time in Gozo
Rather than visiting Gozo in a single day, consider spending an overnight stay to explore its villages, countryside, historic landmarks, and coastline at a more relaxed pace.
You can also investigate excursions to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, keeping in mind that access, visitor arrangements, and sea conditions can vary.
Discover More Historic Villages
Explore destinations such as Birgu, Żebbuġ, and other traditional Maltese towns to discover local architecture, churches, village squares, and everyday culture.
Local festivals and village celebrations can provide additional insight into Maltese traditions, depending on the time of year.
Experience Malta’s Food Culture
Use your extra days to discover traditional Maltese dishes, local bakeries, seafood restaurants, and regional specialities.
Try pastizzi, ftira, rabbit stew, and other local favourites. Exploring different cafés and restaurants can become an enjoyable part of a longer holiday.
Enjoy a More Relaxed Daily Routine
An extended stay allows you to balance sightseeing with downtime. Spend a morning at a café, take an afternoon walk along the coast, or return to a favourite location without feeling that you need to see everything in one trip.
This slower pace can make a longer holiday feel more comfortable and rewarding.
Where to Stay in Malta: Ross Street Hotel
Choosing suitable accommodation is an important part of planning a week-long holiday or an extended stay. Ross Street Hotel in St. Julian’s offers a convenient base for exploring Malta while keeping you close to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and coastal attractions.
Whether you are visiting for seven days or planning a longer getaway, you can explore the hotel’s available room categories to find an option that matches your preferences.
Choose from available room styles, including courtyard-view rooms, street-view rooms, balcony options, and rooms offering a side sea view, subject to availability.
After a day of exploring the island, return to the hotel to unwind and prepare for your next adventure.
Essential Tips for a Week or Longer in Malta
- Plan your itinerary flexibly: Group nearby attractions together and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
- Check transport connections: Buses, taxis, and ferries connect many destinations, but journey times and schedules can vary.
- Book popular attractions in advance: Museums, historic sites, and organised excursions may require reservations.
- Pack for walking: Comfortable shoes are useful for cobbled streets, historic centres, and coastal routes.
- Check weather and sea conditions: Boat trips, swimming, and coastal activities may be affected by changing conditions.
- Explore beyond the main tourist areas: Traditional villages and quieter coastal locations can offer a different perspective on Malta.
- Allow time to relax: A longer stay is the perfect opportunity to enjoy local cafés, waterfront walks, and unplanned discoveries.
Make Ross Street Hotel Your Base for Discovering Malta
Seven days in Malta gives you time to experience the island’s historic cities, beautiful coastlines, traditional villages, and lively towns. A longer stay allows you to explore further, discover local traditions, and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle at a more relaxed pace.
From the energy of St. Julian’s to the historic streets of Valletta and Mdina, the coastal beauty of the Blue Grotto, and the distinctive charm of Gozo, Malta offers memorable experiences for every kind of traveller.
With Ross Street Hotel as your base, you can plan your days around the experiences that interest you most and make the most of your time on the island.
Ready to plan your Malta getaway? Book your stay at Ross Street Hotel and start discovering the beauty, culture, and charm of the Mediterranean.