Is 3 days enough for Malta?

Yes, 3 days is enough to see Malta's highlights: Valletta and the Three Cities on day 1, Mdina and Rabat on day 2, and Gozo on day 3. You'll see the best historic sites, restaurants and a beach, but you won't have time for everything.

What should I do with 3 days in Malta?

Day 1: Valletta (St John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens) and the Three Cities (Birgu). Day 2: Mdina, Rabat and San Anton Gardens. Day 3: Gozo (Victoria, Citadella, Ramla Bay, Dwejra, Ggantija Temples).

Should I rent a car in Malta for 3 days?

Yes, renting a car for days 2 and 3 is recommended. Malta's buses are good for Valletta (day 1) but slow for reaching Mdina, Gozo and the south coast. A car gives you flexibility for a 3-day trip.

Where should I stay for a 3-day Malta trip?

Valletta or Sliema are the best bases for a 3-day trip — they're central, well-connected and close to the best restaurants. See our where to stay in Malta guide for more details.

3 Days in Malta: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Three days is the sweet spot for Malta — enough to see the capital, the historic towns, a neighbouring island, and a beach. This itinerary covers the best of Malta and Gozo without rushing.

Day 1: Valletta and the Three Cities

Morning: Valletta

Start at St John's Co-Cathedral (€15, book ahead). Then walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for Grand Harbour views and the noon cannon salute.

Wander Republic Street and Strait Street. Don't miss the Grand Master's Palace.

Lunch in Valletta

Grain Street (small plates) or Rubino (traditional Maltese). See our best restaurants in Valletta guide.

Afternoon: The Three Cities

Take the ferry from Valletta to Senglea (€1.50, 10 minutes). Walk 10 minutes to Birgu (Vittoriosa) and explore the narrow streets and waterfront.

Dinner

Terrone Birgu (produce-driven fine dining) or Enchante (waterfront seafood in Senglea).

Day 2: Mdina, Rabat and the Centre

Morning: Mdina

Mdina, the Silent City, is Malta's most atmospheric town. Walk the narrow streets, see the cathedral, and walk the bastions for views.

Lunch in Rabat

Walk from Mdina to neighbouring Rabat. Try The Grotto Tavern or Roman's Den.

Afternoon: Rabat and the Centre

Visit the St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat, then head to San Anton Gardens in Attard for a peaceful walk.

Dinner in the Centre

BAHIA in Balzan or De Mondion in Mdina (fine dining).

Day 3: Gozo

Morning: Ferry to Gozo

Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo (€4.65 round trip, 25 minutes). Drive or take the bus to Victoria and explore the Citadella.

Lunch in Gozo

Tmun Gozo in Għajnsielem or a restaurant in Victoria.

Afternoon: Gozo Beaches and Sights

Visit Ramla Bay (Gozo's best beach), Dwejra (the inland sea and Fungus Rock), and the Ggantija Temples (older than the pyramids).

Dinner in Gozo

Eat in Victoria or Xlendi Bay before taking the ferry back.

Alternative Day 3: South Malta

If you don't want to go to Gozo:

Morning: Marsaxlokk

Visit Marsaxlokk fishing village for the Sunday fish market (or any morning for the harbour views).

Lunch in Marsaxlokk

Tartarun (seafood) or a waterfront pastizzeria.

Afternoon: Blue Grotto and Dingli Cliffs

Visit the Blue Grotto for a boat trip (€8), then drive to Dingli Cliffs for sunset.

Practical Tips

Rent a car for days 2 and 3 — Malta's buses are good but slow for a 3-day trip
Book restaurants ahead — especially in Valletta and fine dining
Check the weather — plan beach days for the warmest part of your trip
Wear comfortable shoes — Mdina, Valletta and Birgu are cobblestoned
Check the cruise schedule — Valletta is busier on cruise days

Where to Stay for a 3-Day Trip

Valletta or Sliema for day 1 (best for first-timers)
Mdina/Rabat for a quieter base
See our where to stay in Malta guide