3–5 vacation days
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Europe
Why go
A tiny archipelago packed with Baroque cities, ancient catacombs, and crystal water — and the best part: nowhere on the island is more than 30–45 minutes from the airport, so you can base yourself anywhere and still see it all.
Highlights
- ★Valletta
- ★Mdina (Game of Thrones locations)
- ★St. Paul's Catacombs
Day by day
Malta — long weekend
The whole island is compact — pick one base and day-trip from there. Mornings for sightseeing before the heat, afternoons for swimming or wandering golden-stone streets.
- 1
Day 1
Arrival & Valletta
Land in Malta
Everywhere on the island is at most 30–45 minutes from the airport — pick a base and settle in.
Valletta
Walk the Baroque capital — Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John's Co-Cathedral, and the harbor views over the Three Cities.
- Evening
Dinner in Valletta
Plenty of small tucked into the side streets — easy to wander and pick one.
- 2
Day 2
Mdina & catacombs
- Morning
Mdina
The 'Silent City' — Game of Thrones filming locations (King's Landing in season 1). Honey-colored walls, narrow alleys, sweeping views from the bastions.
Fontanella Tea Garden
Cake and a view from the Mdina city walls — the classic stop.
- Afternoon
St. Paul's Catacombs
Ancient underground Roman/early Christian burial complex in nearby Rabat — just outside Mdina's gates.
- 3
Day 3
Coast & islands
Comino & Blue Lagoon
Boat trip from Sliema or Cirkewwa — turquoise water, swimming, snorkeling. Get there early to beat the crowds.
Or: Gozo day trip
Ferry from Cirkewwa — quieter sister island with the Citadel in Victoria, salt pans, and Ramla Bay.
- 4
Day 4
Three Cities & departure
The Three Cities
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua — take the traditional dgħajsa water taxi across the Grand Harbour from Valletta.
Fly home
Quick hop back to the airport from anywhere on the island.