Ultimate 5-Day Malta Itinerary | Dream by Luxury Escapes

Malta might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a European getaway – but it should be. This sun-soaked archipelago is quickly becoming an alternative to iconic destinations like France, Italy and Spain, offering an irresistible blend of golden landscapes, centuries-old heritage and immersive luxury. From boutique hotels in historic palazzos to private yacht charters along crystalline coastline and intimate wine tastings, Malta’s luxury scene is as captivating as its history.

Designed for first-time visitors, this five-day itinerary invites you to discover the unexpected, indulge in the exceptional and go deeper into the heart and soul of Malta.

Day 1

Morning: Check into your Valletta hotel

Fly into Malta’s namesake island, where the UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, Valletta, awaits. The perfect base for a five-day visit, Valletta is steeped in 16th-century charm, with Baroque facades, sweeping sea views and layers of history waiting to be uncovered. In the heart of the walled city, Rosselli AX Privilege offers an immersive heritage escape with a sleek rooftop terrace and Michelin-star restaurant, while Domus Zamitello allows you to live like Maltese nobility in a beautifully restored 16th-century palazzo. Just outside the city gates lies The Phoenicia Malta, a grandiose five-star hotel that has played host to names like Queen Elizabeth II, Alec Guinness, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brad Pitt throughout its 75-year history.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Valletta

Spend your first afternoon becoming acquainted with the old city. Once a prized stronghold in the Mediterranean, the city bears the imprint of many empires – from Phoenicians and Romans to the legendary Knights of St. John. Embark on a guided tour of the storied streets, taking in St. George’s Square, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Auberge de Castille, Grandmaster’s Palace, Parliament House and the historic Manoel Theatre. If time allows, visit MUŻA, Malta’s national community art museum, where contemporary Maltese and Baroque masterpieces line the walls of a former knight’s residence.

Evening: Dine at a Maltese Michelin-starred restaurant

Set the tone for an incredible stay in Malta with dinner at the country’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant. ION Harbour by Simon Rogan follows a farm-to-table philosophy with multi-course tasting menus championing seasonal and hyper-local produce. At a fraction of the price of Michelin dining in other European cities, you can savour the flavours of the archipelago in dishes like carrot tartlet with amberjack cured in salts from Gozo, and truffle pudding glazed in carob molasses, local stout and aged Maltese pecorino. An extraordinary wine list – with an impressive selection of local drops – is the perfect accompaniment.

Day 2

Morning: Admire St. John’s Co-Cathedral

After a hearty breakfast spread at your hotel, step back in time with a visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of Valletta’s most remarkable structures. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, this Baroque masterpiece is a feast for the senses – from the richly gilded arches and marble tombstones underfoot to the breathtaking frescoes overhead. The cathedral is also home to two of Caravaggio’s most iconic works – The Beheading of St. John the Baptist and St. Jerome Writing – both painted while the Italian artist was living in Malta.

Take a mid-morning break the local way to sample pastizzi – a Maltese pastry usually filled with ricotta or peas. Traditionally eaten for breakfast and sold at pastizzerijas (pastizzi shops) across the country, it’s the perfect snack between historic sites.

Afternoon: Explore Ħaġar Qim and Victoria Citadel

After refuelling, make use of Malta’s cheap and easy bus system as you travel south to explore the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples – some of the oldest freestanding structures on Earth. Older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, these megalithic structures date back more than 5,000 years. Marvel at their perfectly aligned doorways, intricate stone carvings and mysterious altars that hint at long-lost rituals. After wandering the complex of temples, take a moment to soak up stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Later, return to Valletta and board a short ferry across to Gozo – Malta’s stunning island. Here, the fortified Cittadella of Victoria awaits. This magnificent hilltop complex has stood watch over the island for centuries. Wander the cobbled streets, admire panoramic island views from the city walls or explore one of the excellent museums, including the Cathedral Museum and the Museum of Archaeology.

Day 3

Full day: Private charter on the Mediterranean

After days spent soaking in Malta’s coastal beauty from the shore, today you will experience it from the water. Charter a private boat and set sail to discover the archipelago’s most iconic seascapes – from the impossibly clear waters of the Blue and Crystal Lagoons to the secluded shores of San Blas Bay, accessible only by boat or four-wheel drive.

A private charter gives you complete freedom to set your own pace – stop for a swim in quiet coves, snorkel over reefs teeming with life or simply lounge on deck with a glass of local wine in hand. For those eager to go deeper, Santa Maria Caves offer a mesmerising underwater world of gullies, caverns and swim-throughs – a playground for divers and snorkellers alike.

Back on deck, cruise towards a secluded beach for a picnic on golden sands. On Gozo’s northern coast, Ramla Bay is considered one of the country’s most pristine beaches, while Fomm ir-Riħ Bay on Malta’s west coast offers one of the archipelago’s most unforgettable sunsets. Unpack a picnic of local delicacies – perhaps some ftira (flatbread), ġbejniet (sheep’s cheese), sun-dried tomatoes and olives – and toast to your adventure with a bottle of Maltese wine as the sun dips below the horizon.

Day 4

Morning: Visit the Three Cities of Malta

It’s time to explore The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Step into a dgħajsa (traditional Maltese water taxi) and cross the harbour to Vittoriosa, the oldest of the three cities. Don’t forget to look back towards Valletta for stunning views of the sandstone-coloured old city.

Afternoon: Wine tasting and seafood lunch

Conclude your tour with a seafood lunch by the marina. For fresh-caught seafood with dazzling views, Enchanté in Senglea has both in spades, while Michelin-starred Terrone in Vittoriosa offers an exquisite daily menu that celebrates Mediterranean seafood and seasonal produce in equal measure.

After a leisurely lunch, it’s time to uncover one of Malta’s best-kept secrets: exquisite wine. Visit award-winning Marsovin Winery for an intimate tasting and tour of their 100-year-old operation. As the country’s largest and most prestigious winemaker, Marsovin is known for terroir-driven drops that effortlessly rival their French counterparts – without the price tag. Step into their historic cellars, originally built by the Knights of St. John, and enjoy a guided tasting of standout wines like Grand Maître, a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc blend, and Cassar de Malte, an elegant sparkling wine made using the traditional French method.

Spend your morning wandering the charming streets of these three historic cities, exploring the myriad of historically significant sites – from Fort St. Angelo at the northern tip of Vittoriosa to the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in the heart of Cospicua. Delve deeper into the local history with a visit to one of the fascinating museums, including the Malta Maritime Museum, Inquisitor’s Palace and Bir Mula Heritage Museum.

Day 5

Morning: Explore the City of Silence

On your final full day, head south to explore Mdina, the silent city of Malta. Once the nation’s capital, this tiny walled city is situated on a hilltop and boasts 4,000 years of history. Founded by the Phoenicians and later ruled by the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, Mdina has a history as storied as the archipelago itself. Spend a few hours wandering the enchanting streets, admiring Baroque architecture and soaking up the serene atmosphere – you’ll soon see the city’s moniker is a fitting one.

Stop for lunch in a historic courtyard restaurant where you can indulge in a gourmet meal at a fraction of the cost you will find in cities like Rome or Barcelona. Arguably, the most picturesque setting for a long lunch is The Medina Restaurant, located in an original Norman residence just off Mdina’s main square. Choose a table in the gorgeous internal courtyard and embark on a culinary journey through Malta’s rich history.

Evening: Sunset and dinner in a grand palazzo

Post-lunch, take the local bus from Mdina to the jaw-dropping Dingli Cliffs for an incredible view of the sunset. Choose a bench seat along the two-kilometre stretch of limestone cliff or join fellow spectators at the popular viewpoint near St. Mary Magdalene Chapel.

After a breathtaking sunset, your final dining experience awaits at Luna Restaurant in Naxxar. Set in the spectacular Palazzo Parisio, an 18th-century palazzo with breathtaking interiors and perfectly manicured gardens, a meal at Luna is the perfect end to your Maltese escape. Indulge in seasonal dishes inspired by Malta and the onsite kitchen garden, ranging from delicate flans and exquisite vegetable soups to hearty ragus and freshly caught seafood.

Feature image: Blue Lagoon, Malta. Source: Visit Malta.