7-Day Malta Itinerary: A Local Guide to Malta & Gozo

Malita Boat Charters
Mar 14
5 min read

Updated: Mar 24

If you're planning a trip to Malta and Gozo, this local guide will help you discover some of the best places to visit in the Maltese Islands.

I’ve lived here all my life. Being half Maltese and half Gozitan, I’ve spent countless summers exploring hidden coves, village festas, cliffside sunsets and seaside restaurants.

This isn’t a rigid one week itinerary for Malta. Instead, it’s a flexible guide to the best things to do in Malta and Gozo, so you can explore the islands at your own pace.

Most visitors stay around one week in Malta during summer, which is the perfect amount of time to combine beaches, historic towns, island trips and local traditions.

Here is a list of some experiences you shouldn’t miss and a ready made map of all the must see spots in Malta.

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⭐ Recommended Experience - Explore Malta by Boat

One of the best ways to experience Malta is by boat.

Many of the most beautiful places — sea caves, lagoons and hidden beaches — are only accessible from the water.

With a private boat charter you can visit:

Blue Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon
Santa Maria Caves
Hidden caves around Comino
Secret swimming spots along the coast

⭐ Malita Boat Charters offer great private boat charters.

For a full description of their routes and trips visit:

www.malitaboatcharters.com

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Spend a Day (or Night) in Gozo

Gozo has a completely different atmosphere from Malta. Life moves slower, the countryside is greener and traditions are still deeply rooted.

If you're visiting Malta for a week, I strongly recommend spending at least one night in Gozo rather than only visiting for the day.

Staying in a rustic farmhouse or boutique hotel is one of the most authentic ways to experience the island.

Places to visit in Gozo

Xewkija Rotunda – famous for its enormous dome, one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.
Dwejra – explore the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. After swimming, don’t miss the soft-serve ice-cream sold nearby.
Cittadella (Victoria) – the old fortified heart of Gozo with beautiful panoramic views across the island.

Where to eat by the sea

Marsalforn
Qbajjar

Both are great for a relaxed lunch or dinner by the water.

If you’re looking for a beach day, head to Ramla Bay, one of the most famous beaches in Gozo.

📍 Local Tip

Ramla is ideal for a classic beach day in Gozo. Those feeling more adventurous can explore neighbouring hidden coves on foot along the coastline for quieter swimming spots.

End the day in Xlendi, one of the best places on the island for sunset, dinner and ice-cream by the water.

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Interactive map of the itinerary:

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Experience a Traditional Maltese Village Festa

If you’re visiting Malta during summer, chances are there will be a village festa somewhere on the islands.

These celebrations honour the patron saint of each town and are one of the most vibrant traditions in Maltese culture.

During summer weekends, villages come alive with:

brass band marches
colourful street decorations
spectacular fireworks displays
food stalls selling traditional sweets

Experiencing a Maltese festa is one of the most unique cultural experiences in Malta.

Here are some notable village feasts during the summer months.

June

21 June – St John the Baptist, Xewkija (Gozo)

29 June – St Peter & St Paul, Nadur (Gozo)

July

6 July – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta

13 July – Our Lady of the Lily, Mqabba

16 July – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Żurrieq

20 July – St George, Victoria (Gozo)

27 July – St Joseph, Kalkara

August

2 Aug – St Joseph, Qala (Gozo)

9 Aug – St Lawrence, San Lawrenz (Gozo)

10 Aug – St Lawrence, Birgu

15 Aug – Santa Marija (Assumption) celebrated in Mosta, Għaxaq, Gudja, Mqabba and Victoria (Gozo)

24 Aug – St Bartholomew, Għargħur

September

8 Sept – Nativity of Our Lady celebrated in Naxxar, Mellieħa, Senglea and Xagħra (Gozo)

There are dozens of village festas across Malta every summer weekend, so it’s always worth checking if one is happening during your stay.

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Beach Hopping Around Malta

One of the best things to do in Malta is simply renting a car and beach hopping.

The island is small, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Malta are located close to each other.

Best beaches in Malta

Golden Bay
Riviera Bay
Gnejna Bay

These three beaches are located on Malta’s scenic west coast and are perfect for a full beach day.

📍 Local Tip

At Riviera Bay, there’s a beach bar where you can stop for a cheeky cocktail while enjoying the view over one of Malta’s most scenic bays.

South Malta swimming spots

Wied iż-Żurrieq – where you can take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto sea caves
Għar Lapsi

Hidden gems in Malta

Kalanka Bay
St Peter’s Pool
St Thomas Bay

⭐ Doing this by boat offers a less hectic experience and opportunity to visit more secluded spots. Book your adventure with Malita Boat Charters.

Book Now

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Explore Malta’s Historic Cities

Malta has over 7,000 years of history, making it one of the most historically rich destinations in the Mediterranean.

Historic Towns

Valletta – the baroque capital built by the Knights of St John.
Mdina – the “Silent City”, a medieval walled town with narrow streets and stunning views.
Birgu (Vittoriosa) – one of the oldest harbour cities in Malta.

Ancient temples in Malta

Ħaġar Qim
Mnajdra
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

📍 Local Tip

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum can also be a great escape from the summer heat, since this prehistoric temple complex is located underground and remains naturally cool year-round.

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