10-day tour of Malta & Gozo | From Valletta to the Blue Lagoon and Mdina

Day 1: Departure for Valletta

On the first day, you’ll explore Malta’s capital, Valletta. The city is relatively small, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with 16th-century Baroque buildings. You’ll spend the night in Valletta itself or in nearby Senglea.

Day 2: The three fortified settlements

These fortified settlements are also known as the Three Cities. They consist of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. Vittoriosa has existed since the Middle Ages, whilst the other two were only founded in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Order of St John. These towns are less crowded than the capital and offer a wonderful glimpse of authentic Maltese life and the island’s maritime past.

Day 3: the southern part of Malta

Today you’ll pass by historic sites such as the Hypogeum, an underground burial site, and the Tarxien Temples. Marsaxlokk, a dazzling fishing village with its typical colourful boats, is also a must-see. Be sure to visit the local fish market here. Another absolute highlight of Malta that you’ll pass by is the Blue Grotto. If you’re a fan of smaller towns with a rich history, round off your day with a visit to Siġġiewi.

Day 4: Mosta, Rabat and Mdina

First, head to Mosta, one of Malta’s busier towns. Yet this town, known for its cathedral among other things, is certainly worth a visit. Continue on to Rabat & Mdina. Rabat is best known for its catacombs. Meanwhile, Mdina, the Silent City, is Malta’s former capital and is brimming with Baroque gems, ancient fortification walls and bastions.

Day 5: Northern Malta

You’ll pass megalithic temples such as Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat, and the Victoria Line, sometimes known as the Great Wall of Malta. At Ġnejna Bay, you can relax by the water. Continue your journey to Popeye Village, a collection of wooden cottages originally built as a film set for the musical Popeye. Today, it is a popular attraction and a sort of theme park with shows, museums and attractions that are great fun for children. You’ll finish your trip in Ċirkewwa, the northernmost point of the island. Here you can dive off the cliffs or swim in caves and shipwrecks. If you’d rather relax, visit Paradise Bay beach, one of Malta’s few sandy beaches.

Days 6–7: Gozo

Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa on Malta to Gozo, arriving in Mġarr. This is Gozo’s largest fishing port and has a popular marina. Continue on to Gozo’s capital, Victoria. Don’t forget to visit Dwejra Bay with its stunning rock formations and the Blue Hole, which is very popular with divers. The Inland Sea is also well worth a visit; it’s a lagoon filled with seawater that’s perfect for diving. Other highlights include Gozo’s salt pans, which are still used in the same way as they were over 300 years ago, and Ramla Beach.

Day 8: Comino

Take the ferry from Mġarr to the island of Comino. This island has just three permanent residents and is a protected nature reserve. You are not allowed to drive there and must explore everything on foot. You can easily explore it in a single day. One of the main attractions is the Blue Lagoon, a sandy bay with crystal-clear water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also swim from here to the nearby uninhabited island of Cominotto. In the evening, you return to Malta where you spend the night in Senglea or Valletta.

Day 9: Mellieha and Saint Paul’s Bay

In Mellieha, alongside the parish church, you’ll find the former watchtowers of Ghajn Hadid, the Redin Towers and Fort Campbell – the last fort built by the British. In Saint Paul’s Bay in the north of the island, you’ll find, amongst other things, a historic watchtower that has graced the bay since 1610.

Day 10: Back home

Your adventure is over and you’re heading back home. Would you like to extend your stay a little longer? Caractère is happy to help.

Investment for these unforgettable memories

Prices start from 4,500 euros. This is a price guide for two people based on a standard room including breakfast, flights and a hire car during the high season. The exact price of your tour depends on a number of factors, including the time of year you travel, when you book your trip, your choice of hotels, the duration of your trip... In any case, this guide gives you an idea of the budget required for this trip.

Frequently asked questions about this Malta & Gozo tour

What is the best time of year for a holiday in Malta and Gozo?

The ideal time to visit Malta is from April to June and from September to October, when temperatures are pleasant for city visits and walks. During these months, you avoid the extreme summer heat, whilst the sea is still warm enough for a dip in the Blue Lagoon or the Blue Hole on Gozo.

Do I need a hire car to explore Malta and the archipelago?

Yes, a hire car is strongly recommended to easily reach the remote temples, hidden bays such as Ġnejna and the Victoria Line. Although public transport is available, a car offers you the freedom to venture off the beaten track and travel efficiently between Malta and Gozo via the ferry.

What makes this 10-day tour of Malta unique?

This trip offers a perfect balance between the 7,000-year-old history of the megalithic temples and the natural beauty of the islands of Comino and Gozo. You’ll discover both the Baroque grandeur of Valletta and the serene tranquillity of the ‘Silent City’ Mdina, ensuring a highly varied experience.