A little Mediterranean treasure, Malta is an island of fascinating cultural diversity. With its rich maritime history and strategic position, Malta has evolved by integrating different cultures into its territory. The result is a fascinating island, where historic buildings share the land with magnificent nature. Follow the Petit Futé to discover the best things to do and see in Malta in 3 days!
Day 1: What to do in Malta in 3 days? Valletta and the Three Cities
Your escapade in Malta begins with its capital: Valletta. After that, it's on to the Three Cities!
What to book: Visit Valletta's main sights and discover its hidden treasures by booking this 3-hour guided walking tour of Malta's capital.
Morning: Valletta, capital of Malta
Gone are the big, gray, soulless buildings of the big cities! In Valletta, ochre facades with colorful balconies replace dreary concrete. Step by step, you'll come across several must-sees in Valletta, including:
- The Palace of the Grand Masters: built in 1572, it now houses the Chamber of Deputies and the presidential office. The Palace is open to visitors, including its weapons museum.
- Casa Rocca Piccola: 50 rooms open to the public, opening up a part of Maltese history, including the underground passageways used as shelters during the Second World War.
- Fort Saint-Elme: a witness to Maltese battles, with a museum retracing the island's military history, from the knights to the Second World War
- Upper Barrakka Gardens: romantic and exotic, these gardens offer a magnificent view of Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
From the gardens, an elevator takes you to the Waterfront quays, once reserved for the Knights' ships. Are you interested in history? Then head for the National Museum of Archaeology to delve into prehistoric Maltese history!
Petit Futé tip: every Monday and Wednesday, you can book a tour of Valletta in French.
Afternoon: The Three Cities
Also at the foot of the Barrakka elevator, take the ferry to the Three Cities: Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Founded by the Knights of the Order of Malta, they were once a military stronghold and refuge. So, what's there to see during your 3 days in Malta?
À Sengleait's impossible to miss Fort Saint-Michel, built in the 16th century. Dominating the town, it plunges you into the world of the Knights of Malta. Stroll through the narrow streets of the town center, lined with colorful balconies and 100% Maltese charm!
Then it's on to Vittoriosa, famous for having been the scene of the Great Siege of 1565. Its Fort Saint-Ange bears witness to its strategic importance. Magnificent, fascinating: a real favorite!
Finally, there's Cospicua, which is larger and more recent than its sister cities. From the heights, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Grand Port: get out your cameras!
Good to know: to visit the Three Cities, you can reach Senglea by bus and explore on foot, or opt for a guided tour with transport included by booking right here.
Day 2: What to do in Malta in 3 days? Mdina, Golden Bay Beaches, Cliffs
After a good breakfast of bread pudding or traditional hot rolls, we get ready for a day full of surprises.
To book: Short on time? We recommend this guided tour of Malta's most interesting places, including the medieval town of Mdina, the catacombs of Saint Cataldus, the rotunda of Mosta, the botanical gardens of San Anton...
Morning: Mdina
Perched on a hill, Mdina is one of Europe's best-preserved fortified towns. Former capital of Malta until 1530, it owes its astonishing layout to the Arab influence: winding streets, peaceful atmosphere, a promising visit! Entering through the gates of Mdina, you'll find the Palais Vilhena. This imposing Baroque edifice houses the Museum of Natural History. Further afield, you can also visit Palazzo Falson, a beautifully preserved medieval residence. In short, from the ramparts offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area to the craft stores, especially those specializing in blown glass, your day is off to a magnificent start!
The article to read: The most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean
Afternoon: Dingli cliffs and Golden Bay beaches
Time for nature! The afternoon begins with a digestive stroll along the dingli cliffsin south-west Malta. Get ready for a spectacular panorama of the Mediterranean Sea! It's also possible to save this visit for the end of the day, as this 250-metre-high natural bastion is also an ideal place to admire the sunset. During the day, you can take advantage of the hiking trails that lead you to the Grotte Bleue.
Good to know: You can reach Golden Bay by bus, line 44, from Valletta. Boat trips are also available, giving you a new perspective on the cliffs. If you're tempted, this boat cruise will take you to some of Malta's most beautiful bays.
With the family or as a couple, we then head for Golden Bay, some 15 km away, whose vast expanse of golden sand is one of the few fine sandy beaches in Malta. Great for children, but beware: it's a very touristy place! If you prefer wilder beaches, it's best to head for the more unspoilt Ghajn Tuffieha.
The article to read: 5 things to remember before a family vacation in Malta in 2025
Day 3: What to do in Malta in 3 days? Visit Gozo, Malta's little sister
Gozo is one of the must-sees in Malta in 3 days! Not too tempted? Then you can also spend your last day at Comino's Blue Lagoon - you won't regret it!
The most popular option : we recommend this one-day jeep tour of Gozo, including lunch and boat trip, departing from Malta.
Morning: Rabat, Xaghra and Ta'Pinu Basilica
Start your day by taking the ferry from Cirkewwa in Malta to the port of Mgarr in Gozo. The journey takes around 20 minutes, perfect timing for a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. Once you've arrived, head for Victoria, also known as Rabat, Gozo's capital. Known for its Roman and Christian remains, you can visit the Catacombs of St. Paul, an underground network dating back to the 3rd century. Others may prefer to visit the Museum of Roman Antiquities, rich in the remains of the ancient Roman city.
After this historic visit, head for Xaghra to visit the Ggantija temples. These are megalithic structures, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the oldest in the world (between 3,600 and 3,200 BC!).
Before lunch, we invite you to make a short stop at the Ta'Pinu basilica, located near the village of Gharb. Majestic and imposing, it can be seen from afar thanks to its campanile. The exterior is also a thing of beauty.
Afternoon: Dwerja, Marsalforn and Xlendi
Have you got a little time left before you fly back to France? Then head to the island's north-west coast to explore the region of Dwejra. Although the Azure Window, a well-known natural arch, collapsed in 2017, the area remains interesting to visit. In particular, we invite you to visit the Inland Sea, a lagoon connected to the sea by a natural tunnel, or the islet Fungus Rock. A stroll along the cliffs is also the perfect way to get a breath of fresh air and recharge your batteries!
The day continues on to Marsalforn, a popular local seaside resort. We're not promising you peace and quiet, but salt marshes that stretch for around three kilometers along the coast!
The pretty fishing village of Xlendi, to the south-west of Gozo, is the perfect conclusion to your weekend trip to Malta. The town itself, fairly modern and adapted to tourism, is nothing exceptional. The bay, on the other hand, is simply magnificent!
Good to know: Xlendi is a popular spot for scuba diving. Enjoy!
Where to stay in Malta for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Malta is an ideal destination for a cheap weekend break, not far from France. Even the finest hotels are affordable. Do you like the sea? A hotel near Valletta or Dingli will be ideal! For a more central location, the Mdina and Rabat areas are perfect.
- The best value for money
For a very reasonable price, the AX The palace hotel welcomes you into its cocoon of softness. You'll enjoy a warm welcome, a royal breakfast, an infinity pool, a gym and sea views! Book here for this beautiful Maltese hotel with comfortable rooms.
- The coziest
TheHotel Juliani, on the seafront, is a delight to stay in. The rooms and common areas are modern and elegant, as are the bedrooms. Click here to book your cheap hotel in Malta.
- The most complete
With its low-cost rooms, theAX Odycy is a top address in Malta. Restaurants, sky bar, heated swimming pool and Jacuzzis complete your stay in this welcoming hotel, book here.
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