Valletta is a fabulous home base, both as a location in and of itself and as a jumping-off point for other Maltese adventures. We were lucky to spend a whole week in Malta, and while we were also working while we were there, the small size of the island made exploring really easy. Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s sights (we really recommend a weekend in Valletta, as 2 days is a great amount of time to see everything at a leisurely pace), try to book in some extra time for day trips!
In this guide, we’ll round up all the best day trips from Valletta, suitable for all sorts of interests and activity levels. You’re sure to find something you like here, if not many things!
Malta has quite a good public transit system. We primarily used buses and ferries to get around, and opted not to rent a car.
While you certainly can if you’d like to, we don’t think it’s necessary (despite what many travel blogs with affiliate links may be pushing.) We were just fine using the buses, which got us everywhere we needed to go. You can pay with cash or contactless on board the bus for a flat rate of 2,50€ per ride (no matter where you’re going.) You’re also able to transfer within 2 hours by showing the conductor your ticket– it has the end time stamped on it.
From Valletta, you’ll likely be transiting from the Valletta City Gate Bus Terminal, which is located just outside the entrance to the historic part of Valletta, near Triton’s Fountain.
The Best Day Trips from Valletta
Mdina
Mdina, often referred to as the “Silent City,” is a fortified medieval town located in the central part of Malta. With its narrow streets, historic architecture, and rich history, Mdina is beautiful and a lovely half-day trip.
The city is surrounded by high defensive walls and gates, including its main entrance at Vilhena Gate, primarily made of a swoony golden limestone. Mdina has a history that dates back over 4,000 years, making it one of Malta’s oldest inhabited locations, and served as Malta’s capital until the arrival of the Knights of St. John.
Game of Thrones fans will enjoy a visit to Mdina– it was the primary filming location for King’s Landing in the show’s first season. King Robert Baratheon’s arrival and Ned Stark’s investigation were shot here, while Fort Ricasoli (which is located near Valletta) was used to film the gate of the Red Keep.
Getting there from Valletta:
The most cost-effective way to travel from Valletta to Mdina is by bus. Bus routes 51, 52, 53, and 201 operate between Valletta and Mdina, starting and ending at the terminus in each city. The bus journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
While there, check out:
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in the 17th century, is one of the major landmarks in Mdina. Its Baroque interior is adorned with intricate decorations, marble, and paintings. The Mdina Cathedral Museum, located within the cathedral, showcases religious artifacts and historical exhibits.
- Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum: Palazzo Falson, a medieval palace turned museum, has great art, antiques, and artifacts from different eras.
- Vilhena Palace (National Museum of Natural History): Palazzo Vilhena, also known as the Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, is an elegant palace that houses a collection of art and artifacts, as well as the National Museum of Natural History, with exhibits on Malta’s flora and fauna.
- St. Paul’s Grotto: Visit St. Paul’s Grotto, traditionally believed to be the place where St. Paul took refuge during his time in Malta. Located just outside Mdina’s walls, the St. Paul’s Catacombs are an underground complex of interconnected burial chambers dating back to Roman times.
- St. Nicholas Collegiate Church: The St. Nicholas Collegiate Church dates back to medieval times and has beautiful frescoes and architecture.
- Carmelite Priory: The Carmelite Priory is a tranquil religious site with a peaceful garden.
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Sliema + St. Julian’s
Sliema and St. Julian’s are fun little towns along the northeastern coast of Malta, offering a mix of entertainment, shopping, dining, and beautiful sea views. Both are close to Valletta, and can be easily combined for a day trip or tacked on to other things you’re up to in Valletta.
Getting to Sliema from Valletta:
The main ferry operator connecting Valletta to Sliema is Valletta Ferry Services. Ferries typically run throughout the day, with frequent departures, and the journey takes less than 10 minutes. The ferry will arrive at the Sliema Ferries terminal, which is located near the Sliema promenade.
Getting from Sliema to St. Julian’s:
The most common and cost-effective way to travel between Sliema and St. Julian’s is by bus. Bus routes 13, 14, and 16 operate between Sliema and St. Julian’s. In Sliema, you can catch the bus from various stops along the Sliema Ferries area or along the Sliema promenade.
In St. Julian’s, the buses stop at various locations, including Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay. The journey from Sliema to St. Julian’s takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
If you’re wanting to stretch your legs… Sliema and St. Julian’s are neighboring towns, and you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the waterfront promenade to reach St. Julian’s, which takes about the same amount of time as the bus.
Getting from St. Julian’s back to Valletta:
If you’re keen to keep walking, it’s about an hour’s walk back to Valletta, or you can walk back to Sliema and take the ferry back to Valletta. Alternatively, bus routes 13, 14, and 16 operate between St. Julian’s and Valletta, with a terminus at the Valletta Bus Terminal. The bus journey from St. Julian’s to Valletta takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Sliema is a bustling little town overlooking Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour. Sliema is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike for its picturesque seaside promenade (called the Promenade Walk) that stretches along the coastline. It’s a popular spot for leisurely walks, jogging, and enjoying views of Valletta and the Mediterranean Sea. Sliema is a shopping haven with various commercial areas, including The Point Shopping Mall, Tigne Point, and numerous boutique shops along Tower Road. You can also check out Fort Tigné, a historic fortress that now houses a shopping center and offers panoramic views of the harbor. Connected to Sliema by a bridge, Manoel Island and the neighboring town of Gzira offer additional attractions, including gardens, historic sites, and waterfront dining options.
St. Julian’s is a lively place known for its hopping nightlife and beautiful coastal areas. It is a hub for tourism, offering a mix of modern amenities, historic sites, and recreational activities. If you’re seeking party options, Paceville is the bustling nightlife district of St. Julian’s, known for its numerous bars and nightclubs. For something more laid-back, check out Spinola Bay, a charming harbor with colorful boats, waterside cafes, and a more relaxed ambiance. Spinola Palace, a historic building overlooking the bay, is the residence of the Maltese Prime Minister. Balluta Bay is another scenic inlet with a charming promenade, seaside cafes, and views of historic architecture, while St. George’s Bay is a popular sandy beach offering opportunities for swimming, water sports, and sunbathing at its beach clubs.
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a cute fishing town complete with small boats bobbing in the harbor and fishermen at work. One of the most iconic features of Marsaxlokk is its colorful fishing boats, known as luzzu. These traditional wooden boats are painted in bright colors and often feature a pair of eyes on the bow, a symbol believed to bring good luck and protect against evil.
Full disclosure, we didn’t love Marsaxlokk. It’s often the most-recommended place to visit, so perhaps our expectations were too high. We found it absolutely (unbearably) packed and the Sunday “local market” to be anything but local. We did enjoy a delicious seafood platter at Roots along the waterfront, and the boats are also beautiful to look at. But perhaps skip the Sunday market and visit on a calmer day.
Getting there from Valletta:
Again, the most cost-effective way to travel from Valletta to Marsaxlokk is by bus. Bus route 81 operates between Valletta and Marsaxlokk, starting and ending at the terminus in each city. The bus journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes and was absolutely packed to the gills.
After checking out the market(s), stroll along the picturesque Marsaxlokk Waterfront, lined with seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and cafes. In particular, Marsaxlokk is a great place to try local dishes like lampuki (dorado) and fenkata (rabbit stew) and super-fresh seafood with a view of the harbor. The parish church, dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii, is a notable landmark in the village best-known for its dome.
While not quite in Marsaxlokk proper, nearby St. Peter’s Pool is a beautiful natural swimming pool surrounded by limestone rocks– great for a swim! If it’s too cold for swimming, most luzzu boat rides pass through here.
The Three Cities
The Three Cities are a collective term for three historic cities located on the eastern side of the Grand Harbour: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua (or Birgu, Isla, and Bormla in Maltese.) Each city has a rich history, characterized by maritime heritage, fortifications, and significant events. They are also known as the Cottonera, in honor of Grandmaster Cottoner, who built their inland defenses, known as the Cottonera Line. We loved this day trip and super recommend it!
Just a stone’s throw from Valletta and accessible via a quick ferry ride, you can walk between the 3 easily.
Getting there from Valletta:
It’s super easy– you just need to get across the Grand Harbour!
- Head to the Valletta Waterfront, located on the southern side of Valletta, near the lower part of the city.
- Choose your ferry operator: as of our early-2024 visit, there seem to be two main ferry operators that connect Valletta to the Three Cities, Valletta Ferry Services and Malta Water Taxis.
- Pay your round-trip fare, and disembark at the designated terminal in Vittoriosa (Birgu).
Vittoriosa (Birgu) is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Malta, dating back to medieval times. It played a crucial role during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The city is known for its well-preserved fortifications, including Fort St. Angelo, a medieval fortress that has served various military orders and played a strategic role in Malta’s history.
While there, explore Fort St. Angelo, the medieval fortress overlooking the Grand Harbour, and accompanying Malta at War Museum. The Vittoriosa Maritime Museum is a great way to learn about Malta’s maritime history. One of the best things to do is to stroll along the Birgu Waterfront, lined with charming marinas, waterfront restaurants, and historic buildings. St. Lawrence’s Church is a Baroque masterpiece with a stunning interior, and the Inquisitor’s Palace showcases the history of the Inquisition in Malta. The Birgu Market, called the Is-Suq Tal-Belt, is a great place to find local produce, crafts, and traditional Maltese products.
Senglea (Isla) is renowned for its massive defensive walls, bastions, and watchtowers. The city’s fortifications played a vital role during the Siege of Malta as well. The tip of Senglea (Senglea Point) offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, Valletta, and the surrounding areas. It’s a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, as is the Senglea Waterfront. Be sure to relax for a bit in the Senglea Gardens and St. Philip’s Garden, both offering a peaceful escape with greenery and benches. Senglea Basilica (St. Julian’s Church) and Our Lady of Victories Church also have lovely Baroque architecture and beautiful paintings.
Cospicua (Bormla) is known for its waterfront area, Dockyard Creek, which served as a significant naval base during the time of the Knights of St. John, as well as St. Helen’s Gate, the ornate Baroque entrance to the city. As you explore the Cospicua Waterfront, keep an eye out for historic buildings like Villa Bighi, once a naval hospital. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, known for its beautiful dome and artistic decorations, is also worth a visit.
Gozo Island
Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago and Malta Island’s “sister island.” Characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and a rugged coastline, the island’s landscape is dotted with traditional farmhouses, churches, and picturesque villages– wonderfully quaint and a nice escape from more touristy places.
Gozo is best-known for the “Azure Window,” a beautiful natural limestone arch formation on the island’s coast. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2017, but despite the loss of the Azure Window, the Dwejra Bay remains a stunning coastal area with unique geological formations, including the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock.
Getting to Gozo from Valletta:
Getting from Valletta to Gozo can be done by land + ferry or by fast ferry. The “long way”: first take a bus from Valletta to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (located on the northern tip of Malta) via bus routes 41, 42, 44, and 101. From there, board the ferry from Cirkewwa to Mgarr, Gozo. The bus journey from Valletta to Cirkewwa takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and then the ferry takes 20-30 minutes.
Never fear… you can also take the Gozo Fast Ferry, which gets from Valletta to Gozo in 45 minutes and departs on the hour.
While in Gozo, there are a few options to check out depending on your interests:
- The Cittadella, a fortified city in the heart of Victoria (Gozo’s capital): Dating back to the medieval period and offers panoramic views of the island, it features a really great museum, the Cathedral of the Assumption, and old prisons.
- You can also visit It-Tokk, the Victoria Market, for local goodies.
- The Ggantija Temples, dating back to around 3600 BC: These ancient megalithic temples are among the oldest freestanding structures in the world, predating the pyramids of Egypt. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site and provide insight into Gozo’s prehistoric past.
- The village of Nadur: known for its scenic landscapes, traditional architecture, and the Ta’ Kenuna Tower.
- The village of Gharb and the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary and the Folklore Museum. The Ta’ Pinu Basilica is a gorgeous national shrine in a serene setting.
- Xaghra, the Grotto of Calypso, and Xerri’s Grotto.
If you’d like to stay a bit longer than a day, there are a few options to check out:
- Marsalforn is one of Gozo’s main fishing villages and a popular seaside resort.
- Another charming coastal village, Xlendi Bay is known for its scenic surroundings, cliffs, and clear waters. It’s a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, and dining by the sea.
- Ramla Bay is Gozo’s largest sandy beach, known for its unique golden-reddish sand. The bay is surrounded by rich countryside and historical sites, including Calypso’s Cave.
While in Gozo, be sure to check out local Gozitan cuisine, including ftira (traditional bread), fresh seafood, and local specialties like Gozitan cheese and pastries.
Bonus: Popeye's Village
One of Malta’s… quirkier attractions, Popeye’s Village is quite a treat if you have time to check it out. While not a “must” per se, Popeye Village is nonetheless a unique and whimsical experience.
Also known as Sweethaven Village, Popeye Village is located in Anchor Bay, on the northwestern coast of Malta, near the town of Mellieha. The village was originally constructed as a film set for the 1980 musical film “Popeye,” starring Robin Williams. The set was built as a quaint and whimsical village to represent Sweethaven, the fictional hometown of Popeye the Sailor.
How to get there from Valletta:
It takes about 45 minutes to drive there if you do have a car, but it is also accessible by bus– it just takes a bit more time! If opting for the bus, you can take bus 41 or 42 to Mellieha. You can get off in Skrajda and walk about 20 minutes to the entrance, or you can transfer in Mellieha or Ghadira to the 101 bus, which drops you off right in front of the entrance.
The “village” has kept the film set, featuring colorful wooden structures, narrow streets, and whimsical buildings. You can visit Popeye’s House, decorated in a jaunty nautical theme, as well as a small museum about the making of the film, showcasing memorabilia, behind-the-scenes photos, and other things.
Be sure to pin our guides for later by clicking on the photos below!
