3 Days in Malta: Where Golden Streets Meet Crystal Blue Seas
Mediterranean Travel Guide
3 Days in Malta: Where Golden Streets Meet Crystal Blue Seas
A dreamy Malta itinerary filled with Gozo quad adventures, the Blue Lagoon, snorkeling, Valletta’s golden streets, and slow Mediterranean moments.
Malta captured our hearts from the moment we arrived—a tiny Mediterranean island overflowing with turquoise waters, ancient cities, coastal charm, and unexpected adventures around every corner. What started as a quick island escape quickly became one of our most surprising trips, filled with scenic boat rides, hidden caves, historic streets, incredible food, and some of the friendliest hospitality we’ve experienced.
From riding quads through the rugged landscapes of Gozo and cruising past the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, to snorkeling in the Mediterranean and wandering through the golden streets of Valletta, Malta offered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Some moments pushed us outside our comfort zone, including one unforgettable windy boat ride, while others reminded us to slow down—like sunset views from our rooftop jacuzzi or long lunches overlooking the sparkling bays.
Plan Your Trip
Malta at a Glance
Everything to know before planning your own Malta getaway — where we stayed, how we explored, and the moments we’d recommend most.
Trip Map
Our Malta Itinerary Map
Save These Malta Stops
This map includes the main places from our Malta itinerary — our hotel in Sliema, favorite food stops, Gozo viewpoints, the Blue Lagoon, Valletta, and our final morning at the aquarium.
Day 1
Arriving in Malta & Exploring Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon
Arriving in Malta
Our Malta adventure began bright and early, touching down around 10 a.m. and immediately getting our first glimpse into the island’s unique culture. One of the first things we noticed was how widely English was spoken. Our driver explained that because Maltese can be such a challenging language to learn, English is taught throughout schools, making communication incredibly easy for visitors.
After a quick Uber ride, we arrived at Amery House to drop off our luggage since our room wasn’t quite ready. With time to spare and the beach only steps away, we wandered toward the water in search of our first Maltese meal. Surfside became our introduction to the island, where we settled in with ocean views, a fresh chicken salad, creamy burrata, and a few light drinks—the perfect way to ease into vacation mode.
Checking Into Amery House
Returning to the hotel, we finally checked into our room, and it completely exceeded expectations. The space was bright, airy, and welcoming, but the true highlight was waiting upstairs: our own private rooftop balcony complete with a jacuzzi. It was the perfect little escape tucked away above the streets of Malta.
After settling in, there was no time to waste because our first adventure was waiting—a tour exploring Gozo Island, the famous Blue Lagoon, and the breathtaking caves surrounding Comino Island. We boarded the boat and were instantly amazed by the impossibly clear shades of blue surrounding us. The water looked almost unreal, sparkling beneath the sun as we cruised past dramatic caves carved into the coastline. The Blue Lagoon was every bit as beautiful as the photos, with vibrant turquoise water that felt like something from a postcard.
“The Blue Lagoon was every bit as beautiful as the photos — impossibly clear, bright, and postcard-perfect.”
Exploring Gozo by Quad
Once we reached the harbor, the next part of our adventure began: exploring Gozo by quad. Riding through the island’s quiet back roads gave us a completely different perspective of Malta’s charm. Our first stop was the beautiful Parish Church of St. John the Baptist (Xewkija Rotunda) before continuing through scenic countryside roads and stopping at incredible viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.
We made our way to Xlendi Bay, where rugged cliffs met endless blue water, creating one of those peaceful travel moments you want to freeze in time. Lunch was included with the tour at Lion’s Den, and while it wasn’t the most memorable meal of the trip, it was decent, easy, and kept us fueled for the rest of the day.
Dwejra Bay, Ta’ Pinu & A Wild Ride Back
As the afternoon continued, we visited the famous Blue Hole viewpoint at Dwejra Bay just as sunset began painting the sky, making the already dramatic landscape even more beautiful. Our final stops included the stunning Ta’ Pinu National Shrine and a drive past the historic Gozo Salt Pans. By this point, however, the temperature had dropped significantly, and none of us were prepared for how cold the evening ride would become. Thankfully, a few of us managed to grab ponchos, which helped slightly against the wind.
By around 8:30 p.m., our adventure took an unexpected turn. Due to the strong winds, the original boat we arrived on was unable to take us back. The plan briefly shifted to joining the ferry, but when that also fell through, the decision was made to use a speedboat instead.
What followed was easily one of the wildest boat rides we’ve experienced. Between the freezing wind, splashing waves, and bouncing across the rough water, it was cold, wet, and honestly a little terrifying—especially for someone like me who already isn’t the biggest fan of boats. Thankfully, we made it safely back to the other side, slightly soaked but with another unforgettable travel story to add to the list.
After being dropped back at our hotel, we decided there was only one way to end such an eventful day: ordering pizza, getting cozy, and calling it a night. Malta had already given us crystal-clear waters, stunning landscapes, unexpected adventures, and a reminder that sometimes the most chaotic moments become the stories you remember most.
Malta Collection
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Day 2
Coastal Walks, Hidden Gems & Relaxing in St. Julian’s
A Slow Morning by the Sea
Our second morning in Malta started exactly how island mornings should—with a slow stroll toward the beach in search of breakfast. We landed at Il-Gabbana Café Bistro, a charming seaside café that felt like the perfect place to ease into the day. While the food didn’t completely wow us, it was still fresh and enjoyable. My avocado toast was exactly as described—crispy toast layered with avocado, tomato, and two perfectly poached eggs. William’s was a similar combination of eggs, avocado, and toast. Simple, light, and just enough to fuel a day of exploring.
With no strict plans ahead, we decided to simply wander and let Malta surprise us. It didn’t take long to realize just how walkable this part of the island truly was. Before we knew it, we found ourselves making our way toward Spinola Bay, and it instantly became one of our favorite unexpected discoveries.
“Some of our favorite Malta moments came from having no real plan and simply following the coastline.”
Walking Toward Spinola Bay
The entire stretch between St. George’s Bay and St. Julian’s Bay was alive with energy. Beautiful hotels lined the coast, restaurants spilled out toward the waterfront, lively bars welcomed visitors inside, and boutique shops filled the streets. We honestly hadn’t expected Malta to have this type of atmosphere—it almost felt like a mini Vegas by the sea, with something new waiting around every corner.
Eventually, our seaside wandering brought us to Peppi’s by the Sea, perfectly positioned along the waterfront with gorgeous views across the bay. The scenery alone was enough to convince us to stop, but the buy-one-get-one-free drinks definitely helped make the decision even easier—although we quickly learned those deals can be dangerous when you’re spending a relaxing afternoon by the water!
Lunch with Waterfront Views
We settled in with a spread of bruschetta, a fresh Greek salad, a flavorful chicken dish for me, and a hearty meat dish for William. Everything we tried was delicious, but what truly elevated the experience was the incredible service. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and made our afternoon feel even more special.
Between the sparkling waterfront views, refreshing drinks, and delicious food, Peppi’s became one of those unplanned stops that perfectly captures why we love traveling—the little moments you stumble upon often become some of the most memorable.
Ending the Day on the Rooftop
After a packed first day exploring Gozo and a relaxing afternoon wandering Malta’s coastline, we decided to fully embrace a slower evening. We headed back to Amery House, climbed into our private rooftop jacuzzi, and watched the sky soften as the sun began to set over Malta.
It was exactly the peaceful reset we needed—a quiet reminder that travel isn’t always about checking off every attraction. Sometimes, the best memories come from slowing down, soaking in the moment, and simply enjoying where you are.
Travel Experience Collection
Day 3
Mediterranean Waters, Valletta Streets & A Perfect Final Evening
Snorkeling in the Mediterranean
Our final full day in Malta began with one last adventure—this time beneath the surface of the Mediterranean. We grabbed an Uber and headed toward Xemxija for our snorkeling experience with ABC Diving Malta. As luck would have it, we were the only ones booked that morning, turning our group excursion into an unexpected private tour.
Our guide, originally from Britain, immediately made the experience even better with her welcoming personality, humor, and ability to put us completely at ease. Since May still brings slightly cooler sea temperatures, she helped us into wetsuits before we made our way to Mistra Bay to begin our underwater adventure.
The moment we stepped into the water, one thing became very clear—it was cold! Between the chilly temperature, rolling waves, and constant movement of the sea, it definitely took a few minutes to adjust. But once we settled in, the experience quickly became unforgettable.
Floating through the crystal-clear Mediterranean, discovering the world beneath the surface, and seeing Malta from a completely different perspective made every cold-water moment worth it. Our guide even recorded videos throughout the experience and sent them to us afterward, giving us the perfect keepsake from our morning.
“Malta felt like the perfect balance of adventure and slow Mediterranean moments.”
A Slow Lunch in Sliema
After snorkeling, hunger officially took over. We headed back toward Sliema to warm up, change, and search for lunch. We originally wandered over to The Point Shopping Mall, but quickly realized the dining options were limited. Luckily, just outside we stumbled upon Fratelli la Bufala Malta, and it ended up being exactly what we needed.
With beautiful weather on our side, we grabbed an outdoor table, ordered a bottle of wine, and settled in for a little Italian feast. We started with a fresh caprese salad before moving on to my rich black truffle pasta and, naturally, William’s pizza.
Everything exceeded our expectations—the flavors, the atmosphere, and especially the service. It became one of those completely unplanned restaurant finds that reminds us why leaving room for spontaneity while traveling is always worth it.
Golden Streets in Valletta
Since our final day was intentionally more relaxed, we knew we couldn’t leave Malta without visiting Valletta. A quick Bolt ride brought us into the heart of the capital, and within minutes, we understood why it’s considered one of Malta’s must-see destinations.
Valletta was bursting with life. Historic limestone buildings surrounded us, busy streets twisted in every direction, and there was so much happening that we barely knew where to look first. We wandered past the famous Triton Fountain, explored Jean de Valette Square, stopped by the Paul Boffa Monument, and simply enjoyed getting lost among the city’s beautiful streets.
Wanting to learn a little more about the history around us, we decided to hop onto a small golf cart tour we found for around $10. It only lasted about thirty minutes, but it was the perfect introduction to the city. Our guide shared stories, pointed out important landmarks, and helped bring Valletta’s history to life in a way we would have missed exploring alone.
Final Dinner at La Vida
After soaking up our final moments in Valletta, we returned to Sliema for one last dinner. Tucked away near our hotel, away from the busiest tourist areas, we found La Vida – Bar de Tapas. Since William loves tapas and being able to try a little bit of everything, it was the perfect choice.
And trying a little bit of everything is exactly what we did. Our table quickly filled with tacos, nachos, potatoes, chicken skewers, calamari, drinks, and plenty more. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and once again, the service was incredible.
What made the evening even better was the atmosphere. It felt less like a tourist-focused restaurant and more like a local neighborhood spot—the kind of hidden gem we always hope to discover while traveling.
With full stomachs and that familiar bittersweet feeling that comes at the end of a great trip, we walked back to our hotel for a few hours of sleep before our early flight home.
Malta Collection
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Day 4
One Last Malta Adventure Before Heading Home
A Thoughtful Goodbye from Amery House
Our final morning in Malta arrived, but we still had time for one last little adventure before saying goodbye. We packed our bags, checked out of Amery House, and were met with one final example of the incredible hospitality we had experienced throughout the trip.
To our surprise, the hotel informed us they were refunding part of our stay since we hadn’t used any of the included breakfasts during our visit. It was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture, and it perfectly summed up the kindness and level of service we continued to find all across Malta.
“Malta may be small in size, but the memories we made there were anything but.”
A Slow Final Stop at the Aquarium
With a few hours before our flight, we decided to make one final stop at the Malta National Aquarium. We were pleasantly surprised to discover several restaurants nearby, making it an ideal place to enjoy a slow breakfast before exploring.
After a few simpler breakfasts earlier in the trip, this one felt like the perfect little upgrade. I ordered eggs Benedict with a drink, while William stuck with his favorite combination of eggs and avocado. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and exactly the relaxing start we needed before a long travel day.
Reflecting on Our Malta Getaway
After breakfast, we wandered through the aquarium, taking our time exploring the colorful exhibits and watching the marine life. It wasn’t a huge, action-packed stop, but it was peaceful, enjoyable, and a wonderful way to spend our final few hours on the island.
As we made our way toward the airport, we couldn’t help but reflect on just how much Malta had given us in such a short visit. It was a destination that completely surprised us—in the best way possible.
From exploring Gozo’s rugged landscapes by quad and cruising through unbelievably blue waters, to relaxing along the bays of Sliema, discovering the energy of St. Julian’s, and wandering through the historic streets of Valletta, every day brought something new.
Malta blended adventure, relaxation, history, and incredible hospitality into one unforgettable Mediterranean escape. It may be small in size, but the memories we made there were anything but.
Travel Experience Collection
Trip Summary
Malta Adventure Recap
A curated look at the experiences, restaurants, and little moments that made our Malta getaway feel so memorable.
What We Did
Stayed at Amery House
Our cozy home base in Sliema with beautiful rooms, incredible hospitality, a private rooftop jacuzzi, and the perfect location for exploring Malta’s coastline.
View HotelExplored Gozo by Quad
An unforgettable island adventure through scenic backroads, coastal viewpoints, historic churches, the Blue Hole viewpoint, and Gozo’s rugged landscapes.
Explore GozoVisited the Blue Lagoon & Comino Caves
Crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic sea caves, and some of the most beautiful Mediterranean scenery we experienced during the trip.
Visit Blue LagoonSnorkeled at Mistra Bay
A private-feeling snorkeling experience with ABC Diving, exploring Malta’s underwater world and seeing the island from a completely different perspective.
Book SnorkelingDiscovered Valletta
Historic streets, stunning architecture, Triton Fountain, hidden corners, and a fun golf cart tour through Malta’s beautiful capital city.
Visit VallettaVisited Malta National Aquarium
A relaxing final morning surrounded by colorful marine exhibits before saying goodbye to our Mediterranean getaway.
View AquariumWhere We Ate
Surfside
Our first taste of Malta with beachfront views, refreshing drinks, burrata, fresh salads, and the perfect relaxed start after arriving.
View RestaurantPeppi’s by the Sea
A favorite surprise find with sparkling bay views, friendly service, delicious Mediterranean dishes, and dangerous buy-one-get-one drinks.
View RestaurantFratelli la Bufala Malta
An unexpected favorite featuring fresh caprese, rich black truffle pasta, pizza, wine, and some of the best service of the trip.
View RestaurantLa Vida – Bar de Tapas
The perfect final dinner with tacos, nachos, chicken skewers, calamari, drinks, and a cozy local atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
View RestaurantIl-Gabbana Café Bistro
A simple seaside breakfast stop with fresh avocado toast, poached eggs, coffee, and peaceful morning views along the waterfront.
View CaféMalta National Aquarium Breakfast
A surprisingly great final meal with eggs Benedict, avocado dishes, and a relaxing start before our flight home.
View AquariumTravel Tips
Tips for Planning Your Malta Trip
✈️ Flights & Transportation
- Use Bolt or Uber for easy transportation. Getting around Malta was incredibly simple, and rideshares were convenient for traveling between Sliema, Valletta, and different activities.
- Plan extra time for island transfers. Even though Malta is small, traffic and winding roads can make drives take longer than expected.
- Consider staying in Sliema or St. Julian’s. We loved being near restaurants, the waterfront, and walkable areas while still having easy access to tours.
🏝️ Gozo, Comino & Boat Tours
- Bring layers for boat days. Even when Malta feels warm, the wind on the water—especially during spring months—can make the ride surprisingly cold.
- Prepare for changing sea conditions. Weather can impact boat routes, ferries, and return transportation, so flexibility is key.
- Book a Gozo quad tour if you want adventure. Exploring backroads, viewpoints, churches, and hidden corners by quad was one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
🌊 Beaches & Outdoor Adventures
- Pack for cooler water outside summer. Our snorkeling tour was incredible, but the Mediterranean was still chilly in May—thankfully wetsuits helped.
- Don’t skip the water activities. Between snorkeling, sea caves, and the Blue Lagoon, some of Malta’s best views are experienced from the water.
- Bring a waterproof camera or phone case. The crystal-clear water is absolutely worth capturing, especially around Comino and snorkeling spots.
🏛️ Exploring Valletta & Coastal Towns
- Leave room for unplanned exploring. Some of our favorite discoveries came from simply walking through Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Spinola Bay without an itinerary.
- Consider a short guided tour in Valletta. The city is packed with history, and even our quick golf cart tour helped us appreciate the landmarks more.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Malta’s historic streets are beautiful but filled with hills, stairs, and uneven stone pathways.
🍽️ Food & Restaurants
- Don’t only stick to tourist areas. Some of our favorite meals came from unexpected finds and smaller local-feeling restaurants.
- Take advantage of waterfront dining. Malta has incredible restaurants overlooking the bays, making even a casual meal feel special.
- Make time to slow down. Whether it’s drinks by Spinola Bay or relaxing in a rooftop jacuzzi, Malta is best enjoyed when you balance adventure with downtime.
Malta Collection
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Malta Photo Diary
Favorite Moments from Malta
Final Thoughts
Would We Visit Malta Again?
“Malta was proof that the smallest islands can leave the biggest impressions.”
Malta completely surprised us in the best possible way. What started as a quick Mediterranean escape turned into a trip filled with crystal-clear waters, historic cities, unforgettable adventures, and some of the warmest hospitality we have experienced while traveling.
What made Malta so special was the balance it offered. One day we were riding quads through the rugged landscapes of Gozo and cruising past the bright blue waters of Comino, and the next we were wandering Valletta’s golden streets, enjoying waterfront meals, or relaxing in our rooftop jacuzzi.
Some of our favorite memories were actually the moments we never planned — finding hidden restaurants, getting lost along the coastline, and even surviving our freezing windy boat ride back from Gozo. Those unexpected adventures are usually the stories that stay with you the longest.
If Malta is on your travel list, our biggest advice is simple: go. Leave room to wander, embrace the surprises, and let this tiny Mediterranean island show you just how unforgettable it can be.
