Visit Malta in 3 Days Checklist

Three days, two nights, two islands and endless Mediterranean charm! From exploring historic Valletta and medieval Mdina to swimming in the turquoise Blue Lagoon and visiting the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, Malta is the perfect destination for a short getaway. With a well-planned itinerary, 3 days is all you may need to experience Malta’s highlights!

Think charming old towns, golden limestone buildings, beautiful coastlines, traditional fishing villages and water so blue that you will want to jump straight in! The best part? Malta is compact, making it possible to cover many of its highlights without spending hours travelling between attractions. Here is how I explored Malta in just 3 days and 2 nights.

Day 1: Valletta & Mdina — A Walk Through History
My journey started with a flight from Tunis, arriving in Malta around lunchtime. After a quick 20-minute ride to Sliema, where I based myself for two nights, it was time to start exploring. One of my favourite things about Malta is how easy it is to get around. Instead of taking a long road journey, I hopped on a ferry from Sliema to Valletta for just €3. The short ride offered lovely views of the harbour and the historic city skyline. Valletta was the perfect introduction.

I explored City Gate, walked along Republic Street, admired the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral and took a relaxing break at Upper Barrakka Gardens. The views overlooking the Grand Harbour were fantastic, with historic fortifications and boats scattered across the water.

Next, I headed to Mdina, the famous medieval walled city often associated with Malta’s quieter, more historic side. Walking through its narrow streets, passing old palaces and entering through the historic gates felt like stepping back in time. Mdina was especially enjoyable because it offered a different atmosphere from the busier streets of Valletta. It was peaceful, photogenic and full of character. I returned to Valletta in the evening to enjoy the harbour area before heading back to Sliema.

Travel tip: Stay in Sliema if you want convenient access to Valletta by ferry, with plenty of restaurants and accommodation options nearby.

Day 2: Gozo, Comino & The Famous Blue Lagoon

If Day 1 was about history, Day 2 was all about island life! I joined a full-day cruise and island tour covering Gozo and Comino — a great option for travellers who want to experience more of Malta without organising every transfer independently.

First up was Gozo, Malta’s sister island. The scenery was beautiful, and the island had a more relaxed feel. I explored the area around the Cittadella in Victoria, where historic walls and elevated viewpoints offered lovely views of the surrounding countryside. There was also time to enjoy lunch and experience a little of Gozo’s local atmosphere before continuing the adventure.

Then came the highlight: Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The turquoise water was absolutely stunning. The kind of blue that makes you wonder whether the photos have been edited! Depending on the conditions and your tour arrangements, you can swim, snorkel or simply enjoy the scenery from the boat. The cruise also offered views of the beautiful Santa Maria Caves, adding another scenic moment to the day. By early evening, I was back in Sliema — tired, but happy after a full day of exploring two islands.

Travel tip: If you only have three days in Malta, a combined Gozo and Comino excursion is one of the best ways to maximise your time. Book ahead, especially during the warmer months, and check how much time your tour allows for swimming and sightseeing.

Day 3: Blue Grotto, Prehistoric Temples & Marsaxlokk
My final morning was dedicated to Malta’s southern highlights. I joined a half-day tour covering Malta’s prehistoric heritage, limestone scenery and the famous Blue Grotto.

The Blue Grotto viewpoint was a must-see, with dramatic coastal cliffs and clear Mediterranean waters creating a beautiful natural landscape. If sea conditions permit, boat trips into the grotto offer another perspective of the coastline.
From there, the journey continued to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village known for its colourful luzzu fishing boats and relaxed waterfront atmosphere. This was a lovely place to slow down, enjoy a local lunch and take in a different side of Malta away from the main city streets.

Malta in 3 Days? Absolutely!
History, stunning coastlines, island hopping and delicious local food — Malta packs so much into such a small island nation. Three days may not cover everything, but it is more than enough for a fun-filled taste of its highlights. For me, Malta was a destination full of variety, where every day offered something different — from wandering through historic streets to enjoying crystal-clear waters and discovering charming coastal villages. Three days, countless memories. Small in size, big on experiences! 

Categories: Europe Region