Day Trips from Valletta

How to choose the right day trip

The best day trip is the one that matches your energy. Valletta itself is walk-heavy, so your day trip should complement, not compete. Choose one: harbor history, quiet medieval streets, coastline, or a full island day.

If you’re staying only two nights, keep day trips short. If you have three nights or more, one bigger day can be a highlight.

Closest: the Three Cities (harbour history without effort)

The Three Cities across the Grand Harbour are the easiest ‘day trip’ from Valletta. A ferry ride gives you a quick change of scene, historic waterfront promenades, and a different viewpoint back toward Valletta.

It’s ideal if you want depth without committing to long travel time.

• Best for: short detour, history atmosphere, waterfront walks
• Time needed: half day or a long afternoon

Storybook: Mdina & Rabat

If you want a strong contrast, Mdina and Rabat can feel like stepping into another era. Narrow streets, quieter mood, and a different kind of Maltese history.

Plan to return to Valletta for sunset—the city is at its best in the evening.

• Best for: calm, history, photography
• Tip: go earlier to avoid peak visitor clusters

Sea colour day: Blue Lagoon (Comino)

If your dream day is ‘swim in impossible turquoise’, the Blue Lagoon is the headline. The key is timing: go early, swim first, and keep the rest of the day flexible so you’re not fighting peak crowds.

If the lagoon feels too intense at midday, treat Comino as more than one swim spot: short walks and viewpoints can change the vibe completely.

• Best for: a pure swim day and bright water colour
• Strategy: early arrival, then decide whether to stay or explore

South coast: Marsaxlokk + Blue Grotto

For a day that feels ‘seaside Malta’ without a full island transfer, the south is a strong choice. Marsaxlokk gives you harbour colour and a long lunch rhythm. Blue Grotto gives you coastline drama and water colour in a short, high-impact visit.

You don’t need to do both in one day. Choose the one that matches your mood: village and food, or caves and coastline.

• Best for: a slower day with a strong lunch anchor
• Tip: keep it to one main stop + one small add‑on to avoid rushing

Prehistory day: temples + the Hypogeum (book ahead)

If you want a ‘this is why Malta is unique’ day trip, go prehistoric. The megalithic temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum are among the island’s most distinctive experiences—but the Hypogeum, in particular, needs advance planning because tickets are limited.

Build the day around one major booked visit, then keep the rest light. You’ll enjoy it more—and you’ll still have energy for Valletta’s golden hour later.

• Best for: history lovers and travellers who want one truly special cultural day
• Strategy: book first, then build a calm itinerary around it

Coastal days (season-dependent)

A coastal day can be a perfect complement to Valletta’s stone-and-streets intensity. Choose beaches, cliff walks, or fishing villages based on the season, wind, and your vibe for the day.

Keep the plan simple: one coastal destination, one long lunch, then return. Malta’s best coastal days feel ‘slow’—not like you’re racing between bays.

• Northwest sand: Golden Bay & Għajn Tuffieħa for classic beach days
• South-coast swims: St Peter’s Pool / Għar Lapsi / Pretty Bay (more rocky, bring water shoes)
• Sunset: Dingli Cliffs if you want views more than swimming
• Tip: check weather/wind and plan transport realistically

Gozo: the bigger day

Gozo is the bigger day trip—more travel, more planning, and a different island mood. If you have the time and energy, it can be a highlight, but it’s not the ‘easy detour’ option.

If you do Gozo, consider making the next day in Valletta slower.

• Best for: a full-day adventure
• Tip: start early and plan your return timing