Last Updated on 6 June 2022
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What to see in Malta in 5 days?
Located in the Mediterranean south of Sicily and east of Tunisia, Malta is another one of those countries I travelled to because I found some cheap flights (story of my life)! I had wanted to go for some time, mainly because the baroque capital city of Valletta caught my eye. When I found some bargain flights in the November of one year, it was too good of an opportunity to miss! But regardless of whether you decide to visit in the height of summer or a little off season, here is the perfect itinerary for 5 days in Malta plus how much it costs, so you can set your Malta travel budget!
Itinerary overview
St Julians, Malta – 5 days and 4 nights
Know before you go
Always check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting to see if you will need a Visa to enter, and that you have enough validity left on your passport.
Always have a good level of travel insurance for every international trip. This is a non-negotiable part of any trip abroad, as the unexpected can happen.
What is the best month to visit Malta?
June-September are the hottest months of the year in Malta. However, Malta has a Mediterranean climate meaning it is blessed with mild winters making it an option for a getaway year-round! I did this exact Malta travel itinerary across 5 days in November – the weather was mild and sunny through the day, with a bit of a chill in the air at night and an occasional evening shower!
Does Malta use the Euro?
Yes, the currency in Malta is the Euro (€) and it has been since 2008, before which it was the Maltese Lira.
Is St Julians nice in Malta?
For this 5 days in Malta itinerary, you will base yourself in St Julians. With an abundance of restaurants and bars, St Julians is a small but bustling resort town on the east coast of the island, making it the perfect base for any Malta itinerary. It is home to the charming Spinola Bay which has a population of traditional Maltese Luzzu fishing boats bobbing on its waters (the perfect photo opportunity). A short distance from Valletta, St Julians is a 20 minute drive to the capital, or around a 30 minute walk to the ferry terminal in Sliema which goes directly across the bay to Valletta in less than 10 minutes!
Tip: Consider booking a self-catering apartment so you can prepare your own breakfast (and other meals if you’d like) to save money on eating out! This is a top tip on how to travel cheap in Europe!
International departure – Day 1 of Malta itinerary
Arrive at Malta International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in St Julians by taxi. Settle in and go for a wander to get your bearings. Perhaps find the local supermarket to stock up on essentials for the next few days (you don’t have to hit the ground running on your first day, because this might tire you out for the rest of your trip). Then head out to have dinner nearby before relaxing after a busy day of travel with a cold Cisk (Maltese beer) in hand.
Tip: At the time of writing, taxis at Malta International Airport operate by fixed prices. You can purchase tickets at the taxi booth in the airport meaning you won’t be overcharged. For up to date prices, visit Malta International Airport website where these are detailed.
Sightseeing in St Julians – Day 2 of Malta itinerary
Spend day 2 of your 5 days in Malta doing some of the best things to do in St Julians. Begin by wandering the promenade around Spinola Bay, where you can admire the traditional and vibrant Maltese Luzzu fishing boats. Continue to the Carmelite Church (also known as Ballutta Parish Church) which clings to the edge of Ballutta Bay.
Then, stop at a place of your choice to enjoy a spot lunch with a view – there are an abundance of restaurants and bars which follow the curve of Spinola Bay, so pick one which you like the sound of. Tummy full, spend your afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach at St George’s Bay before heading across to Paceville to experience the electric nightlife in the evening (or, if you prefer, find a quiet restaurant to enjoy your evening meal).
A day trip to Valletta – Day 3 of Malta itinerary
Wander to Sliema and hop on the ferry across to Valletta. Spend day 3 of your Malta 5 day itinerary on your very own self-guided city tour, admiring the baroque architecture of the capital, and visiting the many gardens, statues, fountains, viewpoints, and historic buildings by foot (Valletta is one of the most walkable cities in Europe). Be sure to stop at Submarine for lunch, where you will sample (possibly) the best sandwich and ftira bread you’ve ever had. Check out this how to get from St Julians to Valletta guide for all the details and information you need to know every possible way to get to the city.
Tip: Valletta makes for a magical European Christmas city break, as it is dressed up with the most beautiful lights, so you should definitely consider visiting towards the end of the year!
Tip: Accommodation in Valletta can be more expensive than staying in the nearby towns of Sliema or St Julians. You can cut costs by staying in these areas and using the ferry to/from Valletta when you want to visit the city, like I did.
Visit Gozo and Comino – Day 4 of Malta itinerary
Set sail for an amazing day trip to Gozo and Comino with Sea Adventure Excursions. For a unique experience, be sure to head downstairs to the underwater windows on the boat to view the sea life below! Enjoy the crystal clear blue waters of the Blue Lagoon at Comino Island, before cruising across to historic Gozo. Be sure to visit the Citadel in Gozo before wandering Ir-Rabat (Victoria), taking time to enjoy its quaint streets and pretty church squares. Back on dry land, head to Shoreditch Bar and Kitchen in St Julians for the ultimate sugar-overload pancake experience (because who doesn’t love pancakes for dinner)!
Return home – Day 5 of Malta itinerary
Get all your belongings together and wave goodbye to St Julians, bound for Malta International Airport for your return flight home. If you’ve got time before your flight, head for breakfast somewhere pretty, or revisit some of the places you loved the most in St Julians for a final time. (note: if you need to make this into a 4 day itinerary for Malta, return home on the evening of day 4).
Tip: Return back to the airport using eCabs, which is the Maltese version of Uber.
Itinerary summary for 5 days in Malta
St Julians is a prime location to base yourself for this itinerary for Malta (or any short trip to the island), so you can enjoy a mix of sun, sea, city, sights and sand. The buzzing nightlife of Paceville might not be for everyone, but this is easily avoidable by spending time in the cosy area of Spinola Bay. Perhaps consider spending 5 days in Malta off peak for fewer people, cheaper prices, and beautiful Christmas decorations that illuminate the streets of Valletta (if you go towards the end of the year)!
Trip costs breakdown (per person)
International flights
Return flights from Bournemouth International Airport to Malta International Airport = £47.49pp
Airport parking
Bournemouth International Airport parking for trip duration = £15.30pp*
Airport transfers
Transfer from Malta International Airport to St Julians (one way via taxi) = approx. £9.10pp*
Transfer from St Julians to Malta International Airport (one way via eCabs) = approx. £5.68pp*
Accommodation
4 nights in an Apartment in St Julians = £62.30pp*
Total = £139.87 per person
for 5 days in St Julians, Malta
*The cost for anything marked with an asterisk is per person (pp) based on 2 people sharing.
Note: Price excludes the costs for travel insurance, spending money (tours, food, occasional taxis, drinks etc.), costs to travel to/from UK airport for international flights, and visas (if required). I don’t book accommodation based on star rating, and book purely based on reviews, location and value for money. All accommodation is private hotel rooms (I’m not a hostel type of girl, I like my privacy and home comforts) or apartments, and all flights are economy. Prices for certain things may have changed since the time I took this trip, so please only use this as a guide to help you set your own savings target.
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