*This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! Please refer to my Disclosures for more information.*
Malta is another one of those countries I travelled to because I found some cheap flights! Story of my life – keep reading to see the full price breakdown for this trip! I had wanted to go for some time, mainly because the baroque capital city of Valletta caught my little eyes. When I found some bargain flights to travel in the November of one year, it was too good of an opportunity to miss! Regardless of whether you decide to go in the height of summer or a little off season, here is the perfect year-round short break itinerary for Malta just for you!
If you like this post be sure to pin it on Pinterest!
Itinerary overview
St Julian’s, Malta (5 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.
When to visit
June-September are the hottest months of the year. However, Malta has a Mediterranean climate meaning it is blessed with mild winters making it an option year-round! I went on this trip in November – the weather was mild and sunny through the day, with a bit of a chill in at air at night and an isolated evening shower!
International departure: Day 1
Day 1: Arrive at Malta International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in St Julian’s 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. Then head out to have dinner nearby.
Tip: At the time of writing, taxi’s 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.
St Julian’s, Malta: Day 2-4
With an abundance of restaurants and bars, St Julian’s 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 Julian’s 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!
Day 2: Spend your morning around Spinola Bay, admiring the vibrant Maltese Luzzu fishing boats. Wander to the Carmelite Church (also known as Ballutta Parish Church) which clings to the edge of Ballutta Bay. Enjoy lunch with a view at one of the many restaurants or bars which follow the curve of the Bay. Spend your afternoon on the sandy beach at St George’s Bay. In the evening, head across to Paceville to experience the electric nightlife. Or, if you prefer, find a quiet restaurant to enjoy your evening meal and a Cisk (Maltese beer).
Spinola Bay Carmelite Church
Day 3: Wander to Sliema and hop on the ferry across to Valletta. Spend the day on your very own city tour, admiring the baroque architecture, and visiting the many gardens, statues, fountains, viewpoints, and historic buildings on foot. 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 Julian’s. 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.
Day 4: 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, 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 Julian’s for the ultimate sugar-overload pancake experience (because who doesn’t love pancakes for dinner)!
The Blue Lagoon, Comino View from The Citadel in Gozo Cathedral of Assumption, Gozo Shoreditch Bar and Kitchen
Return home: Day 5
Day 5: Get all your belongings together and wave goodbye to St Julian’s, bound for Malta International Airport for your return flight home.
Tip: Return back to the airport using eCabs, which is the Maltese version of Uber.
Itinerary summary
St Julian’s 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 Malta as a destination to visit 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 Julian’s (one way via taxi) = approx. £9.10pp*
Transfer from St Julian’s to Malta International Airport (one way via eCabs) = approx. £5.68pp*
Accommodation
5 nights in an Apartment in St Julian’s = £62.30pp*
Total = £139.87 per person
for 5 nights in St Julian’s, 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 for tours, food, 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.
