For a small island nation, there sure are a lot of places that pack a punch in Malta. It is very easy to base yourself in one place and take a lot of day trips around the island. These days trips are some great ideas to add to any Malta itinerary. While Valletta has plenty to keep you busy for a couple of days, you will want to take day trips from Valletta to get a true sense of Malta.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Valletta here.
Disclaimer: Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Board for hosting me at several attractions on my trip to Malta! As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Malta
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Malta hotels here! Also check out these hotels.
- The Cumberland Hotel
- Hilton Malta
- DoubleTree Malta
- Malta Marriott Resort & Spa
- The Westin Dragonara Resort
- Hyatt Regency Malta
- Hyatt Centric Malta
- Intercontinental Malta
Transportation Around Malta
If you choose to rent a car, I recommend renting a car through Autoslash, as that is where I always find the best deals. However, I felt the bus system was pretty easy to use to get around Malta. There are also ferries that can take you to the different islands or other parts of the island.
Blue and Crystal Lagoons, Comino
Drive Time: 45 minutes + 15 minute ferry
The Blue and Crystal Lagoons make for one of the best day trips from Valletta for those who love to swim and be out on the water. The island of Comino is the smallest of the three main islands that make up Malta. Only two people officially live on the island.
To get to Comino, you will need to drive to the Northern end of Malta to catch the ferry to Comino. This is a 20-mile drive and will take about 45 minutes. Then, you can hop on a ferry to Comino. The ferry ride will take about 15 minutes.
During your time at the Blue Lagoon, you can relax on the small white sandy beach and spend time in the crystal clear blue waters. The Blue Lagoon area has bathrooms, lockers, and several food carts. Keep in mind that it can get very crowded, especially on the weekends.
From the Blue Lagoon, you can also hike over to the Crystal Lagoon. This area is a bit less crowded and also has gorgeous crystal clear blue waters. Spend as much time as you would like swimming around.
Alternatively, you can opt to book a package tour to get you to Comino. These come at a variety of prices and you can check out these options below.
Tour Options
- The Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Gozo
- The Blue Lagoon (smaller group)
- Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon
- Private Charter for Blue Lagoon and Gozo
- Blue Lagoon Catamaran
Victoria, Gozo
Drive Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Victoria, the capital of the island of Gozo, makes for one of the best day trips from Valletta. It makes for a fun day of walking around and exploring some historical sites. As the largest city in Gozo, there are a few things to explore. A day trip to Gozo will make for an amazing day in Malta!
There are several ways to get to Victoria from Valletta. It is located only 26 miles away from Valletta but does require a ferry to get to. First, you can opt to drive to the Northern Part of Malta and then take your car on the ferry across to Gozo. It is just a short drive from there.
Alternatively, you can catch an express ferry from Valletta, which takes 45 minutes to get you to Gozo. This ferry drops you off in Mgarr, Gozo which is about a 10-minute drive from Victoria.
Upon arrival in Victoria, walk to St. George’s Square, and there are a ton of places to eat. After grabbing some food, opt to visit the sites of Victoria and spend some time wandering the streets. St. George’s Basilica is the main cathedral of the city.
Make sure to check out the Citadella, which contains the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and the old prison. Also from the Citadella, you can catch some decent views of the area. After spending time exploring, make the reverse journey to Valletta.
Wine Tasting
Drive Time: 20 minutes
There are several wineries located around Malta. Wine Tasting makes for one of the best day trips from Valletta. We opted to visit Ta’ Betta Wine Estates during our visit.
To get to the wineries from Valletta, you will either need to rent a car or hire a driver as public transportation does not get you close enough to the wineries. The wineries lie about 8 miles or a 20-minute drive from Valletta. You can also opt to book one of the following tours to take you to the wineries.
Wine tasting in Malta is a fun thing to do, especially for wine lovers. Not a ton of wine is made in Malta but the few varietals made are really delicious. Many of the wineries offer private tastings, so make sure to book ahead of time.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Drive Time: 15 minutes
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a very unique and interesting place to visit. This underground burial complex dates back to Neolithic times. It was thought to be a necropolis, as over 7,000 bodies were found there. The Hypogeum was accidentally discovered in 1902 when they were laying the foundation for some houses.
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a 7-mile or 15-minute drive from Valletta. You can easily take a bus or a taxi there, or opt to drive yourself if you have a car. If you opt to take the bus, you can take the X4, 63, 64, 45, or 48 to the X3. This will take about 30 minutes.
It is worth a day trip from Valletta because it is such a unique city. It reminded me a little bit of the Scavi Tour in Rome. The tour lasts about an hour and you are given an audio guide to listen to throughout.
You will want to book tickets ahead of time several months in advance as they do sell out quickly. Tickets are limited as there are only a few tours that go out each day, and each group is small. However, you will not be sorry about visiting the Hypogeum as it is one of the best day trips from Valletta.
Mellieha
By Jade of Two Tall Travellers
Drive Time: 35 minutes
Mellieha is one of the best day trips from Valletta, and it is just a 35-minute drive (12 miles) from Valletta.
The town itself has some incredible historical attractions, from the stunning Parish Church to the harrowing World War II bunkers stretching for 500 meters underground. The striking Red Tower is also not too far from the main town, and it’s worth a visit to take in the gorgeous views of the coastline as well as learn a thing or two about the soldiers who used it to defend Malta.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, then Ghadira Beach is the perfect place to grab a sunbed and enjoy a lazy day! For the more adventurous beachgoers, there are water sports happening here in the summer, too.
Don’t forget to visit Popeye Village if you’ve got time. It is a very unique place to experience. Wander down the main street for alfresco dining, pastizzi shops, and bistros, or walk along the coast for cocktail bars and ice cream stops.
I’d recommend hiring a car whilst in Malta and driving to Mellieha as it is the quickest way to get there, however, if you do not then you can take a bus. It is an hour-long journey, but Malta’s transport system is very cheap and easy to use.
Mellieha is a fantastic place to spend a day if you are on a tight schedule, but if you have got a week in Malta then do try and spend at least two days exploring!
The Blue Grotto
By Samantha of Continuous Roamer
Drive Time: 30 minutes
A visit to the Blue Grotto is one of the best day trips from Valletta when visiting Malta. The Blue Grotto is an area of sea caves in southern Malta accessible by boat. Enjoy a 25-minute boat tour along the coast and inside the caves where the vibrant blue water sparkles.
The Blue Grotto is a 20 to 30-minute drive from Valletta, or 8–9 miles depending on where accommodation is, which makes it an easy day trip from Valletta. If you have rented a car, you can park at the Blue Fritzi Parking nearby. It is free, but a parking attendant may ask for a gratuity (a few coins).
If you have not rented a car, you can visit Blue Grotto by taxi or by hiring a private driver for half a day. It is possible to use Malta’s version of Uber, Bolt if there are no taxis around. There are also bus stops nearby. However, you may need to change buses on the route from Valletta to Blue Grotto (and vice-versa).
You can purchase your tickets for the Blue Grotto at a hut as you approach the boats. You will need €8 in cash per person for the tour. The boats fit around ten people and will depart once the boat is full. After your boat tour, remember to find the stunning view of one of the caves from the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint.
Following your visit to the Blue Grotto, consider visiting Marsaxlokk fishing village for lunch. It is a quaint harbor with colorful boats bobbing around the water, which make for excellent photographs. Marsaxlokk is a further 25 minutes by car from Blue Grotto (8.5 miles), and you can park for free on the streets surrounding the harbor. There are plenty of restaurants dotted along the waterfront that serve lunch.
Popeye Village
By Caroline of Veggie Wayfarer
Drive Time: 35 minutes
Popeye Village is one of the day trips from Valletta, especially for families with kids. Despite the name, Popeye Village is actually not a real village. It is a set that was used during the filming of the film Popeye (dating back to 1980). The little colorful set has been attracting flocks of tourists for over 40 years with its large variety of activities that entice both young and old.
Located at the mouth of Anchor Bay, Popeye Village is a great spot to enjoy the pristine turquoise waters of Malta. Kids will love the trampolines while couples can gaze into the sunset as the boat trip is a romantic 20-minute boat trip. Photographers will want to head to the cliffs opposite the bay (right off the main entrance gate) to get a beautiful picture of both the bay and the village itself.
Those in search of adventure can explore the little streets of Popeye Village, partake in the many shows that take place throughout the day featuring the main characters of the movie (watch out for Bluto!), and discover the house of Popey himself as well as the quaint local watering holes. There are numerous bars and little restaurants serving traditional Maltese dishes.
Popeye Village is located 16 miles from Valletta. Getting there can be done via the Popeye Village Express Bus, which picks you up from your hotel in Valletta at 09.00 AM (booking in advance is required), or by taking the regular city bus number 42, where you get off at Tunnara. From there a shuttle bus runs regularly to Popeye Village. Entrance tickets to Popeye Village will set you back €15 ($16) during the summer months and €11 ($12) during the winter months.
Ġgantija Temples and Xagħra
By Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
The Ġgantija temples are located in Xagħra, a small village in the center of Gozo. This is 42km north of Valletta. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a short ferry crossing.
To get to Ġgantija, head north to Cirkewwa, where the ferry departs on a regular basis over to Gozo. From the port at Mgarr, it is 6km to the village of Xagħra where the temple complex is located. It is also possible to take the hop-on-hop-off bus from the ferry terminal to the temple.
The Ġgantija temples are a UNESCO world heritage site and are older than the Pyramids in Egypt, built at a similar period to the Neolithic sites across Europe. While they are in ruins now, the visitors center brings the period in history to life making it a worthwhile place to visit.
The temple complex has an informative museum, and it is possible to walk around the ruins of the temples. The remains of the rooms and the thick walls are visible, and it is possible to get a sense of the structure as it once was.
From the ruins, there are stunning views across the island including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu and the rocky shoreline at Marsalforn that is perfect for diving.
The Ġgantija temples sit on the edge of Xagħra village, which has a beautiful church in the village square and an ancient windmill that is open daily. As an added surprise, there are also two sets of caves under houses that you can visit. These are unique in that you enter them through the front door of a normal house. It makes for one of the best day trips from Valletta.
Marsaxlokk
By Jolayne of Just Wander More
Drive Time: 20 minutes
When you choose to visit Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar-sa-schlock), you have a few options in getting to your destination. You could set off on a 2 1/2 hr walk, hop on the #81 bus for a 35-minute ride, or travel by taxi in less than 20 minutes (depending on traffic).
As you near the harbor of Marsaxlokk, prepare to be dazzled by the colorful fishing village with a harbor full of “luzzu” boats. Photographing the boats should definitely top your bucket list of things to do in Marsaxlokk when you plan your visit.
Having survived for many years, the luzzu boats are still used by the fishermen of Malta today. These hardy boats have a reinforced hull which makes them resistant to the extreme weather conditions of the area. Each boat is characterized by vibrant yellows and blues and is decorated with eyes engraved on both sides of the prow (The eyes are believed to be a symbol of protection and good health while the fishermen are at sea).
Marsaxlokk Bay is a beehive of activity where you can find fishermen repairing their nets and preparing for the day, vendors selling souvenirs, quaint dining spots, the tourism office, Hop On Hop Off bus tours, and Instagram-worthy scenery. It makes for one of the best day trips from Valletta.
St. Peter’s Pool
by Ivan Kralj of Pipeaway
Drive Time: 30 minutes
In the southeastern part of Malta, near the village of Marsaxlokk, St. Peter’s Pool is a naturally formed bathing place, one of the summer favorites for both locals and tourists. The crystal clear water is an alluring site, so if you are looking for the best outdoor activities on the island of Malta, this place will reward you with fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Daredevils will enjoy cliff-jumping, but if you do not feel like exposing your diving talents from a 5-meter height, there is less daunting access to the sea, too. Encircled by a flat slab, St. Peter’s Pool offers plenty of spots for sunbathing too. If you prefer to watch, it is a lovely gallery for observing Malta’s best summer somersaults.
But beware, this is a wilder part of Malta, and you will not find facilities on this beach. Bring everything you might need for the day, and it will make for one of the best day trips from Valletta.
When in the area, make sure to take a walk along the coast, both north and south of the St. Peter’s Pool. You will find that this special oasis of azure water was not the only spectacular formation of Malta’s nature. The coastline is sprinkled with a variety of geological shapes formed by the wind and the waves, and they offer inviting photo opportunities!
St. Peter’s Pool is most easily reachable by car. From Valletta, it will take a 30-minute ride, and if coming early enough, you should be able to find a parking spot near the beach. If you prefer public transport to drive Malta’s roads, the bus no. 81 takes 40 minutes but drops you at Abdosir bus stop, and you will have to walk from there for 30 minutes. In the summer months, you can also reach the beach by hopping on a boat in the village of Marsaxlokk.
Mdina
By Catherine of Nomadicated
Drive Time: 17 minutes
Perched on top of a hill, Mdina hides its beautiful architecture and rich history behind its fortified walls. Located in the center of Malta, this 222-acre small city dates back to the 8th century BC and was once the country’s capital. Mdina is a great place to visit to get a deep dive into the history of Malta, meander through its stunning maze-like architecture, and see incredible panoramas of the landscape.
Mdina is just a 13.7 km, 17-minute short drive from Valletta, making it a perfect day trip getaway. Take a taxi or hop on buses 51, 52, or 53, which will drop you off just outside the walled city. From there, you will be able to explore the city on foot.
Mdina is filled with beautiful buildings and monuments from its cultured past. Aside from discovering viewpoints all over the city, Mdina is also home to several museums, including the Mdina Experience, Natural History Museum, and Mdina Dungeons. The latter of which explores medieval torture techniques used in the 16-17th century.
Two other favorite stops include visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful baroque church, and Palazzo Falson, the second oldest building in Mdina.
Tip: Stay for the sunset and the transition into nightfall. The night lights of Mdina transform the atmosphere of the city into a dreamy medieval wonder. This will make for one of the best day trips from Valletta.
Cospicua
By Vidyut of The Himalayan Tsunami
Drive Time: 10 minutes
A fantastic destination in Europe, Cospicua is a medieval fortified city located right across Valletta. Bordered by Senglea and Birgu, Cospicua forms what is known as The Three Cities and is one of the best day trips from Valletta. The city’s origin reaches as far back as megalithic times, remains of which can still be seen today.
Many of the medieval structures remain well preserved and make for a great day of sightseeing. The Old City walls, The Parish Church of Immaculate Conception, and St. Helen’s Gate are some of the must-visit attractions. A fine example of baroque architecture, the Roman Catholic church dates back to the 16th century.
The city walls are divided into two major sections: the Cottonera Lines (outer part) and the Santa Margherita Lines (inner part). Walk along the 17th-century Cottonera Lines and it is here you will find the gorgeous Notre Dame Gate.
Take a stroll through the old cobblestoned streets and stumble upon beautiful photogenic spots. But for a more peaceful walk, head to the serene Cottonera Gardens, which constitutes a small playground and a small forested area.
As the two cities are located right opposite, the quickest way to get to Cospicua from Valletta is by taking a ferry. The ferries are frequent and will take you across the bay in about 10 minutes. But if you see a long queue for the ferry, you can also opt for the motorboats.
Hagar Qim Temples
By Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust
Drive Time: 25 minutes
The Hagar Qim Temples are located about twenty-five minutes and a little over nine miles from Valletta, Malta. This ancient megalithic site is easiest to reach via rental car, but there are also bus routes available that take between 45-60 minutes. You can take either Route X4 or Route 62 from Valletta to reach Route 201, which connects you to Hagar Qim.
A visit to the Hagar Qim Temples is one of the best day trip options from Valletta. The temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back over 5000 years. The site’s stone ruins are expansive and impressively intact, sitting on a hill that overlooks the sea and a fertile plain.
Visitors will first need to buy an entrance ticket for 10 euros for adults or 5.50 euros for children, which can be purchased either online or at the door. The entry ticket comes with access to a self-paced audio tour, which will lead you through and around the ruins and provide meaning to the hefty pieces of stone.
After wandering the Hagar Qim Temple, don’t forget to stroll to the neighboring Mnajdra ruins, which sit closer to the deep blue Mediterranean. The structures were built with similar materials and date back to around the same time period as Hagar Qim. One of its three buildings even features a doorway that aligns with the sunrise during the spring and summer equinoxes.
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring water. Although the structures themselves are covered, the paths to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are fully exposed to the strong Malta sun. Nevertheless, it will make for one of the best day trips from Valletta.
Bugibba
By Dani of Diapers in Paradise
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Bugibba is a town about 10 miles north of Valletta, nestled between St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra, right on the water. It is worth a day trip from Valletta just for the scenic walk along the promenade, where you can enjoy bustling restaurants, treat stands, and some small beaches, including the sandy stretch of Bugibba Perched Beach (which is better for sunbathing than swimming, due to the rocks underwater).
It takes about a half-hour by car or taxi to get to Bugibba or 40-45 minutes if you take the bus. It’s an easy bus trip, and there are routes that get there with zero transfers.
The promenade is the heart of Bugibba, but you can wander inland and find amazing plazas full of popular, trendy restaurants and explore the beautiful and fascinating neighborhood. And if you are visiting Malta with a toddler or kids, be sure to stop by the Bugibba water park, which is free to everyone and a great place for little ones to cool off and play!
While Bugibba is the center of the three towns, they all blend together, so you won’t really feel the difference between the three. If you make it to the Malta National Aquarium, which is a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours, you’ve made it west to Qawra. If you find yourself at the hop-on-hop-off ferry dock, you have made it east to St. Pauls’s Bay. Consider hopping on and heading to Comino!
If you are able to stay until the evening, you will be in for a stunning sunset every single night. Grab a table at one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the show. You will not be sorry as Bugibba is one of the best day trips from Valletta.
Dingli Cliffs
By Bradley of Dream Big Travel Far
Drive Time: 30 minutes
When looking for the best viewing points that are also close to Valletta, you cannot go wrong with the Dingli Cliffs. They are the highest part on the whole island and are thus a fantastic place to enjoy a bird’s eye view—one of the must-dos in Malta!
Located just 8 miles away from Valletta, it is easiest to drive or get a taxi there, which takes only 30 minutes, but there are also regular buses between the two destinations. It is easily one of the best day trips from Valletta.
Dingli itself is a small village with a population of around 3,700 and sits 253 meters above sea level. It boasts extraordinary views of the uninhabited Filfla island and the Mediterranean Sea, while the long stretches of terrace fields make for tranquil scenery for walking. From atop the cliffs, you can spot the nearby Buskett Gardens, a lush woodland, and the historical Verdala Palace.
For those wanting to tread the single highest point on the islands, head over to the St Mary Magdalene Chapel on the edge of these cliffs. One can easily spend hours walking along the precipice, and the view can get especially magical at sunset in the summer. However, note that it can be really hot around noon during these hotter months!
Xemxija Heritage Trail
By Linn of Brainy Backpackers
Drive Time: 30 minutes
One of the best things to do on a day trip from Valletta is to take the bus to Xemxija and walk the old Roman Road (Xemxija Heritage Trail), which is one of the most unique hikes in Malta.
Bus route 41 takes you 11 miles straight from Valletta to the trailhead. It takes less than an hour, and since most buses in Malta have free wifi, you can easily see on your phone’s Google map when the trailhead is to get up at the right place.
When you get off the bus, there is a sign taking you up a couple of hundred meters up the road to your left. The 4-kilometer trail itself can be done in an hour and a half, but most tourists spend more time exploring all the sites on the route.
At the start of the trail, you will pass an ancient Roman Apiary where you can walk inside and continue past a 1000-year-old carob tree. There are information signs so you can learn about the sites you see.
Other highlights are the large Punic tomb, where you can walk inside and imagine what it would be like to live there, and an ancient Roman bath carved into the rock side. The cave clearly shows the different rooms where the different pools were once found, and the view of the surrounding countryside is spectacular. To get down to the baths, you have to walk down a set of overgrown steps to make it more of an adventure. There is no arguing that it is one of the most unique adventures you can have on the island.
Other Day Trips from Valletta
Other fun day trips from Valletta include Senglea, Sliema, St. Julians, Snorkeling on Gozo, and Rabat. If you have more time, you can pair a trip with Malta to Italy or Spain along with your Malta trip.
