Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with your family, Valletta has something to offer everyone.
This is the best place to spend a weekend in Malta!
With everything conveniently located in one area, it’s easy to explore the city’s attractions in just one day. With so much to see you will not be bored, but make sure you visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral!
Valletta is great to visit all year round, however, it can get quite busy during the summer months.
You can easily reach the nearby Malta International Airport (MLA) in only 20 minutes from Valletta.
Its convenient location means that you also have easy access to ferry services to other nearby destinations such as Sliema and The Three Cities.
There are endless day tours from Valletta you can do during your getaway!
But in just a two-hour ferry ride away, you can experience the best of what Sicily has to offer- so you can do both!
Whether it’s shopping for handmade goods and souvenirs, feasting on delicious Italian cuisine or exploring ancient ruins, Sicily has something for everyone.
The most popular places to stop by on your day tour are Syracuse (one of the oldest cities in Italy) Etna (the highest active volcano) and stunning Taormina.
One of the most popular experiences is a jeep tour. You can explore the island’s rugged terrain as you get a feel for its unique culture, history, and environment.
It’s also the best way to discover Malta’s hidden gems and take in breathtaking views.
When it comes to exploring, snorkelling and hiking, Gozo has plenty of options. There are numerous locations around the island that provide incredible spots for you!
If you are looking for a day trip or a weekend away in Malta, Gozo is the place to be.
5. Marsaxlokk
If you’re looking for a bit of Maltese charm, then Marsaxlokk is one of the best excursions in Malta.
This picturesque fishing village located on the south coast of the island offers visitors a chance to explore its colourful boats and bustling market along its waterfront.
The colourful boats that dot the waterfront are the traditional boats used by the Maltese fishermen. These are not commonly found around the Island so is worth visiting to see them!
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, then you can easily reach St.Peterspool from Marsaxlokk.
In a few hours, you’ll be able to easily see all the sights that this charming village has to offer. With its beautiful boats, the local market and nearby attractions, Marsaxlokk is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Malta!
6. Three Cities
One of the best ways to take it all the incredible views Malta has to offer is by visiting the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea.
These fortified cities lie at the heart of Malta’s historic centre, and a day trip to visit all three is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Malta.
These cities are incredibly beautiful, especially at night. So a great way to spend your time here is by taking an evening stroll around each city.
There are so many amazing things to do here and lots to learn so I highly recommend booking a tour so you do not miss anything!
There are so many day tours in Malta you can do, but the Three Cities is a must!
Malta is an island filled with amazing things to see and do, but if you’re looking for a day trip that won’t take up your entire vacation, St Julian’s is the perfect spot.
This busy town has plenty of Mediterranean charm, making it one of the most popular destinations on the Island.
And with plenty of hotels, restaurants and access to the rest of Malta, it is one of the most loved places for travellers to stay.
And when you get hungry, you’ll be in luck because St Julian’s is home to many excellent restaurants with delicious local dishes to try.
8. Popeyes Village
If you’re looking for a unique adventure that’s perfect for the whole family, Popeye Village in Malta is an ideal day trip.
this ‘village’ was once used as the filming location for the beloved 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams.
Not only is Popeye Village an interesting place that film enthusiasts will love, but it also offers incredible views of the bay!
There are plenty of great things to do here, I highly recommend the boat trip. And the staff there are incredibly friendly and helpful, so they’ll be sure to make your visit even more enjoyable.
If you’re visiting Malta during the summer season, Popeye Village may get quite busy – but it’s still worth a visit for the beautiful views and it guarantees all the attractions are open!
Malta is known for its stunning shorelines and bustling resorts, so why not add Mellieha to your itinerary?
Located just north of St. Julian’s, Mellieha makes for a great day trip if you want to take in some local culture and enjoy a tasty meal by the sea.
This is a really popular stop on a Malta road trip because there are plenty of things to do like Popeyes Village and Agatha’s Tower!
The beaches of Għadira Bay and Golden Bay make this the perfect Maltese day trip for beach lovers!
Both are accessible by public transport and are perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing in the sun.
Mellieha Hill is also a great spot to visit as offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is even better at sunset!
Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach or a long day of sightseeing, there’s something to suit everyone here.
10. Paradise Bay
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect day trip on your holiday in Malta, look no further than Paradise Bay!
This beach is one of the island’s most stunning, with tranquil turquoise waters and a lovely sandy shoreline that’s perfect for all ages.
During the summer season, it is wise to get there early in the day to make sure you have enough space and avoid crowds.
But once you get there, Paradise Bay is well worth it!
You can rent out an umbrella or sunbed if you want to relax and soak up some Mediterranean sunshine. However, if you plan on spending your day exploring the waters, it’s a lot cheaper if you don’t!
11. Mdina
Mdina is a must-visit spot for any Malta day trips!
This ancient walled city offers an incredible day out exploring its winding streets, taking in the captivating architecture, and admiring the breathtaking views of the island from its vantage points.
With over 4000 years of history, there’s plenty to discover in the old town of Mdina. Take a stroll through the city’s narrow streets and explore its palaces, churches, museums and other historic sites.
You can even take a guided tour to learn more about this incredible place.
Once you’ve explored the city centre, make sure to head up to the walls of the city for a stunning panoramic view of Malta.
Mdina is the perfect day trip from any part of the island and it’s easy to get around using public transport connections!
For something a little more off the beaten track, one of the best day trips in Malta is to the Dingli Cliffs!
Located at the westernmost point of the island, these impressive cliffs provide stunning sea views, especially during sunset.
The cliffs provide a great spot to take a leisurely stroll while admiring the landscape – there’s something truly magical about being surrounded by nature and taking in the breathtaking views.
Spring and autumn are particularly good times to visit, but any time of year is worth making the trip!
A highlight of the cliffs is St Mary Magdalene Chapel, located right on the edge overlooking the sea. It is a great place to take pictures or just admire the views!
13. Saint Agatha’s Tower
Visiting Saint Agatha’s Tower is a fantastic day trip for all in Malta!
This well-restored first is situated on a hill, offering some of the best 360 views across the island.
The friendly staff are always willing to answer any questions you may have and provide you with plenty of information about the history of the tower.
The castle is surrounded by a huge car park, making it the perfect stop if you are spending the day sightseeing.
Whether you’re looking to spend an hour or two exploring the grounds or all day taking in the breathtaking views, you can be sure that Saint Agatha’s Tower has something for everyone!
14. St Paul’s Bay
For a day of relaxation and adventure, look no further than St Paul’s Bay.
This picturesque area in Malta boasts stunning views that can’t be found anywhere else on the island.
With its winding alleyways, rugged coastlines and plenty of places to go swimming and snorkelling, St Paul’s Bay is the perfect place for a day excursion.
The beauty of St Paul’s Bay is that it hasn’t been taken over by tourists like some other areas on the island.
Although it’s still a popular destination, you can be sure to get a peaceful and charming experience without the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots.
15. Rabat
If you’re looking for great day trips in Malta, look no further than Rabat.
This charming city is full of interesting places to explore and makes for a truly unforgettable experience!
Make sure you walk around the Catacombs of St Paul & St Agatha. These incredible catacombs are a testament to Malta’s rich history and culture, so don’t forget your camera!
For a change of pace from Malta, one of the day trips from Malta you can do is to Tunis, Tunisia.
This stunning city is located on the Mediterranean coast of Northwest Africa and is full of culture and delicious food.
The quickest way to get here is by flying for 1 hour but you can also take a ferry but it takes a lot more time.
This ancient city is a fantastic place to visit with its winding alleyways and grand mosques.
With its colourful markets you will find the best souvenirs, so remember to take a lightweight suitcase with you!
Don’t forget to also sample some of Tunis’s delicious food, you’ll find lots of mouthwatering dishes around the city to choose from.
Faqs About Day Trips From Malta
How can I spend a day in Malta?
There are many great places to spend a day in Malta. To make your one day unforgettable, here are the best spots:
Valletta Marsaxlokk Dingli Cliffs The Three Cities Mellieha Paradise Bay
If you rent a car during your trip to Malta you can see a lot more sites than if you use public transport.
Is 2 days enough for Malta?
Two days is a good amount of time to visit Malta, especially if you hire a car.
However, if you want to fully experience the Island in all its glory and visit other Islands like Gozo, 5-7 days is recommended.
Can you walk around Malta in a day?
You can easily explore many locations on foot throughout Malta. However, if you want to explore the amazing hikes available to you, spend 2-3 days so you can fully experience the amazing landscape.
Is it a good idea to rent a car in Malta?
Even though Malta has decent public transport, renting a car is always a good idea.
It will allow you to explore more remote places, beat the tourist crowds and save a lot of money.
You can even take your rental car on the ferry to Gozo so you can continue exploring!
Is it easy to get around Malta without a car?
For those who do not drive or do not want to rent a car on their trip to Malta, getting around the Island without a car is pretty easy.
The Island is fairly small and there are lots of great public transport options linking many attractions around Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Even if you only have a few hours on the Island, you can see so much and enjoy the delights of Malta.
From remote beaches to historical sites, there are so many great day trips Malta can offer across the Island that will make your holiday unforgettable.
I hope this list full of highlights of Malta helped you find the perfect spots for your Malta trip.
But if you can’t decide which one is best for you, book a private tour and have a guide take you to all the hot spots in one day!
I hope you found this article useful! Here are some more useful posts to make your trip to Malta the best:
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
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