Day Trips from Valletta
6 Easy and Top Excursions to See Malta’s Best
Valletta isn’t just Malta’s historic capital; it’s also the perfect base for exploring the island’s most fascinating spots.
Whether you’re visiting the island for a weekend getaway or looking to make the most of your time without a car, Valletta’s excellent connections by bus and ferry make getting around and exploring very easy.
From ancient cities to breathtaking natural wonders, these day trips from Valletta showcase the best of Malta, all just a bus or ferry ride away.
1. Mdina, Rabatt & Dingli Cliffs
Morning: Explore Mdina, the Silent City
Start your day in Mdina, Malta’s stunning hilltop city, whose history spans over 4,000 years.
Once Malta’s capital before the arrival of the Knights of St. John, Mdina is a living museum with its winding, car-free streets and honey-colored stone buildings.
Visit the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece, and take in panoramic views of the island from the city walls.
Like St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, the Mdina Cathedral isn’t free. But it’s well worth the €10.00 entrance fee, which also includes access to the Cathedral Museum. ⇨ Get your Ticket here.
Midday: Discover Rabat’s Historic Gems
Head to neighboring Rabat, just outside Mdina’s gates. Here, explore St. Paul’s Catacombs, an underground labyrinth of early Christian burial sites.
Don’t miss the World War II shelters, an intriguing network of tunnels with about 50 rooms that served as a safe haven during air raids. They’re a moving reminder of Malta’s resilience during wartime.
Rabat is also a great spot to grab lunch, traditional Maltese dishes like rabbit stew or pastizzi are local favorites.
Mdina and Rabat Tour with Local Guide
✅2,5hrs very interesting walking tour
✅Very Knowledgable, local guides, happy to answer all questions, you may have
Afternoon/Evening: Discover Mosta and Its Iconic Dome
Spend your afternoon in Mosta, a bustling town in the heart of Malta, known for its impressive Rotunda of Mosta. This grand church, with its massive dome, is one of the largest in Europe.
Inside, you’ll find intricate decorations and a replica of the World War II bomb that famously pierced the dome without exploding during a service, an event now remembered as the “Miracle of Mosta.”
After exploring the church, enjoy a relaxed evening at one of the town’s cafés or restaurants. The central area offers a lively yet local vibe, perfect for winding down with a traditional Maltese dinner or dessert.
Getting Around on your day trip to Mdina, Rabatt & Mosta
This day trip is easy to manage by public transport. Take buses 51, 52, or 53 from Valletta to Mdina, with a travel time of about 30 minutes.
From Rabat, you can take bus 202, a direct connection to Mosta which takes 25 minutes. For your return to Valletta, bus route 47 is the best and most regular connection.
2. The Three Cities: Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua
Morning: Step Back in Time in Birgu (Vittoriosa)
Start your sightseeing day in Birgu, the oldest of the Three Cities and a stronghold during the Great Siege of 1565.
This area was one of the first settlements of the Knights of St. John in Malta, with lots of well-preserved fortifications remaining.
Stroll through its narrow streets and visit the Inquisitor’s Palace, an interesting museum that showcases Malta’s time under the Inquisition.
Do not miss Fort St. Angelo, which stands proudly at the tip of Birgu and offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Midday: Discover Senglea and Cospicua
Cross over to Senglea, historically known for its role in protecting the harbor. Visit the Gardjola Gardens, where the iconic lookout tower with its carved eye and ear offers stunning views of Valletta and the surrounding waters.
Be sure to visit Senglea Basilica (St. Julian’s Church) and Knisja Maria Bambina Church when strolling through the beautiful small streets.
Continue to Cospicua, the largest of the Three Cities, known for its fortified double bastions. Its peaceful streets and maritime character make it perfect for a leisurely walk.
Evening: Waterfront Stroll and Harbor Views
Conclude your day with a stroll along the Birgu Waterfront, starting near Fort St. Angelo and continuing along the yacht marina towards Senglea.
This area is especially picturesque in the evening, with views of Valletta’s twinkling lights reflected in the harbor.
Getting Around on your day trip to the Three Cities
Take the ferry from Valletta’s Grand Harbour to the Three Cities in the morning and evening. It’s the fastest and most scenic option for this day trip from Valletta.
The Valletta- 3 Cities ferry costs 2,80 euros return, including the lift to Upper Barrakka gardens. It leaves every 30 minutes, taking 15 minutes to cross.
Once in the Three Cities, they are easy to explore on foot. If you’d like to save time or rest your legs, I suggest taking bus number 3 in the afternoon, which connects Senglea and Cospicua.
3. Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala
Morning: Explore the Marsaxlokk Market
This day trip from Valletta takes you to Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village on Malta’s southeastern coast. Known for its colorful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats and tranquil harbor, Marsaxlokk offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Maltese life.
Good to know: On Sundays, the fish market draws large crowds, and the small village can feel overrun by tourists. The waterfront will then be filled with stalls with freshly caught seafood, local produce, and handmade crafts. Consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer a quieter experience.
Midday: Waterfront Lunch and St. Peter’s Pool
After exploring village (and the market), enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants lining the harbor. Fresh seafood is the highlight here: grilled fish, octopus, and seafood platters are all excellent choices.
Head to nearby St. Peter’s Pool after lunch, just a 30-minute walk away. The natural swimming spot offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic rocky surroundings and is a perfect place for a refreshing swim or to relax by the sea.
Boat Trip to St Peter’s Pool from Marsaxlokk
✅Boat trip is with the famous traditional Luzzu
✅Beautiful views in the south coast of Malta instead of walking along the street
Afternoon: Coastal Walk to Marsaskala
I highly recommend taking the coastal path from Marsaxlokk to Marsaskala. For me, one of the most beautiful hikes in Malta. The way winds along white limestone cliffs, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and rugged Maltese coastline.
The dramatic cliffs and natural beauty make this an unforgettable hike. The beautiful 5km long route is manageable in a couple of hours.
In Marsaskala, you’ll find a relaxed seaside vibe, perfect for relaxing along the oceanfront after your journey.
Getting Around on your day trip to Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala
Marsaxlokk is easily reachable by bus from Valletta, with routes 81 and 85 providing regular service. The journey takes about 40 minutes. From Marsaskala, you can take the buses 91, 92 or 93 to return to Valletta.
4. Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim Temples & Dingli Cliffs
Morning: Boat Tour at the Blue Grotto
As one of Malta’s most popular attractions, the Blue Grotto is best visited early in the morning, when the light beautifully illuminates the vibrant blue waters. This series of sea caves on Malta’s southern coast offers incredible natural beauty.
From Wied iż-Żurrieq harbor, small boats navigate through the caves, showcasing vivid underwater colors and dramatic rock formations. Arriving early also helps you avoid the midday crowds.
Midday: Explore Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
After your boat tour, make your way to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, two of Malta’s most significant prehistoric sites located nearby.
These UNESCO-listed megalithic temples date back over 5,000 years, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids.
Ħaġar Qim features impressive stone structures with intricate carvings, while Mnajdra, located a short walk downhill, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Afternoon: End the Day at Dingli Cliffs
Conclude your day with a visit to the majestic Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest point. These dramatic cliffs offer stunning views of the Mediterranean, especially at sunset, when the cliffs glow golden under the setting sun.
Getting around from Valletta to the Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim Temples & Dingli Cliffs
From Valletta, take bus route 74 to Wied iż-Żurrieq for the Blue Grotto, a journey of about 40 minutes. From the grotto, it’s a 25-minute walk or a quick 7-minute bus ride on route 201 to the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples.
To reach the Dingli Cliffs, bus 201 connects Ħaġar Qim with the cliffs every hour. The 30-minute ride passes through Siġġiewi, home to the Limestone Heritage, Park, and Gardens—worth a stop if you have extra time.
For your return to Valletta, check evening bus schedules carefully, as direct services like routes 52 and 56 from Dingli Cliffs can be limited later in the day.
Prehistoric Temples, Limestone Heritage & Blue Grotto
✅Half Day trip including the above in a different order, without the Dingli Cliffs
✅Pick up everywhere in Malta (not Gozo)
5. Gozo Island
One of the most popolar day tours in Malta is a vist to Gozo even one day being simply not enough time. This beautiful island deserves at least an overnight stay to fully appreciate its many sights.
However, if you’re short on time and can only manage a day trip from Valletta, I strongly recommend joining a guided or organized tour.
An organized tour ensures you see the island’s highlights efficiently, without the stress of navigating bus schedules or missing key spots.
When booking your day trip, pay therefore close attention to what is included in the offered Gozo itinerary to not waste precious time.
Here are some of Gozos Highlights:
- The Citadel in Victoria: A historic fortified city offering panoramic views of the entire island.
- Dwejra Bay: Known for its stunning natural formations, including the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock, Dwejra Tower and as the former site of the iconic Azure Window.
- Ramla Bay: A beautiful, unique reddish-golden sandy beach, perfect for relaxation or a swim and even in the maltese winter worth a trip.
- Xlendi Bay: A charming seaside village with a cliff-covered cove guarded by a watchtower.
- Ta’ Pinu Basilica: A stunning pilgrimage site famous for its ornate architecture.
- Ggantija Temples: A UNESCO Heritage Site with megalithic temples older than Stonehenge.
- Salt Pans in Marsalforn: A beautiful stretch of coastline where salt has been harvested for centuries.
- Gozo Coastal Walk: A fantastic multi-day hike along the island’s beautiful coast, which can also be done as shorter day hikes.
Knowing all best things to do in Gozo, this is my recommendation covering the most important island attractions:
Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
✅incl. pick-up from your Hotel in Malta, Jeep-driver and Tickets for the Ferry
✅Stops include Victoria, the salt pans and the temple complex of Ġgantija
✅Boat trip back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and the Comino Caves
✅Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
6. Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon is another day trip from Valletta that I highly recommend doing with an organized tour.
While it’s possible to visit independently by taking a ferry from Ċirkewwa in the far north of Malta, an organized tour offers a more comfortable and hassle-free experience, especially if you want to make the most of your time on this tiny, car-free island.
Before booking any tour, I suggest reading my guide to help you decide if the Blue Lagoon is worth the trip. The main activities here are swimming and snorkeling, but be prepared to share the lagoon with plenty of other visitors.
A little away from the crods are the small sandy beaches at San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay.
When choosing a boat, ensure it provides direct access to the water via a slide or ladder. The beach – if you can even call it that – is very small and gets extremely crowded. Having a comfortable base on your boat makes all the difference.
Info: From 1st May 2025 you are required to pre-book your visit to Blue lagoon with a simple registration here. The access stays free, these measures are introduced to avoid overcrowding.
Knowing what to expect, here’s my recommendation for the best boat trip from Valletta to Comino:
Blue Lagoon Afternoon Swim with Sunset Cruise
✅2 hours in the Blue Lagoon
✅Padded sun loungers & waterslides
✅Sunset return cruise
✅4 hours total in the afternoon
✅Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
How to get around Malta
You may have seen that you don’t need a rental car for your Malta holidays. For all my day tours in Malta, I’ve always relied exclusively on the bus system, and it worked really well! Renting a car isn’t necessary. The buses got me nearly everywhere I needed to go.
Valletta is an excellent base for exploring the island. The main bus terminal is conveniently located right in front of City Gate, offering frequent connections to almost all parts of Malta.
Malta’s buses are affordable and easy to use. You can pay directly on board with cash or contactless payment for a flat fare of €2.50 per ride (summer rate). The ticket allows free transfers within 2 hours.
My tip: If you are traveling by bus in Malta and Gozo for a week, you should buy the Explore Card. For 7 days of unlimited bus travel, you only pay €25.00 per person for both islands. Since I traveled by bus every day, the Tallinja Explore Card quickly paid itself off. Info: Any Malta Gozo ferry service is not included.
While buses can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season and around Valletta, they remain a great option for budget-conscious travelers who prefer not to drive.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can explore Malta comfortably without the need for a car.
Conclusion
Malta may be a small island, but there is lots to see and do: stunning landscapes, and beautiful little towns make it a destination packed with incredible experiences.
Using Valletta as your base, you’ll have easy access to some of the island’s best attractions, whether you’re exploring ancient cities like Mdina, relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, or hiking along dramatic coastal cliffs.
Each of the proposed day trips from Valletta offer something unique, providing a well-rounded glimpse into Malta’s fascinating culture and natural beauty.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, these excursions will help you uncover the best of what Malta has to offer.
