Malta & Gozo: The Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Smarter: Explore ancient fortresses, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise lagoons on this intense week-long adventure.

Malta is a small island with a massive history. We visited in December, which is the perfect time for “Comfort Adventurers”—the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the landscapes are still beautifully green. To stay mobile and avoid the notorious Maltese traffic, we opted for a scooter rental.

From the silent streets of Mdina to the rugged coastlines of Gozo, this 7-day Malta itinerary is designed for those who want to see the best of the island without wasting a single minute.

The Ultimate 7-Day Malta & Gozo Itinerary

Day 1: Valletta & The Three Cities

Start your journey in Valletta, the capital. Begin at the Triton Fountain and walk through the modern City Gate. Make your way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the best panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. Afterward, take a traditional dgħajsa boat across the water to explore the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Isla).

Our Tips:
- Be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens shortly before 12:00 PM to see the Saluting Battery ceremony (cannon fire).
- Inside the city, get lost in the narrow streets like St. Ursula Street and Strait Street for the best photo opportunities.

Day 2: Sunday Market & The Wild South

If it’s Sunday, you must start at the Marsaxlokk Market (if it’s not and you have the possibility – we recommend rearrangement of days). It’s the best place to see the iconic Luzzu boats and feel the local vibe. Later, head to the Delimara Peninsula to see St. Peter’s Pool and the Kalanka Lighthouse. Finish your day at the breathtaking Blue Grotto and the UNESCO-listed Hagar Qim temples.

Our Tip: Start your drone from a safe distance near the Blue Grotto viewpoint to capture the massive stone arch in its full glory—something you can’t fully see from the shore.

Day 3: The Magic of Gozo

Take the ferry to Gozo for a day of rugged nature. Visit the Tal-Mixta Cave for a view over Ramla Bay, see the geometric Salt Pans, and explore the narrow fjord of Wied il-Ghasri. Don’t miss the Cittadella in Victoria for a 360-degree view of the island.

Our Tip: To explore Gozo efficiently in one day, take the earliest ferry possible. The island is small, but there are so many “hidden gems” like Wied il-Mielah that you will want every extra hour.

Day 4: History and Grand Rotundas

Start at the Mosta Rotunda, which has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Walk along the Victoria Lines (Malta’s Great Wall) and spend your afternoon in the “Silent City” of Mdina and neighboring Rabat. End the day at the Dingli Cliffs for a spectacular sunset.

Our Tips:
- Inside the Mosta Rotunda, look for the replica of the WWII bomb that crashed through the dome but failed to explode.
- In Mdina, avoid the main tourist street; the real magic is in the tiny, silent side alleys.

Day 5: Northern Shores & Popeye’s Village

Visit the “Red Tower” (St. Agatha’s Tower) for views of Gozo and Comino. Head to Anchor Bay to see the Popeye Village film set from the cliffs (the viewpoint is free!). Spend your afternoon relaxing at Riviera Beach (Ghajn Tuffieha).

Our Tip: The hike up the stairs at Riviera Beach is the best place on the island to watch the sunset. Bring a snack and enjoy the view from the top of the hill.

Day 6: Modern Malta & Coastal Vibes

Explore the more modern side of the island. Visit Manoel Island for a classic view of the Valletta skyline across the water. Walk the long promenade from Sliema to St. Julian’s and enjoy the atmosphere of Spinola Bay.

Our Tip: If you have extra time, the Malta Classic Car Collection in St. Paul’s Bay is a fantastic indoor activity for a couple of hours.

Day 7: Last Bites & Departure

Keep your final morning relaxed in St. Paul’s Bay. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping and enjoy a final Maltese pastizzi before heading back to the airport.

Smart Logistics for Malta:

Two-Wheel Freedom: We highly recommend renting a scooter (like we did with LA Rentals). It allows you to park almost anywhere for free and bypass the heavy traffic jams around Valletta and Sliema.
Driving on the Left: Malta drives on the left side of the road. If you rent a car, an automatic is strongly recommended due to the narrow streets and steep hills.
Public Transport: The X1 bus is a great, budget-friendly way to get from the airport to St. Paul’s Bay if you aren’t picking up your vehicle immediately.
Connectivity: Signal is excellent across both islands, but keep your Google Maps offline just in case you head into the more remote valleys of Gozo.

Plan Your Next Adventure: Explore our Atlas

If you enjoyed discovering these historic and wild spots, you’ll find even more inspiration in our dedicated destination hubs.

Check out all our [Malta Guides] for more local tips, or browse our full [Destinations Catalog] to find your next unforgettable road trip. Looking for a similar Mediterranean vibe? You might also love our [7-Day Cyprus Road Trip].