5 days in Malta is the perfect pace. Long enough to feel relaxed, short enough to stay excited. In 5 days you can tick off the best of the Maltese archipelago: culture in Valletta, turquoise at the Blue Lagoon, adventure in Gozo, thrills on the water and great nights in Paceville.
This is the itinerary we recommend to first-time visitors — the one they all come back raving about.
📍 Day 1 — Arrival & Sliema / St Julian's
🌅 Afternoon — Settle in and first swim
Most flights from Europe arrive around midday. Check into your accommodation (Sliema or St Julian's are the best bases for younger travellers), then head down to the Sliema waterfront for a first stroll and swim. The promenade rocks let you dive straight into clear, calm water — no sandy beach, but genuinely lovely.
🌙 Evening — First taste of Paceville
Keep the first night easy — you've got time to party. Dinner in St Julian's, then a walk around Paceville to get the vibe without going all-in.
🏛️ Day 2 — Valletta & a proper night out
🌄 Morning — Valletta, UNESCO capital
Valletta is one of Europe's smallest capitals — and one of its most beautiful. Everything is walkable. Must-sees: St John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio original inside), Upper Barrakka Gardens (panoramic Grand Harbour views), Republic Street for wandering and lunch, and the Three Cities by traditional dgħajsa ferry boat.
🎉 Evening — Nightlife
On a Thursday or Friday there's almost always a French night — French Night Fever at Gianpula, Circus Fridays at Toy Room, or a rooftop pool party at Hugo's. We can tell you exactly what's on during your dates.
🎉 Custom nightlife planning
Tell us your exact dates — we'll tell you what's on and book your spots
🏊 Day 3 — Blue Lagoon & Comino
The day everyone's been waiting for. The Blue Lagoon on Comino island is the quintessential Malta experience — turquoise waters that genuinely take your breath away.
Option 1 — Spirit of Malta catamaran (€89): open bar, buffet, DJ, swim from the boat without island crowds. Full day, the most festive and comfortable.
Option 2 — 4pm–8pm ferry (€35): if you've already filled your morning, the afternoon slot is brilliant — fewer people and a sunset over the lagoon.
⛵ Spirit of Malta — All-inclusive catamaran
Open bar · Buffet · DJ · Blue Lagoon from the boat · €89/person
🏍️ Day 4 — Gozo quad tour
The excursion you can't skip on a 5-day trip. Gozo is a completely different island — greener, quieter, more authentic. And the best way to explore it is by quad.
- Ferry from northern Malta to Gozo (included)
- Victoria Citadel (panoramic view of the whole island)
- Ramla Bay (unique red-orange sand beach)
- Dwejra Inland Sea
- Comino swim stop on the way back
- Dinner at a Gozitan restaurant
🏍️ Gozo Quad Tour — Full day
Return transport · Ferry included · Swimming · Sunset · €115 solo / €195 duo
🏄 Day 5 — Water sports & departure
Last day — often the most fun if your flight's in the evening. We recommend a morning of water sports: jet ski, paddleboard or kayak. Jet skiing is especially popular as a final morning activity — 20–30 minutes of adrenaline on the waters off St Julian's or Bugibba, and one last look at Malta from the sea.
🏍️ Jet Ski in Malta — Perfect last morning
20 min from €55 · 30 min from €75 · Same-day booking possible
🧠 Practical tips for 5 days in Malta
- Book activities in advance in July–August — Blue Lagoon, catamaran and Gozo tour sell out
- The bus is cheap (~€2 per trip) and covers the main island well
- Rent a scooter or car to explore less-accessible beaches (Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha)
- Bring cash — many street vendors and small restaurants prefer it
- Strong sun — SPF 50 is essential, especially on a boat or near water