The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands—Malta (home to the UNESCO-recognized city of Valletta), Comino (location of the popular Blue Lagoon) and Gozo—a starkly beautiful island that is surrounded by a ribbon of shimmering sea. With its quiet, dusty streets and its undeveloped villages, the island of Gozo feels stuck in time. It is an unspoiled oasis of rocky landscapes, remote beaches, historical relics and goldstone villages.

Gozo is like a smaller and quieter version of Malta. While the island contains some bustling towns of its own, it escapes the heavy traffic and congestions of its larger sister. The island is virtually free of high-rises and resorts. And its tallest buildings are the domed cathedrals that crown its arid hilltops.

GOZO DAY TRIP FROM MALTA

Taking a day trip to Gozo is one of the top things to do in Malta. If I’d had more time, however, I would have enjoyed spending a few days on the relaxing, scenic island.

With only one day in Gozo, I had to prioritize the island’s top attractions and limit the scope of my desired itinerary. I ommitted a visit to the Ggantija Temples and cut short a trip to the island’s largest city, Victoria.

Though my day trip to Gozo was the perfect finale to my Maltese vacation, I wish I’d spent a bit more time exploring the island. Because visiting Gozo by public bus as a day trip—while convenient and cheap—can be incredibly time-consuming.

In all, my day trip to Gozo required I take a total of eight buses and a roundtrip ferry. It became immediately apparent that bus travel around Malta requires patience, flexibility and a love for traveling the local way.

VICTORIA CITADEL

I began my day trip to Gozo with a visit to the citadel that lies at the heart of the island’s largest city, Victoria. The citadel sits smack in the middle of Gozo and its fortified walls provide stunning 360 degree panoramas of the surrounding countryside.

From the fortress, I admired the terraced hillsides and the narrow roads that zigzagged toward the sea. Through the haze, domed cathedrals towered over my surroundings.

I could have spent a few hours exploring the narrow lanes of the citadel and relishing the sweeping views of the Gozitan countryside.

However, with only one day in Gozo and much of the morning already behind me due to a series of lengthy bus rides from St Julian’s, I continued on to Dwejra after a mere half hour of wandering the fortress grounds.

DWERJA GOZO

Tourism on Gozo centers around Dwejra Bay. And for good reason. The entire area is blessed with dramatic rock formations, sapphire waters and postcard-worthy views.

[*Note: Since I wrote this post in 2016, the Azure Window on Gozo has collapsed into the sea. The area where the Azure Window once stood, however, is still beautiful and worth visiting.]

• THE AZURE WINDOW (COLLAPSED IN MARCH 2017)

The Azure Window near Dwejra was one of the archipelago’s most outstanding natural features prior to its collapse. Rising from the cobalt waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the iconic rock arch stood as a testament to the elements that have sculpted Malta’s malleable limestone landscape.

A year after my visit, the blue hole crumbled into the ocean during a turbulent storm. Still, I am grateful to have been able to witness one of Malta’s most beautiful attractions prior to its collapse.

• THE BLUE HOLE IN DWERJA

Adjacent to the Azure Window is another of Gozo’s highlights–a natural swimming pool known as the Blue Hole.

The Blue Hole is a collapsed underwater cave that sits at the foot of the Azure Window. The swimming hole’s intensely blue waters are crystal clear and make for some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Europe. It is the perfect place for a refreshing afternoon swim.

Though I did not take the opportunity to dive Gozo’s Blue Hole, I enjoyed swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

Despite the fact that the Azure Window no longer stands, the nearby Blue Hole remains one of the island’s most sought-after tourist attractions.

• THE INLAND SEA OF DWERJA

Just a stone’s throw away from the Azure Window and Blue Hole, sits yet another of Dwejra Bay’s must-see gems—the oft-overlooked Inland Sea. This peculiar geological formation is a saltwater lagoon with a pebbled beach and calm, blue-green waters. On three sides, towering cliffs surround the lagoon. The Inland Sea has no outlet, save for a small tunnel in the rock wall that leads to the open ocean.

I had the Inland Sea virtually to myself, despite the hoards of camera-toting tourists at the nearby Azure Window. So I swam in the lagoon’s cool waters and then lay down on the warm rocks to dry off—enjoying a bit of solitude before continuing on my way.

• XLENDI BAY

Since I only realistically had time to fit one more destination into my Gozo day trip itinerary after visiting Dwejra Bay, I skipped the megalithic temples of Ggantija and headed straight to Xlendi Bay instead. I’d already toured the comparable temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra the previous day and figured my time would be best spent relishing one of Gozo’s most picturesque towns.

Xlendi is a seaside village located on the southwestern side of Gozo. This jumble of houses surrounding a rectangular bay is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its laid-back vibe, its picturesque setting and its plethora of eateries.

The beach at Xlendi is small, but it is one of the best spots on the island to take a dip in the aquamarine ocean, hike up a surrounding hillside or to watch life go by at one of the many outdoor cafes.

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While many might find it inconvenient to tour Gozo using public transport, I am happy I traveled to the island without a tour. For exploring Gozo by bus allowed me to navigate Malta’s little sister at my own pace and on my own terms.

My five days in Malta and Gozo may have been brief, but they were packed to the brim with visits to ancient temples, seaside villages and geological wonders.

Despite the brevity of my visit, it was easy to see why so many people I met on the island had chosen to extend their stays. And I could see why Malta consistently ranks among the world’s top off-the-beaten-path destinations.

For this densely packed archipelago is so architecturally intriguing, aesthetically beautiful and culturally rich, that it would take months—if not years—to fully appreciate all it has to offer.

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Did You Enjoy This Blog Post on My Day Trip to Gozo? 

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Wedged between Malta and Gozo in the Mediterranean Sea, Comino is the smallest island in the Maltese Archipelago. This sparsely-populated and aesthetically stunning island woos beach enthusiasts and nature-lovers from around the world with its otherworldly landscapes and impossibly blue waters. The island’s main attraction is the Blue Lagoon–a patch of shimmering turquoise water that has become one of Malta’s main tourist draws in recent years.

The Blue Lagoon in Comino (not to be confused with Iceland’s Blue Lagoon) is one of the country’s most beloved swimming holes. This sheltered inlet is packed to the brim with day-trippers. And for good reason. The lagoon’s water is brilliant and warm. The surrounding arid landscape is a breathtaking tapestry of browns, greens and oranges. And the sweeping views of nearby Malta and Gozo are unparalleled.

Comino Day Trip from Malta

I visited the Blue Lagoon as a day trip from St Julian’s after two wonderful days of exploring Malta’s fortified cities. Visiting the Blue Lagoon without a tour is easy, rewarding and inexpensive.

To reach the coveted swimming hole, I took a public bus along Malta’s eastern coast–past Paceville, Bugibba and Ghadira Bay–to the town of Marfa. Once I arrived in Marfa, I bought a €10 roundtrip boat ticket from Comino Ferries Co-op and embarked on the 25 minute journey to Malta’s smallest island.

Due to a lazy morning at my hostel, I arrived at the Blue Lagoon in the early afternoon, when boatloads of tourists had already inundated the beach. Since the area was incredibly crowded, I took a quick dip in the aquamarine lagoon, before gathering my things and finding a quiet place to sit and soak in the view.

From a solitary outcrop of rocks away from the crowds, I admired the ocean’s patchwork of turquoise, sapphire, cobalt and navy.

With a total area of only 3.5 square kilometers, Comino is devoid of bustling cities or towns. In fact, Apart from one hotel and four permanent residents, the island is virtually uninhabited. Comino is car-free and contains no roads. It is worlds away from the chaotic humdrum of nearby Malta.

After relishing the views of my surroundings, I slowly made my way toward St Mary’s tower. The tower is Comino’s most prominent architectural feature. It was built in the 1600s to defend the islands of Malta and Gozo from the Ottoman Turks and to deter pirates and smugglers from using Comino as a hiding place.

The island of Comino is an arid wilderness with jagged cliffs, small sandy beaches and a coastline that has been sculpted by the ocean waves over time. Though difficult to explore from land, the return boat trip from Comino to Marfa allowed me to take a close look at the sea caves and natural arches that litter the island’s coast.

I still had a few hours of daylight to spare after returning to Marfa from my day trip to Comino, so I chose to take bus 101 to Golden Bay on Malta’s western shores.

Evening at Golden Bay in Malta

Golden Bay is home to one of the softest stretches of sand in Malta and is arguably the island’s best beach. In a country that is not particularly known for its sandy beaches, Golden Bay stands out among the fray with its gilded grains of powdery sand.

Like the Blue Lagoon in Comino, Golden Bay can be packed with tourists. By the time I reached the beach, however, most day trippers had already gone back to their respective hotels and I had the stretch of sand largely to myself.

Lounging on the soft sands of Golden Bay was the perfect way to cap off my relaxing day trip to Comino. As I waited for the sun to set, I lay down on the beach, closed my eyes and listened to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves–drifting peacefully in and out of sleep and temporarily forgetting that my impromptu vacation to Malta was already halfway over.

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Though Malta is still relatively unknown to many North American travelers, the archipelago nation is quickly becoming a tourist favorite among Europeans. And there are many reasons for this: the beautiful landscapes, the sapphire waters, the unique rock formations, the heritage, the culture, the history.

History is everywhere you look in Malta. It oozes from the towering cathedrals that dominate the country’s landscapes. It lies hidden away in the narrow streets and alleyways of the island’s postcard-perfect cities. And it is embedded in the complex fabric of Malta’s language, its architecture and its identity.

From the long legacy of the Knights of St John to the existence of temples that predate the Egyptian Pyramids, Malta is a fascinating, complex and multifaceted country that packs a lot of punch into its tiny size.

Itinerary for 3 Days in Malta

 Malta remains largely off the trodden tourist trail. Yet, with its dramatic coastal scenery and regal fortified cities, the small Mediterranean island is overflowing with things to see. 

I spent five days backpacking around the Maltese islands at the end of September. Of those five days, I spent three on the main island of Malta-–discovering the island’s dizzying display of natural attractions, picturesque cities and, and archeological wonders.

My three day Malta itinerary consisted of visiting many of the island’s top attractions. It brought me to beautiful cities, ancient historical relics, and dazzling natural attractions.

Malta’s position at the crossroads of Europe and the Maghreb, has fostered a beautiful blend of Italy meets Middle East—a melange of linguistic, cultural and architectural elements that entwine to create an island that is as unique as it is beautiful.

Malta Itinerary Day 1: Valletta

Like most tourists to the country, I based my travels in the sprawling town of St Julian’s, across the bay from Valletta. I stayed at the Boho Hostel—a budget-friendly backpacker’s retreat that is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s waterfront promenade. The relaxed and chilled-out vibe at Boho was perfect for unwinding after long days of crisscrossing the tiny island nation on public buses.

On the first day of my Malta itinerary, I explored the neighborhood of St Julian’s and the beautiful UNESCO-recognized city of Valletta.

• St Julian’s

St Julian’s was once a pretty fishing village located across the bay from the Maltese capital. But rapid growth has transformed the neighborhood into a trendy area where five-star hotels and apartment complexes abound. The neighborhood of St Julian’s adjoins the small nightlife enclave of Paceville.

The adjacent neighborhood of Sliema lies just across the bay from Valletta and is connected to the Maltese capital by a ferry that runs on the half hour.

Though St Julian’s picturesque beauty does not rival that of Valletta, the area’s assortment of hotels and eateries makes it a fantastic base for exploring the island.

• Valletta

Valletta is Malta’s largest and most visually striking city. Deemed “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen” upon its founding, Valletta is full of 16th-century elegance and grace. 

Malta’s romantic and picturesque capital city is characterized by brightly colored balconies, narrow alleyways and domed cupolas. Squished between two Mediterranean bays, Valletta enjoys stunning views of Sliema to the North, the Three Cities of Birgu, Sanglea and Cospicua to the South, and the sparkling cobalt sea to the East.

When UNESCO designated Valletta a World Heritage Site, the organization described the city as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

Though Valletta can rival just about any other city in terms of its history and wealth of attractions, it is not a typical European capital. Valletta is everything most capital cities are not. It is quaint, easily walkable and traffic-free. 

Within Valletta’s fortified walls, there are no skyscrapers, congested streets or sprawling neighborhoods. Instead, the city is home to pedestrian arteries, restaurants offering traditional rabbit stew and lively squares filled with a mix of tourists and locals enjoying the laid-back vibe of one of Europe’s most unique and visually-pleasing capitals.

I spent nearly the entirety of my first day in Malta exploring the cathedrals, forts and twisting streets of Valletta.

In that time, I visited the Co-Cathedral of St John, strolled through the Upper Barakka Gardens, and soaked in views of the city’s pictureque skyline from its waterfront.

DAY 2: Malta’s Beautiful Cities

Though the striking capital city of Valletta gets much of the limelight, Malta’s other fortified cities are certainly worth visiting. On my second day in Malta, I visited these pretty cities by bus. My itinerary brought me first to the three cities of Birgu, Sanglea and Cospicua.

• The Three Cities

The Three Cities of Malta offer an intriguing insight in the island’s history. Left largely unvisited, these fortified cities offer a glimpse into Malta’s maritime fortunes.

Though I walked around all three cities during my second day in Malta, I spent the majority of my time in the picturesque waterfront city of Birgu.

Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa) was the first home of the Knights Hospitaller, a Catholic military order that ruled over Malta from 1530 to 1798.

Birgu sits across the bay from Valletta and is one of the most beautiful cities in Malta. Its sapphire waters are dotted with sailing vessels and painted fishing boats. 

With the city’s streets to myself, I spent two hours wandering the skinny lanes of Birgu. Along my walk, I admired the views of the surrounding harbor and stopped frequently to fill up on delicious pastizzis. The city’s flower-bedecked streets, its decorated balconies, and its sand-colored buildings are both regal and charming.

With each turn I took, I found myself getting more and more lost in the maze of golden buildings and elaborate balconies.

From Birgu, I hopped back on the bus and made my way around the harbor to Valleta.

• Mdina: The Silent City

The mysterious gold-stone city of Mdina sits smack in the middle of the country and affords breathtaking views of the island’s arid terrain from its fortified walls. Deemed Malta’s Silent City, Mdina is characterized by shaded alleyways, arched doorways exquisite balconies and the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral that towers over the city’s maze of golden buildings.

I wandered the streets of Malta at dusk–as the day-trippers emptied from Mdina’s alleyways and headed back to their hotels in St Julian’s and Valletta. As the sun set, it became easy to see why Mdina has been deemed the Silent City. The city’s peaceful streets were eerily deserted.

Itinerary Day 3: Southern Malta

Malta is densely packed and covered in a blanket of urban sprawl. But on the southern part of the island, I was able to escape the crowds for a bit of solitude.

I found the sparsely populated pockets of the country to be beautiful in their harshness. Prickly pear cactuses scramble up the sides of stone fences and a patchwork of earthy tones extends outward, as far as the eye can see.

It is in southern Malta that I was able to delve into the island’s past and discover the legacies of its ancient civilizations. It is in this region that I was able to enjoy the country’s rural heart, away from the crowds. And it is in this region that I found a microcosm of everything that makes Malta so special—picturesque villages, rugged nature, awe-inspiring ocean views and a complex, multifaceted history.

• Marxaslokk Fishing Village

I began my visit to southern Malta by taking bus 81 to Marxaslokk from Valletta’s main station. An essential stop in any Malta itinerary, Marxaslokk is a quaint and colorful fishing village characterized by its picturesque harbor. In the Marxaslokk Harbor, traditional boats bob up and down, creating a colorful contrast to the city’s golden buildings. These cheery boats are known locally as luzzus and are painted in bright, primary colors. Each boat is decorated with eyes that are said to protect the fishermen at sea.

Every Sunday, the whole population of Malta seems to flock to Marxaslokk to attend the fish market–a weekly affair featuring everything from swordfish to sea bream to rockfish to clams.

I shoved through the crowds and took a peek at the market’s offerings, before sitting down on one of the harbor’s protruding docks. From my spot on the dock, I watched the hurried frenzy of market-goers and admired the surrounding jumble of brightly colored fishing boats.

Heeding the advice I received at my hostel in St Julian’s, I decided to follow my visit to the Marxaslokk fish market with a quick dip in St Peter’s Pool–a nearby swimming hole that is a favorite among locals.

• St Peter’s Pool

From the town’s harbor, I followed signs to the swimming hole. It was not until I was ready to plunge into the water, that I realized I had forgotten to bring swimwear. So, after cooling off in the shade for a bit, I continued on, toward Malta’s megalithic temples.

• The Megalithic Temples of Malta

Since there is no direct bus from Marxaslokk to the megalithic temples, I took bus 210 to Xwendi, followed by bus 72 to Qrendi. From Qrendi, I walked the remaining half hour to the temple complex–relishing the views of rural Malta along the way.

I arrived at Malta’s ancient temples in the late afternoon and spent about an hour visiting the two adjacent sites of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.

Malta’s megalithic temples are old–older than the Pyramids, Stonehenge and the ruins of ancient Rome. And, while today Hagar Qim and Mnajdra may look like little more than piles of rocks, these unassuming structures are among the oldest freestanding buildings in the world.

UNESCO has granted Malta’s megalithic temples (Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien and Ggantija) status as world heritage sites, for each temple is remarkable in its architectural and technological achievements.

• The Blue Grotto

Had my day trip to southern Malta gone flawlessly, my visit to the megalithic temples would have been followed by a stop at the Blue Grotto. Yet, a combination of poor planning and a winter reduction in visiting hours meant that I arrived at the site’s ticket booth shortly after it had closed. It was only 3:30pm, but the last boat ride to the caves had already left a few minutes prior.

While I am disappointed that I missed out on seeing one of the country’s most famous and beloved natural attractions, I imagine that the Blue Grotto in Malta is similar to the azure cave I saw in Capri.

Best Time to Visit Malta

The European shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Malta. In spring and early summer, temperatures are pleasant and sunny, while crowds remain manageable. As the summer progresses, the days tend to get warmer and warmer. July and August in Malta can be hot and crowded, though the water temperatures can be ideal for swimming.

The months of September and October are wonderful times to visit Malta. In fact, the small European country is one of the best places in Europe to visit in October due to its warm weather and relative lack of rain.

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The three main islands in the Maltese Archipelago—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—each have their own flavor. Though I took day trips to Gozo and Comino during my five days in Malta, I spent three jam-packed days exploring the best of Malta’s main island.

In three action-packed days, I explored the island’s most beautiful cities, historical sites, and natural attractions. Each destination in Malta presented me with more picture-perfect views than I could capture on camera. Each reveals a small nation steeped in history and tradition.

And each showcases the unique blend of Italy meets Maghreb that makes Malta so special.

The post Exploring the Best of Malta: A Three Day Itinerary appeared first on Erika's Travels .