Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Malta

Best Day Trips from Malta 2026

The day trips from Malta that repay the journey — with transport, timing, and cost for each.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 5+ day trips in Malta — Gozo Island, Comino and Blue Lagoon and Marsaxlokk and Southeast Coast top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa, renowned for its ancient fortified cities, crystal-clear waters, and 7,000 years of history. This UNESCO World Heritage jewel blends baroque architecture, prehistoric temples, and vibrant coastal life into one of Europe's most captivating destinations.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

25 km from Valletta via ferry from Cirkewwa

Gozo Island

Malta Public Transport bus to Cirkewwa then Gozo Channel ferry at 4.65 EUR return

Highlights: Ggantija Temples dating to 3600 BC among the world's oldest freestanding structures · Victoria Citadel with panoramic island views and baroque cathedral · Dwejra Bay and Blue Hole world-class diving site · Xlendi Bay swimming and Gozitan seafood lunch · Local gbejniet sheep cheese, indigenous wine, and artisan crafts

7 km from Malta's northwest coast

Comino and Blue Lagoon

Public ferry from Cirkewwa at 15 EUR adult return

Highlights: Blue Lagoon turquoise swimming waters with white sandy seabed · Crystal Lagoon on the quieter western side of the island · St Mary's Tower 17th-century watchtower · Snorkeling in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters · Walking trails across Comino's wild interior

12 km from Valletta

Marsaxlokk and Southeast Coast

Malta Public Transport Route 85 bus from Valletta at 2 EUR

Highlights: Sunday morning fish market from 7am to 1pm with the freshest catch · Colorful luzzu fishing boats with painted protective eyes · St Peter's Pool natural rock swimming holes with cliff jumping · Fresh seafood waterfront lunch at local taverns · Blue Grotto sea cave boat trips just minutes away

13 km from Valletta

Mdina and Rabat

Malta Public Transport bus from Valletta at 2 EUR

Highlights: Mdina medieval Silent City with only 250 permanent residents · St Paul's Cathedral ornate baroque interior · Rabat underground catacombs including St Paul's and St Agatha's networks · Crystal Palace pastizzeria for authentic 50-cent pastizzi · Fontanella Tea Garden panoramic views with famous chocolate cake · Roman Villa and Museum with well-preserved floor mosaics

15 to 20 km from Valletta

Victoria Lines and Northern Malta

Malta Public Transport bus to Mosta then local connections at 2 EUR

Highlights: Victoria Lines 19th-century British defensive fortification wall crossing Malta · Mosta Dome one of the largest unsupported church domes in the world · Naxxar town square and Palazzo Parisio formal ornamental gardens · Ghajn Tuffieha Bay unspoiled sandy beach with dramatic headlands · Salina Salt Pans for birdwatching and sunrise photography

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organized full-day tours to Gozo from $45-65/person including guide and transport; half-day Valletta tours from $30
Private
Private car hire with driver from $120/half day for custom routes; useful for Gozo or temple circuits
Public
Malta Public Transport bus network covers all main day trip destinations; 7-day pass €21 covers unlimited travel including Gozo ferry bus connections
Rental
Car rental from $25/day useful for Gozo (rent on arrival at Gozo ferry terminal) and accessing remote north Malta beaches

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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