Valletta & St. Julian's 🏰
"A fortress city of knights and luxury Mediterranean living."
The entire capital of Valletta is a UNESCO site. You can stay in converted palazzos and enjoy the island's many high-end coastal resorts while the weather remains much warmer than Dublin.
A perfect blend of Knight-era history and Mediterranean island luxury, moving from the limestone heritage of Valletta to the vibrant resort life of St. Julian's.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · The Grandeur of Valletta
Morning — Arrive in Valletta, Malta's fortress capital. Start with a coffee at Caffe Cordina followed by a visit to the opulent St. John's Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s masterpieces.
Afternoon — Take a deep dive into history at the Grand Master's Palace and the National Museum of Archaeology. Walk the narrow limestone streets to Upper Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.
Evening — Dine at a cellar restaurant specializing in Maltese rabbit (Fenkata) near Merchants Street. Enjoy a nightcap at a quiet jazz bar on the steps of St. Lucia's Street.
💡 Valletta is hilly; wear comfortable shoes with good grip on the limestone.
Day 2 · The Three Cities & Palatial Life
Morning — Visit the Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace still inhabited by a noble family. Explore the underground WWII shelters located beneath the palace gardens.
Afternoon — Board a traditional 'dgħajsa' (water taxi) for a short trip to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua). Explore the knight's quarters and Fort St. Angelo.
Evening — Sample local 'Pastizzi' (flaky pastries) from a street vendor before a sophisticated dinner at the Valletta Waterfront, enjoying the lights across the harbour.
💡 The dgħajsa crossing only costs about $2 per person and is much faster than the bus.
Day 3 · Ancient Temples and Silent Cities
Morning — Take a short taxi ride to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (book months in advance), an underground prehistoric burial site, followed by the Tarxien Temples.
Afternoon — Visit the 'Silent City' of Mdina, wandering its ancient, sun-bleached alleys. Stop at Fontanella Tea Garden for their famous chocolate cake and views from the bastion walls.
Evening — Return to Valletta for a sunset walk along the city walls. Enjoy dinner at a Michelin-recommended eatery hidden in a quiet alley.
💡 Mdina is best experienced just before sunset when the day-trippers leave.
Day 4 · Transfer to Coastal St. Julian's
Morning — Enjoy a final breakfast in Valletta before checking out. Visit the Lower Barrakka Gardens for a more peaceful sea view before heading north.
Afternoon — Check into your resort and spend the afternoon lounging by the pool or visiting the nearby Spinola Bay to see the traditional colorful Luzzu boats.
Evening — Experience Malta’s nightlife hub. Start with dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the bay, then explore the bars in the Paceville district.
💡 St. Julian's is much more modern and resort-focused than historic Valletta.
Day 5 · Turquoise Waters of Comino
Morning — Take a full-day boat excursion from the nearby Sliema strand to the island of Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Most tours include lunch and snorkeling gear.
Afternoon — Swim in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon or hike the rugged coastline of Comino. It is the gold standard for Mediterranean crystal-clear water.
Evening — Return to St. Julian's for a relaxed dinner at a Lebanese or Mediterranean fusion restaurant along the Portomaso Marina.
💡 Book a smaller boat tour to avoid the large 'party boat' crowds at the Blue Lagoon.
Day 6 · Resort Relaxation & Reflection
Morning — Enjoy a leisurely resort breakfast. Visit the nearby Dragonara Casino, housed in a stunning 19th-century palazzo, even if just to see the architecture.
Afternoon — Walk the promenade from St. Julian's to Sliema for some final souvenir shopping at The Point mall or the local boutiques. Enjoy a final gelato by the sea.
Evening — Farewell dinner at a high-end resort restaurant in St. Julian's, reflecting on the mix of ancient history and modern luxury. 15-minute taxi to the airport.
💡 The promenade walk is flat and beautiful, taking about 30-40 minutes total.