One day in Malta is a short time to discover everything this tiny Mediterranean island nation offers. Still, it’s enough to fall in love with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
With its baroque buildings, fortifications that remind us of the past, beautiful gardens, and narrow, cobblestone streets, Valletta is a stunning capital worthy of being included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, as it has been since 1980.
Despite being the tiniest capital in the European Union, visiting Valletta is a treasure trove of experiences. It was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of Malta, a pivotal moment when the Ottoman Empire, under the leadership of Suleiman the Magnificent, attempted to seize the island.
It’s also one of the earliest planned cities in Europe, boasting a meticulously designed grid-like street network by the Italian engineer Francesco Laparelli.
As mentioned, a day in Malta is brief, but it’s enough to tick off even day trips from Valletta. The country is an archipelago with three islands: Gozo, Malta, and Comino. If you wish to see them all, allocate at least 4-5 days, not just 1 day in Malta.
About Malta
With a rich history spanning over 7,000 years, Malta impresses with several religious structures, some of the oldest in the world: the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and the Neolithic Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni.
At the same time, its geographical position has historically placed it on the radar of various nations that have left their mark on its architecture, culture, and traditions. The Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and British are among those who have influenced Malta.
Malta has also played an essential role in filmmaking, serving as the backdrop for several viral and beloved productions. Films such as Gladiator, Popeye, Troy, scenes from Captain Phillips, The Count of Monte Cristo, and many others have been shot here.
If you speak English, you need not worry, as Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese is a blend of Arabic, Italian, and English. In any case, the conclusion is that if you know English at all, you’ll get along just fine here.
About Valletta
I’m sure you’re wondering where this beautiful name came from. Well, the city is named after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John, who led the defense of Malta during the Great Siege against the Ottoman Empire.
Valletta, with its rich history of enduring attacks, stands as a testament to resilience. The city’s need for defense led to the creation of formidable fortifications, including massive defensive structures with bastions and deep moats. The harbor, serving as a key naval base for centuries, further fortified its strategic position.
You’ll learn more about the places to visit in Malta in the following paragraphs.
Where to stay in Valletta
Even if you spend only one day in Valletta, Malta, you’ll need reasonable accommodation strategically located close to the city’s key points. I recommend a hotel with a view in the Upper Barrakka Gardens area or Republic or Merchant Streets.
Not only are these areas lively, but you’ll also find everything you need, from tourist attractions to shops, restaurants, cafés, and plenty of souvenirs. Here are my recommendations for hotels in Valletta, based on budget:
- Low-budget: The Vincent has a superb design, good location, breakfast included, spacious rooms, and historic charm.
- Mid-range: The Republic Boutique Hotel – perfect location, modern and spacious rooms, parking, restaurant, bar, breakfast included.
- Luxury: The Embassy Valletta Hotel – luxurious rooms, pool with a view, fitness center, spa, restaurant, bar.
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One day in Malta & The perfect Valletta itinerary
Morning in Malta
I recommend starting your one day in Malta with one of the most beautiful day trips from Valletta, Mdina.
Start your day with a visit to the Mdina Malta
The distance from Valletta to Mdina is approximately 14 km, and the best way to get there is to book a city tour that includes hotel pickup and entrance fees to the main tourist sites in Mdina. This is by far the most popular and recommended one. Alternatively, you can opt for hop-on, hop-off buses that include a Mdina stop.
Mdina, one of the oldest cities in Malta, is a place of tranquility. It was the country’s capital during the Roman, Byzantine, and Arab Empires. Due to its very tranquil atmosphere, the city is also known as the ‘Silent City’. The buildings’ unique architecture conveys a sense of calmness, even visually. The absence of cars inside the city further enhances the quiet that has earned it its title and reputation.
Walking through Mdina is like stepping into the pages of a history book; it’s like wandering through an open-air museum. The city is fascinating, and you will surely enjoy exploring it, especially since it’s small.
One must-see attraction in Mdina is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a true baroque masterpiece like most buildings here. Built in the 17th century, the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Paul, the shipwrecked saint of Malta.
From time to time, the monotony of the sandy-colored buildings is broken by a colorful door or pastel shutters on the windows and flowers cascading down the exterior walls.
The tranquility of Mdina’s streets is a delight to experience as you stroll through the labyrinthine streets, each square offering a new perspective of the country’s sweeping panorama. And you can do this very well from here, as Mdina is perched on a hill, almost in the center of Malta.
Afternoon in Malta
If you only have one day in Malta, you must visit the capital, Valletta. It covers just 0.6 square kilometers, and you can easily explore it in the remaining time since you spent your morning in Mdina.
Visit the City Gate and Triton Fountain
Where else should you start the tour, if not at the Triton Fountain, next to the City Gate? This work of art was designed by Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap in 1959. It depicts three mythological marine deities holding a circular basin.
The materials used in its construction are Maltese stones. The fountain, a true landmark of the city, is not just a sculpture but also a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, a perfect starting point for exploring Europe’s smallest capital.
A few meters further are the city gates, or their current version. Why do I say this? The current gates have been in place since 2014, replacing four earlier versions throughout the city’s history.
The latest architect is the Italian Renzo Piano, who gave the gates a very modern look meant to contrast with the city’s baroque style.
One of the most famous past versions of the gates was Porta Reale, or Kingsgate, which featured baroque architecture in harmony with the city.
Have lunch on Merchant Street
It’s time for lunch, and one of the places where you can enjoy a feast is Merchant Street, a vibrant part of the city. The Grandmaster’s Palace is also located here.
For a delicious lunch, I recommend considering one of the following options: La Pira Maltese Kitchen, Grain Street, Zitti, and Soul Food.
Admire St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Speaking of baroque architecture, no Valletta itinerary would be complete without a visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral. While the exterior may not seem particularly impressive and might appear like a plain church, the interior will leave you speechless with its intricate sculptures, gilded details, and elaborate frescoes.
Stepping onto the St. John’s Co-Cathedral floor, you tread on history. The 400 marble tombstones, each representing a knight of the order, are a poignant reminder of the past. The cathedral, built between 1572 and 1577 by the Knights of St. John, is a living testament to their rule over Malta and dedication to Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the order.
Inside the cathedral, you can admire two of Caravaggio‘s most famous paintings, including The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, considered one of his greatest works and the only one he ever signed.
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka and Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta offer sensational views of the city, especially the harbor and sea. Both are extremely beautiful, and one is my favorite spot in Valletta. I’ll let you guess which one. Until then, let’s take them one by one.
Lower Barrakka Gardens of Valletta are like a small paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city, which becomes very crowded with tourists. You can retreat here among various flowers, palm trees, oleanders, and fountains. It’s an intimate experience that also offers charming views of the Grand Harbour.
Lower Barrakka also has a neoclassical monument dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, a key figure in Malta’s history. From these gardens, you can see two critical monuments: the Siege Bell War Memorial, dedicated to the victims of World War II, and the Memorial to the Sleeping Soldier.
Upper Barrakka Gardens are at the opposite end in terms of intimacy. It is more famous and visited than Lower Barrakka, possibly because it has terraces and a much livelier atmosphere.
In Upper Barrakka, you’ll find the statue of Winston Churchill and the Saluting Battery, which fires daily at noon—a tradition dating back to the British colonial period.
The garden dates back to 1661, initially serving as a private oasis for the Knights of St. John. Later, in the 19th century, it was opened to the public. You can reach it on foot or by taking the lift near the port. The two gardens are among the most beautiful places to visit in Valletta.
Evening in Malta
There are many things to do in Valletta, even in the evening. As the sun sets into the sea, shafts of light play on the limestone buildings, highlighting the city’s colorful balconies even more. The streets become more lively than ever, and live music echoes from the venues where young people gather.
Admire the building’s architecture on Republic Street
Known initially as Strada Reale or King’s Street, Republic Street is the city’s main artery. You must come here if you’re looking for shopping, cultural activities, restaurants, cafés, and terraces or want to get a feel for the city. It is by far the liveliest street in Valletta.
Another attraction on Republic Street is Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace that showcases Malta’s noble past. Initially the residence of the de Piro family, it blends Baroque and Rococo styles, featuring beautifully decorated rooms, antique furniture, and a rich collection of art.
Conveniently stretching from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, Republic Street offers a seamless journey with fabulous views of the harbor, as if your walk is meant to end with the most beautiful conclusion. If you want to ensure you don’t miss any places in Valletta, you can walk down Republic Street, occasionally taking lefts and rights.
Souvenirs Shopping
Add a shopping session to your Valletta one day itinerary. You can only leave Malta by buying a fridge magnet or a small gift for your loved ones. Souvenir shops are lined up along Republic Street, so you’ll have plenty of options, from simple magnets to jewelry and decorative items.
Walk around the port
End your one day in Valletta with a stroll along the Grand Harbour. It’s one of the largest natural harbors in the world. From here, you can directly view several forts on the opposite shore: Fort St. Angelo, Fort Ricasoli, and Fort Rinella.
Once, long ago, these forts protected the city from invaders.
Even along the waterfront, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants with views of all kinds of vessels, from majestic cruise ships to quaint old fishing boats. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy dinner at the end of a perfect day in Malta, with a constantly changing maritime backdrop.
Best day trips in Malta
If you only have one day in Malta, buying tours that help you explore the island more quickly and cover the most important sites is a great option. Here are a few tours I recommend:
Things to know before visiting Malta
Is Malta safe at night?
In general, Malta is quite safe even at night. The police patrol the streets and ensure that they are well-lit. The country also has a low crime rate. However, as in any place, you should be aware of your surroundings, avoid dark areas, and monitor your belongings.
How to get around in Malta?
Getting around Malta is straightforward, with various options at your disposal. Buses crisscross the entire island, linking major cities and tourist spots. If you prefer more independence, car rentals are a popular choice, but remember, driving in Malta is on the left side of the road.
There are also taxis and ride-sharing services, and for water travel, ferries connect Malta with the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino. Bicycles and scooters are a great way to get around Malta. If you don’t plan to leave Valletta, you can walk around the city.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
With a Mediterranean climate, temperatures in Malta are mild year-round. Winter can be a good option if you want to visit when there are fewer tourists, but the weather could be more beach-friendly.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy sightseeing and sunbathing, spring and fall are ideal to avoid the excessive summer crowds. I recommend avoiding the months of June to August, as the islands become very crowded and the weather is quite hot.
Is 1 day in Malta enough?
One day in Malta is enough to taste this small but concentrated country. As you’ve seen in the article, you can do a lot in Valletta in one day, but you still have time to add Mdina to your itinerary. However, I suggest you allocate at least four days in Malta to explore the country properly and cover all its beautiful spots.
One day in Malta is a short time to discover everything this tiny Mediterranean country offers: a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
