Affiliate disclosure: I use GetYourGuide affiliate links. If you book through them, it helps me keep sharing tips like this (at no extra cost to you). A small favour to ask: If you’re booking on your phone, open the link in your browser (not the app) so it tracks properly. Thank you!
Every single tour or activity I recommend here is something I’ve personally tried and loved, you won’t find anything on this list that I haven’t experienced first-hand. I've combined this list together in order for you having to filter through lots of tours.
Welcome to Malta
Malta is a beautiful island in the heart of the Mediterranean, and I’m proud to call it home.
My own love for travel — that ever-present wanderlust — started right here. Over the past years, I’ve explored every corner of the island, and I've seen it change and grow with time.
One of my favourite things to do is share Malta with other travellers. My goal is to help you have an unforgettable time while connecting and learning more about our island’s rich history, culture, and heritage.
1. Comino's Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon Boat Tour
You’ve probably heard of Comino’s Blue Lagoon and for good reason. It’s stunning, with some of the clearest, bluest waters you’ll find anywhere on the islands. But here’s the catch: if you’re visiting between late May and September, you’ve likely heard about the crowds. Yep, it gets busy, both travellers and locals flock here because it’s just that beautiful!
That’s why I always recommend joining an afternoon boat tour. After trying many different ones myself, this is the tour I personally recommend. Trust me, it’s the most modern, comfortable, and stable boat you can find (perfect if you’re prone to seasickness). For all the details and photos, check out my full blog post here.
Everyone who’s taken this tour after my recommendation always thanks me. You get to see other boats docked further away, many with hard seating and cramped spaces. But this tour keeps things relaxed, with a great vibe and no overcrowding, definitely a plus when the bay gets packed to the brim!
Tour Details:
June to September:
- Available: Everyday
- Starts: 10:00 AM or 05:00 PM
- Duration: 4 hours or 6 hours
- Price: €30 - €40
October to May:
- Available: Everyday
- Starts: 10:45 AM or 11:15 AM (varies by month)
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price: €30 - €40 (varies by month)
If you’ve been following me, you know I’m a big foodie and love trying new dishes wherever I go. And honestly, there’s no better place to do that in Malta than Valletta. The city is packed with awesome restaurants and hidden food spots (I’ve shared some of my favourites on the blog, here).
On this tour, you’ll taste some of my local favourites: classic Maltese antipasti, flaky pastizzi, our beloved soft drink Kinnie, local beer Cisk, and of course, Imqaret (delicious fried date-filled pastries). Come hungry, because you definitely won’t leave that way!
But it’s not just about the food, you get to eat your way around Valletta, learn about our food traditions, see the top sights, dive into Malta’s rich history, and just soak up the amazing vibes of the city. If you’re not super into history or just short on time, this is the perfect way to experience it all without it feeling like too much of a history lesson. Plus, you get to meet some really cool local guides who bring the city to life in the best way. Highly recommend!
Tour Details:
- Available on: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
- Starts: 09:30 AM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: €55
3. Discover Malta's Medieval Past in Mdina & Rabat
Mdina and Rabat are beautiful, easy to explore on your own, but for a very inexpensive price, I highly recommend taking a walking tour. Having a local guide adds so much depth—you’ll hear fascinating stories and pick up on details you’d probably miss wandering solo.
My favourite time to visit is in the afternoon. By then, the morning crowds have usually thinned out, so you get to enjoy the quiet charm of the streets. Plus, when the golden hour hits, the warm light makes the limestone facades glow. Trust me, it’s absolutely magical and perfect for photos.
These two towns are some of the best-preserved and most charming on the island, full of history and character. Keep an eye out for ornate door knockers, vintage road signs, religious plaques, and old lanterns that tell the story of Malta’s noble and deeply religious past. This tour also includes a visit to the fascinating catacombs in Rabat, a real glimpse into Malta’s early Christian history that feels especially striking in today’s fast-changing world.
And while you’re in Rabat, do yourself a favour and grab some pastizzi from Crystal Palace. It’s hands down my favourite spot for these iconic Maltese pastries, truly as local as it gets!
Tour Details:
- Available: Monday to Friday
- Starts: 3:00 PM (Mon, Tues, Thur) & 10:00 AM (Wed, Fri)
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Price: €25
4.Head to Gozo: Malta's Tranquil Island Escape
Gozo feels like it’s in a world of its own. Quieter, greener, and more laid-back than Malta’s main island, it has that small-town charm that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. Picture rolling hills, rugged coastline, peaceful villages, and beautiful beaches, all with a backdrop of rich history and warm local hospitality.
One of the best ways to see Gozo is on an organised jeep tour. They’ll take you to must-visit spots like Victoria and Marsalforn, as well as lesser-known gems like Calypso Cave and Dwejra. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quad bike tour is an absolute blast (just make sure you’re confident behind the wheel).
I’ve tried both the jeep and quad bike tours, but these days there are also buggy tours, which I honestly think are the safer and more comfortable option. Most jeeps are on the older side (and not exactly built for luxury), but for the price, especially with a 3-course lunch included. both the jeep and buggy tours are fantastic value. Quad tours, on the other hand, take you to some of the most beautiful hidden gems, such as Wied il-Ghasri and the Qala Belvedere.
Buggy Tour of Gozo including Lunch & Transfers from Malta
Jeep Tour of Gozo including Lunch & Transfers from Malta
Quad Bike Tour of Gozo including Lunch & Transfers of Malta
Tour Details:
- Available: Everyday
- Starts: 08:00 AM
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price: €80 - €115 (varies by tour)
5. Maltese Tile Painting Workshop
Maltese tiles are a vibrant part of local heritage, often seen in traditional townhouses, with bold colours and intricate geometric patterns. While their production has mostly moved to factories, this experience takes you back to their roots.
Hosted in a traditional Maltese townhouse turned art studio, the workshop offers a short intro to the history and symbolism of Maltese tiles as well as a chance to design and paint your own coaster-sized tile to take back home with you as a souvenir.
Activity Details:
August (Fully booked) & September (Limited spots):
- Days: Tuesdays & Fridays
- Start Times: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM (a few slots left)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: €32
From October onwards:
- Days: Tuesdays only
- Start Time: 4:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: €34.50
This list is designed for travellers who are short on time but still want to see the highlights and the very best of what Malta has to offer. Of course, there’s so much more to explore on our islands—so if you’re staying longer or this isn’t your first visit, check out the My Malta section on my blog for more in-depth recommendations. But if it’s your first time here, these are my absolute must-dos, and you can easily fit them into just three days.
Tips if you’re short on time:
- Stay in Valletta (or nearby) – From here, you can travel directly to almost anywhere on the island by bus. For bus info, check out Tallinja.
- Compare prices on Bolt – Journeys can be more affordable than you might expect, especially if you’re in a group and can split the fare (sometimes it even works out cheaper than the bus!).
- Pair your sightseeing – You can easily see Valletta in the morning and Mdina + Rabat in the afternoon.
- Three Cities vs Mdina & Rabat – The Three Cities are beautiful and worth a visit if you have more time, but if you only have 3–4 days, I’d recommend prioritising Mdina and Rabat.
- Blue Lagoon strategy – You don’t need a full day in Comino’s Blue Lagoon (unless you want to!). Afternoon tours give you over 2 hours to swim and enjoy the crystal-clear sea, which is plenty. If you’re visiting between late May and September, the afternoon is much quieter and a far better experience.
- Gozo in a day – Gozo really deserves 3 days to soak up its chilled-out vibe, but if time is short, it’s still worth visiting to see a completely different side of Malta. A jeep tour (or a quad bike if you’re adventurous) is the best way to explore, you’ll get a local guide to show you both the highlights and hidden gems that are hard to reach by regular car due to narrow lanes and rough terrain. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!
Happy Travels! x
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.
Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip? I’ve got you! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—whether it’s via email at journeywithme.mt@gmail.com or over on Instagram @journeywithme.mt, I’m always happy to help.