A Maltese Adventure with a Budget-Friendly Itinerary
The Red Tower, Mellieha
An exploration of history, culture, and scenic beauty awaits you when you set sail for the sun-kissed islands of Malta. However, you might be looking for a budget-friendly itinerary to help soften the blow of the expenses that might accumulate on your trip. Consequently, OhMyMalta has devised an itinerary that not only prevents overspending but also promising an immersive journey through the charming Maltese islands.
Day 1: Valletta - The Island’s Capital
St John's Co-Cathedral
Naturally, our itinerary begins in Valletta, where stories of knights and nobles are painted on the streets bathed in sunlight. Start the day with a hearty Maltese breakfast at Caffe Cordina, a historical treasure in and of itself. The tastes of regional delicacies, which range in price from €8 to €12, establish the ideal mood for the day.
Armed and prepared, enter the magnificent baroque structure famously known as St John’s Co-Cathedral. Access to a church adorned with Caravaggio paintings and amazing architectural detail is available for a €10 entry.
For lunch, head to Strait Street, a charming old neighbourhood with a wide variety of dining alternatives. A budget of €15 to €20 here allows you to explore a plethora of regional tastes.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens, a serene sanctuary with expansive views of Grand Harbour, is open in the afternoon for you to stroll through. You might then be intrigued to introduce yourself to the magnificence of Malta’s history with a visit to the Grandmaster’s Palace (entry charge €10), which includes the Changing of the Guard ritual.
Then, one should make their way to the National Museum of Archeology. This is where Malta’s ancient treasures are on display, situated in the storied Auberge de Provence. Examine items spanning the Neolithic and Phoenician eras. A fascinating excursion into the island’s archaeological legacy that offers insights into its rich past is available for €5.
With its seaside eateries, Marsamxett Harbour beckons as day gives way to night. Spending between €20 and €25, eat outside while the waves gently lap at you, relishing the combination of taste and ambience.
Day 2: Gozo - A Tranquil Escape
Citadel, Victoria, Gozo
The second day will provide a change of scenery as you travel to the peaceful and scenic island of Gozo. A bus ride to Cirkewwa Terminal (€2.50 fare) precedes a ferry journey (€4.65 return fare), transporting you to Gozo’s shores.
Before the historic Citadel walls open up before our own eyes, Victoria, the beating heart of Gozo, extends an invitation for a reasonably priced lunch. Access to a living museum where history is breathed into every stone is available for €5.
If the weather permits, head to Ramla Bay—a red-sand paradise that screams relaxation—as the afternoon sun begins to set. A seafood feast on the waterfront is unlocked with a bus ride (€2.50) to Xlendi; spend €20 to €25 to experience the island’s coastal tastes through cuisine.
Day 3: Three Cities & Sliema - Unveiling Hidden Treasures
Gardjola Gardens, Senglea
Start your third day with a boat voyage to Sliema (€2.80 return), which prepares you for a morning of exploring the shore. A great combination of shopping and leisure can be found at Sliema’s seafront and The Point Shopping Mall, which opens the door to an inexpensive lunch (€15 to €20).
A bus ride (€2.50) can take you to Vittoriosa, the first gem of the Three Cities. Malta’s past is glimpsed through the winding alleyways and Fort St. Angelo, which tell stories of bravery and conquering.
Every street in Cospicua and Senglea is a page from the history of tenacity, adding to the narrative. We also suggest that you visit Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens. With its grid design, Gardjola Gardens provides expansive views of Fort St Angelo, Valletta, the Grand Harbour entrance, and the Marsa docks. The sentry box known as ‘il-gardjola’ represents the harbour’s defences. And best of all, admission is free!
A day of historical immersion is perfectly capped off with supper at one of Vittoriosa’s waterfront restaurants (€20 to €25), which transforms into a sensory extravaganza as night falls.
Day 4: Mellieha and Golden Bay - Nature's Grand Finale
Dorf Popeye
On your last day, visit the charming village of Mellieha, which is situated atop a hill. An idyllic morning on the sandy sands with the blue Mediterranean as a backdrop may be had by taking a bus to Mellieha Bay. You cannot visit Mellieha and not explore the Red Tower. With breathtaking views, the Red Tower, also known as St. Agatha’s Tower, is perched above Mellieha’s cliffs. Its characteristic reddish colour highlights the island’s architectural mastery.
Discover its rooftop for panoramic views and its historic interiors. The Red Tower entrance fee is just €2.
After lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant in Mellieha (€15 to €20), explore the neighbouring Popeye Village, a fanciful oasis with a hint of Hollywood charm, and the Mellieha Parish Church.
Then, take a bus (€2) to Golden Bay, where the golden-hued dunes and pristine waters provide a picture-perfect backdrop for our farewell supper. Enjoy the remaining bits of your Maltese experience with a budget of €20 to €25 while watching a spectacular sunset.
We have explored the ancient murals of Valletta, taken in the peace and quiet of Gozo and Mellieha, the bustling city of Sliema, and found the undiscovered gems of the Three Cities throughout your four-day journey. The tastes, the tranquilly of the environment, and the echoes of history that characterise this enchanted archipelago will all be with you as you say goodbye to Malta.
