malta in a day: exploring on a 25 euro budget
malta in a day: exploring on a 25 euro budget
mdina gate
photo credit: James bianchi
Although Malta is a small island, its size doesn’t restrict it from bursting with sights to see and things to do. Here, we provide a plan of your day in Malta, with locations to visit and eateries to enjoy, all totalling up to €25. Although buses are cheap to use across the islands, fees for modes of transport have not been included.
Morning
Start your day off with a hike on one of Malta’s most naturistic and much-loved trails. What better way to start your day off than with a cost-free and enjoyable activity? One of the most popular hiking trails, Wied il-Għasel, which translates to ‘Valley of Honey’, is located in Mosta, one of Malta’s central localities. Covered in sprawling grass and blooming with flora, you can explore nature and take a breath of fresh air while getting in those steps. Of course, you can go trekking on whichever trail depending on your preference of location, trail difficulty and foot traffic.
Check out here to see more hiking trails.
breakfast
Once you’ve worked up your appetite, make your way to the town centre of Mosta and visit one of its many cafes. If you’re after something sweet and delicious to regain your energy levels, ‘Cafe Italiano’ serves plenty of Italian sweets and cakes with coffee, teas and other beverages. Indulge in their special deal of coffee and a croissant for only €3.00.
While in the area, make sure to visit one of the best known churches in Malta; the Mosta Dome. This large basilica is the most prominent building in Mosta and features the fourth largest dome in the world, boasting impressive architectural features and displaying a replica of the World War II bombshell that crashed through the dome but did not detonate upon impact.
late morning
photo credit: James bianchi
When your hunger has been satisfied, you can make your way over to the neighbouring city of Mdina with the 186 bus route and go sightseeing. Mdina: The Silent City, Malta’s former capital city, is always a must-see when visiting the island. A fortified city overlooking fields, neighbouring localities and far as the eye can see ocean views. With plenty of historic landmarks to see, take the time to explore the city and experience the quaint village that looks over the island. Also, whilst there, check out ‘The Knights of Malta Experience’. Tickets for The Knights of Malta are €6.50 for adults. This experience captures the tales of the lives of the Crusader Knights and retells the story with the use of special 3D effects and life-like statues.
For more information and to book tickets, visit here.
afternoon
After exploring the city and travelling back in time, if you’re tired and need to rest your legs, take the time to enjoy a classic and tasty Maltese lunch. Right outside the Mdina gates, you’ll find cult classic ‘Is-Serkin-Crystal Palace’ which serves daily made fresh pastizzi, qassatat and ftira. To indulge in true Maltese cuisine, wash your lunch down with a nice refreshing Kinnie. Get two delicious pastizzi and a Kinnie for only €2.50.
A link to their Facebook can be found here.
late afternoon / evening
After satisfying your hunger and quenching your thirst, it’s onto the next activity. With just a seven-minute walk away from Is-Serkin, check out the catacombs of St. Paul in Rabat. Go underground and walk through the narrow rock formations and paths to uncover the history of Christianity in Malta and its largest archaeological evidence. Tickets are €6.00 for adults.
For more information and to book tickets, visit here.
Once your tour of the Catacombs is complete, head back to the Mdina gates where you can take the 201 bus route to Ħad-Dingli. Once arrived, you can look at and admire the Magdalene Chapel and its almost 400 years of history. By this time, the day slowly turns into night and to further utilise the day, take the opportunity to view the stunning sunset from the Dingli Cliffs. As the cliffs are the highest point in Malta, you’ll have an extremely elevated view of the sun slowly setting behind the horizon. With no obstructions in sight, the ocean, sun, islet of Filfa and the tiny rock of Filfoletta will also disappear into the night leaving you mesmerised and in awe of the absolute beauty that is the Maltese sunsets.
If you love watching sunsets, check out some of Malta’s best sunset locations here.
evening
After the darkness has begun to set in, your hunger probably has too. Make your way to the town centre of Ħad-Dingli where you can visit one of the many restaurants. Bringing you Mediterranean cuisine, with traditional Maltese dishes, is ’35 North’. Offering an extensive range of foods throughout their menu, you can find one suited for you at an affordable price. For a delicious and filling meal, the homemade beef burger, which is only €5.50, is a good choice.
After a day of sightseeing, walking and eating, the total of the day’s spending comes to €24.10.
For more information on bus fares and routes, visit here.
