6 best day trips from Valletta

Day trips compared

The day trips

12 km · About 30–40 minutes by bus

1.Mdina and Rabat

Malta's walled former capital, the 'Silent City', has narrow medieval lanes, St Paul's Cathedral and views across the island from its bastions. Neighbouring Rabat has St Paul's Catacombs and pastizzerias.

Getting there

Bus from Valletta terminus

Best for

Culture, Couples, First-timers

35 km · About 45 minutes by fast ferry

2.Gozo

Malta's greener sister island has the Citadel in Victoria, the Ġgantija temples (among the oldest free-standing structures in the world), salt pans at Xwejni and dive sites around Dwejra. A car or tour helps you see several areas in one day.

Getting there

Fast ferry from Valletta, or bus to Ċirkewwa and the Gozo Channel ferry

Best for

Culture, Couples, Quiet stays, Families

30 km · About 1–1.5 hours by bus and boat

3.Comino and the Blue Lagoon

The tiny island between Malta and Gozo has the Blue Lagoon, a channel of shallow turquoise water over white sand. It is extremely crowded in summer; go early or on a weekday outside July and August.

Getting there

Boat tour from Sliema, or bus to Ċirkewwa and a short boat

Best for

Beach, Couples

10 km · About 30–40 minutes by bus

4.Marsaxlokk

A fishing village whose harbour fills with brightly painted luzzu boats, each with a protective eye on the bow. The Sunday market sells fish, produce and souvenirs, and seafood restaurants line the waterfront.

Getting there

Bus from Valletta terminus

Best for

Food lovers, Families, Quiet stays

15 km · About 40–50 minutes by bus

5.Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra

Small boats from Wied iż-Żurrieq visit sea caves with brilliant blue water, weather permitting. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra stand on a cliff top above the sea.

Getting there

Bus to Wied iż-Żurrieq and Ħaġar Qim

Best for

Families, Culture

25 km · About 1 hour by bus

6.Popeye Village

The wooden film set built for the 1980 musical Popeye at Anchor Bay is now a family attraction with shows, play areas and swimming from a small platform in summer.

Getting there

Bus towards Mellieħa and Anchor Bay

Best for

Families

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Buses can be slow in traffic and full in summer; a tallinja card or app ticket is easier than paying cash.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask