Best Day Trips from Malta: Gozo, Comino, Mdina & More
Malta is small enough to explore fully in a week, but the islands around it reward dedicated day trips. From the prehistoric temples of Gozo to the sea caves of the Blue Grotto and the medieval streets of Mdina, these are the best excursions to take from Malta's main island.
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Malta's compact size is one of its greatest strengths for travelers. You can base yourself in Valletta or Sliema or St. Julian's and reach almost every corner of the archipelago in under two hours. No car is required for most routes — ferries, buses, and organized boat tours cover the key destinations. Whether you want prehistoric temples, swimming in turquoise coves, or a slow Sunday morning at a fish market, the day trips from Malta's main island are genuinely world-class.
For help planning your time, see our 7-day Malta itinerary or our dedicated Gozo travel guide for the full sister island breakdown. If you're traveling without a car, check our guide to getting around Malta before you go.
Gozo: Malta's Sister Island
Gozo deserves a full day at minimum. The ferry crossing from Ċirkewwa takes 25 minutes and runs frequently. Once there, you can rent a car or join a guided tour to cover the island's greatest hits, from the UNESCO-listed temples to dramatic coastal scenery. The island of Gozo is noticeably slower and greener than Malta, and that contrast alone is worth the crossing.
1. Walk Through the World's Oldest Free-Standing Buildings at Ġgantija
Dating to 3600 BC, these UNESCO temples predate Stonehenge by over a millennium. The two main structures are remarkably intact, and the on-site museum gives excellent context. Plan 1-1.5 hours here.
Explore1. Walk Through the World's Oldest Free-Standing Buildings at Ġgantija
Dating to 3600 BC, these UNESCO temples predate Stonehenge by over a millennium. The two main structures are remarkably intact, and the on-site museum gives excellent context. Plan 1-1.5 hours here.
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2. Explore Gozo's Fortified Hilltop Citadel in Victoria
The Citadella crowns Victoria's hilltop and rewards visitors with 360-degree views of the entire island. Inside the walls: a baroque cathedral, small museums, and quiet lanes largely free of tourist crowds.
Explore2. Explore Gozo's Fortified Hilltop Citadel in Victoria
The Citadella crowns Victoria's hilltop and rewards visitors with 360-degree views of the entire island. Inside the walls: a baroque cathedral, small museums, and quiet lanes largely free of tourist crowds.
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3. Stand Above One of the Mediterranean's Top Dive Sites at Dwejra
Dwejra's west coast combines the Blue Hole dive site, the photogenic Inland Sea, and brooding Fungus Rock into one dramatic stop. Non-divers can swim in the Inland Sea or walk the coastal path above.
Explore3. Stand Above One of the Mediterranean's Top Dive Sites at Dwejra
Dwejra's west coast combines the Blue Hole dive site, the photogenic Inland Sea, and brooding Fungus Rock into one dramatic stop. Non-divers can swim in the Inland Sea or walk the coastal path above.
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4. Swim at Ramla Bay, Gozo's Finest Red-Sand Beach
Gozo's largest beach stands out for its rare reddish-orange sand and the Roman villa ruins on the hillside above. Calypso's Cave is a short walk uphill. Visit before 10am to beat the summer crowd.
Explore4. Swim at Ramla Bay, Gozo's Finest Red-Sand Beach
Gozo's largest beach stands out for its rare reddish-orange sand and the Roman villa ruins on the hillside above. Calypso's Cave is a short walk uphill. Visit before 10am to beat the summer crowd.
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5. Visit the Pilgrimage Church That Rises from Gozo's Countryside
Ta' Pinu Basilica stands alone in open farmland, its neo-Romanesque facade striking against the Gozitan sky. The interior is covered in ex-voto offerings — crutches, letters, photographs — left by grateful pilgrims.
Explore5. Visit the Pilgrimage Church That Rises from Gozo's Countryside
Ta' Pinu Basilica stands alone in open farmland, its neo-Romanesque facade striking against the Gozitan sky. The interior is covered in ex-voto offerings — crutches, letters, photographs — left by grateful pilgrims.
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6. Photograph the Ancient Salt Pans at Xwejni at Sunrise
Hundreds of rock-cut salt pans along Gozo's north coast have been worked for over 350 years. They form geometric patterns that look extraordinary at golden hour. A small family still harvests and sells the salt here.
Explore6. Photograph the Ancient Salt Pans at Xwejni at Sunrise
Hundreds of rock-cut salt pans along Gozo's north coast have been worked for over 350 years. They form geometric patterns that look extraordinary at golden hour. A small family still harvests and sells the salt here.
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7. Swim in the Dramatic Fjord-Like Inlet of Wied il-Għasri
This narrow gorge cuts through Gozo's north coast cliffs and ends at a tiny pebble beach with incredibly clear water. The steep descent takes about 15 minutes. Bring snorkel gear for the underwater cave walls.
Explore7. Swim in the Dramatic Fjord-Like Inlet of Wied il-Għasri
This narrow gorge cuts through Gozo's north coast cliffs and ends at a tiny pebble beach with incredibly clear water. The steep descent takes about 15 minutes. Bring snorkel gear for the underwater cave walls.
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8. End Your Gozo Day at the Waterfront Restaurants of Xlendi
Xlendi Bay is one of Gozo's most charming inlets, with a small beach, cliff-top walks, and a string of seafood restaurants right on the water. Arrive for a late lunch and stay for the cliff walk to the watchtower.
Explore8. End Your Gozo Day at the Waterfront Restaurants of Xlendi
Xlendi Bay is one of Gozo's most charming inlets, with a small beach, cliff-top walks, and a string of seafood restaurants right on the water. Arrive for a late lunch and stay for the cliff walk to the watchtower.
ExploreComino: The Blue Lagoon & Beyond
Comino is a tiny island between Malta and Gozo with fewer than ten permanent residents. Most visitors come for the Blue Lagoon, and the water genuinely justifies the hype — but arriving early or late in the day makes the difference between a magical swim and an overcrowded tourist boat park. Ferry services run from Ċirkewwa and Mġarr harbour.
9. Swim in the Turquoise Waters of Comino's Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon's water is genuinely that color — a shallow cove with white sand and transparency you don't expect from the Mediterranean. Arrive on the first morning ferry or after 4pm to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Explore9. Swim in the Turquoise Waters of Comino's Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon's water is genuinely that color — a shallow cove with white sand and transparency you don't expect from the Mediterranean. Arrive on the first morning ferry or after 4pm to avoid the worst of the crowds.
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10. Find Fewer Crowds at Comino's Crystal Lagoon
On Comino's north coast, the Crystal Lagoon offers sea cave swimming and cliff jumping with a fraction of the Blue Lagoon crowd. Popular with snorkelers for its underwater rock formations and clear deep water.
Explore10. Find Fewer Crowds at Comino's Crystal Lagoon
On Comino's north coast, the Crystal Lagoon offers sea cave swimming and cliff jumping with a fraction of the Blue Lagoon crowd. Popular with snorkelers for its underwater rock formations and clear deep water.
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11. Relax on Sand at Comino's Quieter Santa Marija Bay
This small sandy beach near Comino's chapel is the island's most peaceful spot. Calm, shallow water and minimal facilities make it ideal for families. Walk here from the Blue Lagoon in about 20 minutes.
Explore11. Relax on Sand at Comino's Quieter Santa Marija Bay
This small sandy beach near Comino's chapel is the island's most peaceful spot. Calm, shallow water and minimal facilities make it ideal for families. Walk here from the Blue Lagoon in about 20 minutes.
Explore💡 Local tip
Blue Grotto and Blue Lagoon are two different places. The Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves on Malta's south coast explored by small boat. The Blue Lagoon is a swimming cove on Comino island. Many first-time visitors confuse the two when booking tours.
Ancient Sites & Historic Towns
Malta's ancient sites are among the most accessible in the world — most are reachable by public bus and take less than an hour from the capital. The ancient temples of Malta span multiple sites, so plan which ones to combine into a single day trip rather than rushing all of them. Mdina pairs well with Rabat and the southern temple sites work together naturally.
12. Walk the Walls of Mdina, Malta's Medieval Silent City
Car-free and largely unchanged since the medieval period, Mdina rewards slow exploration. The bastion walls offer island-wide views at sunset. Combine with nearby Rabat and the Roman catacombs for a half-day trip.
Explore12. Walk the Walls of Mdina, Malta's Medieval Silent City
Car-free and largely unchanged since the medieval period, Mdina rewards slow exploration. The bastion walls offer island-wide views at sunset. Combine with nearby Rabat and the Roman catacombs for a half-day trip.
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13. Stand in a 5,500-Year-Old Temple at Ħaġar Qim
Perched on a south coast clifftop, Ħaġar Qim is the best introduction to Malta's prehistoric temple culture. The modern shelter protects the stones from erosion and keeps it cool. Allow 1.5 hours including the visitor center.
Explore13. Stand in a 5,500-Year-Old Temple at Ħaġar Qim
Perched on a south coast clifftop, Ħaġar Qim is the best introduction to Malta's prehistoric temple culture. The modern shelter protects the stones from erosion and keeps it cool. Allow 1.5 hours including the visitor center.
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14. See the Astronomically Aligned Mnajdra Temples at the Coast
A short walk downhill from Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra has the most dramatic setting of any Maltese temple — cliffs and open sea on one side, ancient stone on the other. The equinox alignment through the main doorway is extraordinary.
Explore14. See the Astronomically Aligned Mnajdra Temples at the Coast
A short walk downhill from Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra has the most dramatic setting of any Maltese temple — cliffs and open sea on one side, ancient stone on the other. The equinox alignment through the main doorway is extraordinary.
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15. Descend into the Roman Catacombs Beneath Rabat
Dating from the 3rd century AD, these interconnected underground burial chambers cover over 2,000 square meters. They're among the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta and easy to combine with Mdina on the same day.
Explore15. Descend into the Roman Catacombs Beneath Rabat
Dating from the 3rd century AD, these interconnected underground burial chambers cover over 2,000 square meters. They're among the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta and easy to combine with Mdina on the same day.
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16. Discover Malta's Prehistoric Past at Għar Dalam Cave
This cave in southern Malta contains bones of dwarf elephants and hippos that roamed Malta 180,000 years ago, plus evidence of the island's first human settlers. A quick but genuinely fascinating stop near the Blue Grotto.
Explore16. Discover Malta's Prehistoric Past at Għar Dalam Cave
This cave in southern Malta contains bones of dwarf elephants and hippos that roamed Malta 180,000 years ago, plus evidence of the island's first human settlers. A quick but genuinely fascinating stop near the Blue Grotto.
ExploreThe Three Cities & Southern Coast
17. Tour the Restored Fort That Held the Line in the Great Siege
Fort St. Angelo stood at the heart of the 1565 Great Siege and has been restored to allow public access. The harbor views from the upper bastions are among the best in Malta. Take the ferry from Valletta for a 10-minute crossing.
Explore17. Tour the Restored Fort That Held the Line in the Great Siege
Fort St. Angelo stood at the heart of the 1565 Great Siege and has been restored to allow public access. The harbor views from the upper bastions are among the best in Malta. Take the ferry from Valletta for a 10-minute crossing.
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18. Step Inside One of Europe's Only Surviving Inquisitor's Palaces
This Vittoriosa building served as the seat of the Roman Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. The tribunal room and preserved prison cells are chilling. It's one of the Three Cities' most distinctive and undervisited attractions.
Explore18. Step Inside One of Europe's Only Surviving Inquisitor's Palaces
This Vittoriosa building served as the seat of the Roman Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. The tribunal room and preserved prison cells are chilling. It's one of the Three Cities' most distinctive and undervisited attractions.
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19. Get the Best Harbour Panorama from Senglea's Gardjola Gardens
This small garden at Senglea's tip frames a panorama of Valletta's fortifications, the Grand Harbour, and Fort St. Angelo that rivals any viewpoint in Malta. It takes 10 minutes to reach from the ferry landing in Vittoriosa.
Explore19. Get the Best Harbour Panorama from Senglea's Gardjola Gardens
This small garden at Senglea's tip frames a panorama of Valletta's fortifications, the Grand Harbour, and Fort St. Angelo that rivals any viewpoint in Malta. It takes 10 minutes to reach from the ferry landing in Vittoriosa.
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20. Browse the Sunday Fish Market in Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk's Sunday market runs along a harbor lined with traditional luzzu fishing boats painted in bright primary colors. Fresh fish, local honey, and produce are sold from stalls. Go before 11am for the best selection.
Explore20. Browse the Sunday Fish Market in Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk's Sunday market runs along a harbor lined with traditional luzzu fishing boats painted in bright primary colors. Fresh fish, local honey, and produce are sold from stalls. Go before 11am for the best selection.
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21. Take a Boat Into the Sea Caves of the Blue Grotto
Small wooden boats depart from Wied iż-Żurrieq harbor in calm weather and pass through six sea caves where refracted sunlight turns the water vivid blue, green, and purple. Trips run 15-20 minutes and cost a few euros per person.
Explore21. Take a Boat Into the Sea Caves of the Blue Grotto
Small wooden boats depart from Wied iż-Żurrieq harbor in calm weather and pass through six sea caves where refracted sunlight turns the water vivid blue, green, and purple. Trips run 15-20 minutes and cost a few euros per person.
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22. Jump Into the Sea at St. Peter's Pool Near Marsaxlokk
Malta's most popular wild swimming spot features flat limestone platforms above deep clear water. No sand, no facilities — just rocks, sea, and locals. Pair it with the Sunday fish market for an ideal southern Malta day.
Explore22. Jump Into the Sea at St. Peter's Pool Near Marsaxlokk
Malta's most popular wild swimming spot features flat limestone platforms above deep clear water. No sand, no facilities — just rocks, sea, and locals. Pair it with the Sunday fish market for an ideal southern Malta day.
ExploreCliffs, Nature & Scenic Escapes
23. Walk the Edge of Malta's Highest Cliffs at Sunset
Malta's southwest cliffs drop over 250 meters to the sea and offer the island's most dramatic walking trail. The path runs for several kilometers with no fences — arrive an hour before sunset for the best light and views.
Explore23. Walk the Edge of Malta's Highest Cliffs at Sunset
Malta's southwest cliffs drop over 250 meters to the sea and offer the island's most dramatic walking trail. The path runs for several kilometers with no fences — arrive an hour before sunset for the best light and views.
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24. Swim in the Clear Sheltered Water at Għar Lapsi
A natural rocky inlet on Malta's southwest coast with calm, sheltered water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Flat rocks, sea caves, and views toward the uninhabited island of Filfla make it a quieter alternative to sandy beaches.
Explore24. Swim in the Clear Sheltered Water at Għar Lapsi
A natural rocky inlet on Malta's southwest coast with calm, sheltered water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Flat rocks, sea caves, and views toward the uninhabited island of Filfla make it a quieter alternative to sandy beaches.
Explore✨ Pro tip
Combine Dingli Cliffs, Għar Lapsi, and the Blue Grotto into one efficient southwest Malta day trip by car or taxi. Public buses serve each stop but the connections between them are limited — renting a car for this specific route saves several hours.
FAQ
Do I need a car to do day trips from Malta?
Not for most destinations. Malta's bus network connects Valletta to Mdina, Marsaxlokk, Mellieħa (for the northern ferry to Gozo and Comino), and the southern temple sites. The Three Cities are accessible by ferry from Valletta. A car helps for Dingli Cliffs, Għar Lapsi, and combining multiple stops efficiently, but the major day trips are all doable by public transport.
How do you get from Malta to Gozo?
Take the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa in Malta's north to Mġarr harbour in Gozo. The crossing takes 25 minutes and ferries run frequently throughout the day, including overnight. Bus 41 or 42 from Valletta reaches Ċirkewwa in about 60-75 minutes. No advance booking is needed for foot passengers.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is accessible from around May through October, with swimming best from June to September when the water is warmest. The cove gets extremely crowded in July and August between roughly 10am and 4pm. Taking the first morning ferry or arriving in the late afternoon significantly improves the experience.
Can you visit Gozo and Comino on the same day?
It's possible but rushed. Many organized boat tours combine both in one day, usually spending the morning at the Blue Lagoon and the afternoon in Gozo. If you want to explore Gozo properly, including the Citadella, Ġgantija temples, and the west coast, it deserves its own full day.
Is Mdina worth visiting as a day trip from Valletta?
Yes, and it pairs naturally with Rabat next door. Mdina itself takes 2-3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace. Combine it with St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat and a lunch stop for a comfortable half-day trip. Buses 51, 52 or 53 from Valletta run to Rabat/Mdina and takes about 40 minutes.