My Dream Malta Itinerary for Someday

If you’ve been following along in the spring, you know I’d planned this solo Malta getaway as my first real break in forever — no kids, no caretaking, just me, some sunshine, and the freedom to wander. It was supposed to be a spontaneous, frugal adventure to reset my brain and spirit after years of burnout.

But life, and my body, had other plans.

Just days before my flight, I landed in the hospital with an idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosis. I spent five days there telling every nurse and doctor, “I’m flying to Malta on Tuesday — please let me out by Sunday!” Then, just as I was about to push through, the universe intervened again: my entire flight was cancelled when all flights from my region were grounded for a few days (for reasons completely unrelated to my health).

Honestly, it was probably for the best. My body was telling me loud and clear that I wasn’t ready — but here’s the good news: I am well enough now, and I have a flight to another country later this month, which I am excited to share with you. And hopefully in the near future, I’ll be able to go to Malta as I’d planned.

In the meantime, I’d hate for all this research to go to waste. So here it is: my Someday in Malta plan — all the frugal gems, free tours, and clever hacks I found. If you’re planning your own Malta adventure, maybe this will help you too. And this is all with public transportation and on a strict budget.

The Plan

Arrival:
I found round-trip tickets for 35 Europs, which I then updated to 91 Euros so I’d be able to have carry ons, ridiculously cheap. The plan was I’d land super late, crash in my hostel in Sliema (near Valletta), and wake up ready to explore.

Wednesday, May 7 — Valletta

Sleep in (because who wants to rush after a midnight arrival?)

2 pm:
Free Valletta Walking Tour — meet under the Parliament, opposite Café Royale. Look for the guide with the blue umbrella GuruWalk.

Afterwards: wander Valletta’s narrow streets, go to the Saluting Battery just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens where they fire ceremonial shots daily at 12:00 and 16:00 and then watch the sunset from there.

Thursday — Dingli Cliffs 

Next up, I’d take the 52 bus to Dingli Cliffs for a quiet coastal walk and dramatic sea views. No ticket needed — just pack snacks and go.

Friday, May 9 — Mdina & Rabat

Take a short bus ride to Rabat. (Lines 52/51/53)

10:30 am:
Free Mdina & Rabat Walking Tour : meet just before the moat that leads into the city. Game of Thrones fans might recognize the entrance as King’s Landing’s gate. Another guide with a blue umbrella from Freetour.

After the tour, I’d wander Mdina’s narrow lanes, find a cheap café, have some coffee, and then wander some more.

Saturday — Valletta Wandering & Lunch with Locals

Saturday was my day to slow down and just be in Valletta — no formal plan, no tour, just meandering at my own pace.

What I’d explore:

• Upper Barrakka Gardens — panoramic Grand Harbour views and the historic Saluting Battery cannons at noon.
• Lower Barrakka Gardens for more peaceful green space and sea views.
• St. John’s Co-Cathedral — even from outside, the architecture is beautiful.
• Little side streets to admire traditional Maltese balconies.
• The old city gates, Triton Fountain, and maybe a local market for a snack.

And the best part: I hoped to meet up with some locals for lunch. It’s always the spontaneous conversations and connections that make a place feel real.

Sunday — Gozo Day 1: Coastal Hike

I’d take the ferry directly from Valletta to Gozo — about 6 Euros each way, 45 minutes, and runs frequently all day.

Once in Gozo, I’d stay overnight in a hostel in Victoria and spend Sunday on this simple half-day hike. I planned on wearing a bathing modest bathing suit for the hike, wear lots of sunscreen, and bring along my snorkel:

Bus 311 from Victoria to Dwejra, a 20-minute ride, every hour.

Hike stops (about 2 hours walking):

1. Snorkel in the Blue Hole, a natural rock pool loved by divers.
2. Inland Sea, a lagoon connected to the sea by a tunnel.
3. Dwejra Bay, rugged cliffs and coastal views.
4. Punic Temple at Il-Wardija, ancient ruins with a nice view.
5. Tal-Wardija & San Raflu Lake, quiet countryside and a small reservoir.
6. Għajn Għabdun & Santa Luċija — green valley paths ending in a tiny village.

Bus 313 from Santa Luċija back to Victoria — 10-minute ride, every hour.

Monday, May 12 — Gozo Day 2

10:30 am:
Free Walking Tour of Victoria — a relaxed way to learn the island’s history while wandering the old capital.

Afternoon:
I’d planned to try kayaking with Kayak Gozo: paddling to hidden caves and the Blue Lagoon for 53 Euros. A bit expensive but seemed extremely worth it for the experience. But there’s a weight limit that didn’t work for me, so I’m saving that tip for someone else who wants an affordable sea adventure!

Instead, I found the perfect hack: the Gozo–Comino–Malta ferry combo for just 13 Euro (Comino Ferry Service). Start in Mgarr, ferry to Comino for a swim at the Blue Lagoon, then catch the ferry to Cirkewwa, Malta — no backtracking needed. I even confirmed it with the company. Flexible, cheap, and no car required.

Back to Valletta on the x300 bus for one last night.

Tuesday — Fly Home

And that was it — a week of frugal solo adventures, easy bus rides, free walking tours, and island hopping on a budget.

Someday…

I’m just waiting for cheap flights to Malta to show up again, and when they do, this trip is happening. Until then, I hope this Someday Malta plan helps you plan your own affordable island escape.

Have you ever been to Malta? What should I add when I finally get there? Any frugal tips I missed?
Drop your best budget travel ideas in the comments — and here’s to hoping we all get the breaks we need when we need them most.