Malta rewards curiosity. Phoenicians, Romans, Knights of St. John, and the British all left their mark on this compact Mediterranean nation, giving you citadels, cathedrals gilded in gold leaf, World War II tunnels, and prehistoric temples older than the pyramids—all within easy day-trip distance.

For families, Malta is a sweet spot: safe, English widely spoken, great public buses, and beaches ranging from sandy crescents to snorkel-ready coves. Food skews hearty and local—think ftira (Maltese bread pizza), rabbit stew, ġbejniet (Gozo cheeselets), grilled fish, and almond desserts—perfect fuel between swims and sightseeing.

Practical notes: Summer sun is strong; pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for rocky shores. Popular sites like St. John’s Co‑Cathedral and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum require timed tickets (the Hypogeum often sells out weeks ahead). For flights to Malta (MLA), compare options on Omio. Ferries within Europe can be checked on Omio as well.

Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s pocket-sized capital, is a masterpiece of Baroque bastions and honey-stone palazzi overlooking a dramatic Grand Harbour. It’s walkable and packed with hits: St. John’s Co‑Cathedral (with Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro showstopper), the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and atmospheric lanes that glow at golden hour.

Top experiences include a harbor crossing by traditional dgħajsa, exploring the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua), and descending into WWII-era tunnels. Foodies should seek out Nenu the Artisan Baker for ftira, Rubino for rabbit and seasonal Maltese dishes, and The Harbour Club for a refined harbor-view dinner.

• Stay (mid-range picks): Osborne Hotel (solid value inside the city walls); Grand Harbour Hotel (rooms with views). For more space, browse VRBO apartments in Valletta or compare on Hotels.com.
• Upgrade: The Phoenicia Malta (iconic gardens by the city gate), Grand Hotel Excelsior (harborside pool). Just across in Sliema, AX The Victoria Hotel is a reliable, quieter base with easy ferry access.
• Getting in: Fly into MLA, then 20–30 minutes by taxi to Valletta. Compare flights on Omio.

Curated activities (Valletta area):

The Original Valletta Walking Tour (2–2.5 hrs): A lively primer on history, architecture, and hidden lanes.

Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays Catamaran Sailing Tour (full day): Swim stops, snorkel-friendly coves, and a teen-approved day at sea.

Gozo

Gozo is Malta’s greener, slower sister—terraced hills, limestone cliffs, and tiny villages where bakeries still fire ftira in wood ovens. The capital, Victoria (Rabat), is crowned by the Cittadella; the north coast hides photogenic salt pans, while the south offers coves like Mgarr ix‑Xini for snorkelling.

It’s ideal for a father–son adventure: tuk-tuk or jeep safaris to off‑road viewpoints, swimming in crystal lagoons, and tasting local ġbejniet cheese. Ramla Bay gives you rare red sand; Xlendi’s promenade is perfect for sunset dinners after a coastal walk.

• Stay (mid-range picks): Downtown Hotel (central in Victoria, good value). Compare more stays on Hotels.com or browse villas on VRBO.
• Upgrade: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz (resort pools) or Ta’ Cenc Hotel & Spa (cliff‑top tranquility).
• Getting there: From Malta Island, it’s ~1 hr bus/taxi to Ċirkewwa + 20‑min Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr (foot passenger return ~€4.65). Check European ferry options on Omio.

Curated activities (Gozo):

Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour with Private Boat to Gozo & return: Off‑road viewpoints, coastal stops, and local tastings—great variety without driving.

Gozo All Inclusive Chauffeured Tuk Tuk Day Tour - Blue Lagoon: Breezy, fun, and teen-approved with stops at hard‑to‑reach sites.

Day 1: Arrival in Malta (Valletta Views + Easy Tastes)

Morning: Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA). Compare flight options on Omio. Aim to arrive early afternoon.

Afternoon: Check into your Valletta/Sliema base (Osborne Hotel or Grand Harbour Hotel for value; The Phoenicia Malta to splurge). Stretch your legs at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for harbor panoramas, then ride the Barrakka Lift to the waterfront for a gelato stroll.

Evening: Intro to Maltese food at Nenu the Artisan Baker (wood-fired ftira; teens love the build‑your‑own toppings). If you prefer open-air ramparts, book Rampila’s terrace—bastion dining with house-made ravioli and grilled fish. Early night to reset.

Day 2: Valletta’s Icons + Three Cities by Boat

Morning: Join The Original Valletta Walking Tour to decode the city’s fortifications, piazzas, and hidden stories.

Afternoon: Visit St. John’s Co‑Cathedral (Caravaggio’s Beheading of Saint John demands a pause). For lunch, head to Is‑Suq tal‑Belt food market for quick, budget-friendly choices—from Maltese plates to pizza. Hop a traditional dgħajsa across Grand Harbour to Birgu (10 minutes) and wander the marina lanes; teens enjoy the Malta at War Museum’s shelters.

Evening: Dinner in Birgu at Tal‑Petut (slow-cooked Maltese family recipes) or head back to Valletta for The Harbour Club (Mediterranean plates, harbor views). Nightcap: Alchemy’s inventive zero‑proof cocktails are a fun pick for a teen companion.

Day 3: Blue Lagoon Catamaran + Golden Sunset

Morning: Board the Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays Catamaran Sailing Tour (typically departs Sliema/Buġibba; check your voucher). Expect swim stops at Comino’s Crystal/Blue Lagoons with ladders, snorkel gear, and music onboard. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes.

Afternoon: More swimming and cruising; catamaran day tours run ~6–7 hours (€60–€80 adult). Teens love jumping from the side ladders into neon‑blue water. Return mid‑late afternoon.

Evening: Bus or taxi to Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Bay) for a cliff‑top sunset. Dinner near St. Julian’s/Sliema: Ta’ Kris (Maltese home cooking), or Roman‑style pies at Sotto Pinsa in Valletta if you’re back in the capital.

Day 4: Transfer to Gozo + Cittadella Ramparts

Morning: Check out and head to Ċirkewwa (approx. 1 hr by taxi or 75–90 mins by bus). Foot-passenger ferry to Mġarr, Gozo (20 minutes; return ~€4.65). Compare ferries on Omio. Taxi or bus to Victoria.

Afternoon: Check into your Gozo base (Downtown Hotel for value; Kempinski San Lawrenz to upgrade). Explore the Cittadella’s ramparts, Cathedral Museum, and WWII shelters. Snack on gbejniet and ftira at Ta’ Rikardu inside the fortress.

Evening: Stroll Independence Square (It‑Tokk) for a casual vibe. Dinner in Xagħra or Victoria; try local rabbit stew, or go light with grilled octopus. Gelato walk under Gozo’s starry sky.

Day 5: Off‑Road Gozo (Jeep or Tuk-Tuk)

Morning: Choose your island safari: Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour or All‑Inclusive Tuk‑Tuk Tour. Both cover Ramla Bay, the salt pans near Marsalforn, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, and cliff viewpoints; hotel pickups are common.

Afternoon: Continue island hopping with swim breaks if weather allows. These tours typically include tastings or lunch and run 7–8 hours (~€80–€110 per person). More adventurous than driving yourselves—and no parking stress.

Evening: Sunset at Xlendi Bay. Dinner at The Boathouse (seafood platters, waterfront tables) or try Maxokk Bakery in Nadur earlier for classic ftira to share.

Day 6: Private Boat to Comino’s Caves + Snorkel Time

Morning: Charter a small boat for a flexible, crowd‑beating swim day: Private Boat Charter Blue Lagoon Crystal Lagoon Comino and Gozo (great for families up to 7).

Afternoon: Captain-led route to Comino’s sea caves, Crystal Lagoon’s aquamarine bowl, and quieter coves away from the main crowds; snorkel stops and cliff views included. Expect ~4–6 hours; bring snacks and plenty of water.

Evening: Back on Gozo, walk the coastal path above Xwejni Salt Pans for a photo op. Casual dinner in Marsalforn (grills and pasta spots line the promenade) or head to Cafe Jubilee in Victoria for pies and milkshakes—a hit with teens.

Day 7: Temples, Blue Grotto (time permitting) + Departure

Morning: Early ferry back to Malta Island (20 minutes), then taxi to the south for prehistoric stones at Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra (allow ~1.5–2 hrs; combined tickets available on site). If seas are calm and time allows, take a 20‑minute Blue Grotto boat ride from Wied iż‑Żurrieq—glassy cave light makes for unforgettable photos.

Afternoon: Aim for a late‑afternoon flight. Grab a quick waterfront lunch in nearby Marsaxlokk if it’s Sunday (famous fish market), or return toward Valletta for a final pastizzi snack. Compare flight options on Omio.

Daily Food & Coffee Cheatsheet

• Breakfast/Coffee: Lot Sixty One (Valletta) for specialty brews; Caffe Cordina (historic pastries). In Gozo, Cafe Jubilee (Victoria) for hearty breakfasts.
• Casual Lunch: Is‑Suq tal‑Belt food market (variety under one roof); Maxokk Bakery (Gozo) for ftira to share; pastizzi at Crystal Palace (Rabat, near Mdina) on your Mdina side trip.
• Dinner Ideas: Nenu the Artisan Baker; The Harbour Club; Ta’ Kris (Sliema); The Boathouse (Xlendi); Ta’ Rikardu (Gozo Cittadella).

Logistics & Budget Tips

• Transport: Contactless cards/phones are accepted on Malta buses (flat fares vary by season). Taxis are plentiful; for two people, occasional taxis can be cost‑effective vs multiple bus transfers.
• Passes & Tickets: St. John’s Co‑Cathedral uses timed entries in peak months; the Hypogeum must be booked weeks ahead. Consider a Heritage Malta multi‑site ticket if you plan several museums/temples.
• Safety & Swim: Rocky entries are common—pack water shoes. At St. Peter’s Pool (cliff‑jumping spot), assess conditions, jump only where locals do, and never in rough seas.

Alternative/extra day ideas (if you extend): Mdina & Rabat wander (Fontanella cakes with a view), Esplora Interactive Science Centre (hands‑on fun for teens), Malta National Aquarium in Qawra, or a private customizable island tour if you prefer a driver.

Private driver options if you want a tailored day: Malta Highlights Private Car Experience or Explore Malta Your Way - Private Customizable Tour.

In a single week, you’ll sample Malta’s greatest hits—Valletta’s gilded grandeur, Gozo’s rugged beauty, and Comino’s luminous lagoons—without rushing. This balanced, mid‑range plan keeps travel simple, swim time plentiful, and meals delicious, setting up plenty of father–son memories along the way.