Two Weeks in Malta on a Budget: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Malta is a small but stunning island nation in the Mediterranean, with a rich and diverse history, culture, and nature. Whether you want to explore the ancient temples and fortresses, the charming towns and villages, the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, or the vibrant nightlife and festivals, Malta has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will show you how to spend two weeks in Malta, covering the best places to visit, things to do, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Week 1: Malta Island
Malta Island is the main and largest island of Malta, where you can find the capital city of Valletta, as well as many other attractions and activities. You can easily spend a week exploring the island’s highlights, such as:
- Valletta: The cultural and historical hub of Malta, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive architecture and monuments. You can visit some of the top attractions, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and National Museum of Archaeology. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of the cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops that line the streets1.
- Mdina: The former capital and medieval jewel of Malta, where you can admire the golden-stone buildings, churches, palaces, and bastions that date back to centuries ago. You can also visit some of the museums, such as Mdina Dungeons Museum, Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, and National Museum of Natural History. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the island from the city walls2.
- Marsaxlokk: A picturesque fishing village that is famous for its colorful boats and market. You can stroll along the waterfront and see the fishermen selling their catch of the day. You can also sample some of the freshest seafood at one of the many restaurants that overlook the bay3.
After exploring Malta Island, you can take a day trip or an overnight stay to one of the nearby islands or attractions, such as:
- Blue Lagoon: A stunning lagoon that is located on Comino Island, between Malta and Gozo. You can take a boat trip from Cirkewwa or Sliema and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing in the turquoise waters and white sand.
- Hagar Qim Temples: A complex of megalithic temples that date back to around 3600 BC, making them some of the oldest structures in the world. You can see the impressive stone blocks and carvings that reveal the ancient culture and beliefs of the people who built them.
- Popeye Village: A fun and quirky attraction that was originally built as a film set for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams. You can see the colorful wooden houses and props that recreate the fictional village of Sweethaven. You can also enjoy some activities, such as boat rides, mini golf, water trampolines, and shows.
Week 2: Gozo Island
Gozo Island is the second-largest and most rural island of Malta, where you can experience a more authentic and relaxed side of the country. You can spend a week discovering the island’s natural beauty and charm, such as:
- Victoria: The capital and largest town of Gozo, where you can see some of the cultural and historical landmarks of the island, such as The Citadel, a fortified city that dates back to medieval times; St. George’s Basilica, a baroque church that is known as “the marble basilica”; and Gozo Museum of Archaeology, which displays artifacts from prehistoric to medieval times.
- Dwejra Bay: A scenic bay that is home to some of the most iconic natural attractions of Gozo, such as the Azure Window, a limestone arch that collapsed in 2017 but still remains a popular diving spot; the Inland Sea, a saltwater lagoon that is connected to the sea by a tunnel; and Fungus Rock, a rocky islet that was once used to harvest a rare medicinal plant.
- Ramla Bay: A beautiful beach that is famous for its golden-red sand and clear waters. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or water sports at this popular spot. You can also visit the Calypso Cave, which overlooks the bay and is said to be the place where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive in Homer’s Odyssey.
Malta is a country that will enchant and inspire you with its diversity, beauty, and charm. You can have a memorable two-week vacation by following this itinerary, or customize it according to your preferences and budget. Either way, you will discover a small but stunning island nation in the Mediterranean that will make you want to come back for more.
