If you're dreaming of a Mediterranean escape that’s packed with history, sparkling coastlines, and hidden hilltop villages - all within a short drive of each other - Malta is calling. And the best way to explore this small but mighty archipelago? By road, of course.
Planning a one-week road trip around Malta is surprisingly easy, especially since the island is compact, the roads are well-maintained, and car hire is affordable. Starting your trip at Malta International Airport sets the tone for a seamless vacation, whether you're looking for old temples, diving into azure bays, or drinking wine with a view of the sea. Let's plan the best 7-day route, with useful tips, beautiful detours, and locations you have to see that you'll remember long after the trip is over.
As soon as you touch down, head straight to your car rental in Malta airport. This is the easiest and fastest way to kick off your trip without waiting for transfers or taxis. Most providers are located right next to the arrivals hall, and after a short check-in, you’ll be cruising out in no time.
We suggest spending your first night in Marsaxlokk: a quiet fishing village just 15 minutes from the airport. With its colourful boats and waterfront seafood restaurants, it’s a soft and scenic landing spot to ease into Maltese life. Watch the sunset over the harbour and rest up for the drive ahead.
Get an early start and drive south toward Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, two of Malta’s most important prehistoric temples, older than the pyramids of Egypt. They are close to the edge of the cliffs, which gives them great views of the sea and an eerie, old energy.
From there, head to the Blue Grotto: a natural sea cave known for its radiant blue waters. You can hop on a short boat tour from the pier below, or just admire it from above. Wrap up the day in Zurrieq or Birzebbuga for a relaxed evening, away from tourist crowds.
No trip to Malta is complete without a day in Valletta, the country's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leave your car at a public garage near the city gates and explore on foot. The old streets, lined with sandstone buildings and bright balconies, are a photographer’s dream. Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.
1 week Malta road trip
Day 1: Land, Pick Up, and Settle In
As soon as you touch down, head straight to your car rental in Malta airport. This is the easiest and fastest way to kick off your trip without waiting for transfers or taxis. Most providers are located right next to the arrivals hall, and after a short check-in, you’ll be cruising out in no time.
We suggest spending your first night in Marsaxlokk: a quiet fishing village just 15 minutes from the airport. With its colourful boats and waterfront seafood restaurants, it’s a soft and scenic landing spot to ease into Maltese life. Watch the sunset over the harbour and rest up for the drive ahead.
Day 2: Explore the South: Temples and Cliffs
Get an early start and drive south toward Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, two of Malta’s most important prehistoric temples, older than the pyramids of Egypt. They are close to the edge of the cliffs, which gives them great views of the sea and an eerie, old energy.
From there, head to the Blue Grotto: a natural sea cave known for its radiant blue waters. You can hop on a short boat tour from the pier below, or just admire it from above. Wrap up the day in Zurrieq or Birzebbuga for a relaxed evening, away from tourist crowds.
Day 3: Valletta, the Tiny Capital with a Big Heart
No trip to Malta is complete without a day in Valletta, the country's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leave your car at a public garage near the city gates and explore on foot. The old streets, lined with sandstone buildings and bright balconies, are a photographer’s dream. Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.
For dinner, book a table in Strait Street (once notorious, now trendy) with live music, tapas bars, and intimate restaurants tucked into 400-year-old stone walls.
Drive inland to Mdina, the silent city. With no cars allowed inside (except for residents), Mdina feels like stepping back in time. Walk its narrow streets, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and don’t skip coffee at Fontanella, where the chocolate cake comes with sweeping views.
Just next door, Rabat offers more low-key charm: visit the catacombs, peek into quiet chapels, and enjoy a peaceful contrast to busier coastal towns. Spend the night in the countryside around Dingli or Mosta for something different (think olive groves, rustic farmhouses, and quiet starry nights).
Today’s drive takes you to the wild side of Malta. First stop: Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island. Perfect for early morning views and crisp sea air.
Next, drive down to Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa: both beaches are beautiful, but the latter is less crowded and a bit more raw. Take a swim, grab lunch by the beach, and breathe in the peaceful rhythm of Malta’s nature. Before the day ends, head to Mellieħa, where you can stay overnight and visit the village's massive church and WWII-era shelters.
Take your rental across to Gozo via the fast ferry from Ċirkewwa (you can bring the car on board). Gozo is Malta’s greener, sleepier sister - ideal for nature lovers and slow travellers! Explore Victoria, the island’s main town, then roam to places like the Citadel, Xlendi Bay, and Ramla Bay.
If you're up for a hike, visit Wied il-Għasri (a narrow, hidden gorge perfect for swimming). Return to Malta in the evening and spend the night in St. Paul’s Bay or Bugibba, close to the ferry terminal.
For your final day, take it easy. Maybe visit Sliema or St. Julian’s for some relaxed shopping, a spa treatment, or a seaside brunch. If you’re into history, Fort St. Elmo or the Lascaris War Rooms are solid last-minute picks. Make your way back to the site where your journey started: Malta International Airport, returning the car and maybe, just maybe, already planning your next visit.
With its small size, winding coastal roads, and scenic stops every 15 minutes, Malta is built for road trippers. A full week gives you time to explore deeply while still allowing space to relax. Starting and ending at the airport keeps logistics simple - and lets you hit the road the moment you arrive!
Day 4: Mdina and Rabat: Malta’s Medieval Soul
Drive inland to Mdina, the silent city. With no cars allowed inside (except for residents), Mdina feels like stepping back in time. Walk its narrow streets, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and don’t skip coffee at Fontanella, where the chocolate cake comes with sweeping views.
Just next door, Rabat offers more low-key charm: visit the catacombs, peek into quiet chapels, and enjoy a peaceful contrast to busier coastal towns. Spend the night in the countryside around Dingli or Mosta for something different (think olive groves, rustic farmhouses, and quiet starry nights).
Day 5: The Rugged North and Golden Bay
Today’s drive takes you to the wild side of Malta. First stop: Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island. Perfect for early morning views and crisp sea air.
Next, drive down to Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa: both beaches are beautiful, but the latter is less crowded and a bit more raw. Take a swim, grab lunch by the beach, and breathe in the peaceful rhythm of Malta’s nature. Before the day ends, head to Mellieħa, where you can stay overnight and visit the village's massive church and WWII-era shelters.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Gozo
Take your rental across to Gozo via the fast ferry from Ċirkewwa (you can bring the car on board). Gozo is Malta’s greener, sleepier sister - ideal for nature lovers and slow travellers! Explore Victoria, the island’s main town, then roam to places like the Citadel, Xlendi Bay, and Ramla Bay.
If you're up for a hike, visit Wied il-Għasri (a narrow, hidden gorge perfect for swimming). Return to Malta in the evening and spend the night in St. Paul’s Bay or Bugibba, close to the ferry terminal.
Day 7: Relax, Shop, and Depart
For your final day, take it easy. Maybe visit Sliema or St. Julian’s for some relaxed shopping, a spa treatment, or a seaside brunch. If you’re into history, Fort St. Elmo or the Lascaris War Rooms are solid last-minute picks. Make your way back to the site where your journey started: Malta International Airport, returning the car and maybe, just maybe, already planning your next visit.
Final Tips for a Smooth Road Trip
- Drive on the left! Malta follows British driving rules;
- Roads are narrow in villages (so compact cars are easier to handle);
- Parking is generally easy outside of Valletta and Mdina;
- Book accommodations with parking included when possible.
Why a Road Trip Just Works Here
With its small size, winding coastal roads, and scenic stops every 15 minutes, Malta is built for road trippers. A full week gives you time to explore deeply while still allowing space to relax. Starting and ending at the airport keeps logistics simple - and lets you hit the road the moment you arrive!
