Malta Tours and Excursions

Malta may be compact, but trying to see everything in one day rarely does it justice. Historic cities, fishing villages, prehistoric temples, rugged coastline and the quieter landscapes of Gozo all offer a different view of the islands.

That is where Malta tours can be useful. A guided day out takes care of the route while giving you more time to appreciate what you came to see, whether that means walking through Valletta, crossing to Gozo or spending the afternoon on the water.

The best choice depends on your interests. History lovers may prefer Mdina and Valletta, families can combine attractions with time by the sea and anyone craving a slower day can opt for Malta boat tours around the coast.

For a first introduction to Malta’s history, start with the cities.

A Valletta walking tour usually centres on the capital’s fortified streets, Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John’s Co Cathedral, with its richly decorated interior and Caravaggio masterpiece.

Across the Grand Harbour, tours of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea reveal the Three Cities through narrow streets, historic buildings and waterfront views. Some experiences also include a traditional harbour boat ride.

Mdina offers a quieter atmosphere. Walk beneath its honey coloured façades, pass palaces and churches and pause at the bastions for far reaching views across Malta.

Several broader Malta day tours combine Mdina with places such as Mosta, Ta’ Qali, Dingli Cliffs and San Anton Gardens, making them useful when time is limited.

A Gozo tour is worth dedicating a full day to.

Popular itineraries include the Citadel in Victoria, Ta’ Pinu and the landscapes around Dwejra, with some tours also visiting the Ġgantija Temples. Gozo has a noticeably slower, greener character than Malta, so the ferry crossing feels like the beginning of a different experience rather than simply another sightseeing stop.

For a day centred on the sea, combined Gozo and Comino cruises take in coastal scenery, caves, Ramla Bay and the Blue Lagoon. These boat trips in Malta are particularly appealing during warmer months when swimming can form part of the day.

More adventurous visitors can choose jeep style safari excursions through Malta or Gozo, focusing on countryside, scenic viewpoints and routes away from the main visitor areas.

Southern Malta excursions often combine some of the island’s strongest contrasts.

Start around Wied iż Żurrieq, where local boats head towards the Blue Grotto when sea conditions allow, then continue to Marsaxlokk and its colourful fishing harbour.

Longer tours may also incorporate Malta’s prehistoric heritage. This part of the island works particularly well for visitors who want coastline, villages and archaeology in the same day.

Some of Malta’s best views are from the sea.

A Grand Harbour cruise brings Valletta’s bastions, forts and historic creeks into perspective, while a sunset cruise offers a gentler end to the day, passing bays and illuminated waterfronts as the light fades.

For couples or travellers wanting a quieter evening, this can be a welcome contrast to a full day of sightseeing.

A hop on hop off Malta tour suits visitors who prefer to set their own pace.

Open top sightseeing buses operate established routes around Malta, with stops near major attractions. You can leave the bus where something interests you, explore and then continue on a later service.

The Malta sightseeing bus network includes northern and southern routes, allowing visitors to build a day around the places that interest them rather than following one fixed guided itinerary.

It is particularly useful for first time visitors who want an overview of the island before deciding where to spend more time.

Not every tour needs to revolve around monuments.

A village festa offers one of Malta’s liveliest cultural experiences, with brass bands, street decorations, fireworks and stalls selling local sweets, drinks and souvenirs. These celebrations are tied to parish patron saints and give visitors a glimpse of traditions that remain part of Maltese community life.

Families can also build a day around attractions such as Mediterraneo Marine Park and Popeye Village, combining organised entertainment with time around Anchor Bay.

For something completely different, day excursions to Sicily allow visitors to cross the Mediterranean and experience places such as Mount Etna and Taormina before returning to Malta.

Some excursions are seasonal or operate only on selected dates, so it is worth checking availability before building them into your itinerary.

Avoid trying to fit too much into one day.

Choose one or two longer tours in Malta, then leave space for slower days spent walking, swimming or returning to places you particularly enjoyed.

Guests staying at AX Hotels in Sliema are well placed for harbour cruises and many excursion departure points. Rosselli AX Privilege and AX The Saint John provide an ideal base for Valletta tours, while AX ODYCY in Qawra is conveniently positioned for northern Malta and excursions towards Gozo and Comino. Guests staying at Verdala Wellness Hotel in Rabat are also well placed for exploring Mdina, central Malta and cultural attractions in the surrounding area.