Ultimate 3-Day Romantic Malta Itinerary for Couples

Malta Short Let: Cozy Stay in Gzira
Sliema Area Modern Designer Finished 2 Bedrooms + Games Room. First floor with Maltese Balcony Large back Terrace with swinging sofa Fully Airconditioned + Full Kitchen 3 TVs, including 65” with backlight.
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A carefully crafted journey through Malta’s most enchanting locations, designed for maximum romance and minimum hassle

Day 1: Historic Romance – Three Cities Morning, Valletta Evening & Nightlife

Morning: Three Cities Discovery (9:00-12:00)

Getting There:

• From Valletta: Take the Valletta to Three Cities ferry (10 minutes, €2.80 return) – book via Valletta Ferry Services app or at the terminal
• From Gżira/Sliema: Use Sliema to Valletta water taxi (5-7 minutes, €1.50) then connect to Three Cities ferry, OR take bus with Tallinja Card

Perfect Morning Route:

1. Breakfast at Café Du Brazil in Vittoriosa – try the traditional pastizzi (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas)
2. Explore Fort St. Angelo – witness where the Knights of Malta defended against the 1565 Great Siege
3. Walk to Senglea via the harbor promenade (15 minutes)
4. Visit Gardjola Gardens – photograph the famous carved stone eyes and ears overlooking Grand Harbour > See the full guide on the three cities

Insider Tip: If staying in Valletta, start with the ferry. If in Gżira/Sliema, consider visiting Valletta first then taking the Three Cities ferry to avoid backtracking.

Midday: Lunch & Freshen Up (12:00-15:00)

Ferry back to Valletta, then:

• Late Lunch Options: BeBirgu (Mediterranean fusion) or Grano (farm-to-table Italian)
• Quick return to accommodation via Bolt taxi or bus to freshen up

Alternative: Extend your Three Cities exploration and lunch at one of the many restaurants on the Birgu front in Cospicua for authentic Maltese cuisine. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Three Cities before the Knights arrived.

Afternoon: Valletta’s Golden Treasures (15:00-18:00)

1. St. John’s Co-Cathedral (built 1577) – marvel at Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”
2. Upper Barrakka Gardens (1660s) – catch the cannon firing ceremony at 4:00 PM
3. Stroll Republic Street – browse local crafts and admire baroque architecture

For a deeper understanding of Malta’s strategic importance throughout history, discover why Malta is important to Mediterranean civilizations.

Evening: Romantic Dinner (18:00-21:00)

Many options to choose from, trip advisor and Google reviews are your friend. Booking is advised. You can also eat a light snack of take away food and eat it at the barracka upper or lower gardens 🙂

Late Night: Valletta After Dark (21:00+)

Historic Nightlife on Strait Street (known as “The Gut” during WWII):

• Yard 32 – artisanal gin bar with botanical cocktails
• The Thirsty Lawyer – craft cocktails until 1:00 AM+
• Trabuxu Wine Bar – live music and extensive wine selection

End with: Moonlit stroll along Valletta Waterfront with harbor views

Timing Tip: If staying in Gżira/Sliema, start your day later and visit Three Cities at dusk for magical golden hour photography.

Day 2: Coastal Bliss – Sliema’s Fortresses, Swimming & St. Julian’s Nightlife

You need to fine tune the sequence of this itenary. The best is to start in Gzira toward the Manoel island area and then move up along the coast.

Morning: Fort & Beach Time (9:00-12:00)

1. Breakfast in Sliema for example The Black Sheep – famous for fluffy pancakes and specialty coffee
2. Walk along the promenade in the direction of Fort Tigné (built 1792) – stunning coastal fortress with panoramic views
3. Swim at The Exiles Beach or Manoel Island – crystal-clear waters perfect for couples

Midday: Island Adventure (12:00-15:00)

• Lunch or snack – Salads, Healthy Mediterranean options, there is something for all.
• Visit Manoel Island and Fort Manoel (1720s) – filming location for Game of Thrones. Discover the fascinating history of Manoel Island and its strategic importance
• Walk the historic fortifications hand-in-hand 🙂

Afternoon: Shopping & Relaxation (15:00-18:00)

Choose Your Adventure:

• Shopping: Explore Tigné Point and The Point Shopping Mall
• Beach Time: Coffee at Costa Coffee then swim at Balluta Bay
• Culture: Visit local art galleries along Tower Road, or learn about the history of Sliema from fishing village to resort town

Evening: Waterfront Dining (18:00-21:00)

Romantic Dinner Options:

• Piccolo Padre – Italian-Maltese fusion with harbor views
• The Avenue – fresh seafood with candlelit ambiance
• Surfside Beach Club – beachfront dining with sunset views

Late Night: Paceville Party District (21:00+)

10-minute taxi ride to St. Julian’s Paceville:

• Havana Club – Latin music and hip-hop with energetic atmosphere
• Sky Club – EDM and international beats until 4:00 AM
• Hugo’s Terrace – rooftop cocktails with sea views

Return: Book Bolt taxi for safe late-night transport

Day 3: Medieval Magic – Mdina Morning, Village Lunch & Golden Bay Sunset

Morning: The Silent City (9:00-12:00)

Enter Mdina via the Main Gate (Game of Thrones filming location):

1. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (rebuilt 1696) – baroque masterpiece
2. Explore the Jewish Neighbourhood – narrow medieval streets with ancient history
3. Coffee & Imqaret at Fontanella Tea Garden – traditional date-filled pastries with panoramic island views

Discover more about Mdina’s lesser-known gems beyond the main tourist attractions.

Midday: Village Feast (12:00-15:00)

10-minute drive to Mġarr:

• Lunch at Il-Barri Restaurant – famous for traditional rabbit stew and fresh fish
• Quick visit: Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples (3600 BC) – older than Stonehenge!

Afternoon: Golden Bay Paradise (15:00-18:00)

20-25 minute scenic drive to Golden Bay:

• Tea at Apple’s Eye Restaurant overlooking the golden sandy beach
• Beach time: Malta’s most beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters

For a complete guide to this stunning location, read our detailed guide to Golden Bay Malta including the best times to visit and hidden spots.

Optional Adventure: Karraba Cliffside Hike (Add 1.5 hours)

For Active Couples:

• 45-60 minute hike to Karraba cliffs
• Discover hidden Riviera Bay and smugglers’ caves
• Explore the historic 1610 watchtower
• Essential: Sturdy hiking shoes required
• Return: On foot or Bolt taxi pickup

Evening: Sunset Romance (18:00+)

Dinner Options:

• Apple’s Eye – beachfront dining with sunset views
• The Medina Restaurant – candlelit dinner in historic Mdina

Perfect Ending: Hand-in-hand evening stroll through illuminated Mdina streets

Where to Stay:
Location Guide for Maximum Romance

Where to Stay: Location Guide for Maximum Romance

Gzira (Best Overall Choice for Couples)

Gzira is the twin of Sliema. It has good access to Sliema, Manoel Island, cafes restaurants and the best late night in Sliema / Gzira areas (MadAsia area). Water Taxis are very close and it is closer to Valletta and Mdina than Sliema or Valletta.

Sliema

Good options are: Along The Strand or Tower Road Benefits: Near Fort Tigné and The Exiles Beach, 10-15 minutes to Valletta

Valletta Historic Center (Central but pricy)

Good options are: Near Republic Street or Strait Street

Booking Tip: Reserve accommodations 2-3 months in advance. Always prioritize sea views for the most romantic experience. For budget-conscious couples, explore our budget travel to Malta guide for money-saving accommodation tips.

Essential Tips for Couples

Transportation Made Easy

• Tallinja Card: Essential for all bus travel (€15 for 7 days)
• Ferry Bookings: Reserve Three Cities ferry in advance via app
• Bolt Taxis: Perfect for late nights, Mġarr trips, and Golden Bay
• Water Taxis: Most romantic way to travel between Sliema and Valletta

Packing Checklist

• Beach essentials: Swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen, beach towels
• Adventure gear: Sturdy hiking shoes for Karraba hike
• Evening attire: Nice outfits for romantic dinners
• Weather protection: Light jacket for evening sea breezes
• Photography: Portable phone charger for endless couple photos

Insider Secrets

• Timing: Visit major attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
• Photography: Golden hour (1 hour before sunset) provides the most romantic lighting
• Dining: Book restaurants in advance, especially for sunset dinners
• Weather: Malta enjoys 300+ sunny days per year – perfect for year-round romance. Check our detailed weather in Malta by month guide for planning
• Language: English is widely spoken alongside Maltese
• Safety: Malta is one of Europe’s safest destinations – learn more about Malta’s safety for travelers

Budget Planning

• Daily transport: €10-15 per couple
• Meals: €40-80 per couple per day (depending on restaurant choice)
• Attractions: €15-25 per person for major sites
• Nightlife: €30-50 per couple for drinks and club entry

Quick Day Summary

Day 1: Historic romance through Three Cities and Valletta with evening dining and nightlife
Day 2: Coastal fortresses, swimming, and Paceville party scene
Day 3: Medieval Mdina, traditional village lunch, and Golden Bay sunset

This itinerary balances culture, romance, adventure, and relaxation – creating unforgettable memories for couples seeking the perfect Malta getaway.