5 Best Day Trips from St Julian's, Malta: Local Guide

St Julian’s is more than a destination in itself. Its central location makes it a practical base for exploring Malta’s historic cities, fishing villages, beaches and neighbouring island of Gozo.

From Spinola Hotel, guests can enjoy the restaurants and coastal atmosphere of Spinola Bay before setting out for the day. Public transport reaches most major destinations, while taxis, hired cars and guided excursions can make more complex routes easier.

These five day trips offer a balanced introduction to Malta without trying to fit the entire island into one exhausting itinerary.

1. Valletta: History, Art and Harbour Views

Malta’s capital is an essential day trip for first-time visitors. Valletta is compact enough to explore on foot, but its streets contain centuries of history, architecture and cultural landmarks.

Enter through City Gate and continue towards Republic Street before exploring the quieter side streets. Major highlights include St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, the National Museum of Archaeology and the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour.

Allow time for lunch rather than treating Valletta as a checklist. The city has everything from casual Maltese cooking to contemporary restaurants and harbour-view dining.

From St Julian’s, travel by bus or taxi, or continue to Sliema and take the passenger ferry across Marsamxett Harbour. Ferry services are weather-dependent, so check the current schedule before leaving.

Allow: Half a day for the principal sights or a full day with museums and lunch.

Best for: History, architecture, culture and first-time visitors.

2. Mdina and Rabat: Malta’s Historic Heart

Mdina offers a very different atmosphere from coastal St Julian’s. Enclosed by fortified walls, Malta’s former capital is known for narrow streets, limestone palaces and wide views across the island.

Begin at Mdina Gate and explore the city on foot. St Paul’s Cathedral, the bastions and the smaller lanes away from the main route are among the highlights. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly atmospheric, before or after the busiest visiting period.

Do not stop at Mdina’s walls. Neighbouring Rabat is easily reached on foot and adds another layer to the day, with traditional streets, local cafés, churches and historic sites associated with Malta’s Roman and early Christian past.

Mdina and Rabat can be reached by bus, taxi or hired car. Visitors relying on public transport should allow extra time and check the return journey before setting out.

Allow: At least half a day; longer if visiting museums or historic attractions.

Best for: Medieval atmosphere, photography and a slower cultural day.

3. The Three Cities: Fortifications and Waterfront Malta

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta lie Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, collectively known as the Three Cities.

Begin in Cospicua or Vittoriosa and explore the waterfront, narrow residential streets and historic fortifications. Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is particularly rewarding for visitors interested in the Knights of St John. Fort St Angelo occupies a commanding position at the end of the peninsula.

Senglea provides further harbour viewpoints, while the waterfront around the marina offers several places for lunch or a quiet drink.

One enjoyable route is to travel to Valletta and take the scheduled harbour ferry to Cospicua. This turns the journey itself into part of the experience and provides a different perspective on the Grand Harbour.

Allow: Half a day, or combine the Three Cities with a morning in Valletta.

Best for: Maritime history, harbour views and quieter streets.

4. Gozo: A Full-Day Island Escape

Gozo deserves a full day rather than a hurried stop. Malta’s smaller sister island has a more rural character, with fortified towns, villages, beaches and dramatic coastal scenery.

For a first visit, begin in Victoria and explore the Citadel before choosing one or two other areas. Options include the red sands of Ramla Bay, the coastline around Dwejra or the seaside setting of Xlendi. Trying to cover every major attraction in one day usually means spending too much time in transit.

Foot passengers can use the high-speed ferry connection from Valletta, while the Gozo Channel service carries passengers and vehicles between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr. The best option depends on where you intend to travel in Gozo and whether you have a car.

Check ferry schedules and weather conditions before leaving. An organised excursion can be worthwhile for guests who want to see several places without arranging transport between them.

Allow: A full day with an early start.

Best for: Scenery, coastal landscapes and a quieter side of the Maltese Islands.

5. Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto: Malta’s Southern Coast

For a change from Malta’s historic cities, travel south to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto.

Marsaxlokk is a fishing village known for its harbour, colourful boats and waterfront restaurants. It is especially lively around the Sunday market, although visitors seeking a calmer experience may prefer another day of the week.

Continue towards the Blue Grotto for coastal viewpoints and, when conditions permit, boat trips beneath the sea caves. Boat operations depend on the weather and state of the sea, so availability should never be assumed.

Combining these locations is easiest with a taxi, hired car or organised tour. Public transport is possible, but connections can consume a significant part of a short holiday.

Allow: Most of a day.

Best for: Fishing-village atmosphere, seafood and coastal scenery.

Planning Day Trips from St Julian’s

Choose two or three priority destinations rather than attempting a major excursion every day. Leaving space to enjoy Spinola Bay, St Julian’s and the hotel will make the overall stay feel less rushed.

Before travelling:

• Check opening times for major attractions.

• Reserve tickets where advance entry is required.

• Confirm current bus or ferry schedules.

• Carry water and sun protection during warmer months.

• Allow additional journey time during busy periods.

• Ask reception for current transport information.

For a shorter visit, our [weekend guide to St Julian’s] can help you balance sightseeing with time beside the bay.

Make Spinola Hotel Your Base in Malta

Spinola Hotel places guests in the heart of St Julian’s, with dining, coastal walks and evening entertainment close by. After exploring Valletta, Mdina, Gozo or Malta’s southern coast, return to the comfort and convenience of Spinola Bay.