What to do in Malta in 3 days?

Start your first morning in Valletta. For its size, Malta's capital has one of the highest concentrations of monuments in the world — everything is walkable through a maze of narrow streets on a peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbour. Begin with St John's Co-Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Mediterranean, then head down towards the Grandmaster's Palace and walk back up Republic Street to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the unmissable view over the Three Cities.

For lunch, Café Cordina on Republic Street delivers the historic experience, while the restaurants on Strait Street offer a more local atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore Strait Street itself — once the street of sailors' bars, now the festive soul of the capital.

Take the ferry from the lower part of Valletta — a 3-minute crossing brings you to Vittoriosa, the oldest of the Three Cities. This district of medieval lanes and Knights' palaces is ten times less visited than Valletta and ten times more authentic. Wander the streets, grab a hot pastizzi from a local bakery and treat yourself to a drink on a terrace facing the Grand Harbour at sunset.

Then return by ferry or taxi and spend your evening in the bars of Strait Street. Save some energy — tomorrow is the most water-focused day of the trip.

Day 2 is fully yours — and you spend it on the water. Comino is an almost uninhabited islet between Malta and Gozo, famous worldwide for its Blue Lagoon: a cove of unreal azure-blue water surrounded by white cliffs. The best way to get there is to book a boat trip from Sliema or Valletta Harbour — packages usually include the crossing, several hours on site to swim and snorkel, and sometimes other, quieter coves.

Leave early in the morning to enjoy the spot before the groups arrive. Snorkeling is excellent even without specialist gear: visibility often exceeds 10 metres. Bring sunscreen, water and a snack — the kiosks on site are limited.

Gozo is a 25-minute ferry ride from northern Malta — and a world away in atmosphere. The island is greener, calmer, less touristy and dramatically more photogenic. Start with the Victoria Citadel, also known as Rabat: this hilltop medieval fortress offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the entire Mediterranean, with 360° views over the whole island and the sea beyond.

In the afternoon, head to the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs in the south of the island — huge, wild and dropping straight towards the sea. If you have time, Ramla Bay, with its red sand and crystal-clear water, is Gozo's most beautiful beach. Return to Malta in the late afternoon to get ready for the night out.

Your closing night happens in Paceville — Malta's nightlife district in St Julian's. Toy Room for reggaeton and hip-hop, TwentyTwo for the rooftop sea view and electronic music, Hugo's Lounge for the lounge vibe. If it is your first night in the area, the Malta Pub Crawl is the best way in: 4 bars, an open bar at every stop and club entry included.

For a next-level night, Malta Adventures themed events — White Party, Glam Night at TwentyTwo or Privé BOHEMIA at Café del Mar — are the most memorable way to end a 3-day stay in Malta.