Best of Sicily & Malta 2026
12-day journey combining an escorted small group tour of Sicily’s UNESCO-rich highlights with a relaxed stay in Malta, including food and wine experiences from street food in Siracusa to cellar visits in Marsala
Malta
Harbours, history and sea days on a compact island
Malta is small enough to feel easy, but layered enough to reward real time on the ground. It’s an island trip built around fortress towns, harbours, and clear-water afternoons, with the option to add Gozo and Comino for a slower, more coastal rhythm.
Explore Malta Tours →
An Island With Layers
Malta is an island where the history is visible in the streets: fortified harbour towns, stone stairways, and neighbourhoods that feel designed for walking. Because distances are short, you can do a lot without long travel days, which makes it ideal for travellers who want cultural depth with a relaxed pace.
How to Build a Trip That Flows
The best Malta itineraries combine a walkable base for evenings with a few purposeful day trips. A heritage-heavy day is often balanced by a coastal afternoon, and Gozo is a natural add-on if you want quieter scenery and more open space.
Gozo and Comino
Adding Gozo can change the feel of the trip: slower, greener, and less urban. Comino is more of a sea-day destination in the warmer months. We plan these islands into the itinerary only when the season and pacing make it genuinely enjoyable.
The Region
Malta at a Glance
Known for
Fortified harbours, archaeology, compact historic towns and clear Mediterranean swim days.
Must see
Valletta, Mdina, a Gozo day trip, and a sea day on Comino if the season and crowds allow.
Best time
April–May and September–October for warm days, comfortable walking weather and easier logistics.
Weather
Hot, dry summers; mild winters with more rain and wind. Shoulder seasons suit walking days.
Population
About 550k people across Malta and Gozo, compact and coastal with a strong local identity and pride.
Biggest towns
Birkirkara, Mosta, Sliema, St Paul’s Bay and Qormi; Valletta is the cultural and historic centre.
Local cuisine
Pastizzi, ftira, rabbit dishes, seafood, local sweets, and simple Mediterranean cooking done well.
Getting around
Buses cover the islands; ferries connect key harbours and Gozo. Taxis or transfers help in peak
Recommended Tours
Malta Small Group Tours
Popular ways to experience Malta include our Art & Culture Tours, Food & Wine Tours through Malta and explore Small Group Tours.
From Our Team
Local Knowledge
Malta works best when the itinerary has a gentle rhythm: one strong heritage day followed by a lighter coastal day, then back to culture again. Because the islands are compact, it’s easy to over-plan and end up spending too much time moving. We aim for fewer, better days with breathing room built in.
If you want the trip to feel relaxed, choose a walkable base for evenings, then plan day trips that make sense geographically. Gozo is worth it if you want a slower atmosphere and more open scenery; Comino is best treated as a weather-dependent sea day rather than a must-do.
We can recommend a route that matches how you like to travel, from a culture-led short break to a longer island itinerary with time to slow down properly.
Why Choose Italy Touring
Malta is easy to enjoy when the pacing is right. We help you choose the best base, build a simple day-to-day flow, and keep the island time feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
A Base That Fits Your Style
We match your base to the experience you want, from walkable heritage streets to a more coastal feel.
Days That Don’t Overfill
We plan a few anchor highlights and leave room for sea time, wandering and long meals.
Clear Support From Australia
Straightforward advice and trusted partners, with support through planning and booking.
Ready to plan your Malta tour? We'd love to help.
Talk to us about Malta
★ Andrew's Top Pick
Golden Light Over Grand Harbour
If you want one Malta experience that captures the island’s character, build a day around the harbour and a slow Valletta wander. Start with the water views, then walk the city without a strict checklist: a few key streets, one museum or site that interests you, and a long lunch that isn’t rushed.
The timing matters. When you place this day in late afternoon, the light changes the colour of the stone, and the city feels calmer. We can suggest the best version based on where you’re staying, the season and how active you want the day to feel.
Accommodation in Malta
In Malta, location shapes the whole trip. A walkable base makes evenings easy and reduces the need for constant transport. Many travellers prefer to stay near the main harbour areas for access and atmosphere, then add a short Gozo stay if they want a quieter segment.
In peak months, well-located rooms can be limited. We focus on comfort and access first, then the kind of neighbourhood feel you want, so your accommodation supports the pace of the itinerary.
Recommended places to stay
115 The Strand Hotel by NEU Collective
115 The Strand Hotel by NEU Collective is an accommodation base in Gżira, Malta featured in Best of Sicily & Malta 2026.
Verdi Gzira Promenade
Verdi Gzira Promenade is an accommodation base in Gżira, Malta featured in Best of Sicily & Malta 2026.
Explore More
Explore Nearby Regions
If you’d like to pair Malta with Italy, Sicily and Southern Italy are natural matches for an island-first itinerary. Explore these pages for options that keep travel days sensible and the experience cohesive.
Plan Your Trip
FAQs on Planning a Trip to Malta
How many days do I need in Malta?
Most travellers enjoy 5 to 8 days, depending on whether you include Gozo and how much sea time you want alongside cultural sightseeing.
Should I include Gozo?
Gozo is a great add-on if you want a slower, more scenic island segment. If your trip is short and you prefer one base, you can keep the itinerary on the main island.
Is Malta easy to get around without a car?
Yes. Buses cover the islands and ferries help with key connections. For comfort, taxis or private transfers can simplify a few specific legs.
When is the best time to visit?
Shoulder seasons are ideal for walking and sightseeing. Summer suits travellers prioritising swimming and long evenings outdoors.
Can I pair Malta with an Italy itinerary?
Yes. Malta pairs naturally with Sicily and Southern Italy if you want to extend an island-style trip into Italy.
