Valletta
The first stop on your trip through Malta is the capital city, Valletta. Valletta is known for its city walls that encapsulate the entire town.
Malta’s capital Valletta is famous for its city walls, which surround the city. The walls are a stunning sight in and of themselves, so consider taking some time to walk along the promenade and properly take them in. Valletta also offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Malta’s rich history. Visit a museum or one of the city’s magnificent churches which, due to their tall towers, jut out visibly over their surroundings. For backpackers, Valletta is the perfect starting point for an adventure through Malta. You can soak up the country’s atmosphere, experience a bit of Malta’s culture and get to know the history of this Mediterranean country.
For the two nights you’ll spend in Valletta, you can stay in a private room in a B&B for as little as €25.
St. Julian’s
The next stage of the journey takes you up the coast of Malta and to St. Julian’s. In Malta, this city is best known as San Ġiljan. The city lies directly on the coast, offering a stunning view of the sea. St. Julian’s also happens to be the place in Malta where you’ll find the majority of backpackers. Plenty of young tourists stroll through the city, enjoying the region’s casual and relaxed atmosphere.
The beaches in this area will also fulfil any expectations you might have – the most popular ones are called St. George’s Bay and Spinola Bay. There are also plenty of other sights like, for example, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church that you should not miss out on. St. Julian’s offers an ideal mix of opportunities for partying, relaxation and culture and, as such, could hardly be more suitable for backpackers.
In St. Julian’s, you can spend your nights in a dormitory at a hostel. Sleeping in a bunk bed will only cost you about €15 and some hostels even offer a pool – you can’t really ask for much more!
St. Paul´s Bay
Your route through Malta takes you further along the coastline and, by staying on Highway One, you can look forward to many more gorgeous views of the sea. Your next stop is St. Paul’s Bay. This region includes a bit of the coast as well as some inland areas. Once there, you can take long walks through the forest, or simply relax on the beach.
St. Paul’s Bay is characterised by numerous smaller bays that invite you to relax and daydream for a while. The Malta National Aquarium is also located in this town and is a great place to hide out if the weather happens to take a turn for the worse.
Another location that you should keep in mind as a backpacker is the Café del Mar Malta. This club is one of the most popular ones on the island and, if you are up for it, this is the place to party the night away.
As the town doesn’t yet have much of a backpacking scene, your budget might take a bit of a hit during your stay at St. Paul’s Bay. For the two nights you will stay in St. Paul’s Bay, you can stay in a private room at a hotel for €30.
Gozo
Your next stop is Malta’s sidekick, so to speak. The island of Gozo is located right next to Malta and is the second-largest island in the archipelago.
The smaller island can easily be reached by boat. Just head to Ċirkewwa, a town at the end of Highway One, and catch the ferry from its harbour. Don’t worry, due to its location Ċirkewwa is pretty much impossible to miss.
Gozo is an attraction in and of itself and you’ll need to spend a few days on the island to properly experience everything it has to offer. The water of the island’s small, beautiful bays somehow seems even more clear and more inviting than the sea around Malta. One of the most popular spots on the island is Rambla Beach. Definitely don’t forget to pack a snorkel if you are headed there!
The capital city of Victoria is also doubtlessly worth a visit and offers you a different impression of city life in Malta. Generally speaking, the atmosphere on Gozo is relaxed and positive, meaning a good mood is essentially guaranteed. We recommend renting a scooter to explore some of the different locations on the island.
While on Gozo, you can stay at one of the island’s hostels. Accommodation can come as cheap as €11 per night and, once you have secured a place to sleep, just take it easy and have a good time on Gozo.
Comino
Welcome to the next island! Your route takes you from Gozo to the tiny island of Comino. While there aren’t many hotels on the island and life on Comino is clearly a bit simpler, it’s still definitely worth the trip. A small boat will take you to this island that is particularly well known for the Blue Lagoon. Get ready to see the bluest water you could possibly imagine!
The list of impressive spots on Comino also includes the Crystal Lagoon and the cliffs at Lantern Point – the latter being an absolute must-visit location at sunset. If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure, head to the Santa Maria Caves. Even on an island as small as Comino, there’s no end of things to see and do and you’re guaranteed to fall even deeper in love with this mesmerizing country.
If the accommodations on Comino are too expensive for your tastes, just make your visit to Comino a day trip and head back to Malta in the evening.
Golden Bay
Once back in Malta, your journey continues onwards to Golden Bay. This spot is located on the southwest coast of the island and is well known for its gorgeous beaches. The area is particularly stunning in the spring and, with many of the plants in full bloom, this period will allow you to really appreciate the wonderful natural beauty of Malta. Riviera Beach and a historic tower are also located nearby. You can use your time in the region to make a few excursions and experience even more of the country. We recommend spending two nights in Golden Bay. Doing so allows you to visit several of the region’s attractions and you will still have time to relax on the great beaches. Sounds good, right?
Rabat
Your route now takes you a bit further inland. The city of Rabat is a popular destination and is an absolute must-see for all visitors. This city has a fair amount of history for you to discover. You can, for example, take a tour of the catacombs, visit St. Paul’s Church or explore the Victoria Lines, an old fortification wall. If you’re a fan of history, Rabat has a lot to offer.
However, even less historically inclined backpackers will have plenty of other reasons to enjoy their visit to Rabat. These include the unique views that the city offers its visitors. Stroll through the streets of Rabat and just enjoy the special atmosphere that you can only find in Malta.
You can also take trips out of Rabat to attractions in the surrounding region. This includes places like the Dingli Cliffs or the Blue Grotto.
Finally, your journey takes you back to Valletta. As you are headed for home, you will be able to fondly look back on an absolutely wonderful trip and a truly magical time in Malta.
