Malta

Day 1: Valletta, Grand Harbour and Paola
A baroque capital, honey‑coloured bastions and the island’s most storied harbour set the tone. You’ll trace layers of real history and screen history, then descend into one of the world’s great prehistoric sites.

• Morning: Start at Upper Barrakka Gardens before 9:00 for quiet views and soft light over the Grand Harbour; note Fort Ricasoli across the water (the Gate of the Gods in Game of Thrones). Wander Valletta’s side streets, including Eagle Street for a familiar Season 1 lane, then grab a pastizz and coffee. If you’d like the Saluting Battery cannon, time your viewpoint for 12:00.
• Midday: Head to Paola for your timed entry to the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni (book months ahead; small groups only). If sold out, visit nearby Tarxien Temples or the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta for context before temple visits on other days. Keep the pace gentle in summer—shade is scarce and stone radiates heat.
• Afternoon: Cross to Birgu (Vittoriosa) on the Valletta–Birgu ferry; explore Fort St Angelo’s tunnels (Arya’s cat‑chasing realm on screen) and Birgu’s tight lanes. From the Senglea/Valletta ramparts, photograph Fort Ricasoli’s massive gate; a harbour boat tour gives the best angle without entering the derelict site.
• Evening: Take a golden‑hour harbour cruise or dine quayside along Birgu’s waterfront, with Valletta glowing opposite. If Fort Manoel (the Great Sept of Baelor) announces an Open Day during your visit, swap in an hour there before sunset—access is rare and free.

Day 2: Mdina, Rabat and central Malta
Step into the “Silent City” where Malta first became King’s Landing on screen, then peel back layers of Roman and medieval life next door in Rabat. Today blends quiet cloisters, cool catacombs and leafy gardens.

• Morning: Arrive at Mdina Gate by 8:30 to beat day‑trippers; continue to Pjazza Mesquita (Littlefinger’s brothel exterior) and stroll the alleys—keep voices low, residents value the hush. Refuel in Rabat with a hot pastizz from Crystal Palace.
• Midday: Explore St Paul’s Catacombs (cool even in summer) or the Domus Romana mosaics, then walk to St Dominic’s Priory for the courtyard where Ned confronted Cersei—knock, ask politely, and offer a small donation. For a calm lunch, choose a Rabat trattoria shaded from midday sun.
• Afternoon: Amble through San Anton Gardens (presidential grounds used as Red Keep exteriors); peacocks, fountains and stone balconies feel instantly familiar from Season 1. If it’s breezy and you want vistas, detour to Dingli Cliffs; keep well back from edges after rain as limestone can be slick.
• Evening: Return to Mdina after dusk for its lantern‑lit calm and dinner within the walls. From June to September, check for a village festa nearby—drop into a każin (band club), buy a Cisk, and enjoy fireworks; dress modestly and be respectful during any religious procession.

Day 3: Gozo day—temples, citadel and Dwejra
Gozo moves at a gentler pace: ancient stones, hilltop views and dramatic coast. It’s a full, satisfying day if you start early.

• Morning: Drive or bus to Ċirkewwa for the Gozo ferry before 9:00 (cars speed things up; drive on the left). Head straight to Xagħra for Ġgantija Temples and the excellent visitor centre—older than Stonehenge, best appreciated with the museum context first. Pause for coffee in Xagħra’s square.
• Midday: Explore Victoria’s Citadel and its museums; lunch on Gozitan ftira or rabbit stew if you’re curious about a local classic. If you missed Hypogeum tickets, ask at the Gozo Museum of Archaeology—very occasionally, last‑minute slots are released there for the next day.
• Afternoon: Continue to Dwejra Bay; take an Inland Sea boat (weather permitting) and learn about the Azure Window’s 2017 collapse—now a renowned dive site. If seas are rough, switch to Ramla Bay and Calypso Cave outlook, or the Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs; wear sturdy shoes and watch footing on uneven limestone.
• Evening: Catch sunset at Xlendi’s cliff path or the narrow inlet at Wied il‑Għasri, then ferry back. Prefer to linger? Stay overnight in a farmhouse for starry skies and a slower morning departure; buses run late but check reduced winter schedules.

Notes to fine‑tune your three days

• In peak summer, front‑load outdoor sites (7:30–11:00 and 17:00–20:30) and keep interiors for midday.
• On solstice/equinox dates, consider swapping one sunrise to Mnajdra’s alignment event (pre‑booked, sells out fast).
• Heritage Malta’s Multisite Pass saves money if you’re doing several temples and museums (Hypogeum excluded).
• Always ask permission at religious houses, respect “no photography” rules, and never touch megaliths.

By Air

• Malta International Airport (MLA), Luqa – the islands’ only airport, 8 km from Valletta.
  • To Valletta: 15–20 min by taxi; 25–30 min by bus (X4).
  • To Sliema/St Julian’s: 20–30 min by taxi; 45–60 min by bus (X2).
  • To Gozo (Mgarr): ~60–90 min via bus to Cirkewwa (X1) + Gozo Channel ferry, or bus to Valletta + fast ferry.
• Direct year‑round flights from major European hubs (e.g., London ~3h10, Rome ~1h25, Paris ~2h40, Frankfurt ~2h45). Seasonal routes expand in summer.
• Served by KM Malta Airlines and numerous European carriers (full‑service and low‑cost). Taxis, ride‑hailing (eCabs/Bolt), and public buses operate from the terminal. Valletta Bus Terminus is the main island hub.

By Ferry

• Regular high‑speed catamarans between Valletta (Grand Harbour) and Sicily:
  • Valletta–Pozzallo: ~1h45–2h, multiple daily (seasonal variation).
  • Valletta–Catania: ~3h (selected sailings).
• Foot passengers and vehicles are accepted. Through bus links Pozzallo–Catania typically ~1h30.
• Best overland route from mainland Europe is via Italy to Sicily, then ferry to Malta.

By Train

• No rail to Malta. Nearest major railheads are in Sicily:
  • Catania Centrale and Siracusa for Trenitalia services (e.g., from Rome ~9–11 hrs by day train; overnight options available).
  • Continue by bus to Pozzallo port for the ferry to Valletta.

By Car

• No road links to Malta. Vehicles can be shipped on the Sicily–Malta high‑speed ferry (Valletta–Pozzallo/Catania).
  • Approximate drives: Catania–Pozzallo ~1h40; Palermo–Pozzallo ~4–4.5 hrs.
• In Malta, driving is on the left. Car hire is widely available at MLA and in major towns.