Malta- what to do in February

[KnottyKnitting]

Off to Malta soon for a week. Not a beach holiday as not the weather for it! Any recommendations for day trips? We are staying in Valletta

Practically anything on the Heritage Malta website:

https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/hal-saflieni-hypogeum/

But in particular the Hypogeum and Mnajdra

The cathedral and Grand Masters Palace

Mdina

Fort St Angelo/St Elmo/Manoel

Science Museum, War Museum, Archeology Museum.

Ooh thanks- that’s really helpful! Will take a look at the link!

Go and see the Caravaggios in St John's Co-Cathedral. They're incredible.

all those- my H said the war museum was excellent -

I really like Valletta - Malta isa bit mixed but valletta to me was like a lovely Italian city at half the price

@KnottyKnitting We are going do February half term also staying in Valetta. We are meeting a friend on Gozo so will see when they are free.

We are using this AI generated (not mine!) plan for our trip and will adapt according to weather or how we feel when we get there. It looks like bus is easy to get around on
Transportation Tips

• Public Bus: The most affordable and convenient way to travel across the islands, with routes primarily starting from the main bus station just outside Valletta's City Gate. Consider purchasing a 7-day Explore Card for unlimited travel for around €25.
• Ferries: Regular passenger ferries connect Valletta to the Three Cities and Sliema, offering great views of the harbor and bypassing traffic. A fast ferry service is also available to Gozo.

Your 7-Day Valletta Itinerary

• Day 1: Valletta's Grandeur
• Morning: Start your day at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, and catch the daily cannon firing at the Saluting Battery at noon.
• Afternoon: Visit the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral, renowned for its opulent Baroque interior and Caravaggio masterpieces.
• Evening: Stroll through the charming, narrow streets of Valletta, enjoy dinner at a traditional Maltese restaurant, and perhaps see the city illuminated at night.
• Day 2: The Three Cities & Harbour
• Morning: Take a short ferry ride (or a traditional dghajsa water taxi) from Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu/Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua).
• Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of Birgu, visit the Malta at War Museum, and walk to Fort St. Angelo for stunning harbour views.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the Birgu waterfront before taking the ferry back to Valletta.
• Day 3: The Silent City & Roman History
• Morning: Take a public bus (e.g., routes 51, 52, or 53) from Valletta to the fortified medieval city of Mdina, known as the "Silent City". Wander through its car-free, ancient streets.
• Afternoon: Walk over to the neighboring town of Rabat to explore St. Paul's Catacombs and the Domus Romana (Roman Villa).
• Evening: Return to Valletta by bus.
• Day 4: Gozo Island Day Trip
• Full Day: Take the Gozo fast ferry directly from Valletta Harbour to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo (a 45-minute journey). Once there, you can use the local hop-on-hop-off bus, rent a quad bike, or use public buses to explore key sites like the Ġgantija Temples(among the world's oldest free-standing monuments), the Citadel in Victoria, and scenic bays like Xlendi or Ramla Bay.
• Day 5: Blue Grotto & Southern Charm
• Morning: Take a bus to the Blue Grotto area (Wied iż-Żurrieq) on the southern coast. Weather permitting, take a short boat trip to see the stunning blue waters of the sea caves.
• Afternoon: Continue by bus to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, famous for its colorful luzzu fishing boats and a great spot for a fresh seafood lunch. You can also walk to the nearby natural swimming pool, St. Peter's Pool.
• Evening: Return to Valletta.
• Day 6: Culture, Cliffs & Crafts
• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta to see ancient artifacts.
• Afternoon: Take a bus to the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point of the island, for breathtaking sea views. Afterward, head to the Ta' Qali Craft Village to see local artisans at work (glassblowing, pottery, etc.).
• Evening: Consider a dinner and folklore show experience or explore the nightlife options in nearby Sliema or St. Julian's via a short ferry or bus ride.
• Day 7: Comino & The Blue Lagoon
• Full Day: Take a day trip to the island of Comino to visit the famous Blue Lagoon. You can book a boat tour from Sliema or catch a ferry from Cirkewwa in northern Malta. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Remember to bring water shoes as the surrounding areas can be rocky.

Oh wow-! That is incredibly helpful! Thankyou so much!

All the above and, if you get the chance, visit Gozo. It's very pretty and I actually preferred it to Malta but I did go in the summer so it that might make a difference.

We had a lovely 4 days at the kempinski on Gozo which we combined with Valletta -