Are you looking for amazing Malta tours and Gozo day trips?

In this post, I share my top recommendations for those who want to explore the island while avoiding the crowds. I’ve selected highly-rated tours and authentic experiences, organized by local guides.

So, let’s look at the best tours of Malta and Gozo for history buffs, foodies, and beach lovers.

Malta day tours

Malta has a rich and colourful past, and the best way to explore it is with a guide! Here are some of the best tours in Malta.

Valletta Walking Tour

Did you know that Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The Maltese capital is home to several Baroque palaces and churches, as well as beautiful townhouses with painted balconies.

This Valletta walking tour will immerse you in the history of the city. It is led by a professional guide and limited to 20 people.

Highlights:

• Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo, and other historic sites.
• Stroll through the beautiful Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.

This Valletta walking tour is for you if:

• You have a keen interest in history and architecture.
• You want to explore the main highlights of Valletta with a local expert.
• You prefer small-group tours – and don’t mind walking!

Learn more about this small-group walking tour of Valletta.

Valletta Food Tour

Many Maltese dishes are influenced by Arabic and Italian flavors. Popular foods and snacks include pastizzi (small pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or mushy peas), imqaret (deep- fried pastry filled with date paste), and timpana (baked macaroni).

This Valletta food tour pairs history with local cuisine. The tour is limited to 10 people, and food and drinks are included in the price.

Highlights:

• Sample traditional Maltese snacks, such as pastizzi.
• Explore the streets of Valletta through food.
• Walk through the beautiful botanical gardens in Floriana.

This Valletta food tour is for you if:

• You want to try a variety of Maltese foods.
• You wish to learn more about Maltese history and cuisine.

Learn more about this small-group Valletta food tour.

Mdina and Rabat Insider’s Tour

Mdina is a fortified city that dates back to the 13th century and boasts a wealth of architectural gems. Its quiet, winding streets are a joy to explore, and you can also enjoy beautiful views of the island from the ramparts. 

Meanwhile, the neighbouring town of Rabat is home to some of the most ancient sites in Malta, including Roman catacombs and dwellings.

This tour of Mdina and Rabat is led by a guide who was born and raised in the area. This means you’ll get to explore the main sites, as well as a few hidden treasures.

Highlights:

• Walk through the atmospheric streets of Mdina.
• See the city’s palaces and churches.
• Explore the traditional town of Rabat and get a glimpse of local culture.

This tour of Mdina and Rabat is for you if:

• You love medieval history.
• You want to explore a typical Maltese town with a local.

Learn more about this tour of Mdina and Rabat.

Self-Drive Electric Car Tour in Cottonera

Cottonera is a group of three neighbouring cities on the Grand Harbour: Cospicua (Bormla), Vittoriosa (Birgu) and Senglea (Isla).

Birgu is packed with historic sites, including the impressive Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace.

This self-drive electric car tour enables you to explore this historic area at your own pace. The car is equipped with a pre-programmed GPS that guides you along an 18-kilometer stretch of road along the harbour. It also tells you about the history of the place.

Highlights:

• Drive by historic sites such as Fort St. Angelo and Fort Rinella.
• See the beautiful city of Birgu.
• Enjoy spectacular views of the Grand Harbour from Gardjola Gardens.

This self-drive electric car tour is for you if:

• You want to get away from the crowds and explore a less touristy part of Malta.
• You have mobility issues, or would rather drive than walk.

Learn more about this self-drive car tour in Cottonera.

Prehistoric Temples Tour

Malta is home to some of the oldest standing structures in the world. The pre-historic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are over 5,000 years old – older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge.

This private self-guided tour of Malta’s temples will help you learn more about these fascinating structures and the people that inhabited the island in prehistoric times.

The tour includes door pickup and drop, so you won’t have to worry about navigating the confusing roads of Malta to get to these sites.

Highlights:

• Explore the pre-historic temples at your own pace.
• Visit the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
• Enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea from Wied iz-Zurrieq.

This prehistoric temples tour is for you if:

• You have a keen interest in archaeology and ancient history.
• You want to explore the temples independently, without the hassle of renting a car or finding the right bus.

Learn more about this tour of Malta’s prehistoric temples.

A Private Malta Experience

Malta may be small, but there are plenty of things to see and do. If you’re only visiting the island for a few days, you might be unable to tick off all the places on your list.

This private Malta tour will help you see most of the island’s highlights in a day, including historic sites and natural landmarks. You’ll get your own professional guide and travel across the country in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Highlights:

• Enjoy staggering views from Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest altitude point.
• Explore Marsaxlokk and Mdina.
• Marvel at the Mosta Rotunda, which has the third largest dome in the world.
• Visit Popeye Village and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.

This private Malta tour is for you if:

• You’re looking for a personalized Malta experience.
• You don’t like group excursions, or want to avoid crowds.

Learn more about this private Malta experience.

Malta boat tours

Looking for some outdoor adventure? Let’s look at some of the best Malta boat tours, including trips around Gozo and Comino.

Gozo and Comino Kayak Tour

Gozo and Comino are two small islands that form part of the Maltese archipelago. Both islands have a spectacular coastline, with impressive cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, and hidden caves.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, this kayak tour of Gozo and Comino will take you to some of the most stunning spots on the islands. You’ll even have time for a swim in a quiet bay.

Highlights:

• Explore hidden bays and breath-taking grottos.
• See impressive rock formations.

This kayak tour is for you if:

• You’re looking for fun Malta tours and water activities.
• You want to explore the beautiful Maltese coastline.

Learn more about this Gozo and Comino kayak tour.

Full-Day Catamaran Cruise

Boat trips are a popular activity in Malta. Most tours depart from Sliema or Bugibba, and go to Comino, St. Paul’s Island, and Gozo.

This full-day catamaran cruise on a large 36-person boat takes you on a scenic trip to Comino, St. Paul’s Island, and the Grand Harbour. You’ll also have time for a swim in Comino (or Gozo).

Highlights:

• Cruise around Comino, St. Paul’s Island.
• Enjoy an onboard barbecue with wine and beer.
• Sunbathe on the spacious deck.

This catamaran cruise is for you if:

• You want to avoid overcrowded boats.
• You’re looking for a quiet boat trip with delicious food.

Learn more about this full-day catamaran cruise around Malta.

Private Boat Tour Experience

Malta is the ideal destination for sun and sea lovers. It’s also the perfect place for snorkelling and diving.

This private boat tour experience takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches in Malta. You’ll also have time for some snorkelling in secret coves.

Highlights:

• Swim in Golden Bay, Anchor Bay, and Paradise Bay.
• Snorkel at hidden coves and secret gems.

This beach hopping experience is for you if:

• You love sandy beaches and enjoy snorkelling.

Learn more about this private boat tour experience in Malta.

Gozo day trips

Now that we’ve looked at the best Malta tours, let’s turn our attention to Gozo. This little island has a lot to offer – sleepy limestone villages, ancient temples, rolling green hills, and more!

Gozo Self-Drive GoCar Tour

If you’re spending more than three days in Malta, I highly recommend taking a trip to Gozo. This small island has a lot to offer: quaint limestone villages, ancient sites, secluded beaches, and more.

If you want to get off the beaten track in Gozo, consider booking this self-drive tour in a GoCar. You can drive around the island at your own leisure and stop at any landmarks that you want to see.

Highlights:

• Take in panoramic views from Sannat Cliffs, the highest point in Gozo.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch in Marsalforn.
• Visit Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, Ta Kenuna Tower, and other sites.

This Gozo self-drive tour is for you if:

• You want to explore Gozo independently.
• You’d like to see the rural side of Gozo.

Learn more about this self-drive Gozo GoCar tour.

Gozo Tuk Tuk Chauffered Tour

Not a fan of driving in a foreign country? Explore Gozo on a guided tour instead!

This full-day tuk tuk tour of Gozo takes you to all the main attractions on the island. You get to learn more about the history of each place, and get a taste of local culture.

Highlights:

• Visit landmarks like the Sannat Cliffs, Calypso Cave, Ramla Bay, and Victoria.
• Admire the scenic vistas of Gozo from different viewpoints
• Ride a motorboat around Comino

This Gozo tuk tuk tour is for you if:

• You want a private tour of Gozo with a local guide.
• Enjoy getting off the beaten path.

Learn more about this Gozo tuk tuk tour.

Frequently asked questions about Malta tours

As you can see, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to booking tours of Malta and Gozo.

Let’s look at some common questions about Malta tours and excursions to help you make the right decision.