First-Timer, Zero Panic
Start with Valletta: history, viewpoints, ferry energy and enough small streets to make the whole island click fast.
Why Valletta first
Start with Valletta, not because it is obvious, but because it gives you history, viewpoints, ferry energy and enough small streets to make the island click fast. One compact city explains the harbours, the stone and the rhythm of everything you will see afterwards.
Go early or late
Midday crowds and hard light flatten the city. Early morning gives you calm streets and low light over the bastions; late afternoon gives atmosphere and golden facades. Both are better than the middle of the day, so plan your big indoor stop for noon.
The harbour is half the show
Climb to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the Grand Harbour view, then take the short ferry across to the Three Cities. Whenever a ferry can solve a transfer in Malta, take it: the crossing is part of the experience, not just transport, and the return ride at golden hour is the best photo you will take all trip.
How to pace it
Do this when you want Malta to make sense quickly without burning a whole day on logistics. One viewpoint, one church interior, one ferry hop and one long lunch is a complete first day. Save the beaches for day two, once you know how short the distances really are.