Just returned from a week in Malta and here are some thoughts:

1. Some highlights were Valletta - just walking around and taking in the general atmosphere; Mdina; "Three Cities; Gozo - we went to Victoria - very nice and walked to Xagra; try to visit at least one of the ancient ruins

2. In addition to the above, we went on a full day boat trip around Malta - not sure if these would be offered in November. All items in no. 1 would constitute day trips

3. We stayed in Valletta, and ate all of our dinners there. After ventuing out most days, we just felt like staing put in Valletta in the evening - most hotels and restaurants on in other areas, particularly in Sliema/St. Julian's. Anyway, I would highly recommend The Carriage, Trattoria Palazz, Rubino's, Gianninni's, adn Cocopazzo - all in Valletta. The only place we ate that I would avoid is DeRobertis, on roof of Castille Hotel. Great view, but food not good.

4. In November probably will be in the 60's - good for sightseeing, but not for beach/water activities.

5. We didn't go, but talked to several people who did, and they enjoyed the diving very much.

The Maltese were very friendly. Enjoy!!

If I may say something I would look for a hotel in St. Julians, Valetta is deserted at night. You can get anywhere by bus, except Gozo, to where you have to rent a little car. A must is the ship excursion around the bay of Valetta etc. November is late, can't you get there earlier?

I was in Malta last November the weather was nice warm in the day lite jacket at night . Things to do ! day one just ride the buses around the island get a good overview of the island check out Sielma little fishing warf town . organized trip to Gozo pick up /drop off at hotel ferry tickets .Day 4 trip to Sicily all tours will pick up and drop you off at hotel the Sicily trip is a good one Go to one of the two Casinos one is the Oracle great pubs ,nightlife, nice walkways all along the water .

Here is a very good article on Malta from the Washington Post travel section from this month. But print it out now since I think WP articles are free for only a few weeks after they appear:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55515-2003Jun13.html

i'll also be in the port for about 5 hours... i thought touring valletta and going to mdina would be a good idea..

or would it be better to go to gozo?

With only 5 hours, I would stay at Valletta,as there are many impressive architecture and museums to visit, and lovely squares to sit around.

Gozo is nice and relaxing,but not as interesting for first time visitors.

It is possible to tour around Gozo by bus,just take bus to Victoria where most buses depart from.

Yesterday 7-20-03 in the Seattle Times Travel Section an article on Malta by John Deiner, travel editor Washington Post was very interesting and helpful.

http://www.maltavista.net/en/library/art/163.html this is the website with the exact article....check it out.

Medina is fantastic. Gorgeous hotel part of Relais and Chateau where u can have lunch or dinner on the terrace! Forgot the name but its very famous.

And Valetta is very interesting.

However though Gozo is great, if u only have 5 hours stick to Valetta and Medina.