Valletta, one of the smallest capitals in the European Union, has stepped firmly into the limelight with its fortified streets, archaeological treasures, museums and revived cultural scene. Add spectacular cliffsides, sparkling lagoons and gourmet cuisine…and you have a sure-shot winner!
Built by the Knights of St John in the 1500s, Valletta, Malta, is a Baroque masterpiece built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, a turning point in Valletta's history. This beautiful city, the Maltese capital city, sits on a pretty perch above the deepest natural harbour of the azure Mediterranean, wrapped in ancient walls and formidable city walls. Imposing bastions, baroque monuments, limestone streets, honey-coloured mansions and Ottoman-style wooden balconies, known as gallariji and thought to reflect Arabic-inspired design, are the essential elements of Valletta’s Renaissance and Baroque character. one of Europe’s earliest planned fortified cities, laid out in a defensive grid by Italian architect Francesco Laparelli after he was sent by the Pope, gave first-time visitors to this new city a clear sense of order; the wider mission of the Knights, under a papal charter, still echoes through its streets. UNESCO World Heritage site, European Capital of Culture 2018, sets the bar high…and delivers with flawless flair.
For a dramatic introduction to the city, start with St. John's Co-Cathedral, as St John's Co stands out among the capital’s great treasures, while John's Co Cathedral also holds the tombs of several Grand Masters. Ponder on the riches of the bygone era as you wander in lavishly gilded interiors. Gasp at the glass-like marble, ornate sculptures, soaring vaulted ceilings and spectacular frescoes. Come face to face with Caravaggio’s largest and most famous painting, a dark depiction of the beheading of John the Baptist. Continue the tryst with larger-than-life history at the nearby grandmaster's palace, the Grand Master's Palace on George's Square. The former seat of power for the Order of the Knights of St. John, and Governor’s Palace during British rule for british officers, now houses the Office of the President. The opulent staterooms demand a few hours of ogling. Be sure to venture into The Palace Armoury to gawk at a large collection of ancient artefacts from past wars.
Next, brace for a feel of Malta’s epic reinvention at the mammoth City Gate and an open-air auditorium that seems to rise from the rubble of the WWII-bombed Opera House. Both were given a new lease of life by Italian celeb-architect Renzo Piano. Then make way to the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens at the top of the bastions for sweeping panoramas of Valletta's Grand Harbour. The former exercise grounds for the Knights are dressed with terraced arches, gurgling fountain waters, and lush foliage. From here and Fort St. Elmo, the defences watched over both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. A perfect vantage point for spotting the 17th-century Fort Ricasoli featured in Game Of Thrones. Don’t miss the daily cannon salute at noon and 4 PM, a tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Valletta is ideally positioned for a wealth of discoveries that lie beyond. Board a dghajsa (traditional Maltese wooden boat), or a water taxi, to tour the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, the medieval fortified towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. Carry on to the hilltop citadel of Mdina, a mystical labyrinth of golden-stone walls, twisting lanes, sun-bleached piazzas and hidden convents. Stop at one of Malta’s finest churches, St Paul’s Cathedral, before arriving at Rabat to explore an excavated Roman villa and a bunch of eerie catacombs. If time travel fascinates you, bookmark the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a Unesco World Heritage triple-layered subterranean tomb complex dating from 3rd-4th millennia BC. The prehistoric clifftop temple complexes of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim on Malta’s south coast are the history lover’s dream. Be transported into fantasy as you wander through the monumental doorways, slip into curved rooms and touch the carvings on the stones.
If spectacles of nature intrigue you, don’t miss the Blue Grotto, a system of underwater sea caves that glow with luminescent blue shades. Alternatively, plan a trip to Dingli Cliffs for a windswept hike along a sheer cliff that drops 722 feet into the water. Another surreal landscape to explore is Clapham Junction, where deep prehistoric ridges cut mysteriously across a sprawling limestone land.
Shopping
Republic Street: Valletta's main shopping drag is lined with stores offering everything from international luxury brands, high street fashion, cosmetics, accessories and home-ware. Two pitstops to add to your list are the flagship outlet of Malta's leading fashion house, Charles & Ron and Malta's high-end multi-brand store, Sarto.
Ta'Qali crafts village: The crafts village, located in the former RAF wartime airfield, is a treasure trove of local handmade artefacts, ranging from filigree jewellery and ceramics to lace and decorative glass. Let the hoarding begin. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Maltese crafts being handmade by artisans.
Mdina Glass: Head to the stores of this renowned homegrown brand to buy decorative and functional hand-blown glassware. Vases, bowls, paperweights, tumblers, jugs, candleholders, lanterns and sculptures are displayed in both traditional and contemporary styles. What takes your fancy?
Merchants' Street: Walking along this pedestrianised shopping street is a pleasure, not just because of the enticing variety of goods on display. When you have had your fill of fashion, accessories, leather and souvenirs, stop by to browse for sweet treats at Camilleri, one of the oldest confectionery stores in Malta.
Cekcik: Located in a classic Maltese townhouse, this quirky store is a medley of colourful knick-knacks of every imaginable variety, including Maltese tees, totes, costume jewellery, home accessories and antique handbags. Shopaholics can potter around for vintage Turkish ceramics, offbeat lamps, frankincense and much more.
Museums & the Arts: National War Museum
National Museum of Archaeology: Converted from the original home of the Knights of Malta, this iconic museum houses an array of exhibits dating from 5000 BC, the Neolithic period, the Bronze Age and the Phoenician eras. The most impressive artefacts are Malta’s famous ‘Sleeping Lady’ from Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the ‘Venus of Malta’ from Hagar Qim.
National War Museum: Located in the Lower St. Elmo, overlooking Marsamxett Harbour, a trip to this museum is a capsule course on Malta’s war history. You can trace the journey of Malta’s battles and sieges from prehistoric times and the Bronze Age to the colonisation phase, the Great Siege of 1565 to the two world wars.
MUŻA Art Museum: Housed in a dignified 16th-century mansion, MUŻA is renowned for a collection of Maltese and Italian fine arts, including paintings and sculptures ranging from the Renaissance to the modern times. Multimedia and interactive installations can be found next to centuries-old pieces.
Casa Rocca Piccola: This privately owned museum, located in the 16th-century palace, offers a peek into the lifestyle of Malta’s noble families. Tour the grand interiors of the mansion, including dining rooms, bedrooms and salons. The archive room with family records and memorabilia is fascinating. Then explore the underground tunnels used as bomb shelters during WWII air raids.
Malta Postal Museum: Get acquainted with the history of postal mail in Malta starting from the 16th century to the present day. The well-curated displays are educational and entertaining, especially for fans of philately. Take back your personal sheet of postage stamps with your own photo printed on it.
Sports
Football: Fans of the sport will be surprised to learn that football is one of the oldest and most beloved sports in Malta. The national football team has made it to the finals of World Cups in Belgium and Hungary. Look forward to catching a live game in the Ta' Qali Stadium, the largest stadium in the country, and feel the intensity of football fever.
Horse racing: The history of horse racing in the country goes back to the 15th century when the Knights of Malta introduced the sport to the locals. Races usually occur on Sundays at the Marsa racing course between October and May. Plan a trip during the horse racing season to immerse in the excitement along with the locals.
Kayaking: Glide over the brilliant blues of the Mediterranean in a slow kayak to reach hidden coves and secluded beaches of Malta and the neighbouring islands. You can take the adventure up several notches by opting for an overnight camping excursion. Instructors are available for newbies to grasp the finer nuances of kayaking.
Restaurants & Bars
Valletta’s dining scene runs from casual cafes to upscale restaurants and reflects maltese culture, with flavours shaped by Sicilian, North African, and British influences.
Noni: This Michelin-starred restaurant on Republic Street is a local favourite for reinvented Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine. Realise your gourmet dreams with the slow-cooked octopus with Israeli couscous or the mushroom pannacotta and pickled mushrooms, accompanied by excellent wines and craft beers from Malta and Belgium, and look out elsewhere in the city for stuffat tal-fenek, Malta’s classic rabbit stew with red wine, tomato and garlic.
Under Grain: The cellar restaurant at the Rosselli Hotel has earned a Michelin star for skilfully crafted French classics soaked in bold flavours. Expect farm-to-table meats, poultry and fresh catch from Marsaxlokk. The signature Acquerello risotto with homegrown tomatoes, guanciale and Comté is highly recommended.
ION The Harbour: Settle down at a table overlooking the panorama of the Grand Harbour in this stylish Michelin-starred establishment promising fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic cooking techniques. Order the Lampuki with cucumber, dill and smoked cream or the Hunter Chicken with Albufera sauce to experience the culinary craftsmanship.
Legligin: This cellar wine bar in a historic Valletta house is a great choice when you are in the mood for Maltese tapas-style food and innovative cocktails. The fixed menu with nine small dishes includes refreshing starters like Arjoli made from sun-dried tomatoes, capers, olives and anchovies.
Valletta’s nightlife is more intimate and stylish than the club-heavy scene nearby, with many spots set inside historic buildings. strait street has led that revival, while Yard 32 remains a popular stop for drinks. Some wine bars and pubs wind down after 9pm, so night owls often continue on to st julian or Paceville. For a relaxed drink, bridge bar is a classic choice, and the city’s squares are ideal for people watching.
Exclusive Experience
There are plenty of intriguing caves, reefs and wrecks in Malta, suitable for both beginners and pros. The most iconic of them, the Blue Hole, starts with a 12-metre pool that leads through a crevice to the ocean's clear blue waters. If the idea of spotting marine creatures like octopus, parrot fish and scorpion fish enthrals you, bookmark a swim.
Side trip
The neighbouring island of Gozo is the stuff of Mediterranean fairytales, thanks to towering sea cliffs, sparkling waters and stellar views. As part of the agenda, you can look forward to discovering the walled city of Victoria, its historic citadel and the rock formations of Dwejra, whether on a day trip or a scenic boat trip beyond Valletta. Indulge your inner historian at the Ġgantija prehistoric temples of Xagħra. For a laid-back day, say yes to long walks along the cliffs or escape to secret coves.
Hidden gem
The Lascaris War Rooms are a living monument to Malta's military operations during World War II. This underground complex of tunnels and chambers lies 150 feet beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery. Learn about the hidden site from where defence operations were devised, secret communications were received, and some of the greatest battles in the Mediterranean were planned.
Hotels
Valletta – the capital of Malta – is not filled with uber-luxury hotels but does offer some delightful, service-first, comfortable hotels, with many stays being smaller character properties and a boutique hotel experience in central Valletta rather than only large luxury addresses. The Phoenicia is favoured by the rich, famous and royalty and is the island’s premier hotel address.
The First-Class.com guide to the finest luxury hotels in Valletta
Getting around
Malta International Airport, located 8 kilometres away, is an easy 20-minute drive from Valletta, a compact city best explored on foot since most sights are close together, though the steep streets can be tiring. The best way to reach the city is to hail a taxi or hop into a shared shuttle bus. The main bus terminus in Valletta is the island’s central hub for routes across Malta. Hiring a car will be a good idea if you prefer to drive around and beyond the city. Passenger ferries are convenient for commuting from Valletta to the Three Cities. Once in the city, walking is the easiest way to get around its compact grid, and Republic Street forms a central pedestrian-friendly spine lined with shops and cafes. Dress modestly for churches, with shoulders and knees covered. Tap water is safe for brushing teeth, though it can taste salty because of desalination. For a quick overview of the main attractions, take a free walking tour of about 2.5 hours, with early morning best for a quieter walk.
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