You cannot truly say you’ve captured the essence of any island without visiting its capital city and Valletta is no exception. Situated on the island’s east coast, it is the throbbing cultural and commercial heart of Malta and has successfully and tastefully blended the 21st Century into the city without destroying its rich historical and cultural past.

The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces. Hosting a vast cultural programme, walking around Valletta you’ll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafés, while Valletta’s main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewellery and much more.

Holidays in Valletta would not be complete without having an appreciation for its magnificent architectural heritage. Often referred to as one of the best-fortified cities in the world, it’s amazing just how well preserved the buildings are given that they are standing on narrow 16th Century streets. Valletta is a perfect city to get around on foot as it’s literally only one-kilometre square!

Interesting places to visit include the Grand Masters’ Palace, St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its incredible marble floors, and there’s also the National War Museum and National Archaeological Museum. But, to truly capture the magnificence of its fortifications, you really need to take a boat trip from the Grand Harbour which will take you around the capital itself.

Valletta’s narrow streets are like treasure troves, simply waiting to be explored. Within them you will find quaint little shops selling antiques, books, crafts, lace and jewellery but amidst the grid of tiny streets, you’ll also find that holidays to Valletta will also allow you to indulge your tastes in the latest designer fashion wear and international brands in one of its several shopping malls and arcades with its main shopping area located on Republic Street.

In addition to your usual blend of entertainment, Valletta also offers you opera, the theatre and a cinema as well as a rich mix of local street entertainment and open-air concerts. Eating out can be just as varied with opulent restaurants serving the finest Mediterranean cuisine to simple locally owned cafes serving a wide range of delicious Maltese delicacies.

For couples and young people on holidays, the place to go at night is nearby Paceville, or head further north to Bugibba.

Valetta

Valetta information