Why go?

Surrounded by sea and encased in three layers of explorable medieval fortress walls, Valletta is a Mediterranean capital brimming with history and charm. Built on the orders of the Knights of St John like much of the island, the city is rich in medieval baroque architecture and crammed with beautiful churches. Come for the very best in Mediterranean cuisine, its sunny afternoons and a very palpable sense of times past.

What to do

Valletta is laid out in the kind of grid-like pattern you’d expect to find in a modern city like New York or Sydney. Begin your tour at its summit, the City Gate, where you’ll see the three levels of limestone ramparts and deep ditches designed to ward off invaders. Head straight down Triq ir-Repubblika to lap up the lively city atmosphere as locals and tourists alike populate the many cafés and bars. St John’s Co-Cathedral (stjohnscocathedral.com) should be top of your cultural list, with its beautiful multicoloured marble floors, gold-festooned interior and Caravaggio paintings. Back outside, wandering the network of avenues will lead you past the Grandmaster’s Palace and 16th-century churches, through the buzzing daily markets on Merchant Street, and down to Fort St Elmo on the waterfront. Watch the ships for a while before strolling along the Grand Harbour, then on to Upper Barrakka Gardens. The National Museum of Fine Arts (heritagemalta.org) is a 16th-century mansion that was once home to the highest-ranking aristocracy on the island. As well as being crammed full of Renaissance art, there’s one of the finest examples of a Baroque staircase we’ve seen. Afterwards, grab a Kinnie (marmalade-tasting soft drink) and a bite of honey-ring cake at a Republic Street café and let the world go by.

Where to stay

For views right over St George’s Bay, stay in the sumptuous Corinthia Marina Hotel at St Julian’s (00 356 2437 4114, corinthia.com). For excellent views over the city, try Le Méridien St Julian’s (00 356 2311 0000, lemeridienmalta.com), which has a magnificent marble lobby. The British Hotel (00 356 2122 4730, britishhotel.com), overlooking the Grand Harbour, is one of the oldest family-run hotels in Valletta and as its name suggests has an English-colonial elegance.

Where to eat and drink

Maltese food is rich in fish, vegetables and Sicilian-inspired pasta dishes. Diners come far and wide to visit Rampila (00 356 2122 6625, rampila.com) for its funky ambience and fabulous catch. Have a prickly-pear liqueur overlooking the harbour at De Robertis (00 356 2122 0173, hotelcastillemalta. com), then head downstairs for the atmosphere and tasty Mediterranean cuisine of La Cave in the wine cellar beneath the Castille Hotel. Rubino (00 356 2122 4656, rubinomalta.com) serves tasty authentic Maltese dishes, such as meltingly tender rabbit stew or garlicky stuffed aubergine. Ambrosia (00 356 2122 5923, vallettarestaurant.com) is an atmospheric, stylish restaurant where you can sip a glass of local Cisk lager and nibble on dried and peppered goat’s cheese for a Maltese apéritif. For a snack seek out pastizzi, traditional pies containing various fillings, including beef and peas or feta and ricotta cheese. At Fumia Ristorante (00 356 2131 7053) munch on mqaret (spiced date pastries) in the courtyard next to the Manoel Theatre (00 356 2124 6389, teatrumanoel.com.mt). Though if you are really looking to splash out, Guze Bistro (guzevalletta.com) is set in a 400-year-old building, built by the Knights of St John. For drinks, don’t miss Limuncell, a Maltese version of limoncello, made with some of the tastiest lemons around. It’s the perfect end to a meal.

Time running out?

Nip into the historic Café Cordina (caffecordina. com), on Republic square for great cakes and qubbajt (nougat).

Travel Information

Travel Information

Malta’s currency is the euro. Time is one hour ahead of the UK, and journey time from London is three hours. Cost to carbon- offset is £3.48 (climatecare.org).

Getting There

EasyJet (easyjet.com) flies from London Gatwick to Malta International Airport up to twice daily.
Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies from London Luton daily.

Resources

Malta Tourism (00 356 2291 5000, visitmalta.com) is the official tourist board, and your essential guide to visiting the island. Its website has a wealth of useful information.