To many, Malta is just a ‘lying by the pool’ summer holiday destination but have you considered it as an all-year-round destination. Specifically, Valletta, the Maltese capital as a last-minute city break.
With an average flight time from the UK at just over 3 hours and a choice of flights from the likes of Easyjet and Ryanair from many regional airports, getting to Malta is relatively straightforward and reasonable.
Malta lies in the Mediterranean just south of Italy. It’s not a big island, only 17 miles long by 9 miles wide so even on a city break of Valletta you can still spend a day exploring the rest of the island. We recommend taking the short trip to Malta’s old capital Mdina and Rabat.
Valletta – Malta’s Capital City
The walled city of Valletta initially appears unchained and it is easy to imagine knights of old roaming the narrow streets and alleyways. So it comes as no surprise that Valletta has been awarded Unesco World Heritage site status.
Valletta is not a big city so the best way to explore is on foot. Just roam the streets and see what little discoveries you find. Although the streets are narrow the old city is designed in a simple grid system so you won’t get too lost. Unlike many cities which simply evolved over time, Valletta was carefully planned to allow for the circulation of air through the city.
The Streets Of Valletta
As you roam through the city’s narrow limestone streets you’ll come across little bars and cafes, some with tables perched on narrow steps leading down to the harbour. We loved the traditional painted signs above many of the bars and shops, to use the dreaded term very ‘instagramable‘
One feature of the buildings which stands out in Valletta and across Malta is the traditional Maltese balcony. These closed wooden painted balconies jut out into the street and sit on stone brackets. Although they are referred to as Maltese balconies they are heavily influenced by the old designs of Morocco and North Africa.
There are many reminders that Malta was once ruled by the British. Cars drive on the left, they have UK plugs and around Valletta, you’ll find many red pillar boxes and the iconic British red telephone box. Although no longer used as telephones (who hasn’t got a mobile phone these days?) many of the boxes have been restored and granted Grade 2 protection status.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
The rather plain exterior of this cathedral does well to hide the exceptionally opulent baroque interior. It was originally built in the 16th century by the Order of St John but the interior was transformed to ‘rival the churches of Rome’ in the 17th century.
The highlights of the cathedral include Caravaggio’s masterpiece, the Beheading of St. John and the hundreds of inlaid marble tombstones of the knights which cover the floor.
Castille Square And Upper Barrakka Gardens
Castille Square is one of the largest squares in Valletta and is the location of the grand baroque Auberge de Castille which is now the office of the Prime Minister of Malta.
It is only a very short walk from Castille Square to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. These public gardens offer a little tranquillity away from the city and have great panoramic views over the Grand Harbour.
The Noon Day Gun
On the ramparts next to Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll find the saluting battery overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour. It has been protecting Valletta and the Grand Harbour for nearly 500 years. As well as national holidays and special occasions a gun is still fired daily at noon to re-create the tradition of marking the time.
The Grand Harbour
The large natural Grand Harbour has been in use since prehistoric times, Megalithic remains have been found on its shores. More recently, the harbour was very heavily bombed during the blockade of Malta by the Germans and Italians during Worlld War II.
Obviously, the best way to tour the harbour and get a unique perspective of Valletta’s fortifications with its imposing bastions is by boat. There are many tours available and the cool sea breeze can be a refreshing break from the heat of the city.
Fort St Elmo
Fort St Elmo sits on the tip of Valletta standing guard over both the Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour. It has been involved in many sieges and conflicts right up to World War II. It is now the home of Malta’s National War Museum and contains a replica of the George Cross that was awarded to Malta by King George VI in April 1942.
For you film fans, Fort St Elmo has been used as a location in many big films including World War Z and Midnight Express where Lower St Elmo doubled for a Turkish prison. Although there’s no public access to this lower part the unmistakable courtyard is visible from the top of the fort.
So next time you are looking for a European city break give Valletta a try, Although lying by a pool all day is very nice, there’s far more to Malta than just as a summer holiday destination.
