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Blessed with a mild climate and set in crystal waters, Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino offer you a memorable experience. Experience where moments of complete relaxation can be combined with the exploration of the islands many cultural, artistic and natural treasures.

Long considered to be a microcosm of the Mediterranean and a favorite with travelers who seek an authentic island experience, Malta islands offer an impressive range of historical and cultural sites, together with a wide spectrum of activities, making Malta a truly unique year-round holiday destination.

Malta has managed to strike the right balance between traditional hospitality and a cosmopolitan spirit born of their millennial history of welcoming people from all around the region and beyond. Moreover, Malta has developed into a highly sought-after location for international movie productions, while Valletta’s majestic Grand Harbor welcomes cruise liner passengers from all over the world.

How to get there

The Maltese islands are just a few hours away from major European airports, and with the many scheduled, low-cost and charter flights linking Malta to a host of European and other Mediterranean countries, not to mention the excellent sea connections to Europe, getting here could not be easier!

La Valletta Climate

La Valletta, Malta, features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with long, hot, dry summers and very mild, wet winters. It is characterized by high sunshine hours—among the highest in Europe—with temperatures averaging over 23∘C -73∘F during the day and 16∘C — 61∘F at night annually.

The Best Time to visit La Valletta

The best time to visit Valletta is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant, warm weather ideal for sightseeing and outdoor dining, while avoiding the intense heat 30∘C plus and heavy crowds of July and August.

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Self-Guided Tour of Malta’s Capital La Valletta

Honey-combined fortifications envelope the administrative commercial and artistic hub of Malta-Valletta. Built following the Great Siege of 1565, and named after its founder, Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Vallette, the city today is a breath-taking embodiment of the island’s history.

The spectacular St John’s Co-Cathedral, housing Caravaggio’s ‘The Martyrdom of St John the Baptist‘, as well as numerous opened Museum of Modern Art, situated in the old Aubergine d’Italia. But, before that, take your time to walk through the capital’s entrance.  Along its streets, a wide-open piazza crowns Valletta, with its most remarkable center oriented Triton Fountain gleaming in the sun.

Triton Fountain

Built between 1952 and 1959, towards the end of Malta’s colonial chapter this homage to the island’s seas featuring three bronze Triton’s was designed by local sculpture Vincent Apap,  who had trained at the British Academy of Arts in Rome.

Today, the monument, which was extensively restored and unveiled in January 2018, dominates the vast square that welcomes the thousands of tourists, workers and shoppers who head into the city every day.

Laparelly Gardens

As you walk over the bridge into the capital savor the bird’s-eye view of Laparelly Gardens in the former ditch beneath the city’s entrance. Part of the extensive face-lift given to the main access into Valletta, the gardens feature youthful flower beds, lean decking and ample space where you can stretch and relish some peace and quiet. And access is easy, by means of a lift or stairs if you are feeling energetic, situated on the right as you walk into the capital.

Republic Street Highlights

Back up top, Republic Street the stem which connects all periphery road branches, leads you pass Malta’s Parliament building designed by Renzo Piano and towards the city’s open air  Theatre Pjazza Teatru Rjal, which was erected over the ruins of the British built Royal Opera House, more than 70 years after it was badly damaged during the wartime bombing of the small archipelago. An imposing reminder of Malta’s suffering during the period, today, the theater hosts musical concerts, plays and film festivals.

La Valletta Shopping Street

Further down the shopping Street stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by open spaces which have for centuries served as the city’s lungs and meeting spots. Valletta’s 16th century urban planners were at the forefront of innovation. At least 80 years before the auspicious beginnings of that  Dutch trading post in North America which became New York City — one of the world’s  quintessential grid like metropolis Valletta’s  city street lattice  also incorporated wide public spaces, where the community could come together and build relationships.

Today the capital’s arresting squares or ‘pjazzes’ as they are known in Maltese, still serve the  same function, fomenting social associations as visitors from all over the globe mingle with the locals who call this island home.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Winnowing out the pedestrianized Castille Square takes his name from the Aubergine the Castile, a majestic architectural icon dominating this second mayor entrance to the capital. Head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens just off the  square for a dramatic view of the Grand Harbor, a natural port, witness to centuries of battle and struggle as Malta tremored under the patronage of the Knights of St. John and the might of the British Empire. This is also one of the most romantic spots to experience sunset.

Republic Square

Moving down Merchants Street pass by Joseph Bussutil, a family run-store where you can pick up some handmade lace, filigree or glass souvenirs for family back home. Turning back onto the main street will bring you to Republic Square, boarded over by a statue of Queen Victoria, through the hundreds who  enjoy some respite under the umbrellas and canopies of nearby bars and restaurants barely seem to notice the dowager.

Here Caffe Cordina, a family business established in 1837, incomparable pastries and luscious ice-creams to new visitors and faithful locals, who return day after day for another bite of their ‘kannoli’ or ‘pastizzi’. Sit outside in the square and order a snack with a local drink such as the citrus soft drink ‘Kinnie’, for some well deserved Maltese respite.

St. George Square

Adjacent, gastro-bars, bistros and burger joints flank the grand urban space known as St. George’s  Square, where children run through waterspouts screaming with laughter. And it is here where Malta’s main carnival festivities reach their apps, celebrated in February, when vibrant floats, outrageous performances and children’s parades inject electrifying color into the capital. But, before that if you are in the capital on February, stay to experience the heady revelry, attended by thousands on this public holiday celebrating St. Paul’s sheep wreck on the island.

Malta Experience

To end your day of Culture in the capital, head down towards the front of the peninsula on which Valletta was built, where the 15th century Fort St. Elmo’s stands proud, having witnessed centuries of upheaval. Before your visit, brush up on your history with the Malta experience, situated within the fort’s bastions, a 45- minutes audiovisual show giving you a run-down of the island’s 7000-year-old history.

The joys of discovery can also be found in the narrow side streets, where the sounds and emotions of a lived-in city can be heard and felt.

La Valletta Museums

Valletta and much of Malta is often referred to as an open-air museum. There are all sorts of museums begging to be discovered, from ones about Malta’s maritime past and its role during the World War II, to those featuring impressive contemporary art and architecture. The majority of these museums are operated by Heritage Malta – the National Agency for Cultural Heritage.

Malta’s Capital City, Valletta is brimming with history and cultural attractions. Once you arrive here you’ll need more than a day’s worth here to really immerse yourself in the many sites dispersed along its grid-like-streets.

The Palace Armoury

This unique museum was first established in 1604 and, since then, this originally-functional armoury has undergone fateful events that shaped its history. It is located within the Grandmaster’s Palace, right in the center of Valletta. There is so much to see here , but the most precious item would have to be Grandmaster Alof de Widnacourt’s parade armour. Itis unique because of its gilded decoration , which was executed in the ‘damascening’ technique.

The Palace State Rooms

The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta is the epitome of modern Malta, period after the Great Siege of 1565. The Palace was the seat of the Order of St John’s Government of Malta and its commanderies around Europe for well over 200 years. The grandmasters lived, ate, sleep, worked and died within its walls.  It was  subsequently the hub of governance again uring the turbulent two years  or so of French Republican rule. Then, for over 160 years, it was the residence and office of the British governors of Malta, and it has played important roles ever since.

The Palace consists of eight attractions – the Armory, the main staircase, the corridors, the dining room, the Grand Council chamber,the ”pages”room, the ”ambassadors” room and the tapestry room.

National Museum of Archaeology

The National Museum of Archaeology situated on Republic Street is also a must-see. Apart from the exhibits and artifacts stemming from Malta’s Neolithic period right up to the Phoenician period, the building houses one of the most stunning baroque rooms in the capital, – the Grand saloon, featuring gilded paneling, with its deep gold shots of red and daubs of turquoise.

Muza Museum

Opened to the  public in 2018 this museum possesses wide collections of art works, from paintings and sculptures, to silverware, furniture pieces and original maps. Muza Museum has four main stories to narrate: Mediterranean, European, Empire and ‘The Artist‘. These collections are the backbone of the four gallery spaces in which the works of art are presented. Among the most favorable pieces is the oil-on canvas painting of ‘The Penitent St. Peter’ painted by Piero Paolo Caruana in the late 19th century.

The Inquisitor’s Palace, Vittoriosa

This Palace is the only inquisitorial palace still open to the public anywhere in the world. It is a remarkable palazzo Romano of the Roman Baroque style, and unique former center of power in early modern Malta.The current museum experience is mainly divided into three  distinct spheres. At first floor level, visitors can explore the remnants of the medieval and hospitable significance of the palace, culminating in the iconic Castellania courtyard.

On the first floor is located ‘piano nobile’ with its palazzo ‘romano cancellaria’ and other public spaces. Private apartments are located on two floors, and the third section focuses  on the Holy Office with its Tribunal, torture chamber and prison complex.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Among many attractions in Valletta the star of them all is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This Massive stone church with two large bell towers  which stands imposingly in St John’s Square, houses an impressive masterpiece: Caravaggio’s ‘The Martyrdom of St John the Baptist,. The Church was once the conceptual headquarters of the Order of the Knights of Malta. They built the church on one of the highest  points in the city.             

Throughout the 17th century, the interior was transformed into a glowing gem, embellished with gilded walls and precious marbles by  the zealous knights to honor God with splendor.

Caravaggio was one of them. ‘The Martyrdom of St John the Baptist’ was probably his ‘passaggio’, which was the gift a knight presented to the Order upon being admitted as a member.

Caravaggio’s ‘Martyrdom’ scene is infused with a refined theatrical element that is far from realistic. The protagonists stand in the forefront, motionless, where selective lighting defines the play of light across silk, iron and skin. These pure theatrical elements and use  of a special three-dimensional effect make the painting seem like the opening scene of a performance.

Places of Interest in La Valletta  

Among the many places of interest in Malta Capital city worth visiting are: Upper Barrakka Gardens, Parliament Building, Saluting Battery, St George’s Square, Valletta Waterfront, Hastings Garden and Auberge de Castille.

Auberge de Castille

As the official seat of the Prime Minister, this building is not open to the public. Nevertheless, its ornate exterior makes for an important stop on visitors tour of the capital. 

Saluting Battery

The Saluting battery may just be the oldest saluting battery still in operation anywhere in the world. For almost 500 years, its guns protected the harbor against naval assault. Following a half-century lull, this battery is back in use, and its guns sound off daily at the mid-day mark.

Valletta Waterfront

The vibrant Valletta Waterfront features, a series of resored 18th – century vaults which house cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. The view of Grand Harbor and the Three Cities from here is stunning.

St George’s Square 

Valletta’s largest and most prominent square is located at the very heart of the city right in front of the magnificent Grandmaster’s Palace. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is held every last Friday of the month here, commencing at 10.30 am, with the Armed Forces of Malta Band conducting a marching dislay following the exchange of duties.

Adjasent, gastrobars, bistros and burger joints flank the grand urban space known as St. George’s  Square, where children run through waterspouts screaming with laughter. And it is here where Malta’s main carnival festivities reach there apps, ce’ebrated in February, when vibrant floats, outrageous performances and children’s parades inject electrifying colour into the capital. But, before that if you are in the capital on February, stay to experience the heady revelry, attended by thousands on this public holiday celebrating St. Paul’s sheepwreck on the island.

Away from the winter wind, Valleta’s baroque heritage and the island’s dramatic history are also fully displayed behind the imposing fasades of the capital. A case in point, the Grand Masters Palace preens with elegance it boasts corridors breaming with frescoes from the brush of Nasoni – an Italian artist and architect, and features the epic Great Siege depicted in all its mortal finality on the ceilings of the Palace state rooms. Heritage Malta, the island’s national cultural agency, is responsible for the management of such sites ensuring their survival and instilling an appreciation of Malta’s art, culture and history in future generations.

The National Museum of Archaeology situated on Republic Street is also a must see. Apart from the exhibits and artefacts stemming from Malta’s Neolithic period right up to the Phoenitian period, the building houses one of the most stunning baroque rooms in the capital, – the Grand saloon, featuring gilded panelling, with its deep gold shots of red and daubs of turquoise.

To end your day of Culture in the capital, head down towards the front of the peninsula on which Valletta was built, where the 15th century Fort St. Elmo’s stands proud, having witnessed centuries of upheaval. Before your visit, brush up on your history with the Malta experience, situated within the fort’s bastions, a 45- minutes audio visual show giving you a rundownof the island’s 7000  year old history.
Than head inside the star-shaped fort to  explore its expansive grounds, the National War Museum and commanding viewing points as the night begins to throw it mantle.

Food and Beverage in Malta

The Maltese islands are teeming with quality eateries, chilled-out bars and casual food outlets, making this spot in the Mediterranean a bit of a foodie’s paradise. The local cuisine embodies the islands’ history, with broad influences ranging from Italian and French to British, as a result of Malta’s colonial past. Try something traditional during your stay, such as rabbit stew, beef olives, ravioli with a local cheese filling, pumpkin pie and baked ‘pasta timpana’.

For something on the go, don’t miss the traditional pastizzi (savoury ricotta or pea-filled pastries) and the ftira bizzejt, a flatbread buttered with tomato paste, with a filling of tuna, capers, onions, beans and tomatoes.

 International fare is also experiencing a renaissance on the island, with hundreds of outlets specialising in Italian, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern and French cuisines.

Our Favorite Malta Tour

KrisandDan_C, Jul 2024

Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Half-Day Tour from Valletta

” We had an amazing day for the tour. Dane, our guide was very friendly, professional and informative. Taking to boat ride to be up close to the grotto is a must see. Marksaloxx fish market was crowded but fun to visit. We didnt have enough time there however. Luckily my husband and I had been in Marksaloxx the day before which was beneficial for us. We were picked up on time and it was a good way to see sights in Malta”

Read more about – Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Half-Day Tour from Valletta”

Booking Hotel in La Valletta

Hotels in La Valletta, are characteristically intimate boutique properties, often housed in restored 17th-century palazzos or heritage buildings, blending historic Baroque charm with modern luxury. Key features include dramatic views of the Grand Harbour, rooftop plunge pools, and central locations within the fortified city’s grid-like streets.

Great location – Friendly Staff – Excellent stay – Booking hotel in Malta by Trivago

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