Valletta, Malta
Valetta, Malta
A city with an unique mix of cultures
Valletta is one of the world’s smallest capitals, with a population of just over 6,000. It is a unique and fascinating destination that provides an excellent base for exploring the rest of Malta. The city and the entire island are home to important historical and cultural sites, including the Palace of the Grand Masters and Fort St. Elmo. Its history of occupations and colonisation by many different countries made this island incredibly diverse in its architecture, traditions and food.
Valletta is also a great place to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars
Please, read our guide about how to get in and around Valletta.
10 reasons to visit Valletta
1. Easy to explore
All the key attractions in Valletta are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily explore everything on foot.
You can watch the ships come and go at the Grand Harbour, marvel at the Gothic interiors at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and visit one of the most impressive examples of military architecture in Europe, the Fortifications of Valetta.
Valetta is also well connected with the rest of Malta either by bus or by ferry so you can easily explore the marvels spread around the island!
2. Sunbathe and swim on beautiful beaches
Malta has some stunning beaches, and Valletta is the perfect base for exploring them. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or just relax on the golden sand. There are also plenty of beach activities on offer, from water sports to boat trips.
Valletta is also home to one of Malta’s best-known beaches, the Blue Lagoon. This sheltered cove is perfect for swimming, with its clear turquoise waters and limestone cliffs.
3. Hiking, hiking, and hiking
If you love hiking, then Malta – with its cliffs, coves, and craggy coastlines – is the perfect place for you. There are plenty of trails to explore, both in the main cities and in the surrounding countryside.
In Valletta you can hike up to Fort Rinella for stunning views over the city or walk along the nature trails in Upper Barrakka Gardens. In the countryside, you can find ancient ruins and secluded bays dotted all around the island making this country the perfect hiking location for history and nature buffs.
4. Temples and history everywhere
Malta has temples and historical sites everywhere, from the ancient Roman baths at Is-Suq Tal-Belt to the 16th-century St. Ursula’s Convent.
Be sure to visit the famous Temple of Diana, which is said to be one of the oldest buildings in Valletta. The temple was built in the 6th century BC and is an impressive example of Roman architecture. Valletta and the entire islands are also home to many museums, including the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Malta Maritime Museum.
5. Island hopping made easy
Malta may be small, but there’s plenty to see and do. The country is made of Malta (the biggest island), two other inhabited islands Gozo and Comino, and more than 10 other uninhabited islands. From Valletta and Malta, there are regular ferry services to the nearby islands especially Gozo, where you can explore the Azure Window, a beautiful natural limestone arch. You can also take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, a sea cave with crystal-clear water.
6. Amazing weather all year round
Malta has warm weather all year round with very little rainfall and an average of three hundred days of sunshine per year.
Spring is perfect for exploring the island, with average temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius. In summer, the weather is hot and sunny, with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees, making it perfect for beaches and boat trips. And even in autumn and winter, the weather is mild and sunny, with temperatures around 17 degrees.
7. An inclusive island
Malta is an inclusive island where everyone is welcome. Valletta and the other cities have many accessibility-friendly features, like ramps, Braille signage, and wheelchair-accessible public transport.
Malta Pride takes place every September in Valletta. Malta has occupied the number one spot on the Rainbow Europe index of equality compiled by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association for the last six years. This means that the city ranks highly for LGBT+ rights, with legal recognition of same-sex relationships and gender identity, anti-discrimination laws, and hate crime protections.
8. Perfect to practice your English
Malta has been an English-speaking country since 1814, when Britain took control. It became an independent country in 1964, and English remains one of its official languages.
This makes the island the perfect place to practice your English, with plenty of opportunities to use the language in everyday life. All road signs are in English, as are shop signs, menus, and public transport announcements. You can also find plenty of English-language books, magazines, and newspapers all around the country.
9. A growing ICT and game development sector
Malta is quickly becoming a hub for tech and gaming talent from all over the world. Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM all have offices in the capital. Game development studios, including Ubisoft Malta, Creative Assembly, and Gameloft are also opening on the island. This list is expanding as more established IT firms and tech-based start-ups move into the city.
10. Discover the mix of cultures
Malta is home to a diverse community of people from all over the world, including a mix of Maltese, British, Italian, and Arab influences. The combination is the result of a complex history of dominations and invasions.
The country’s Arab influence is evident in its many mosques, including the grand 15th-century mosque in Jami al-Babayi. British and Italian influences are visible in the architecture but also in its pubs, cafes, and gelaterias. This mix of cultures is evident even in the traditional food where this perfect mix creates an incredible combination of tastes.
With so many cultures represented, this island is a truly unique and interesting place to explore.