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If you’re looking to book a short European city break, have you considered Valletta in Malta?
Malta holidays suit a variety of people, from history buffs to foodies, and the capital city really encapsulates everything the island is about – allowing those who visit it the chance to enjoy everything from wandering historic streets past churches and palaces to enjoying delicious Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by a glass of locally produced wine.
History
Like the islands in general, Malta has a long history and is packed with beautiful buildings representing the Baroque, mannerist and Neo-classical styles.
The city of Valetta was founded in the 16th century by the Knights Hospitaller, one of the most famous Christian military orders of the Middle Ages. Malta is strongly associated with Christianity and is designated as an apostolic see, as it is believed St Paul was shipwrecked on the island in AD60 on route from Crete to Rome.
A stroll around the pretty streets of Valletta reveals plenty of architectural gems, including the imposing St John’s Co-Cathedral, completed in 1577, with its twin bell towers; the National Museum of Fine Arts, which is housed in a Rococo palace, and the Carmelite Church, whose huge domed roof dominates the Valletta skyline.
In total, there are 320 monuments squeezed into an area of just 55 hectares – something that Unesco recognised in 1980 when it made Valletta a World Heritage Site.
“The capital of Malta is one of the rare urban inhabited sites that has preserved in near entirety its original features,” Unesco says. “Valletta is an example of historic conservation on a universal scale.”
Wining and dining
After a day spent pounding the streets taking snaps of the landmarks and ducking into the numerous art galleries, museums and churches, you then spend the evening enjoying the local hospitality in the numerous bars and restaurants in town.
The Maltese love their food and drink – wine production on the island dates back thousands of years – and in recent times there has been something of a renaissance in traditional island cooking.
Some of the best places to sample delicious Mediterranean cuisine include Rubino, which is famous for its Sicilian cassatta; politicians’ favourite Malata (their caricatures adorn the walls) and Rampila, which is located inside the bastion walls of the city.
Boat rides
Being a harbour city, Valletta offers visitors plenty of chances to get out on the water and experience a breathtaking and alternative view of the city.
In keeping with Malta’s long history, see if you can catch a ride in a traditional dghajsa boat. There used to be hundreds of these craft sailing the waters but now, sadly, there are only a handful left.
Another way to see the city from the water is by catching the ferry to Sliema – for €2.80 return – which lies just across the harbour from Valletta. On the way back, have your camera ready to capture the vista of the city skyline.
What’s great about city breaks in Malta is that they can be as relaxing or hectic as you like. Work your way around the museums and churches or simply relax in one of the pretty squares or gardens soaking up the sunshine. The atmosphere is lovely, so whatever you choose to do, you’ll have a memorable getaway.
