Sunseekers, history buffs and those inclined to explore on two feet will thrive on a city break to one of Europe’s smallest capitals, Valletta . Protruding from Malta’s main island, Valletta, once an enclave for the Knights of St John, blends Baroque with a modern elegance. Balmy Gozo and Comino, two of 21 islands in the Maltese archipelago, may have the beaches, lagoons and scuba diving that attract holidaymakers to the sparkling Mediterranean , but walled Valletta’s heritage and landmarks are at the heart of the island nation.
The Maltese capital is known as “The Fortress City” for good reason with a host of harbourside history in its ornate churches, war museums and 17th century fortifications that link the Unesco World Heritage Centre to the Order of St John of Jerusalem and both world wars. From touring the golden corridors of St John’s Co-Cathedral to cruising the Grand Harbour and embracing Maltese cuisine, here’s our guide to the best sightseeing, dining and activities to do during a sun-drenched stay in Valletta. Read more on Malta travel : Going to church is not the usual affair at St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its gilded Baroque interiors, an excess of marble and paintings by Caravaggio the setting for a full Latin Mass on Sundays at 9.
15am. Built by the Order of St John, the architectural masterpiece is a lavish display of the knights’ wealth with nine ornate chapels, a series of tombs and a crypt. A day at the Upper Barrakka Gardens guarantees vi.