The Maltese islands have it all: bright sun & azure sea, astonishing history and delectable food & drink. Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage capital, Valletta, surrounded by water and centuries-old bastion walls, has an enduring charm all its own. Built by the Knights of Malta in the 16th-century, in recent years, it has undergone a revitalisation with lots of new boutique hotels, restaurants, and restoration and renovation of historic sites and museums.
Valletta has an extraordinary density of sights and activities from unique 5,000-year-old 'Fat Lady' statues, to the ornate Baroque legacy of the Knights of St John; from Bastion-top gardens to boat trips on the Grand Harbour. And it isn’t all ancient. There’s also the City Gate redevelopment, designed by star architect Renzo Piano (of London's Shard fame) including an ultra-modern parliament building and an open-air theatre inside the bombed-out shell of the Neoclassical opera house.
Buzzing bars spill out onto the city’s limestone alleys, concerts frequently grace its copious churches, and the restaurant scene serves up everything from scrumptious traditional snacks to Michelin starred menus. And of course, it’s only a short ride to the beach . For more inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels in Valletta and the best restaurants , nightlife , beaches and things to do in Malta .
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