Virgin Voyages' guide to Valletta, Malta
Europe’s smallest capital city packs a huge historical punch.
VALLETTA
Step back in time to the 16th century
Valletta is a centuries-old walled city perched on the rocky island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The smallest capital city in Europe, it nonetheless leaves a monumental impression with its baroque churches, narrow labyrinthine streets, bucolic gardens, and medieval ramparts. Just strolling the stone alleyways will transport you back to the 16th century, when Valletta was a fortress manned by the legendary Knights of St. John.
The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you can start by checking out the Grand Master’s Palace, one of the first buildings constructed in the city in 1571. Walk through 400 years of Maltese political history, in ornately-adorned rooms furnished with old tapestries and frescoes. Couple your visit to the palace with a trip to St. Johns Co-Cathedral, located in the center of the city. One of the most impressive baroque churches in Europe,St. Johns is known for its extravagant and intricately-decorated interior.
Despite its one-time function as a fortress, Valletta is also home to beautiful gardens that add a layer of lush to the city. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, dating back to the 17th century, offer panoramic views of Grand Harbor, and of the Saluting Battery cannon firing, which happens every day around noon. They were built as a place for the knights to relax back in the 1600s, and now visitors can use them for a bucolic respite while exploring the city.
Despite its one-time function as a fortress, Valletta is also home to beautiful gardens that add a layer of lush to the city. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, dating back to the 17th century, offer panoramic views of Grand Harbor, and of the Saluting Battery cannon firing, which happens every day around noon. They were built as a place for the knights to relax back in the 1600s, and now visitors can use them for a bucolic respite while exploring the city.
A Day at the Island of Comino & the Blue Lagoon
From Sliema Marina, you’ll sail in a Turkish Gulet along Malta’s picturesque northern coastline, taking in the varying dropping cliffs, secluded coves, sheltered inlets and sparkling turquoise waters until you drop anchor next to the Island of Comino, located in the famous Blue Lagoon. Here you’ll spend the day swimming in the iridescent waters, soaking up the sun, relaxing and enjoying lunch and drinks on board. Finally, you’ll sail back to the Sliema Marina before taking a bus back to port.
Scenic Hike from St. Thomas Bay to St Peter’s Pool
From the port you’ll drive to St. Thomas Bay where your hike begins. You’ll hike along the view-lined path past the steep white cliffs, magnificent limestone arch, lush greenery and vibrant flowers to St. Peter’s Pool – one of the most beloved spots in Malta. Here you’ll have time to swim in the natural limestone pool, to relax on the flat rocks dotted along the pool or to cliff jump into the dreamy waters before returning to port.
Archaeological Tour of Valletta
Your tour will begin at the National Museum of Archaeology, a renowned collection of Maltese Islands’ early history featuring artifacts that date back as far as the Neolithic Period (5900-2500 BC) through the early Phoneican Period. From there you’ll go to the Tarxien Temples, a complex of four megalithic temples that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, you’ll see the 5000 year old Hagar Qim and Mnjajdra before returning to the port in Valletta.
UNESCO Certified
The entire city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shore Excursions
Tuk-tuk Tour of Gozo
See parts of Gozo that are only possible via tuk-tuk, such as Sanap Cliffs, the Xewkija Rotunda Church and Victoria Citadel.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSValletta might be the smallest capital city in Europe, but it’s a hub of rich culture and history, and the gateway to one of the most unique islands you’ll ever visit. This isn’t your typical white-sand beach, post up under a palm tree island. Malta is defined by its medieval towns and cities, and its rocky aesthetic that permeates its beaches, natural landmarks, and smaller surrounding islands.
The quiet island of Gozo to the north, accessible by ferry, is known for its Xwejni Bay salt pans, Roman ruins, and Calypso Cave, as well as the Citidella – a fortified city with winding historic streets and religious sites. Comino is another small island where you’ll find one of Malta’s most beautiful natural wonders. The Blue Lagoon is a stretch of picture-perfect turquoise water, the best for snorkeling and swimming in all of Malta. This uninhabited island is the perfect place to relax and lounge away from the more crowded attractions on the main island.
Don’t get the wrong idea, though. Malta isn’t just one big historical museum. The towns of Sliema and St. Julian’s are home to the island’s trendiest boutique shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues. Enjoy a dinner overlooking the sea, then stay out past midnight (or, you know, until 5am) at one of the area’s rocking bars and nightclubs. So don’t let Malta’s size fool you. Between Valletta’s medieval ramparts, natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon and Calypso Cave, and St. Julian’s lively nightlife scene, Malta punches far above its weight.
