Malta · Malta
Valletta travel guide
A fortress capital built by the Knights of St John
Valletta and the Grand Harbour. Photo: Mandyy88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Valletta is one of Europe's smallest capitals and a UNESCO site, built on a peninsula between two harbours. Its golden-stone streets are lined with balconies, churches and palaces.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens look over the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, and the saluting battery fires at noon.
What Valletta is known for
- St John's Co-Cathedral
Gilded interior and two Caravaggios.
- The Grand Harbour
One of the world's great natural harbours.
- Balconies
Colourful wooden balconies on every street.
- Film sets
Used in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Top things to do in Valletta
Where to stay in Valletta
Best time to visit Valletta
Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. April to June and September to November: warm and sunny with fewer crowds.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 3h from London to MLA, and flights from most UK airports.
Walk the city. Buses leave from the main gate, and ferries go to Sliema and the Three Cities.
Good to know
- Valletta is hilly with many steps.
- Cruise ship days are busiest.
- Drive on the left, as in the UK.
Valletta FAQ
How long in Valletta?
One or two days.
Is Valletta a good base?
Yes, for history and transport.
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