A summer getaway in the middle of the Mediterranean.
It is good to be in Southern Europe in the summer, everyone knows that. But if you want to do something different than the French coast or a Spanish seaside resort, we recommend a visit to Malta! Sunny, Mediterranean, and oh so atmospheric: that is Malta in a nutshell. We share the best hotspots, must-visits and excursions.
Malta
The island nation of Malta is the epitome of small but nice: you can go island hopping in no time and many highlights are just a stone’s throw away from each other. Located just south of Sicily, a flight from Amsterdam only takes about three hours. So you can find that Mediterranean island feeling right on your doorstep!
Good to know: the three Maltese islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, have a Mediterranean warm climate. This means that you can enjoy the sun in the summer and that the temperatures in the winter are still well above freezing. Ideal for a quick city getaway – all year round.
Valletta
A trip to Malta naturally includes a visit to the capital Valletta, located on the largest island, Malta. This beautiful city is like an open-air museum and was even elected European Capital of Culture in 2018. The streetscape is characterized by historical buildings, with colorful doors and balconies and steep but charming alleys.
Valletta is framed by towering fortress walls with beautiful parks and sunny terraces, but you will also find impressive churches and numerous museums. Valletta looks typically Southern European and is a compact city that you can perfectly explore on foot. Choosing from so much beauty is difficult, but we have put together a top five of the places that you should not miss in Valletta.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
One of the most important sights in Valletta is probably St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This church, austere on the outside and built by order of the Knights of the Order of Malta, is particularly notable for its lavish Baroque interior.
You can wander around here for hours to view all the beautifully decorated statues. From floor to ceiling: you will be amazed by the endless decorations. For a real piece of haute culture, you are also in the right place: here you will also find a real Caravaggio, The Beheading of John the Baptist, among all the works of art!
Upper Barrakka Gardens
For the best views of Valletta, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This picturesque park is located on the eastern fortification wall and offers stunning views over the Grand Harbour. With its greenery, fountains and colonnades, it is a great place to relax.
Here you immediately notice that Valletta is steeped in history and culture. For example, a special tradition is maintained here: every day at 12:00 and 16:00 sharp a cannon shot is fired as a traditional salute. Exciting!
National Archaeological Museum
In the National Archaeological Museum you can admire finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Despite its small size, Malta has an impressive number of archaeological sites.
From prehistoric sculptures to Phoenician sarcophagi or ancient Egyptian jewellery: you will be amazed by all the special finds here!
Grand Master’s Palace
You will also find the Grand Master’s Palace in the capital, a special building that dates back to the sixteenth century. It is a beautiful palace with many special details, frescoes and picturesque courtyards with lots of art. The Grand Master’s Palace also housed the office of the President of Malta for a long time.
When you walk in here, you immediately breathe in a huge amount of history. Plenty of splendor and magnificence to indulge your heart, and as a true royalty watcher, such a palace is of course a must-visit.
Caffe Cordina
And last but not least: have a cup of coffee on the terrace of Caffe Cordina. This culinary hotspot is a household name in Valletta and has been around for 175 years. The café is located on Pjazza Reġina, just seconds from the Grandmaster’s Palace.
With its central location and relaxed atmosphere, Caffe Cordina is a great place to people watch and relax over a cup of coffee. Extra tasty: you can enjoy local delicacies and pastries here – from delicious sweets with ricotta and chocolate, to savoury pastas and sandwiches on traditional Maltese ftira bread. A treat guaranteed!
Island hopping
If Valletta has given you a taste for more, there are plenty of sailing boats and luxury yachts available to take you between the picturesque coastal towns of Malta and Gozo.
From day trips to multi-day excursions, the excellent boat connections give you plenty of options. After exploring Valletta, you can also explore the surrounding islands with their fairytale blue waters, picturesque vineyards, and local delicacies.
Curious? Looking for more tips? Check out visitmalta.com!
Source & Image: Visit Malta
