Malta, a unique destination nestled in the central Mediterranean, is a favourite among beach and history enthusiasts. The island country, located about 50 miles south of Sicily and 176 miles east of Tunisia, boasts a rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and intriguing towns and cities.
Despite its small size of just 316km squared, Malta offers a wealth of exploration opportunities. It's best known as a summer holiday spot, but its mild winter climate, with temperatures rarely falling below 15C, makes it an ideal year-round destination.
Valletta, the capital city, is particularly appealing. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980, it has a rich history tied to the Knights of St John. This Baroque masterpiece, dubbed the European Art City, can be easily explored in a two-day trip, with most attractions within walking distance of each other.
A local guide based in Malta told Go Ask a Local that those keen on "spending their time exploring the island's long history and delving into its heritage" should visit in either spring or autumn. They recommended: "March to June and September to November would be the best time to visit," reports the Express.
For those eager to visit, Ryanair, easyJet and KM Malta Airlines offer direct flights from London to Valletta from £53 in October. Flights from Bristol to Malta start at £27.99 in November.
Old Valletta, designed by military architects, is a city encased within unyielding defensive walls and bastions. Its steep streets and numerous steps make it a challenging terrain for motor vehicles, thus favouring pedestrians.
When in the capital, kick-start your tour with a visit to St John's Co-Cathedral to marvel at Caravaggio's 'The Beheading of St John the Baptist' and the church's magnificent interior. This painting is unique as it carries the artist's signature.
Make your way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a sweeping view of the Grand Harbour. However, ensure you arrive before noon or 4pm if you wish to witness and hear the daily saluting battery from the cannons.
A short stroll away are the Lower Barrakka Gardens, which some argue are more beautiful than the former and also offer stunning sea views. For a change of scenery, visit the Mysterium Fidei Monastery. Once home to nuns for centuries, the monastery now welcomes the public for an immersive experience.
There are ample bars and restaurants in the vicinity to recharge between sightseeing, including the highly-rated Papannis Restaurant (4.8 out of five stars on Google Reviews), Noni (4.8 stars) and Beati Paoli Restaurant (4.8 stars).
One TripAdvisor user praised Valletta for being "a walkable and small city", highlighting the convenient lifts to ease access to the centre: "Although the steep streets to the centre look daunting there are lifts to help the weary traveller. The city is compact and very attractive", they noted.
Another enthusiastic visitor shared their love for the Maltese capital on TripAdvisor, saying: "We spent many hours and numerous visits to the capital of Malta. So many eateries to choose from, just as many stores and boutiques to visit. You can spend hours walking around and seeing history! The refurbished Triton fountain at the main entrance is glorious! I highly recommend everyone to go to this beautiful city! If you're porting during a cruise... get off and tour.."
For those looking to delve into the city's charms, Valletta offers guided walking tours which have garnered positive reviews notably, even in peak summer, despite Malta's intense heat.
TripAdvisor ranks some notable excursions, including the Valletta City Walking Tour, The Original Valletta Walking Tour, and The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour as top picks for visitors seeking guided explorations.
Valletta's climate is described on TripAdvisor as exceptionally dry, especially when compared with other European locales. Remarkably, even November, Malta's wettest month, boasts 161 hours of sunshine over double that of many cities in Europe.
September's weather is pleasantly warm, averaging highs of 28C and lows of 20C. Expect three days of rainfall then. As October arrives, anticipate cooler temperatures ranging around highs of 25C and lows of 18C, accompanying them are increased rainy days totalling five.
