Malta City Breaks

A guide to Malta

Located at a crossroads between Europe, Africa and the East, making it of huge strategic importance historically, Malta is a fusion of North African, Arabic and European influences, and offers the opportunity for a unique city break. Malta is actually an archipelago consisting of three large inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino) and numerous smaller uninhabited ones. Beautiful beaches, colourful fishing boats, ancient temples, rococo architecture, gorgeous sunshine, exhilarating festivals and buzzing nightlife all combine to ensure Malta remains a popular destination in the Mediterranean. The island is steeped in history (this is where the Knights of St. John defended Christendom, for a start) making it a great choice for a short break where there's plenty to see and do.

Well-preserved history and rich culture

Most visitors to Malta will want to visit stunning Valetta; the country’s de facto capital. Valetta is arguably one of the best-preserved fortified cities on the planet, and one of Europe’s most spectacular architectural wonders. Grand squares, mazes of alleyways, glorious palazzi and two impressive harbours (Grand Harbour to the southeast and Marsamxett Harbour to the northwest) make this city a pleasure to walk around. Valetta is tiny, quaint and laid-back; ideal for relaxing in the sun, sitting in a café, enjoying a cold drink and looking out across the Mediterranean Sea in the warm ocean breeze. Those interested in sightseeing here will find plenty to keep them occupied, including St. John's Co-Cathedral; one of the most awe-inspiring churches in Europe, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum; an atmospheric, prehistoric underground temple, and the Grand Master's Palace, home to the head of the Order of the Knights of St. John.

Relaxing Mediterranean getaways

Valetta has a good range of boutique stores and craft shops around the city. The weekly Sunday morning market at St. James Ditch is probably the most entertaining shopping experience; an eclectic mixture of items can be found here, including fake designer clothing, live birds, old books, old car parts, sweets and various flea market paraphernalia. Valetta nightlife is all about the waterfront; a buzzing bar scene can be found near the cruise passenger terminal just below the city walls. Fashionable watering holes, restaurants and clubs have sprung up here in recent years, injecting some life into what would be an otherwise fairly sedate nightlife scene.