Valletta is Malta’s capital and sits 50 miles south of Sicily (Image: RussieseO via Getty Images)
Malta appeals to both beachgoers and history lovers, combining a rugged coastline and sandy beaches with fascinating towns and cities steeped in history. This distinctive location sits in the central Mediterranean, roughly 50 miles south of Sicily and 176 miles east of Tunisia.
Yet with a compact area of just 316km squared, its modest dimensions allow for straightforward exploration within a brief timeframe. While predominantly recognised as a summer retreat, Malta enjoys a remarkably great winter climate with temperatures rarely falling beneath 15C, rendering its capital, Valletta, an ideal pedestrian-friendly destination throughout the calendar. Valletta earned World Heritage List status in 1980 and holds a past connected to the Knights of St John, previously reported by the Express.
Ryanair and easyJet provide direct flights to the capital (Image: Getty)
A Baroque triumph in itself, this European Art City can be readily explored during a two-day visit with principal sights positioned within comfortable walking range of each other.
A Malta-based local guide told Go Ask a Local that travellers wishing to “spend their time exploring the island’s long history and delving into its heritage” ought to visit during either spring or autumn. They advised: “March to June and September to November would be the best time to visit.”
Ryanair, easyJet and KM Malta Airlines all provide direct services from London to Valletta from £50 in October, enabling tourists to start their adventure immediately upon arrival. Crafted by military engineers, Old Valletta sits protected behind formidable defensive fortifications and bastions.
Combined with precipitous thoroughfares and numerous staircases, the capital proves highly challenging for motorised transport while favouring those on foot.
Regarding activities in the capital, begin with St John’s Co-Cathedral to witness Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ alongside the church’s breathtaking interior. This particular work remains the sole piece carrying the master’s signature.
The city has been ‘small’ and ‘walkable’ to get around (Image: Getty)
Make your way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping vistas across the Grand Harbour, though ensure you arrive ahead of midday or 4pm should you wish to witness, and experience, the ceremonial cannon salute. The Lower Barrakka Gardens merit equal attention, situated a brief stroll away, which many consider the more attractive of the pair, also boasting magnificent maritime panoramas.
Visit the Mysterium Fidei Monastery for something rather distinctive. Having housed nuns for centuries, the monastery now welcomes visitors and provides an engaging experience.
Numerous dining establishments and bars populate the vicinity for refreshment between attractions, including the highly-rated Papannis Restaurant, Noni and Beati Paoli Restaurant. One visitor described Valletta as “a walkable and small city” on TripAdvisor, adding that the waterfront is one area well worth exploring.
One traveller recommend “everyone to go to this beautiful city” (Image: Getty)
“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 said.
Another wrote: “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..”
Guided walking tours remain a firm favourite amongst tourists visiting Valletta, with many receiving glowing reviews — even from those who have ventured out during the height of summer when Malta’s heat can become almost unbearable.
According to TripAdvisor, the most popular ways to discover the area with a guide include the Valletta City Walking Tour, The Original Valletta Walking Tour and The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour.
Regarding the weather, Malta is considerably drier than many neighbouring European destinations. Even in November, its rainiest month, it enjoys 161 hours of sunshine — more than double that of many European cities.
In September, visitors can expect average highs of 28C and lows of 20C with three days of rainfall, while October brings highs of 25C and lows of 18C with five days of rain.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
