Malta

Top attractions on Malta

Culture & history

Valletta was built by the Knights of St. John, who planned the city as a refuge to care for wounded soldiers during the Crusades. It’s surrounded by forts and bastion walls. In the oratory of the Co-Cathedral of St. John is Caravaggio’s painting of the beheading of St. John.

The massive bastions of Fort St. Angelo are one of the Mediterranean’s most regal vistas, located at the center of the Grand Harbour. 

The Manoel Theater, the second oldest in Europe, holds opera, theater, music and ballet performances. This dynamic city also has cafes, wine bars, palaces, old-world shops, nightclubs and casinos.

The fortified medieval city of Mdina, towering over the island, is entered by a stone drawbridge that leads to a labyrinth of narrow streets and tiny piazzas. Its cathedral, museum and dungeons should not be missed. Rabat has Baroque churches and St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s Catacombs. At the Blue Grotto, sail through an underground cave swirling with bright blue waters.

Grandmaster's Palace is an extraordinary manor constructed in the 1570s, located in Palace Square. Completed in 1574 but enlarged and embellished by subsequent Grandmasters until the mid-18th century, the palace is home to the president's office and the parliament of Malta meets there as well. The Armoury of the Knights exhibit is in the rear of the building and has an interesting series of displays illustrating the progress of armor and weaponry through the centuries. Much of the artwork inside the palace is magnificent.

A unique subterranean structure of the Bronze Age, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum dates back to about 2500 BC.  The seven megalithic temples in the Maltese archipelago are remarkable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures, form and ornaments, and are claimed to be the oldest free-standing monuments in the world.

A Baroque masterpiece cherished by the citizens of Malta, St. Paul's Shipwreck Church is a splendid artistic and architectural achievement, which was constructed as a tribute to St. Paul. Casa Rocca Piccola at 74 Triq ir-Repubblika is part museum and part historical house. The site is owned by Frances and Nicolas de Piro d'Amico Inguanez and is the main cultural center in Valletta. Filled with artifacts, period furniture and works of art, it chronicles the history and heritage of Malta.  

Other attractions

Barrakka ta Fuq, inside Castle Square, is a lovely garden overlooking the harbor. Today, it's a peaceful place to sit and relax, but at one time it was where knights practiced their fencing.

You can take a spectacular walk along the sea around the outside of the city walls. If you go to the mooring place where the ferry for Sliema leaves, it's possible to walk over the rocks toward the tip of the peninsula, then around it, coming back up and into the city just next to the Malta Experience. This walk takes about 30 minutes.

Typical fishing hamlets dot coves at the southernmost tip of Malta. These scenic waterfronts are packed with colorfully painted boats strewn with fishing nets; the catch of the day can be enjoyed at family-run tavernas. Sun worshippers should head to the northern beach resort areas of Mellieha Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay.

Shopping

Classic Jewelry, at 293 Republic Street (21-220-200), is the premier destination in Valletta for high-quality diamonds, gold, and silver. There are actually multiple stores in Valletta, and this one, in particular, is quite accessible from the port area and the town center. The selection of watches is the finest in the land, and if you are a fan of fine jewelry then this is definitely the place for you. A favorite among wives of easily-coerced men, be careful in this store because credit cards have been known to fly out of wallets faster than you could say how much?!

Clamus Center, at 152 Melita Street (21-226-594), is a five-story wonder full of all kinds of items ranging from stationery and toys to fine jewels. There are five floors that carry almost anything you could be looking for. Gio Batta Delia can be found at 307 Republic Street (21/233-618) and features top-quality glasswork and china.

Best bets for dining

Located at 23 Windmill Street, family-run Giannini is one of Valletta's most upscale restaurants and is popular with the well-heeled, especially at night. On weekdays, it's ideal for a nice lunch.  In addition to inviting décor, Giannini is known for its exceptional pasta dishes, but everything here is prepared with remarkable care and scrutiny.

Nightlife

The Labyrinth Supper Club, at 44 Strait Street (21-248-002), has live jazz and blues at least three times a week.

Inside tip 

Because of its many mysterious Stone and Bronze Age sites, Malta can be thought of as Europe's equivalent of Easter Island. Its Xaghra Stone Circle on Gozo Island is about 6,100 years old. Ġgantija, also on Gozo, includes two towering prehistoric temples. The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni is a Neolithic burial chamber carved from sandstone with stone tools about 5,600 years ago. 

Best time to go

One of the highlights of Valletta is Carnival, held annually from Feb. 19 to 23. A festival, a celebration, and a tribute to the past all rolled into one, contemporary and traditional elements are blended perfectly into this wonderful event. Holy Week and Easter are also quite enjoyable in Valletta. More driven by heritage than pure entertainment, the locals are dedicated and devout in their celebration of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. I highly recommend visiting Valletta during this season.

Fun facts

• With 7,000 years of recorded history, the strategically positioned small island has been ruled by Romans, Normans and the British Empire over the centuries. Malta gained independence from the Brits in 1964 and became a republic 10 years later.
• Valletta, with its 320 historic monuments, is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
• Valletta is named after Jean Vallette, the most illustrious of the knights who thwarted a Turkish armada, 48,000 strong, that laid siege to the fort in 1565 in an effort to add Western Europe to the Ottoman Empire.
• Malta is especially connected with the history of knights. The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Saint John, were among the most famous of the military orders during the Middle Ages. Their symbol, the famous Maltese cross, is widely known around the world.

When you arrive

Docking information

Cruise ships dock at the Valletta waterfront in the Grand Harbour. The pier is connected by steep steps or an elevator called the “Upper Barrakka lift,” which goes to the old town of Valletta. From there, taxis and buses can take you anywhere in Valletta.

Free Wi-Fi

The cruise terminal of Valletta offers free Wi-Fi.

Getting around

Taxi transportation: There are plenty of taxis available in port and in town. Destinations have standardized and published fares. Public bus transportation is an efficient way to get around the island.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Malta.

Store hours: Business hours are usually between 9 am to 1 pm and again from 4 pm to 7 pm. However, in tourist areas, shops are open throughout the day Mondays to Saturdays, from 9 am until 7 pm and even later.

Tipping: Tipping in Malta is similar to tipping traditions in the rest of Europe. While tipping is not obligatory, a 10% gratuity is customary. In restaurants, you’ll sometimes find a service charge on your bill. Additional tipping is not necessary.

Safety: Malta is generally considered a very safe destination. Overcharging tourists sometimes occur so always check your bill.

Your take

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