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Europe

Valletta, Malta

Step into a 16th-century, honey-colored fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage city built by knights. Start at the center, then follow the vibe.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

54-82F (12-28C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Maltese, English

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

Overview

Welcome to Valletta, the Fortress City, a jaw-dropping, UNESCO-listed capital built by the Knights of St. John. This isnt just an old town; its a living, 16th-century, open-air museum set on a dramatic peninsula between two of the world's most beautiful, natural harbors. The city is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, with golden-limestone walls and colorful Maltese *gallariji* (enclosed wooden balconies). Walk the grid-like streets to the jaw-dropping St. Johns Co-Cathedral, a plain building that hides an explosion of gold-leaf and a Caravaggio masterpiece. Then, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the single-best panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.

Top Sights

  • St. Johns Co-Cathedral
This is the jaw-dropping, spiritual heart of the city and a must-see. It's plain exterior hides one of the. most opulent high-baroque gold-leaf interiors on Earth, and its home to Caravaggios masterpiece.
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens
This is the balcony of Valletta, offering the single-best panoramic view of the breathtaking Grand Harbour. Time your visit for the. Saluting Battery (at 12 pm or 4 pm) to see the daily cannon fire.
  • Grand Masters Palace
This was the White House of the Knights of St. John. Walk through the opulent State Rooms and be amazed by. the Palace Armoury, one of the world's largest collections of knights arms and armor.
  • Mdina (Nearby)
This is the Silent City, the 4,000-year-old, original, walled, medieval capital of Malta (a 30-min drive away). It's a stunning car-free. honey-colored maze that was also the set for Kings Landing in *Game of Thrones*.
  • The Three Cities
Take a 10-minute dghajsa (traditional water taxi) ride across the Grand Harbour to the *real* old town. These three fortified cities. (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) are where the Knights first settled and are a quieter, more.
  • Casa Rocca Piccola
Get a peek behind the scenes of Maltese nobility. This is a 16th-century private palace still inhabited by a Marquis (who. sometimes gives the tours himself), and you can even explore its WWII air-raid shelter.

Neighborhoods

Republic Street

Local eats and photo spots

Strait Street (The Gut)

Local eats and photo spots

The Three Cities

Waterfront boardwalk and seafood

Mdina

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Gozo Gems

Criss-cross the beautiful and picturesque island of Gozo, seeing all its notable landmarks and landscapes!
View Details

Malta Panoramic Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Malta's ancient cities and picturesque harbors!
View Details

Scenic Hike from St. Thomas Bay to St Peter’s Pool

Hike from St. Thomas Bay to St. Peter's Pool, with time to swim in the mystical waters, or to cliff jump from the unique peaks.
View Details

Trekking & Kayaking Experience

Visit a local beach club and explore Malta's natural beauty by hiking and kayaking.
View Details
Explore all Valletta Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Gozo Gems

Criss-cross the beautiful and picturesque island of Gozo, seeing all its notable landmarks and landscapes!
View Details

Malta Panoramic Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Malta's ancient cities and picturesque harbors!
View Details

Scenic Hike from St. Thomas Bay to St Peter’s Pool

Hike from St. Thomas Bay to St. Peter's Pool, with time to swim in the mystical waters, or to cliff jump from the unique peaks.
View Details

Trekking & Kayaking Experience

Visit a local beach club and explore Malta's natural beauty by hiking and kayaking.
View Details
Explore all Valletta Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

54-82F (12-28C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Maltese, English

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

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