Malta is a not-so large island country that has an incredible history. To be honest, I didn’t know much about it until we started looking for somewhere warm to visit. It’s home to the some of the most complex and oldest temples in the world, some are 5000 years old. And due to Malta’s central location was influenced by many cultures, both ancient and modern.
In addition, it’s sunny, has beautiful cities and lots of seafood. We stayed at a great Airbnb in Valletta, the capital city. Valletta’s narrow streets and alleyways are so photogenic, even if they are a bit hilly. We were only in town for 4 days, so we saw as much as we could. After checking into our apartment, we ate lunch on the water, then visited the Grand Master’s palace, where the Knights of St. John ruled from after being given Malta during the crusades. It was interesting to learn about the history of this order of knights and the siege and battles the island underwent.
Next up was St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The museum was closed but the audioguides of the cathedral were very thorough. The highlight of the very gilded cathedral is the painting of the beheading of St John the Baptist, which unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to photograph.
Thoroughly audio-guided out, we got some tasty gelato and headed for the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which is where the knights could spend their leisure time. The gardens have fantastic views across the bay of the Three Cities.
Logistical notes:
It’s a quick journey by bus or car from the airport to the city.
If you choose to hire a car and drive, parking is available in the city (but there are lots of restrictions) or in the large underground MCP car park just outside the city walls in Floriana, which charges €10 for up to 24 hours, less if you park for less time. In addition, there are multi entry passes that you can purchase if you are using the car park for multiple days.
Staying in Valletta was a great choice, but the Three Cities or St Julian’s or Sliema would be convenient as well.
We didn’t make it to the Archeology Museum or the National War Museum, but I wish we’d had time to visit. Next time!
Amanda Afield 
Great shots of our Capital!
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Thank you! We had a lovely time!
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Malta – one of my favourite places in Europe – I was there again last week!
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I hope the weather was great! Definitely among my top spots as well.
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The weather was just perfect!
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Reblogged this on Travel Inspire Connect.
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I’m in the middle of planning my trip to Malta so your post was super helpful, thank you! #FarawayFiles
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Thanks! I’m going to be posting about the rest of our Malta adventures as well, so hopefully those will also be helpful! Where are you planning to visit?
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Oh great! I’ll definitely read those too.
I just started planning the trip so I’m not sure about the itinerary yet but I‘m probably going to stay in Saint Julian so I can easily visit Sliema and Valletta. And of course take a boat trip to Gozo!
How many days do you think I should plan for Malta? 🙂
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You could easily spend a week there-especially if you also want to go to Gozo. We only had time to spend 3 nights, which was enough to explore Valletta, some of the internal towns and ancient temples and relax a little bit on the beach.
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All right, thank you! One week was the time frame I was planning anyway. 🙂
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Ooh I like the sound of the Grand Masters Palace and the history of it! I wouldn’t mind visiting that one day when I finally make it to Malta! #FarawayFiles
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It has such an exciting name doesn’t it? I hope you get a chance to visit!
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Malta seems to be getting more popular every year. I think budget airlines are making it easier to visit. I really like the architecture and natural beauty of the island (and of Gozo too). Hope to visit one day! #FarawayFiles
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Yes, we were able to get reasonable flights on Jet2 without doing a holiday package, which definitely makes it more attractive. I wish we’d made it to Gozo, it looks absolutely stunning!
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Really enjoyed reading this, Amanda, as we spent an afternoon in Valletta while we were in Gozo. It’s such a beautiful city. I really loved wandering down the backstreets and into those gorgeous gardens which have the most incredible views over the harbour. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
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It’s picture perfect, isn’t it? I took soooo many photos of Valletta alleyways and from the gardens. Wish we’d made it to Gozo though, next time!
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Ooooh – between you and Clare at Suitcases and Sandcastles, I’m so drawn to Malta! Love the idea of rich history AND beautiful nature. Thanks for sharing Valetta with #FarawayFiles, cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
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I hope you get a chance to go-it’s a really unique and interesting place! The best of all worlds really.
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I love Malta. So glad you had a great time. My favourite was the Archaeology Museum. Here is my post to get you excited for the next time you go to Malta. https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/the-malta-museum-of-archaeology/
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Great post on the museum, I wish we’d had a chance to go since it gives better insight into all the artifacts!
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It was well put together. A good place to spend the only rainy day we had!
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