Valletta is the capital of the island of Malta. Valletta conserves much of its 16th century architectural heritage built under the Hospitallers and was one of the first sites inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage list.

Valletta is authentically an open-air museum; it is a living experience of Baroque architecture, built by the Knights of St John about five centuries ago.

Sprinkled with picturesque cafés and wine bars, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting the majestic St John’s Co Cathedral, the impressive bastions and precious paintings. The Malta’s Grand Harbour in this city is frequently described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

REASONS TO GO

St. John's Co Cathedral.

Walk along the sea around the outside of the city walls.

The city’s Waterfront, a combination of the City's historical architecture with contemporary spaces.

ORIENTATION

Valletta is located on the north east of the Malta Island. It is strategically located on a rocky promontory between two deep harbours.

Valletta's streets and squares contain architecture buildings that range from the early 16th century to modernist design. The city is the island's principal cultural centre with an exceptional collection of churches, palaces and museums.

The Valletta peninsula is quite small and the ideal way to visit is on foot. The city is built on a ridge, and is quite steep in some parts (requiring walking up and down stairs in some places). Most of the main tourist attractions are along the main street (Triq ir-Republika) and does not involve vertical hills.

BEST TIME TO GO

Malta has cold rainy winters and hot dry summers.

The best time to visit is in spring or early autumn, as the weather will be pleasant and the city won’t be so overcrowded with tourists like in July and August.

HOW TO GET THERE

Malta International Airport is located between the small towns of Luqa and Gudja, 10 kms from Valletta.  Airmalta operates many flights from many European cities to Malta.

Bus number 8 leaves Valletta, passing through Floriana, Marsa, Paola, Tarxien, Ghaxaq and Gudja before stopping in front of the air terminal, and vice-versa from the airport to Valetta.  Each trip takes approximately 25/30 minutes to reach the last destination.

A taxi ride to the centre should cost around € 16.

TRAVELLING AROUND 

Public transport is well-organized and the main bus terminus is in Valletta, just outside the City Gate. Malta bus routes leave from and go to Valletta.  A few do run circular routes, but others connect the principal resorts with Sliema, Marsaxlokk, Mdina, the Three Cities and the main sandy beaches.   

All buses to Valletta pass through its suburb town, Floriana.  From here, buses go to practically every corner of the Island.  The average length of a bus trip in Malta is 20 to 30 minutes: the longest trip takes 50 minutes.

INFO

www.visitmalta.com/valletta-town