Here are the top five reasons why you need to include a day trip to Valletta in your Gozo holiday plans:

Valletta is the capital city of Malta, but it does not stop there. Valletta is a unique city stretching out on a peninsula flanked by the Grand Harbour on one side and Marsamxett Harbour on the other. With an area of 0.61 square kilometres, all flanked by fortifications, Valletta is not only a commercial and political centre but also the southernmost and smallest capital city in Europe.

Touring Valletta is like a walk in an open-air museum. The city, a UNESCO heritage site, was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John in the sixteenth century and was essentially planned as a military capital city with a strategic objective of defending the island.   The Grand Master of the time, Jean de la Valletta, whose name the city bears, had just led the island through the victory of the Great Siege of 1565. Following the victory, he immediately set out to build a fortified city.  If you enjoy history, don’t miss the chance to dive into the fascinating history by catching one of the immersive audio-visual shows in Valletta, where you’ll appreciate more the city of Valletta as one built by Knights but which later saw a lot of action during World War II, when Malta was a naval base for the British Empire.

A veritable treasure trove, Valletta is difficult to beat when it comes to historic monuments, Baroque buildings, museums, churches and cathedrals, all of which is today complemented by the contemporary Parliament House and the modern regeneration of the City Gate. The auberges were originally the residences of the Knights of the Order of St. John.  Topmost in the list of Auberges is the Auberge de Castille, which serves as the office of the Maltese Prime Minister.  Other important buildings in the city include the Palace of the President, an illustrious regal building that overlooks the prestigious St. George’s Square.  No visit to Valletta is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring masterpiece of St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

Beyond the historical monuments steeped in history, Valletta is also about the sights.  As you walk through the grid-like streets and pause at some of the piazzas, you will be able to breathe in the vibe of the capital city.    The city’s charm lies not only in the main streets but also in the side streets (some like Strait Street, more notorious and colourful than others) and where, sometimes, the actual street cascades into stairs that lead down the slopes of hilly Valletta.  As you weave your way through the city, you will encounter many memorials and monuments, but for the stunning panoramas, don’t miss the chance to visit the serene Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lower Barrakka, and Hastings Gardens.

Complete your Valletta experience by indulging in a leisurely lunch or a relaxing coffee, and immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere.  Whether you choose a chic outdoor restaurant or a typical snack bar favoured by the locals, each place has its fascinating story.

Follow this link for more information about organising your day trip to Valletta.