Valletta holidays

Bursting with must-try flavours, Valletta is varied in its culinary offerings. Stuffat tal-fenek is considered a national dish and is basically rabbit stew with wine and herbs among its main ingredients. Lampuki pie is another favourite. Filled with white fish, mint, tomatoes and capers, all adding a tasty punch, you’ll find this authentic dish in the affordable Café Jubilee. With tons of restaurants, bars and cafes hugging Valletta’s sought-after waterfront, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to indulging. Legligin is restaurant meets wine bar with plenty of character. Located inside the cellar of a townhouse and famed for its authentic mezzes, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the culture. Panorama Restaurant does exactly what it says on the tin, offers sensational panoramas of the Grand Harbour. Specialising in Mediterranean fare with a big emphasis on seafood and signature cocktails complementing the cuisine perfectly. Fans of Oliver Reed may want to stop by Olly’s Last Pub, a drinking hole frequented by the film star.

There are no real beaches in the city, despite being surrounded by water. However, avid beach-goers are within easy reach of the nearby Sliema which is just a 15-minute drive away where watersports, lidos, clubs and sunloungers decorate its lengthy coastline. If you don’t mind travelling a little further Golden Bay is a fantastic option. Living up to its name, there’s a sprawling stretch of golden sand waiting for you surrounded by natural scenery. Accredited a Blue Flag thanks to its mix of amenities and lifeguard supervision, the journey will be worth it.

You’ll never run out of things to do in Valletta, whether your itinerary involves squeezing in as many sightseeing opportunities as possible, sitting on the waterfront without a care in the world or getting lost between its limestone streets.

Take in the views from the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens: Known for their incredible look-out points, enjoy sweeping vistas of the Grand Harbour thanks to their position which sits on the east of the peninsula. Or, you can always walk among its historic tropics, which were used as an exercise ground by the knights during the 16th century. Surrounded by giant archways, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Malta. Game of Thrones fans may even be able to spot Fort Ricasoli, which starred in the hit TV series. If you head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon members of the military fire cannons to mark the time, a tradition of almost 500 years.

Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral: As the former headquarters for the Order of the Knights of St. John, this cathedral looks completely different once you step inside. Housing an extensive collection of artistic work by the Renaissance painter Caravaggio, there’s no wonder it’s nicknamed the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Valletta. Every inch of this building is richly ornamented, making it one of the most beautiful churches in the world as well as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Intricate carvings, ceiling paintings and marble columns are just some of its outstanding features.