Described by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”, this is the perfect city break with 27 degrees of heat in August
With Christmas now behind us, many people will be planning their year ahead, with some searching for ideas for where to go on holiday in the summer. Just a three-hour flight from the UK lies Valletta, one of Europe’s most historical cities – and it could be a great destination to consider. Intriguingly placed southward of both Algiers in Algeria and Tunis in Tunisia, the capital city of Malta steers clear of Saharan extremes, peaking at a pleasant 27C ideal for a summertime city escape. Famed for its breathtaking Baroque architecture and labyrinthine streets, Valletta is also celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its deep history and exquisitely maintained structures.
Valletta, Malta’s storied capital, has been lauded by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world “. Amblers can meander through its alleyways discovering an astounding 320 monuments dotting the tiny, strollable expanse of just 0.21 sq miles. History oozes from every inch of Valletta with its fortress-like build, including the vast walls erected to rebuff the Ottoman Empire during the fierce Great Siege of Malta in 1565, reports the Express. Adventurers can traverse underground passageways dating back to the Great Siege, which served as lifelines for movement, as well as water and grain transportation.
For those keen on delving into Valletta’s dramatic history, the array of museums awaits, from the Museum of Archeology to the Palace Armoury and the fascinating Lascaris War Rooms. Echoing Amsterdam, the local red light district once pulsated as the nightlife hub, but today, Strait Street has transcended its former notorious reputation. Thanks to its close ties with Algeria and Tunisia, the Italian and European cuisine here has an Arabic twist, making every meal a delightful experience for your taste buds. Local specialities include imqaret, a deep-fried pastry filled with dates, and Brungiel Mimli, a dish of roasted aubergine stuffed with minced meat, garlic, and mint.
If you’re in search of a lively atmosphere, Valletta is the place to be, with festivals aplenty. There’s a key event just before Lent and another at the end of April. The pre-Lent festival spans five days, featuring parades and live performances, while the Fireworks Festival in April illuminates the Grand Harbour. A flight to Valletta takes 3 hours 15 minutes, and return flights on Skyscanner from 1-8 May 2025 start at £93.
Designed by military architects, Old Valletta is contained within impenetrable defensive walls and bastions. Coupled with steep streets and lots of steps, the city is very unfriendly to motor vehicles and favours pedestrians, making it a nice escape if you don’t want to hire a car. There is plenty to do in the city, perhaps start with a visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ and the church’s spectacular interior. The painting is the only one in existence to bear the artist’s signature.
