THIS week we’re shining the light on Valletta, the capital of Malta.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot recently visited the city and said it was like “wandering through centuries of history with a different era around every corner.”
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She explained: “And if it feels strangely familiar that’s because a host of blockbuster movies have been filmed on the island – from Roman epic Gladiators to the Da Vinci Code and Murder on the Orient Express.
“Now a younger generation are exploring it with the island – and its pretty little sister Gozo – trending on TikTok. New flights as well from Southend mean this is definitely the year to visit.
“Valletta’s pedestrianised centre is a joy to explore and you can tick off grand Renaissance buildings, baroque palaces and of course, the vast fortifications around the harbours.
“St John’s Cathedral in the heart of the city is a must-see – for its astonishing Baroque opulence with intricate carved stone walls, vast vaulted ceilings covered with vibrant frescoes and a floor covered with marble tomb slabs.
“But one smaller palace stole my heart – Casa Rocca Piccola. This 16th century palace, originally built for Don Pietro La Rocca, a Knight of Malta, is the only privately-owned palazzo open to the public in Valetta.
“Still lived in the current Marquis de Piro, Nicholas, and his wife, the quirky palace rooms are very much still a family home stuffed with books, paintings and many pictures of Nicolas’ family and many ancestors.
“Nicolas himself leads you on entertaining tours through its many rooms, pointing out quirky furniture with fascinating back stories. His parents met Queen Elizabeth when she lived in Malta alongside her new husband, Prince Phillip and were among those invited to her Coronation.
“The pretty courtyard garden – where you can enjoy an afternoon tea – has another little treasure, family pet parrot Kiku, who definitely rules from her little roost.
“Some 100ft beneath the palazzo are three air raid shelters, hewn out of rock, where Maltese locals would take cover during the Second World War. You can even stay the night with the family in one of three beautifully restored rooms.
“While good value food is easy to find in Valetta, for those looking to really splash out, I can’t recommend rooftop restaurant Le GV highly enough.
“This Michelin-starred joint is reminiscent of the Orient Express and serves up elevated Maltese fish and local produce with three courses from a very reasonable £75.”
And we have all the best tips from someone else who knows Valletta best – British Airways Holidays destination executive for Malta, Josephine Greatorex.
MUST-SEE / DO
The fortified city of lovely limestone Baroque buildings and narrow, cobblestone streets opens out on to sweeping harbour views.
It’s a buzzing city, but compact, so it’s easy to explore the likes of the Grandmaster Palace and Upper Barrakka Gardens.
To escape the hustle and bustle and cool down in the warm weather, I’d head to the tiny island of Comino in the Maltese archipelago between Malta and Gozo.
Visit the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful wild swimming paradise and a great place for diving.
HIDDEN GEM
Don’t miss the chance to admire the Azure Window, a natural limestone structure just off the coast of Gozo – it’s like Durdle Door only somewhat sunnier.
Also worth a visit is the village of Marsaxlokk, around 15 minutes from Valletta. The old weekly Sunday fish market also has stalls selling artisan produce.
There’s some lovely seafood restaurants lining the pretty harbour looking out at the colourful Luzzu fishing boats.
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BEST VIEW
Over Grain is a rooftop lounge at AX Rosselli, a former merchant’s palazzo within the walls of old town Valletta.
There’s fantastic views and an imaginative cocktail menu, while the live DJ sets tend to have a very chilled vibe.
The Barrakka Gardens, spread across two levels, also give unrivalled views of the three cities at the mouth of the harbour, and are great for watching ships.
RATED RESTAURANT
Villa Corinthia, at Corinthia Palace, has extended the residency of chef Francesco Mazzei.
I’ve eaten here and met Francesco – the food is divine and his engagement with the diners brings an exceptional warmth to the whole experience.
Corinthia Palace is a beautiful hotel, opposite the Grandmaster’s Palace and away from the bustle of the busy resorts.
BEST BAR
Kamy Cocktail Bar in Valletta has a beautifully unique menu, featuring classic favourites alongside cocktails inspired by works of art.
I don’t know how they do it but the artwork is literally on the cocktail.
HOTEL PICK
The Phoenicia, on the fringes of Valletta, is set in beautiful, landscaped gardens with views across the Grand Harbour.
Seven nights’ room only is from £1,079pp including flights from Gatwick.
Book by April 4 at britishairways.com/malta or call 0344 493 0787.
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