Valletta, Malta's capital, was built on a peninsula jutting out from the east of the main island following an unsuccessful siege by the Ottoman army in the mid-16th century.
Valletta —
Valletta's city walls are a testament to the military and engineering skills of the Knights Hospitallers, later known as the Knights of Malta, who built the city.
Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta —
Located on the highest part of the walls surrounding Valletta, the Upper Barrakka Garders offer not just great views across the harbor to the Three Cities but also a nice place to unwind.
Valletta —
From the ancient stone temples to the casual, southern European vibe of the capital's cafes and wine bars, Malta's unique cultural blend is felt everywhere.
St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta —
Don't be fooled by the relatively plain exterior of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Inside, this Baroque gem is extremely ornate.
Senglea harbor —
Across the harbor from Valletta sit the Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, each on peninsulas pointing toward the capital.
Senglea —
Senglea managed to fend off the Ottoman armies, though centuries later much of it would be destroyed by Nazi air raids. This is the view from the tip of the peninsula looking toward Valletta.
St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina —
St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina was built on the site where the Roman governor of Malta welcomed St. Paul after he shipwrecked on his way to Rome.
Marsaxlokk —
Marsaxlokk, a town whose name means "port in the southeast," is home to traditional fishing boats known as luzzu. Many still bear the Eye of Osiris, a tradition handed down by the Phoenicians to ward off evil.
Blue Grotto —
This stunning rock formation sits on the southwestern coast of Malta. On days when the water is calm, you can tour the Blue Grotto and nearby caves by boat.
Ħaġar Qim stone temple —
The stones for this megalithic structure are believed to be first laid around 3600 BC, making it centuries older than Stonehenge.
