Valletta is a fortified city on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbours. Covering 55 hectares, it contains 320 architectural monuments—a remarkable collection within a clearly defined urban area. Valletta was founded after the Siege of Malta in 1566. Its layout and founding story tell two sides of its discovery: its position between the harbours and Malta’s historical development. The Maltese Islands are home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total.
Stone structures and underground history
The Megalithic Temples of Malta comprise seven temples on Malta and Gozo. They are among the world’s earliest freestanding stone structures. Their decorative features include panels with drilled holes and bas-reliefs depicting spirals, trees, plants and various animals. These motifs give the stone structures a distinctive artistic dimension alongside their great age.
Another route into prehistory leads to Paola, home to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground cemetery. It is considered Europe’s only known underground labyrinth dating from around 4000 to 2500 BC. It also contains the only known prehistoric wall paintings on the Maltese Islands. For those interested in prehistoric structures, this site offers not only underground architecture but also rare visual records.
Collections, fortifications and a long span of history
The collection at the National Museum of Archaeology spans Malta’s Neolithic period, from 5900 to 2500 BC, through to the early Phoenician period, from the 8th to the 6th century BC. The museum is housed in the Auberge de Provençe, a building dating from 1571. The collection and the building offer two different historical perspectives: the long sequence of early cultures and a building from Malta’s history.
The grounds of Fort St Elmo include two chapels, both dedicated to St Anne. From the fort, visitors can see both harbours around Valletta. The National War Museum covers 7,000 years of Maltese military history, from the Bronze Age to Malta’s accession to the European Union. Alongside the archaeological collections, military history offers another way to explore the islands’ past.
The sea and islands as a second perspective
The diversity of the Maltese Islands is also evident underwater: more than 120 dive sites are within minutes of one another. On Gozo, submerged caves and tunnels are among the options for dives. The Blue Hole near Dwejra is an internationally renowned dive site. The Inland Sea is connected to the open sea by a 100-metre-long tunnel used by smaller boats. Retired ships have also been scuttled off Gozo’s southern coast, also as part of the island’s diving scene.
On Comino, the Blue Lagoon attracts day-trippers, snorkellers and scuba divers; visitor conditions may vary by season. Malta’s coast also has several Blue Flag beaches. The award recognises high standards in water quality and facilities. As certification status can change, check the current listings before visiting a beach.
Festivals, food and practical guidance
Malta’s village feasts include religious processions. They complement the architectural and archaeological evidence with a tradition of communal celebration. The cuisine also reflects cultural influences: it is shaped by Italy, especially Sicily, as well as Arab and North African cuisine. The traditions behind crusty bread, oil, cheese and honey go back centuries.
For travel, Airport Direct TD4 connects Malta International Airport with Valletta and the Gozo Fast Ferry; the bus runs every 30 minutes. Check the timetable before travelling, as the frequency may change. The tallinja app offers journey planning with walking directions and public transport.
Discover more destinations: Iklin, Ghanjsielem, Ghammar, Gharb, Sannat, Nadur, Qala, San Lawrenz, Victoria, Xaghra, Xewkija, Xlendi, Bugibba, Sliema, Gzira, Zeitun, Mellieħa, Mgarr, Xemxija, Valletta, Attard, Kercem, Vittoriosa, St. Julians, Marsalforn, Mdina, Floriana, Qormi, Żebbuġ, Għasri, San Pawl Il-Baħar, Marsaskala, Naxxar, Pembroke, Santa Luċija, Marsaxlokk, Ta' Xbiex, Tarxien, San Ġwann, Mosta, Rabat, Munxar, Żabbar, Gozo, Żurrieq, Birkirkara, Swieqi, Birżebbuġa, Ħal Għaxaq, Qrendi, Għargħur, Dingli, Luqa, Mqabba, Santa Venera, Fgura, Hal Kirkop, Paola, Marsa.
