Deciding to visit Malta over Easter was a 20-year dream, finally becoming a reality. As with every trip, my time in Malta was too short, so much to do, and if I had to do all over again, I would plan seven to ten days to explore Malta and the surrounding Islands like Gozo fully.
The most significant decision to make once you decide on Malta is where to stay. If you have no budget limitation, consider the capital city of Valletta. That would be my recommendation; however, depending on what time of the year you visit, the visitors far outweigh the accommodation options in Valletta, so you may not find a place even if you have the budget. The rates in the capital city are higher compared to other parts of Malta. I chose to stay in Sliema, but there are other options.
Visa Requirement. If you have a travel limiting passport, MALTA is a Schengen member country, which means you can access a valid Schengen visa. When applying for a Schengen visa, Pro tip makes sure to request multiple entries - not two entries. Certain Schengen countries have the option for "two entries" on the application, so make sure you select "multiple entries" on your application form. Make sure to apply to the country you will be spending the most time - I cannot stress that point enough.
[read - travel destinations if you have a travel limiting passport]
Getting around. The buses are the best way to get around Malta. Depending on where you are staying, the Ferry is another option if the weather is beautiful, but bad weather and rising ides can cause ferries to be delayed or canceled if the weather is terrible. If you are traveling during peak period, start early or plan some wait time in your itinerary. I visited over a holiday weekend, so there were probably more tourists than usual, coupled with high seas that limited the ferries' availability. I waited almost two hours for a bus from Sliema to Valletta on my first day, and it was not uncommon to have a very jam-packed bus. This trip was pre-COVID, so the set up may be drastically different now. You can also take cabs - which I did for my ride to and from the airport.
I packed a lot into my time in Malta, and I cannot fit it all in one post so that this post will cover the time spent in Vallerta. There will be three new Malta series posts to cover the time spent in other parts of Malta. This post will focus on the time spent in Vallerta - the capital city and the places I recommend for your itinerary.
1. Grab a sandwich (and a cold brew) from 67-Kaptali. Many people had the same idea as I did to visit Malta during this long weekend, so public transport was delayed (a lot). When I finally made it to Valletta, my first stop was food and not a better start to my time in Malta than the famous sandwiches at 67-Kaptali. They make the sandwiches with Maltese bread. I had the Bruna sandwich; it was parma ham; brie; banana almond chutney. It was incredible.
2. Visit the magnificent St. John's co Cathedral. This impressive structure looks basic from the exterior, but the interior has at least thirteen magnificent rooms/chapel; I walked out with a drink in my neck from always looking up. It is one of Valletta's favorite stops, so you may have a queue to get to the ticket counter/entrance, but it is worth it.
3. Visit St Paul's shipwreck Church. The Church dates back to 1570 and is the oldest Church in Malta. The interim, there is a relic that is said to be the block St Paul was beheaded. The Church so named to honor the st. Paul for bringing Christianity to Malta. Don't forget to look up; the ceiling frescoes depict Paul'sPaul's time in Malta.
4. Explore Merchant and Republic street. If you are visiting on Sunday; there is a street market on Republic street on Sunday; it is the main street in the old city and lined with significant landmarks and shops, including the very popular - Cafe Cordina; the royal opera house and parliament building. Merchant street has a food court; many shops, restaurants, and cafes, and you will likely find yourself here without even trying.
5. Visit the Upper Barrakka and Garden for Saluting Battery. It is the site for the saluting battery, and you get incredible views of the Harbour and Fort St. Elmo from the upper gardens. The battery salute is held here at noon (and 4 p.m.) and involves firing the traditional cannons; I did not arrive in time to see it, but I could hear it from the city's gates. Even if you miss the event, the view and the gardens are worth the upper gardens' trek. If you don't want the step count from hiking to the upper Barrack, there is a lift to get you to the top. If you are heading here for the battery salute, plan to arrive a few minutes early for the best view, and it costs 3euro per adult and 1euro for children.
6. Explore the Picturesque St Lucia (Lucy) Street. It was not one I planned; I stumbled on it while looking for the lift to the upper Barracks, and it was the most beautiful surprise. It turns out it is the most instagrammable street in the city? I did not know that; I found it incredibly picturesque, with its stairways and very Croatia like vibes.
7. Visit the Valletta Waterfront. A very popular recommendation on many guides, so I added it to my itinerary; however, I could not get to it. Thankfully, I stayed in Sliema and could get an even better view of the waterfront, so I grabbed a book on my last even and headed to a spot near the waterfront in Sliema and took in the cool breeze; the sound of waves and the gorgeous waterfront. If you visit Valletta's waterfront, you will find shops, cafes, restaurants, and night clubs along the promenade.
8. The architecture of the Parliament Building. If you hone architecture, the parliament building is a must-see; the exterior block was machine cut and assembled to help reduce solar radiation.
9. Treat yourself to a very lush/affordable meal at The pulled meat. It is one of the top restaurants in Valletta, and it is not hard to figure out why. I ordered the pulled port balls and an incredibly filling (read: took a nap after) sandwich. Make sure to order a cold bottle of Cisk with whatever you choose to order.
10. Dine at the famous Cafe Cordina. This cafe is synonymous to Valletta as any significant landmark in the city; it has been around since 1837 and is popular with tourists and locals. You can opt for waiter service and go up to the counter and order like a local, which I did; if you have time, opt for the waiter in the square across the cafe; it is an excellent spot for people to watch.
11. Grandmaster Palace and Courtyard. The entry costs 10 euro per adult, and the palace closes at 4:30. I arrived too late to access the interior, but the garden was still open and a lovely place to spend time; looks out for the clock in the yard - famous Maltese clockmaker Gaetano Vella made it.
12. Day and Half-day Trips. If you are staying in Valletta, then make sure to visit surrounding towns and Islands. I visited Mdina (The silent city), Island of Gozo, and Sliema. Other highly recommended day-trip is the Blue Grotto, and the three cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Most of these trips can be made in half a day, except for Gozo and Popeye village.
13. Look out for the British influences. Malta was a British colony until its independence in 1964, and the capital city still bears some remnants of the British, including the iconic red phone boxes.
