Valletta

Why this trip

An entire country you can cross in an hour, with 7,000 years of history stacked on top.

• Out 17:15, back 19:00 · direct · 1h 55m
• You stay in Sliema — Small, bright, sea five minutes away.
• The one thing you'd do: Bus X4 or a taxi — €2 on the bus to Valletta, 30 minutes. Taxis are fixed-price from a desk in arrivals.

• 🌊 Sun and sea
• 🏛 Culture fix
• 💎 Hidden gem
• 🎒 Solo-friendly

St John's Co-Cathedral closes to visitors on Sundays.

The plan

The signature run · around Valletta

1. Day 1

   Arrive and dive in

   • 17:00Bus X4 or a taxi€2 on the bus to Valletta, 30 minutes. Taxis are fixed-price from a desk in arrivals.
   • 18:00Upper Barrakka GardensGrand Harbour view, and the saluting battery fires at noon and 16:00.
   • 20:00Dinner at Nenu the Artisan BakerFtira, rabbit, and Maltese platters in an old bakery.If the weather turns: Something smarter? Noni, in a converted bakery cellar, one Michelin star and reasonable.
   • 22:00Strait StreetThe old sailors' quarter, now wine bars and jazz.
2. Day 2

   The main event

   • 09:00St John's Co-CathedralPlain outside, overwhelming inside, with two Caravaggios in the oratory.
   • 11:00Ferry to the Three Cities€2.80 across the Grand Harbour to Birgu. Best boat ride in Europe for the money.
   • 13:30Lunch in Birgu marinaTal-Petut if you booked, Del Borgo if you didn't.
   • 15:30Swim at St Peter's PoolNatural rock pool in the south, bus 81 then a walk, absurdly clear water.If the weather turns: Windy? Mdina, the silent walled city, and Fontanella for cake on the ramparts.
   • 20:00Dinner in VallettaLegligin, a wine bar where they just bring you food until you say stop.
3. Day 3

   One last moment

   • 09:30Pastizzi and teaCrystal Palace in Rabat, open early, costs almost nothing.
   • 11:00Filigree and honeyMaltese silver filigree and thyme honey are the two things to actually bring back.
   • 13:30Bus or taxi outAirport is 20 minutes from almost anywhere on the island.