Tour
4,3 km
1h45
19 audios
Text version
Welcome to Valletta — a Mediterranean gem that’s so much more than just sea, sand, and sun. Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, Malta’s capital may only cover a single square kilometre, but it feels like a vast open-air museum. It’s a small city with a big story. Every street and stone seems to whisper tales from centuries past. As you wander through its grid of streets, you’ll come across churches, palaces, and monuments that feel frozen in time. Every so often, you’ll find yourself drifting towards the sea, or tempted to pause in one of the city’s limestone gardens, for unforgettable sweeping views. A UNESCO World Heritage site and a former European Capital of Culture, Valletta blends old-world charm with just the right touch of modern life. As its founders proudly said, it was “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.” Today, it wins over the heart of everyone who walks its streets. Will you let it win yours too?
Surrounded by 16th-century fortifications and woven with steep, narrow streets, Valletta doesn’t give up its secrets easily. You’ve got to put in a bit of effort to get to know it, but the city will reward you for it. Read more
Originally founded in the 19th century by the Knights of the Order of St John, it hasn’t had an easy ride through history. Demolished for hygiene reasons, heavily bombed during World War II, and completely abandoned in the 1990s— the place has experienced its fair share of misfortune. Read more
Like any self-respecting capital city, Valletta has a main thoroughfare buzzing with life and local flair. As luck would have it, you're standing right in the middle of it. Republic Street is a kilometre long, running the full length of our route, from the city gates up to Fort St. Elmo. A Read more
We’re now heading to the northern tip of Valletta, where you’ll find Fort St. Elmo, a site deeply woven into the city’s history. Back in 1552, the Knights of the Order of St John sensed an Ottoman invasion on the horizon. To strengthen their defenses, they built a fort at the entrance to Valletta’s two harbours, to guard against attack. Read more
Beyond its stunning scenery, Valletta is also the story of a Mediterranean capital shaped by waves of peoples, conquests, and rulers. Read more
After the Knights of the Order of St John successfully pushed back the Ottoman forces in 1565, Valletta became a prestigious city, destined to rival the great capitals of Europe. During this period, elegant palaces began to appear along the city’s streets—just like the beautiful Casa Rocca Piccola. Read more
Standing with quiet dignity and a certain solemnity, the Siege Bell War Memorial ahead of you serves as a powerful reminder that Malta hasn’t always known the peace it enjoys today. Read more
Usually, you’d want to face Valletta… but right now, the real view is behind you. Stretching out beyond the sparkling Mediterranean and the bustle of the Grand Harbour, you’ve got one of the best views in Malta: the Three Cities, each perched proudly on its own narrow peninsula across the water. Read more
Spread out before you is our favourite of Valletta’s three main gardens, the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Perched at the highest point of the city’s bastions, this peaceful spot was first created in 1661. Back then,it was off-limits to the public, and reserved exclusively for the Knights of the Order of St John, who would come here to unwind or train. Read more
The Auberge de Castille, León and Portugal has stood proudly over the Grand Harbour since 1574 as a striking symbol of Malta’s rich history and architectural heritage. Read more
You’re now standing beside the oldest church in Valletta. Just to be clear—it’s the building to your right, with the elegant double staircase. Though small and modest on the outside, the Church of Our Lady of Victory holds a significant place in Malta’s history. Read more
The Lower Barrakka Gardens resemble a green oasis overlooking the Grand Harbour, promising a peaceful moment in nature. Amid the greenery and hibiscus flowers that brighten the paths, you’ll find a few monuments well worth admiring. Read more
Honoring Valletta’s classic ochre tones, yet displaying bold, modern lines, the New Parliament building brings a youthful energy to the city. Read more
A visit to Valletta wouldn’t be complete without stepping inside St John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the city’s masterpieces. At first glance, you might not think much of it, but give us a few moments to change your mind. Read more
Beyond the must-sees, it’s Valletta’s hidden corners and surprising facts that will really stay with you, and those are what we’re here to share. So here are a few little-known facts about Valletta. Read more
In the heart of Valletta, it pays to keep your eyes open — history is often hiding in plain sight, just like the Manoel Theatre, over on your left. Read more
It’s almost impossible to explore Valletta without the words “Knights of the Order of St John” echoing around you. If you haven’t heard them yet, it’s only a matter of seconds—especially now that you’re standing in front of this magnificent building. Read more
Here it is, the stunning National Library, a Maltese treasure with elegant columns and a golden inscription. Since its founding in 1796, this building has grown into one of the island’s most valuable institutions, thanks to countless donations to its literary collection over the years. Read more
In front of you stands Pjazza Teatru Rjal—a place where memory and modernity meet. Once upon a time, this was home to one of Europe’s most magnificent opera houses: the Royal Opera House. Built in 1866 by the English architect Edward Middleton Barry, this neoclassical gem opened its doors with Bellini’s I Puritani. Read more
Discover Valletta with app
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
19 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Explore the wonders of Malta on a journey to Gozo, the Comino Islands, the Blue Lagoon, and the sea caves
Facing Valletta, on the other side of the Grand Harbour, stand three fortified cities that form the historical cradle of Malta. These towns, built by the Knights of the Order of St. John, are full of golden stone alleyways, wooden balconies, and picturesque small harbours. In Vittoriosa, Fort St. Angelo dominates the sea, while Senglea offers splendid viewpoints over the capital. Strolling here is like travelling back in time.
Perched on a hill in the centre of the island, Mdina was Malta’s former capital. Nicknamed “the Silent City,”
Next to Mdina, Rabat is a typically Maltese village with a strong identity. Visitors can explore the Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha, a fascinating underground network used since Roman times. Its narrow streets also hide small churches, quiet cafés, and museums that tell the story of local life. It’s an authentic place, livelier than Mdina and just as charming.
This picturesque fishing village in the south of Malta is famous for its traditional brightly painted boats, the luzzu, decorated with the Eye of Osiris. On Sunday mornings, its market attracts locals and travellers alike who come to buy fresh fish or handmade products. Marsaxlokk also offers a pleasant seaside promenade lined with restaurants serving the island’s best seafood dishes.
Just a few kilometres from Marsaxlokk, this natural pool carved into the rock is one of the most spectacular places to swim. Its turquoise waters are incredibly clear, and diving enthusiasts leap from the surrounding cliffs. The site is a bit remote, but its wild beauty and scenery make it unforgettable.
On the southwest coast, the Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves where sunlight creates reflections of an otherworldly blue. Small boats take visitors into the heart of these shimmering caverns, in an almost magical setting. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
These cliffs, the highest in Malta, offer a breathtaking panorama of the Mediterranean. Rising more than 250 metres above the sea, they glow with golden hues at sunset. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk or a picnic facing the horizon.
This stunning beach, nestled between hills covered with wild herbs, is considered one of the most beautiful in Malta. Quieter than nearby Golden Bay, it captivates with its golden sand, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere. The path leading down to the beach offers a magnificent view of the coastline.
Easily accessible and very popular, Golden Bay is the ideal family beach. Surrounded by cliffs and dunes, it’s perfect for swimming, water sports, or simply enjoying the sunset from a seaside café.
This large village in the north of the island overlooks a wide sandy bay, perfect for families and those seeking relaxation. Mellieħa combines traditional charm with a seaside atmosphere. The Church of Our Lady of Victory, with its imposing façade, can be seen from afar.
Nestled at the northern tip of the island near Ċirkewwa port, this small secluded cove is surrounded by cliffs. The water is crystal clear, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling. Its tranquility makes it the perfect stop before taking the ferry to Gozo.
Just 25 minutes by ferry from Malta, Gozo offers a greener and more peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Citadel of Victoria, the beautiful red beach of Ramla Bay, and hidden coves such as Wied il-Għasri or Mġarr ix-Xini. Gozo appeals to lovers of hiking, diving, and authenticity.
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To enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun and Malta’s crystal-clear waters, consider a full-day cruise getaway.
You can experience it in two different ways. Choose a smaller group option and you’ll set off aboard…
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The Two Pillows Boutique Hostel is an ideal stay for young travelers looking to enjoy the…
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Location: 49-50, Triq San Piju V, SLM 1423 Sliema
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See Our Full Review
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The Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean offers nearly 200 km of coastline with turquoise waters and shallow seabeds, ideal for families and snorkeling enthusiasts. To reach the finest beaches, leave the capital, Valletta, and head east toward the island’s charming resort areas. Then move north: Golden Bay, known for its sunset views, along with Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay, form the essential trio of the northwest coast. In the southeast, Saint Peter’s Pool stands out as one of Malta’s most striking natural swimming spots. On Comino, the smallest island in the archipelago, the Blue Lagoon awaits with white sand and vivid blue water.
If you’re a fan of the series, you already know that most of Season 1 was filmed across the Maltese archipelago. Here are the key locations featured in the show. Fort Ricasoli, near Valletta and built by the Knights of the Order of Malta, stands in for the stronghold of King’s Landing. Its entrance serves as the gate to the Red Keep.
Head to the island’s former capital, Mdina, where many scenes were shot. Wandering its fortified streets is like walking through a living history book of Westeros. Mdina represents King’s Landing, and the city’s main gate appears as the entrance to the capital.
At the St. Dominic Convent in Rabat, the courtyards portray the Red Keep Gardens, the backdrop for some of the show’s most intense confrontations. It is here that the line was delivered: “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.”
The star-shaped Fort Manoel sets the stage for one of the most dramatic moments of Season 1, where Ned Stark is executed after making false confessions to protect his daughters.
The San Anton Palace and Gardens, the official residence of the President of Malta, appear several times throughout the first season.
On the island of Gozo, the Azure Window served as the stunning backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo’s wedding. This natural arch sadly collapsed in 2017.
Guided tours are available to explore these filming sites along with many other Game of Thrones locations and films shot across Malta.
In Valletta, particularly along the famous Strait Street, you’ll find plenty of spots for a drink—bars, English-style pubs, and wine bars—sometimes with background music, often live. For a livelier nightlife, head north to Saint Julian’s in the Paceville district, Malta’s nightlife hub. Here, you’ll find a concentration of nightclubs, pubs, and bars. Venues are open every day, with nightclubs typically opening around 10 PM. The variety of atmospheres and musical styles ensures there’s something for everyone.
Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage gem, offering an incredible concentration of architecture with no fewer than 320 monuments within just 55 hectares. The best way to explore it is on foot, using Navaway’s audio-guided route, which lets you discover its treasures: palaces, churches, museums, and gardens with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Three Cities across the water.
Facing Valletta, this is where the Knights of the Order of St. John first settled. Once known as fortified cities, the Three Cities—Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla)—are Malta’s historical jewels. From Valletta, you can reach them by ferry departing from the foot of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, or by a small water taxi for around €2. Buses 1, 2, 3, or 4 also connect Valletta to the Three Cities.
Valletta is best explored on foot in a single day. We recommend wandering its streets following the Navaway route to discover all the city’s highlights. For the rest of the island, renting a car is the easiest way to reach small villages, coves, and beaches (note: Maltese drive on the left, a legacy of British rule). For shorter trips, an electric scooter is convenient. There are also options to book a private chauffeur-driven car across the archipelago. The most economical option is the bus network, which is fairly extensive; with some planning, you can reach different towns, with buses running every 10 minutes to an hour depending on the route.
With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, Malta is a destination where the weather is pleasant almost all year round. This archipelago has a rich history and is a true melting pot of cultures due to its central location in the Mediterranean. Its architectural heritage is unique, complemented by beautiful turquoise beaches, sea caves, natural pools, and cliffs with breathtaking views. Malta is also ideal for diving, windsurfing, kayaking, and hiking in stunning landscapes. Valletta, one of Europe’s smallest capitals, is a true gem—UNESCO-listed and named European Capital of Culture in 2018.
The city is quite compact, making parking a challenge. However, there is a large underground parking lot near the bus terminal and a few parking spaces at the city entrance. You can also park at the Floriana park-and-ride and take a shuttle to Valletta’s main entrance (€0.40/day, including the round-trip shuttle).
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