Things to do in Valletta, in Winter?
We escaped the UK winter blues by coming to Malta in January, however a few friends asked what are you going to do for 2 weeks when it’s too cold to swim!?
We were happily surprised to find that Malta has some amazing history dating back to Neolithic period 6000 BCE. Not to mention some fantastic temples, museums, forts, catacombs and more. Read about them on Heritage Malta. In fact there is so much history here the hard part is working out what you have time to see!
Maltese History
Malta is a tiny island and perfectly positioned between the old East and West civilisations, a great stop to refuel, resupply and strategic position to reach all the Mediterranean.
Civilisations from Phoenicians, Romans, Ottomans, British and even Germans have fought over and on this tiny island making it a place where history is in the very ground you walk upon (noticeably).
As you know I LOVE ancient history so it was incredibly exciting for me to learn about and decide we MUST visit all the sites! – to Greg’s chagrin.
Fear not, below are our best sites to visit, and a special list for the hard core history fans like me : )
Top Places to Visit in Valletta, Malta
Table of Contents
Valletta
You can stay anywhere in these areas and get around fairly easily by taxi (they use Bolt) bus and ferry (our favourite).
TOP TIP: Buy the Heritage Malta Multisite Pass especially if you plan to visit more than 3 sites/museums, at 30 euros its a bargain! Works for all Heritage Malta sites (I’ll star** them below) and lasts for 1 month.
Museum of Archeology**: A small museum that gives you a great history, and also has displays key finds from each of the major archeological sites. I’d recommend visiting before you see everything else and if you have time go again afterwards! Check out the xx
Underground Valletta: I was skeptical because it mostly is WWII shelters (not being a huge fan of modern history) but descending under the city you also get to see vast cisterns built by the Knights of St John and its really fun to explore! Small group Guided tours only – must book ahead on Heritage Malta site.
St John’s CoCathedral – breathtaking from the moment you step inside. The Knights of St John certainly had cash to spend.
Casa Rocca Piccola – we were lucky enough to join a tour by the owner, Nicolas, the Marquis de Piro. He told us many lovely anecdotes about his family and their home. Do not miss the underground bunker his grandfather built, accessible from the courtyard near Kiku the parrot, its HUGE!
Ta Braxia Cemetery – (free) beautiful peaceful spot right near Valletta, the graves tell you the recent history of Malta from Irish and English navy military defending in in WWII, families who caught illnesses returning to the UK via Malta and the surprising Russian refugee graves of Princess Olga Poutiatine & her daughter Nathalie whose schoolbook was used by Tsar Nicholas to sign his abdication of the throne. They fled and ended up in Malta, buried in the back of Ta Braxia cemetery. So many fascinating stories there.
Find the best vintage signs – we had the best fun spotting vintage signs throughout Malta. Whilst the shop underneath might have changed it is great to see these very beautiful old signs still swinging above. Keep an eye out for them!
Three Cities
Fort St Angelo** – Your Heritage Malta Pass will get you in here free and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Walk along the waterfronts for Senglea & Birgu – marvel at the amazing yachts and dream of sailing!
Eating in Valletta & Nearby
The Seafood Market Grill – If you have one meal left in life you must go here. 6 different types of fresh oysters to choose from, grilled buttery prawns, crispy calamari, delicious fish and mouthwatering mussels. Don’t miss out.
Grano – great HUGE sandwiches which you can grab and take to the Barrakka gardens for a sunny lunch with a view.
Valletta St Paul’s AFT – the owner is hilarious and quite a character. Food is lovely and you can each lunch with a lovely view of the harbor and heaters!
Sciaccia – Meat, meat meat meat. Choose the best cuts from around the world, NZ grass-fed.
Proscuitteria (Sliema) owned by the ZeroSei guys – if you know me, then you know Proscuitto is my drug. I LOVE it, so when I saw a restaurant with it in the name I had to visit. From delicious Sicilian pizzas, vino rosso, and more prosciutto you can eat in one sitting it is a must visit spot! (Or you can check out Zero Sei, Valletta their sister restaurant).
Coffee – as you know I’m an addict, best coffee place for mocha’s is CHOCOLATE DISTRICT – chocolate on tap mixed with premium coffee beans….heavenly. Also try Coffee Circus (lovely chain of indie shops).
Do Not Miss - Just outside of Valletta
Only 20min outside of Valletta are these two amazing sites that you shouldn’t miss. To read more about Malta’s amazing historic sites please see our other posts on Xemxija Historic Walk and the Top Historic Sites in Malta.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum – A Neolithic underground sanctuary and burial chambers, where over 7000 were buried – haunting and fascinating. It is beautifully preserved, with special acoustics, ochre wall paintings still visible, and where the Sleeping Lady of Malta was found (see photo at top). The 35Euro ticket includes a 45min guided tour but BOOK FAST – usually booked up months ahead so get in quick!
Tarxien Temples** – just a 10min walk away a series of 3 temples built between 3000-3250 BCE. Very well preserved they are fun to explore and walk through. They have had a lot more reconstruction in place so it is easy to see some idea of how they looked. See the huge female (we think) statue with her dress and feet intact. How on earth did they carve these with pieces of flint?!
Where to eat?
We stumbled upon a fantastic restuarant just down the road from the Hypogeum, named Panormus La Tavernetta di Mamma Ciccia. Perfect sicilian food & good prices. Enjoy!
Now you must leave the safe harbours of Valletta, and strike out to see the rest of the island and Gozo. Remember it is small so most places are only 15-20min away!
To read more about Malta’s amazing historic sites please see our other posts on Xemxija Historic Walk and the Top Historic Sites in Malta.
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Let us know your thoughts too! Jade & Greg
