Travel Tips: Malta, Valletta

I think that 95% of all Maltese residences have sea view!  

Its incredible history goes back 5900 years where Phoenicians first settled but farmed the land badly making it inhabitable. The monolithic structures are from these times. Later conquered by the Romans it was also over the centuries under the order of a Sicilian king, the Spanish and the French. Never under the Ottoman Empire, but attacked in WWII by Axis powers, it gained  independence from the British protectorate in 1964. Thus the St George’s cross in its flag. Plus the red and white colours. They are proudly European but a melting pot of all cultures actually. Malta is a archipelago south of Italia. Sardinia  and close to the top of Africa, Tunisia. 

The hop on hop off bus which I recommend, as you glimpse everything and can the. choose later where to spend more time on other days, takes you first to Silema where you get a harbour cruise of 1.5 hours. Although it’s long, seeing Valletta first from the water gives a good impression of how big it is! A fortified city with its infamous yellow stone glowing in the sunlight, sea breeze and endless bays, massive yachts and monumental buildings, churches, domes, bell towers etc to see is really impressive!! Something to behold and admire. 

Typical landscape on Malta en route to Valetta from Mellieha 

A lift from Waterfront (very high) bri GS you above to gorgeous views overlooking the bay, from a park and square and cafes.  From here you can walk down steps to different city centre areas. 

Decorative Victoria gate from two sides 

And another gate….  which one??? 

Looking over the city above Waterfront

A fortress passed on the way to Valletta 

Taken from the lift - that boat is one of the harbour cruises which allows views from the water 

Two cathedrals near this viewpoint and square close to the citadel 

A view of the strange name unpronounceable sign boards 

City streets….. all beautifully paved and…. Narrow
Another harbour… there are so many

I love the palm trees everywhere and the yellow stone

View from the lift. 

The town Silema in Maltese is the name of a Virgin mother who takes care of all inbound sailors and there must have been millions over the years. It is from here that you take the harbour cruise. 

From the water … 

 Before Silema is a town St Julians or Giljan where I would like to stay next time. It’s upmarket, beautifully designed from the high hills down to trendy water edge, palm lined avenues with nice cafes, shops and restaurants. I mistakenly after Silema got off at Valletta waterfront, expecting a Giljan but it was more the harbour area. Fortunately, there is a lift 100m further with a one euro return and it takes you high, back up to the Rocky cliff to a part of Valletta centre, overlooking the main harbour. 

Valletta is just too big to do on foot and even a day with different buses won’t do it. This all meaning, I missed the infamous fountain at one of the port gate entrances to the city. But the vibe of Valletta is historic, cultural and magnificant. So I am still happy! I know now why all the films, Troy, Gladiator, Assassins Creed and Game of Thrones were filmed in Malta. It’s medieval nature leaves one in awe and in little need of decorative props. Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise are well known to the Islanders. It is not a bounty island with pearly sand beaches but instead with solid ancient structures and remarkable architecture.

Typical rentals apartments overlooking the main harbour. Beautiful colourful decorative  windows! Locals vacation here. 

Another view of the city. N,s, e or west I don’t know, too big!! Do spend time in Valetta!