Valletta

Malta’s capital is a pretty city worth exploring. Transport will drop you off outside the city gates; there are strict rules about who is allowed to drive inside.

Inside the walls of the main gate, two huge staircases sweep to the left and right, taking you to the top of the bastion walls. The city is full of photo opps!

Further in, narrow stone streets meander up and down hills, both toward and away from the water, and there’s lots to discover. Ice cream shops mix with cafes sprawling into market squares, alongside tech shops, churches, and palaces. I found a market hall in a grand old building with enough food stalls to satisfy any taste; I spent more time looking around and deciding what to have than actually eating - and I’m a fussy eater.

The best part of the city, after the excellent lunch, was the view from the Upper Barakka Gardens. The Grand Harbour is perfectly framed by sandstone buildings, and boats and yachts float happily on the water.

The whole city is easily explored on foot, and is a worthy place to while away a sunny afternoon.