If you ever find yourself with just 24 hours to spare in Valletta, Malta, get ready for a day packed with history, stunning views, and mouthwatering food. Here’s a taste of how we spent a memorable day in this beautiful city.
Late Night Arrival: A Toast to Valletta
We arrived in Valletta late at night, but that didn’t stop us from diving right into the local culture. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to a charming street bar just outside. Sipping on a glass of rich Maltese wine, we soaked in the late-night vibes and let the excitement of the next day’s adventures wash over us.
Morning: A Taste of Malta
Our morning began with a traditional Maltese breakfast that had us hooked from the first bite. We indulged in pastizzi, a flaky pastry filled with creamy ricotta or mushy peas, paired with a strong Maltese coffee. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
Exploring Valletta’s Rich History
Armed with the GPSmyCity app, we embarked on a self-guided walking tour of Valletta’s historic sites. Our first stop was the Church of St. Paul of the Shipwreck, conveniently located right opposite our hotel. The church’s grand marble interior left us in awe, and it set the tone for the rest of our journey through history.
We wandered past the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the imposing Grandmaster’s Palace, marveling at the stunning limestone architecture that gives Valletta its unique charm. Each building seemed to whisper tales of the past, making our stroll feel like a step back in time.
Next, we visited Casa Rocca Piccola, an old palace built in the 1580s and still home to a noble Maltese family. Walking through its rooms, filled with antique furniture and family heirlooms, offered a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Malta’s aristocracy. It also features a WW2 bomb shelter which is fascinating.
Midday: A Salute to History
Our walk took us down to the Fort and along the waterfront, leading us to the Upper Barrakka Gardens just in time for the 12:00 gun salute. The view from the gardens was breathtaking, with sweeping vistas of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities beyond. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured the essence of Valletta.
A quick lunch of spinach and mushroom qassatat, a traditional Maltese pie, kept us energized for the next leg of our adventure.
Afternoon: A Quick Hop to Gozo
We hopped on the fast ferry to Gozo, where a short taxi ride took us to the Ġgantija Temples and the Ta’ Kola Windmill.
The temples, dating back over 5,000 years, are among the oldest in the world, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The windmill, built in 1760, provided a fascinating insight into Maltese rural life.
Our brief visit to Gozo was like stepping into another world—one filled with ancient history and rustic charm.
Evening: Wine, Dine, and Unwind
Back in Valletta, we had just enough time for a quick change before heading out to our local wine bar for a pre-dinner drink. The cozy atmosphere and a glass of Maltese red set the mood for the evening.
Dinner at Aaron’s Kitchen was nothing short of spectacular. We feasted on tabbit arancini (rabbit-filled rice balls), hearty rabbit stew, and fresh swordfish, each dish more delicious than the last. It was the perfect way to end our whirlwind day in Valletta.
Final Thoughts
Valletta may be small, but it’s packed with more history, culture, and culinary delights than you can imagine. Our 24 hours here flew by, but we left with full hearts, full stomachs, and a longing to return for more. If you ever get the chance, make sure to spend a day—or more—in this captivating city.
Before we go…
On our way to the airport, we made a final stop in the historic city of Mdina. After a quick bus ride from Valletta, we spent an hour exploring this ancient walled city, wandering through its narrow, silent streets and admiring the stunning architecture.
Before leaving, we visited the Domvs Romana, where we were captivated by the intricate Roman mosaics and fascinating artifacts that tell the story of Malta’s Roman past.
With these last glimpses of history, we reluctantly made our way to the airport, carrying the memories of our Maltese journey with us.
