Valletta
A sailor’s paradise! Check out these shots from the legendary Strait Street in Valletta
A street lurking with desire.

Emma Galea

The capital city of Valletta is home to what is perhaps one of Malta’s most iconic street and no it’s not iconic for its architectural marvels.

It is instead known for being a sailor’s paradise where all sense of morality was abandoned and men, mostly sailors would come to have a night to remember.

Strait Street was largely popular during the British era here in Malta, most especially in the 20th century.

Military men, mainly British and American sailors would dock at the Grand Harbour and head to straight to Strait Street for an unforgettable night full of drink, music and of course women. Sailors used to pay for the companionship of Maltese women after spending months at sea.

Activity dwindled down after the 1970s and it was pretty much empty after then.

In recent years it has however became lively again among tourists and locals alike. Today, it is home to many restaurants and bars but they are not populated with sailors!

1930s - Milking of a goat

1950’s – British Sailors and a drag queen  

Sailors having fun in a pub

Sailors out and about in the street

Sailors and women pose for a photo in one of the bars

A shot of the street taken in the early 1960s

American soldiers playing a card game in the 1970s

1st March 2023


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

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