New & now
Malta’s capital of Valletta described as “a pocket-sized pearl” by the UK Sunday Times
Valletta is the European Capital of Culture for 2018 and one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Jillian Mallia

In a travel article published on yesterday's UK Sunday Times, writer Jeremy Lazell, who visited the island to create a weekend itinerary for the capital city, described Valletta as “a pocket-sized pearl” just “buzzing with activity,” begging to be explored.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pol Sala (@polsala__) on

In the itinerary-style piece, many famous locations around the city were mentioned as must-sees, including main thoroughfare Republic Street, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Strait Street, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the Upper Barakka Gardens, among others.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Luminita Simion (@_luminita_) on

Various café spots and restaurants were mentioned as go-tos for quick cuppa or a bite to eat, such as the famous Café Cordina, Palazzo Preca, and Café Royale.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jojo Dizon (@etchingsofnyc) on

And even preferred local night cap options were presented, among them Beer Cave, Cru, Tico-Tico, and Wild Honey!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 조현화 (@h2effect) on

The article paid homage to the grandeur of the ancient capital city and provided a three-day guide to Valletta from a visitor's point of view, and there's truly so much to discover! Read more in our Valletta section for what's going down in 2018's European Capital of Culture. We love it, and we're sure you will too!


Jillian Mallia
Written by
Jillian Mallia
A book lover, writer and globetrotter who loves exploring new places and the local gems that the Maltese Islands have to offer. An avid foodie and arts fanatic, Jillian searches the island and beyond for the perfect settings to write about.

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
From parmesan to brie, many of Europe’s best-known cheeses trace their origins back to medieval monasteries.

Tim Diacono
New & now
New & now
The former France international has been linked with a shock move to Santa Lucia FC

Tim Diacono
New & now
New & now
The British comedy legend visited Malta to attend the Mediterrane Film Festival

Tim Diacono | 30th June 2026
New & now
New & now
Windier conditions will pick up from mid-week onwards!

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
The MV Nikolaos has been around since 2019 but its time is coming to an end

Tim Diacono