Europe's smallest capital it may be, but Valletta (Malta) has the vibrancy and diversity - not to mention the rich cultural and historical offering-of a city many times its diminutive size
Few capital cities are as picturesque as Valletta.
Almost entirely surrounded by the glittering blues of the Marsamxett and Grand Harbours, it is a Baroque masterpiece, and a recognized Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Knights of St John, who founded the city in 1566, are to thank; their expenditure left Valletta with a rich collection of lavish art and architecture, as well as a fascinating historical legacy.
Although, this city is no museum: it has a seemingly endless events calendar, plus its residents' zest for life makes Valletta an invigorating spot for a short break.
Valletta's most compelling charms come to you slowly, in snippets: during a lazy walk through its tangled sun-bleached streets, where you'll catch a glimpse of the harbors through silhouettes of 16th-century homes; strolling along the waterfront as a light breeze cuts through the heat; discovering a modern, trendy boutique in a centuries-old limestone building.
Life here Is an intoxicating mix of slow - think chattering over iced coffee and imqaret (date-filled pastries) in Republic Square - and vibrant, like the many colors of the annual Valletta Carnival.
It's easy to while away tile hours soaking up the atmosphere, but with a city of this historical stature it would be criminal to miss the sights- and they are impressive.
There's St John's Co-Cathedral: unremarkable from the exterior with main draw, however, is the striking Caravaggio work, The Beheading of
St John - his only signed work.
From here move out to other related sights, including some of the auberges in which the knights used to live; of those which are open to the public, Auberge d'Italie and Provence (now housing the Museum of Archaeology) have the most impressive Interiors.
The 16th-century Casa Rocca Piccola is still owned by Maltese nobility and has an astounding collection of period art, furniture and Maltese lace.
Valletta has a modem side, too: hit the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, a 400-year-old-fortress now used as a modern art, cinema and music space.
Back outside, follow the city's ramparts, stopping off at Upper Barrakka Gardens, from which you can see across Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.
There's hardly a better water view to be had, except for that aboard a traditional dghajsa, which will putter you across the harbour.
In the evening, sip glasses of plummy Maltese wine In laid-back cellar restaurants, or indulge in a creamy layered cake at iconic Caffe Cordina.
Watch the sun slink down over the horizon; this is Valletta at its slowest, and it is enchanting and truly Mediterranean.
There's hardly a better water view to be had, except for that aboard a traditional dghajsa, which will putter you across the harbour.
In the evening, sip glasses of plummy Maltese wine In laid-back cellar restaurants, or indulge in a creamy layered cake at iconic Caffe Cordina.
Watch the sun slink down over the horizon; this is Valletta at its slowest, and it is enchanting and truly Mediterranean.
