It’s 7:15am and we’re on Silhouette’s bow; keen for our first glimpse of Valletta. The sea is calm and as the sun creeps higher in the sky, on a surprisingly warm November morning, we edge our way into The Grand Harbour. The rising sun paints the sixteenth-century bastion walls gold and we can see small cube-like buildings interspersed with honey-coloured domes, spires and arches. Valletta might be small but it’s steeped in history and it’s incredibly easy on the eye.

The Grand Harbour, Malta
Valletta covers an area of less than one square kilometre and its grid system makes it easy to get around on foot. It’s a pleasant place to wander so, in the two hours we had, that’s exactly what we did. We disembark and take the five-minute walk to the 20 storey lift which will deposit us at The Upper Barrakka Gardens. At €1 return it’s worth every cent to avoid the knee-crunching hike up the steep 280 steps. The gardens are the perfect spot for enjoying the panoramic views across one of the world’s largest, deepest natural harbours. We watch as cannons are prepared for the midday salute.

Upper Barrakka Gardens
Valletta takes its name from its founder, Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette and owes its existence to the Knights of St John, who planned the fortified city as a refuge for injured soldiers and pilgrims during the 16th century Crusades.
Auberge de Castille
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An Auberge is where the Knights lived. During their first years in Malta, the Knights served once a week in the hospitals – in return they lived in their Auberge for free. Of the original eight Auberges only five remain, the finest being the Auberge de Castille and Leon; severely damaged during WWII the building’s been restored and now houses the office of the Prime Minister.

Auberge de Castille
The Great Siege Monument
Fortitude flanked by faith and hope – this bronze monument commemorates the Great Siege of 1565 when the Ottoman Empire invaded the island. The Knights, helped by 400 Maltese men, women and children and about 2,000 foot-soldiers won the siege against the Turks, one of the most fiercely fought, bloodiest battles in history.

The Great Siege Monument
Malta and WWII
Malta has a solid British connection and played a key part in the Mediterranean campaign in WWII. It was one of the most intensively bombed areas during the war and suffered terribly during during The Siege of Malta where the enemy were determined to either bomb or starve the Maltese into submission.The people were rewarded for their bravery when George VI awarded the entire island the George Cross.

Plaques on the Grand Palace, Malta
It was Remembrance Sunday and could hear catches of music from a military band and glimpse them passing by the end of the street. The flash of a scarlet poppy could be seen on many a lapel and on the iconic British telephone and post boxes which are still used. We felt quite at home!

Valletta
A walk through the quiet, narrow back streets gives a taste of everyday life and an opportunity to meet some interesting characters.
This is Gerry…

Gerry
…and these are Gerry’s friends…

Not so brave Gerry
His owner told us how his furry friend will go after a pigeon if it’s alone – when there’s a few he’s not so brave and just glares! The old man would have liked us to stay and chat for longer – they’re a friendly bunch, the Maltese.
Read More: Things you should know before visiting Malta
The sun-bleached buildings of Valletta’s streets are adorned with galleriji; the city’s traditional balconies.

Valletta Street with balconies
Fort of St Elmo
We pass the fort of St Elmo on the far end of the promontory and walk back along the quiet quay towards the ship. Some Mods on Lambrettas buzz by and we pass fishermen casting lines for their lunch – there’s a chilled Sunday vibe about the place.

The Grand Harbour, Malta
Valletta Waterfront
Too soon we’re back at Valletta Waterfront which sits just below the city’s fortifications. It used to be called Pinto Wharf before being beautifully renovated and is home to some vibrant bars and restaurants – the dining options in Valletta are good and varied.

Valletta Waterfront
Malta is saturated in history and needs at least a week to delve into its vibrant past and then maybe another week just to relax and enjoy its food, wine and hospitality. But we’ve had a taster which will do for the time being; now we must board, pack and leave for the airport as this is where our cruise ends; but I shall return one day to explore properly and immerse myself in Malta’s rich history.
Photo Tour of Valletta
- The Library, Valletta
- Valletta Military
- Valletta Harbour
- The Grand Palace, Malta
- The Church of Our Lady of Victories
- Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette
- The Church of St Francis The Church of St Francis of Assisi
- The Triton fountain, Valletta
- Maltese Cross Door Knocker
- Corbel on Grand Masters Palace, Vallettta
- Old Valletta Balcony
Many thanks to Celebrity Cruises UK for hosting me on my first cruise. As always views and opinions; good, bad or otherwise are entirely my own.
TravelWithKat
Sunday 18th of December 2022
I am hoping to visit Malta this spring. The architecture looks fabulous! I can't wait to discover it for myself. You're not joking about the history! As well as Valetta, I'm planning a visit to Ġgantija,the megalithic temple complex on Gozo. It looks fascinating.
Suzanne Jones
Tuesday 20th of December 2022
I think you'll love Malta, there's so much history there and yes the architecture is stunning. I haven't been to Gozo so I look forward to any blogs you create.
Travelbunny Highlights 2013 | The Travelbunny
Monday 30th of December 2013
[…] Cruises as a #destinationblogger visiting Kotor and Budva in Montenegro, Matera in Italy, Corfu and Valletta in Malta. The ship, Silhouette, was a destination in herself and warranted a thorough exploration […]
bananabatman
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
Nice one Suzanne. You keep adding destinations to our 'possibles' list. Just not enough time do visit them all.
Suzanne Courtney
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
Ha ha - I know the feeling Dave :)
Setting Sail with Celebrity Cruises | The Travelbunny
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
[…] Dubrovnik I visited Kotor and Budva in Montenegro, Matera in Italy, the island of Corfu and finally Valletta in Malta. Five destinations in five days without taking another flight. Clever huh? Actually […]
Anne Woodyard (@MusicandMarkets)
Saturday 14th of December 2013
Gorgeous photos and intriguing prose - thanks! Malta's been on our wish list for years now... someday!
Suzanne Courtney
Sunday 15th of December 2013
Thank you - I have a lot of 'somedays' on my travel list too :)