What to see in Valletta (Malta) and surroundings, from Mdina to the Three Cities

When considering a trip to Malta, it is key to know in advance the best ones you should visit.

Although it has become a beach vacation destination, this island is above all a cultural destination with thousands of years of history, through which all the civilizations that have developed in the Mediterranean have passed.

I already told you that the starting point of your visits will be its capital, Valletta, but given the small size of the island, on your trip you will be able to see the most interesting places that are in its surroundings.

The best things to see in Valletta and surroundings

Based on the experience of various trips I have made to Malta so far, below I am going to propose the best places that you should know in Valletta and its surroundings.

Historic city of Mdina

If you like historical enclaves, you will be surprised by the number of places with these characteristics that you will find in Malta.

But, without a doubt, the most notable is the historic city of Mdina, which was the capital of the island for many centuries.

Now you will find a small walled city on top of a hill whose fortification dates back to a century before Christ, in the time of the Phoenicians.

The Romans also passed through Mdina, and it is also thought that the apostle saint paul He resided for a time in 60 AD

In Middle Ages It was the place of residence of the Maltese aristocracy, being known as the “Noble City"But the arrival of the Knights of Saint John to Malta and the boom they gave to port of Valletta brought to Mdina to a decline.

In its walled enclosure you will find several palaces, some churches and, above all, charming corners.

A curiosity, if you are a fan of the successful series of Game of Thrones, this visit is a must.

You can even find themed tours inspired by the series, which will take you through Mdina and other filming locations, hearing details about the cast and other curiosities. 

St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina

The most notable monument you will visit see in Mdina is San Pablo's cathedral, a building that was built in 1700 on the remains of an old church destroyed by an earthquake.

Noteworthy during your visit to this cathedral are the numerous marble tombstones of Maltese nobles that, similar to the St. John's Co-Cathedral en Valletta, you can see how they cover the floor of the temple. 

Barakka Gardens in Valletta

En Valletta and its surroundings you will be captivated by the numerous Panoramic views not only of the great fortification of the Maltese capital, but also of cities that surround it in an area of ​​sinuous inlets of the sea.

The Barakka Gardens It is the place from where you have the most beautiful views, in this case, the so-called Three Cities.

You can access these gardens through the main door of Valletta, or directly in a elevator from the port area, which allows you to quickly get to the center of Valletta.

In these gardens you will also see another tourist attraction, the so-called Saluting Battery, Grand Canyon that every day at 12 noon fires a thunderous salvo.

St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta

La St. John's Co-Cathedral, which you will visit in the Valletta historic site, is surely the most important religious building in the Maltese country.

It is upon entering its interior that you will be surprised by the great decorative sumptuousness of this baroque cathedral built by the Knights of Saint John in 1578.

It has a single nave with chapels on the sides, where the exuberant decoration of the walls, columns and ceiling with gold brocades will catch your attention.

Also notable is the marble floor with numerous tombstones and the vault with paintings.

Birgu (Victorious)

Those known as Three Cities They are three fortified cities that crowd together in one of the inlets of the sea in front of the capital, Valletta.

Of the three I advise you visit Birgu, Also known as Vittoriosa.

It is a small walled enclave where, after passing the gate in the wall, a main street takes you to the central square of the historic site.

En Birgu You will see old palaces and some churches, but above all you must get lost in its narrow streets where you will see the daily atmosphere of life in Malta.

You must also climb a section of wall that surrounds the small city on the seashore to see the panoramas of Valletta and the other two cities adjacent to Birgu.

Malta War Museum in Birgu

La Second World War It was a period that has marked the history of the island of Malta.

You have to keep in mind that due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta became a prime enclave during this conflagration.

Right at the entrance of Birgu you can visit the so-called War Museum in Malta which shows what daily life was like on the island in times of said conflagration.

During the visit you will pass through an underground tunnel that served as a bomb shelter for hundreds of people who lived in the Three Cities. 

Malta Panoramic Bus Tour

La island of Malta It is very small in size, with less surface area than you might imagine.

Therefore, one way to get to and visit the main places is to sign up for the Malta panoramic bus tour with free stops.

Leaving the pier area Sliema, you can choose two routes.

La north route will take you, among other places, to Valletta pier, T'Qali, a town with artisans, Mdina, Discount y Mosta.

For its part with the south route you can reach the historic site of Valletta, Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Tarxien Temples and Gruta Azul.

You can do this excursion book in advance of your trip.

Malta Experience in Valletta

En Valletta There are numerous splendorous palaces hidden in its streets.

If you are curious to know the interior of one of them, you have the possibility of visiting the so-called Casa Rocca Piccola.

And if you want to discover in an attractive way the long history of this Mediterranean island, you can watch the multimedia presentation Malta Experience with a duration of 45 minutes.

Ferries around Valletta

I also tell you that if, as was my case, you stay in Sliema, commercial and tourist area against Valletta, the most practical thing is to cross to the capital in one of the Ferrys that link the different coastal cities.

En Sliema You must pick it up at the pier from where all the flights depart. boat trips around the island, as well as the aforementioned panoramic bus tours.

Malta Cruise Tour

Finally, I will tell you that yes you arrive in Malta by cruise, in the port of Valletta you have the maritime leisure area known as Valletta Waterfront, where restaurants and terraces are grouped.

And if you want to discover Valletta and its surroundings in a group with guide in spanish, you can sign up for this Malta Cruise Tour.