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Culture Vulture: Valetta, Malta
Tuesday 25th October 2011 | Osh
Top 5 things to check out in Valletta, Malta
Despite the winter creeping upon us, a little pick-me up in a city full of colour, culture and friendly faces shouldn’t go amiss – treat yourself to the taste of Malta’s beautiful capital, Valletta.
Barrakka Gardens
Discover Valletta’s first line of defence during the 16th century crusade in the Barrakka gardens. Consisting of an upper and lower deck, it is one of the few places the beautiful Grand Harbour can be seen from. On top of a demi-bastion and armed with a gun saluting battery, here you can experience the release of cannons at noon and ironically relax in this serene atmosphere.
The Blue Lagoon
Definitely take part in one of the boat excursions from the harbour to Comino Island. For only 25 Euros, stationing on the desolate island of Comino, take a dip in the clear sea of the Blue Lagoon and bathe on its selection of small beaches. Explore the island and its caves, if sea and sand doesn’t tickle your fancy. As well as this, the two-hour boat journey allows you to take in the breath-taking north coast of Malta, steering past the famous Island of St Pauls, the home of party central - St Julian’s bay and St George’s bay.
Traditional cheesecakes
You may be thinking a strawberry cheesecake with cream, but the Maltese are thinking flaky short-crust pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. Known as ‘Pastizzi’ in the native language, these snacks are baked when you order, in a 200-degree traditional oven. Purchase from any pizzeria shop, which is on every corner in Valletta, for just 25 cents you’ll be going back for more.
Valletta Waterfront
A new addition to the historic city is Valletta’s waterfront. Here, experience five star cruises pulling into shore while tantalising your taste buds with a range of eclectic foods, of Italian, Chinese and traditional Maltese. Early evening, do relax by the serene waters but by late-night head to the trendy bars to party the night away.
Visit the Flea Market
If you can bring yourself out of bed, do visit the Sunday morning market just outside the bus station of Valletta; filled with merchandise received from all over the world, vintage items and bargain brick-a-brac, even if you’re not purchasing it’s a must see. One of the largest markets going in Malta be sure to have your haggling brain switched on and get there early to nab yourself a great deal.
Despite the winter creeping upon us, a little pick-me up in a city full of colour, culture and friendly faces shouldn’t go amiss – treat yourself to the taste of Malta’s beautiful capital, Valletta.
Barrakka Gardens
Discover Valletta’s first line of defence during the 16th century crusade in the Barrakka gardens. Consisting of an upper and lower deck, it is one of the few places the beautiful Grand Harbour can be seen from. On top of a demi-bastion and armed with a gun saluting battery, here you can experience the release of cannons at noon and ironically relax in this serene atmosphere.
The Blue Lagoon
Definitely take part in one of the boat excursions from the harbour to Comino Island. For only 25 Euros, stationing on the desolate island of Comino, take a dip in the clear sea of the Blue Lagoon and bathe on its selection of small beaches. Explore the island and its caves, if sea and sand doesn’t tickle your fancy. As well as this, the two-hour boat journey allows you to take in the breath-taking north coast of Malta, steering past the famous Island of St Pauls, the home of party central - St Julian’s bay and St George’s bay.
Traditional cheesecakes
You may be thinking a strawberry cheesecake with cream, but the Maltese are thinking flaky short-crust pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. Known as ‘Pastizzi’ in the native language, these snacks are baked when you order, in a 200-degree traditional oven. Purchase from any pizzeria shop, which is on every corner in Valletta, for just 25 cents you’ll be going back for more.
Valletta Waterfront
A new addition to the historic city is Valletta’s waterfront. Here, experience five star cruises pulling into shore while tantalising your taste buds with a range of eclectic foods, of Italian, Chinese and traditional Maltese. Early evening, do relax by the serene waters but by late-night head to the trendy bars to party the night away.
Visit the Flea Market
If you can bring yourself out of bed, do visit the Sunday morning market just outside the bus station of Valletta; filled with merchandise received from all over the world, vintage items and bargain brick-a-brac, even if you’re not purchasing it’s a must see. One of the largest markets going in Malta be sure to have your haggling brain switched on and get there early to nab yourself a great deal.
