This is post 8/9 in our Malta series.
Malta’s focal point is its capital city, Valletta. The small city is a fantastic place to stay whilst you’re on the island. There’s a great range of accommodation and everything you’d want to do is within easy reach. Therefore, due to popular request, we have devised a one day tour itinerary for a driving tour of Valletta and the surrounding area. If you are worried about driving on the island, check out our Malta driving guide and read our guide for choosing the right car for your trip.
Due to Malta’s position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea it has been a strategic point throughout history. This has led to a multitude of ancient sites to explore and the island is almost like one giant museum. Don’t let this fool you though, there’s also a thriving modern culture on the island.
Valletta
It would be absurd to not recommend that you spend some time exploring Valletta itself before getting in your car to experience the surrounding area. The city is only small but it packs in lots of incredible sights.
Right in the heart of the city is St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is a good place to start your day. Although the building has a modest exterior, the ornate interior is the complete opposite. The entrance fee includes an audio tour, which is great for giving you an insight into the fantastic features of this beautiful building. The tour will take you through the main cathedral and chapels into the Oratory, where there are various works of art including Carvaggio’s The Beheading of St. John.
After a stroll round the waterside there is time for a stop off in the main square. There are some great cafés here and you can have a morning snack whilst looking at the Grandmaster’s Palace. The Palace is a great place to visit if you have time and there are some fascinating exhibits, including the Armoury and The Throne Room.
Driving tour of Valletta – The Three Cities
A 20 minute drive round the beautiful Grand Harbour will bring you to Vittoriosa. Also known as Il-Birgu, it is one of The Three Cities and is a must see before you head off. The perfect azure water means that it’s all too easy to sit for hours looking across at Valletta, however, you must make sure you visit Fort St. Angelo. The fort sits at the end of a headland jutting out into the middle of the harbour and has fantastic vistas from the top.
The other two members of The Three Cities are located only a stone’s throw away. On the next peninsular you will find Senglea, which is visible from Fort St. Angelo. Additionally, on the section linking Vittoriosa and Senglea you will find the third city, Cospicua. Both of these cities are small charming places where you could happily spend some time, and there are some particular tourist highlights. The Save Haven Gardens in Senglea and the Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception in Cospicua are both definitely worth a visit if you have time.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeon
A short 10 minute drive south of Vittoriosa leads you to one of the must see attractions on the island. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeon is a huge megalithic underground necropolis, which is estimated to house tombs of over 7000 people. Although it is a morbid idea, a visit to the hypogeon is exciting and captivating.
There are various levels, passages and chambers within the hypogeon and exploring them is where the intrigue lies. There are some decorative carvings on display and you can gain an insight into the building techniques that were used during its construction. For anyone wanting to experience Malta’s ancient past, this is a must!
Bugibba
Although we have not covered many miles in the car we have packed in lots of Malta’s cultural heritage. However, the other major reason why tourists visit the island is for the beautiful scenery, and in particular the beaches. To the north of Valletta is a fantastic scenic drive. The main road travels through the towns of St. Julian’s and Bahar Ic-Caghaq before hugging the beautiful coastline and giving you incredible views of the golden beaches. The road will take you all the way to Bugibba after 30 minutes’ driving.
Bugibba is a popular coastal resort and it comes to life after the sun goes down. As a result, you should stop here to eat your evening meal before heading back to Valletta. The vibrant atmosphere, fantastic views and delicious food will make for a perfect evening.
Due to Malta’s size it is the perfect place to explore independently in your hire car. There are lots of things to do so make sure you check out our guide to Malta’s best beaches.
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