Cruise Guide
Valleta (Malta)
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Valleta (Malta) Cruise Guide

Overview

Grand Harbour is definitely the largest and perhaps also the most dramatic harbour in the Mediterranean, and makes for a wonderful entrance to Malta (for Valletta), especially by cruise ship.

Valletta was built by the Knights of St John in the late 16th century to become one of the world's most impregnable fortified cities and its glowing honey-coloured architecture and fortifications have changed little since then.

Under British rule from 1800 to 1964 and the main British Naval Base in the Mediterranean for much of that time, the island retains a very British feel complete with red telephone boxes and blue police lights. Nowhere on Malta is more than an hour by coach.

Sightseeing

The compact little capital of Valletta is a magnificent sight in itself and a walk around the city walls is recommended. Valletta is home to the majority of the island's sightseeing attractions, many of them linked to the island's fascinating military history and the Knights of St John. Malta is also famous for its Neolithic temples, the remains of which are spread throughout the island.

Highlights:
• Grand Harbour cruise: Take a cruise to see Valletta from the water, the huge dockyards, small creeks and hear the history of the island.
• Grand Master's Palace: This magnificent seat of power of the Knights of St John was used by 21 Grand Masters, from 1575 to 1798
• St John's Co-Cathedral: A Baroque extravaganza, built by the Knights of St John in 1573.
• Hypogeum: Just outside Valletta, this fascinating and very atmospheric 5,000-year-old underground temple is the first port of call for visitors exploring Malta's Neolithic past.
• Medina: The ancient island capital and one of Europe's best preserved walled medieval towns.

Tourist Information

Valletta Tourist Board 
1 City Arcades, City Gate, Valletta, Malta
Tel: (356) 212 37747.
Website: www.visitmalta.com

Shopping

Malta is not a great shopping island though there are some interesting old shops in Valletta. Look out for old-fashioned shoe shops selling top Italian footwear at very reasonable prices and small family jewellery shops which make and sell gold and silver filigree pieces on the premises (craftsmen can be seen working behind the sales counter).

Eating Out

A mix of Italian and Mediterranean restaurants with corresponding dishes predominate. Maltese restaurants are less in evidence. The ubiquitous island speciality snack is the pastizzi (a savoury pastry pocket filled with ricotta cheese and/or spinach); the national dish is fenek (rabbit).

When To Go

The hottest months are between June and early September, when temperatures often exceed 35º C (95ºF), though the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes. The best time to visit is April, May and late September. Rain falls for short periods during October to February and January to March can be quite chilly with average temperatures only around 15º C (59º F).

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Valletta.

Transfer Distance

10 minutes walk up very steep hill.

Transfer Time

1km (0.6 miles).

Key Facts

Region

Malta

Time Zone

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Currency

Euro (EUR€) = 100 cents.

Language

Maltese (a Semitic language) and English are the official languages. Italian is also widely spoken.

Location

Mediterranean, south of Sicily.

Population

6,300.

Government

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964.

Religion

91% Roman Catholic.

Social Conventions

The usual European courtesies are expected, but the visitor should also bear in mind the tremendous importance of the church; if visiting a church, modest dress covering the shoulders and legs will be expected and in some cases, enforced. Smoking is prohibited in all public places though the rule may be flouted.

Tipping: Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and guides.
Malta is a popular port of call for Costa Cruises Mediterranean itineraries. For expert advice and the latest cruise deals visit Iglucruise.com.
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