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Things to do in Valletta

Clamber up and abseil down Malta's rocky terrain

There are several climbing routes in Malta, thanks to its rocky terrain and sheer cliffs, with abseiling also widely practiced. Malta Rock Climbing Club (tel: +356 9947 0377; www.climbmalta.com) offers advice on everything from sports climbs to bouldering; for equipment hire, try MC Adventure (www.mcadventure.com.mt).

Enjoy the magical Mdina

Take bus 51, 52 or 53 just outside the city wall of Valletta to Mdina. Journey time is about 30 minutes. Like Valletta, Mdina is a fortified city and was once the island's capital. Enter the city and walk pass the tourist office, go left and make your way to St Paul's cathedral, then continue to Bastion Square which offers panoramic views.

Explore an abandoned film set

Popeye’s Village (www.popeyemalta.com) could have stood as a temple to the film industry’s wastefulness - here, local villagers repurposed the abandoned set into a theme park. Less than 40 minutes from Valletta, the seaside attraction is far more enjoyable than a can of spinach.

Hike to explore the island's gentler side

From Valletta, there are an excellent selection of day hikes to Mellieħa, Dingli, Fawwara and Wardija, and the tranquil southern coast with its fishing villages and Delimara Point. Walk between November and May when the island is at its greenest and fields are carpeted with fennel, clover and wild iris.

Sail to the island's most secluded coves

A profusion of bays and secluded coves combined with a moderate climate and reliable winds means Malta is a sailor's paradise. Several companies offer bareboat charters to experienced sailors whilst a skippered Malta Boat Charter (tel: +356 9988 3250; www.maltaboatcharter.com) allows passengers to relax and enjoy the sea air.

Take a boat tour around Grand Harbour

To appreciate Valletta, take a boat tour around the Grand Harbour, one of the world's deepest natural harbours, and see the vital role it plays to Malta's history and economy. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry to Three Cities.

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Valletta: an island-wide festa

2018 is the year to visit Valletta as the city celebrates its tenure as this year’s European Capital of Culture with gusto and awesome programs

City Highlight: Valletta

A well-preserved fortified city with magnificent sea views and profound history, Valletta is an ideal city-break holiday destination in Europe

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Featured Hotels

Castille Hotel

Originally built as a home for the influential De Robertis family at the turn of the 16th century, Captain Giacomo De Robertis, a Bolognese, then passed the building on to the Testaferrata family and later to the Marquis Cassar Desain. The building is now a hotel with a sitting room, reading lounges on all floors and a coffee shop which formerly housed the stables. There are also two restaurants, serving local and global cuisine.

Maison La Vallette

This eccentrically-designed self catering luxury town house is situated in the old part of Valletta and dates back to the Knights of Malta. The house offers a large, air-conditioned bedroom with ensuite facilities, living room and separate kitchen. The decor is a mix of Maltese-style baroque and bespoke designer furniture. This is not your standard accommodation but it's memorable and suitably romantic.

Marco Polo Hostel

Bright, colourful and hipster-cool, this hostel in the heart of St Julian also offers bike hire, free Wi-Fi, and the views from its roof top terraces are glorious.

Hilton Malta

A huge palm-filled atrium, a grand piano in the lounge, a platoon of flunkies, a choice of five excellent restaurants, three bars and 410 bedrooms with every comfort known to man - Brad Pitt liked it so much he offered to buy it, just so that he could extend the bar hours. Located in the prestigious Portomaso waterfront in buzzing st Julian's, this is the place to stay if you want to be close to the heart of the action.

La Falconeria

This 4-star hotel is delightful. The rooms are modern and clean and the service is excellent. The onsite restaurant L’Artiglio serves up superb seasonal dishes. Triq Ir-Repubblika (Republic Street) is just a short walk away and so are attractions like the National Museum of Archaeology.

Hotel Juliani

Hotel Juliani is Malta's first boutique hotel, featuring lots of designer style and an excellent restaurant on the premises. The former seafront townhouse offers 44 rooms offering contemporary Med decor. It's also conveniently located for the nightlife and restaurants of St Julian's, on pretty (albeit very busy) Spinola Bay.

Introducing Valletta

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