Valletta

Golden hued beauty abounds in Valletta, the capital of Malta. When UNESCO bestowed World Heritage Site status upon the city it described Valletta as ‘one of most concentrated historic areas in the world’. Indeed Valletta, since its founding in 1524 by the Order of Saint John, has played an important role in European history, perhaps best known for repelling the Ottomans at the Siege of Malta. The siege paved the way for the construction of the magnificent fort structures that now dominate the city. Awash with charm and heritage, it’s hard not to be swept away by the majesty of the place. The city sprawls out over a couple of peninsulas, but the best places to stay in Valletta are in the heart of the old town.