Malta tourist information.
Malta, an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and the North African coast. Malta is surrounded by clear blue waters, some of the cleanest in the Mediterranean, and is much enjoyed by visiting swimmers, snorkellers and divers. The Maltese archipelago includes Gozo, Comino, Cominotto and Filfla. Malta offers cool cafes, buzzing nightclubs, exhilarating activities and amazing archaeological wonders, whatever the time of year.
Malta is also known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, French and British. Malta has bags of character at every turn, with secluded bays, medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to 3600 B.C.E.
Valletta, the capital of Malta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, a French nobleman who was Grand Master of the Order of St. John and leader of the defenders during the Turkish siege of Malta in 1565. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site for the massive number of historical buildings found in a tiny space. Valletta prides itself on its magnificent Baroque palaces, piazzas, gardens and churches. The Magisterial Palace, built between 1571 and 1574, now houses the Maltese Parliament and offices of the President of Malta.
Cruise ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront, about halfway of the harbor, southwest of the historic city. Several ships can dock at the same time, so sometimes you’re a little closer to or further from the center. The center of Valletta is located in the upper part about 1 kilometer from the cruise port. You can easily walk there, but keep in mind the steep slopes. Some cruise passengers opt for an excursion to Mdina, on the center of the island.
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