Valletta Holidays

Spreading out for around one square kilometre, Valletta takes the cake as Europe's smallest capital city. There's a load of history and culture packed into the petite streets in this part of Malta – get your fill of breathtaking buildings, such as the Parliament and Opera House, as well as two sparkling harbours. Shopaholics can also peruse the goods at the open-air Merchant Street market.

A 20-minute bus ride takes you to the walled city of Mdina, where you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to culture. Watch the sunset over the historic spires of St Paul's Cathedral, get to know Malta's plants and animals at the Natural History Museum or head below ground to the Mdina Dungeons Museum.

When you're not soaking up the culture, Valletta's got loads of ways to chill out. Wander through the verdant Barrakka Gardens, then finish the day by tucking into local cuisine at the Is Suq food market. The island's bays have lounging locked down – Malta's biggest golden beach is in Mellieha, only a 30-minute bus ride away.