Valletta, Malta

Valletta boasts a rich history with historical treasures on the corner of every winding cobblestoned street. But this is also a modern European capital with great shopping by day and entertainment nearby at night.

With the city set to take to the world stage as the European Capital of Culture for 2018, the city is enjoying a makeover, with many of its beautiful old buildings being restored and revamped. If you like having everything on your doorstep, a lot to see and do, then Valletta is for you.

Malta  is the main island of the country group, and home to the country’s capital, Valletta. To drive from Valletta to the furthest coast on the opposite side of the island takes only 45 minutes.

Much of the historical center of Valletta closes down quite early, and most of the nightlife is focused around the popular tourist destinations of Sliema and St. Julian’s Bay.

While not the prettiest parts of the country (many of the old buildings you find elsewhere have been replaced by modern developments), if you’re looking for lively, this is where it’s at. Bars, restaurants, and other eateries run right along the coast here.

Paceville, meanwhile, comes alive at night and is the main location for nightclubs and bars for the under-30 group who stream off flights on packaged holidays in high season.