There aren’t many surviving walled cities in the world – and even fewer surrounded on three sides by water! It’s a real privilege to have the chance to stay in an original stone building in the heart of Valetta, only two streets from the Grand Harbour on one side, Marsamxett Harbour on the other, and Fort St Elmo to the north.
The apartment is close to, but a little beyond, the part of the old city most visited by tourists, in a quiet residential area with small grocers’ shops and workshops set in the deep, dark stone buildings. Sometimes you can see through the open doors that people still live and work in the same space. Other times there are glimpses of big open courtyards, hidden from view by the vast limestone walls. With the high walls and narrow streets, it was the sound of the old city coming to life that awoke us, not the sun rising.
Walk back up the hill, and you are no more than five minutes from the busy streets of shops, restaurants and sights. There are frequent foot ferries to the Three Cities on one side and on the other, Sliema, where you can also take a boat tour around the harbour or further afield, around the island or to Gozo and Comino. The bus station is no more than 15 minutes’ walk, with regular buses to all points of the island, including the airport.
The apartment itself is roomy, sleeping at least four comfortably, with separate space for cooking and eating, and relaxing.
Téona and Julien made sure we settled in, sending us top tips before we arrived, and ensuring we were able to get in and out safely. They kindly left us key supplies so we could settle in – especially valuable as we arrived on a Sunday when the shops were almost all shut.
All in all, this was a perfect base for a city break and to explore further beyond. Thank you, Téona and Julien!