the valletta vibe...

RACHEL SAYS: Malta’s 16th-century capital ( left) is beautifully elegant, with honey-coloured buildings and Baroque architecture. There are loads of sights, but take the time to explore the city – around many a corner you’ll catch sight of a fabulous view, either of a characterful street, the bustling Grand Harbour or the sparkling sea. ERICA SAYS: Take a return trip on the Barrakka lift, from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to Valletta waterfront and back. The lift is 58m high and the journey takes about 30 seconds (one way), but it’s a great way to see the grandeur of Valletta’s ancient bastions, which determine the boundaries of the city. You also get a breathtaking view of the Grand Harbour. LISA SAYS: Buy a cool drink and a ‘ ftira biz-zejt’ – the quintessential Maltese snack of sourdough bread with a mix of pickled and fresh veggies and tuna – from the kiosk outside the entrance to Lower Barakka Gardens. Enjoy them under the shade of the trees, while taking in the view of the Three Cities – the historic, fortified Senglea ( left), Vittoriosa and Cospicua – on the other side of the harbour. It’s one of my favourite spots in the capital.

ERICA SAYS: I love a fresh Basil Fawlty (a gin-based cocktail) at Cafe Society, a cool bar on the steps of the narrow St John Street in Valletta. Hip tunes, great cocktails and cool events make this tiny bar the place to be from 7pm onwards. (00 356 27 137 491). I also head to Trabuxu Bistro on Valletta’s South Street, which has a lively ambience with traditional, home-cooked cuisine accompanied by great wines (£30pp; trabuxu.com.mt). RACHEL SAYS: For gourmet dining make it The Harbour Club. Outside the walls of Valletta and by the water in a converted 18th-century warehouse, the look is coolly modern. Reserve a table outside for wonderful views of the Grand Harbour and enjoy the Med-meets-french cuisine, such as quail with braised wing of corn fed chicken, blackberries and roasted celeriac (theharbourclubmalta.com).

let’s eat & drink!