The most musical island in the Med!
Malta is perfect for a cultural city break this winter
WITH a non-stop roster of fabulous music events, lovely Valletta is having quite a moment as the 2018 joint European Capital of Culture.
The magical festivities are spilling into the streets almost daily, with open-air performances and digital projections onto the city’s unrivalled collection of historic buildings.
And the hip revelries are set to pick up a new, more classical note through the coming months, making this sunniest of Mediterranean isles a perfect winter city break destination for anyone who loves warm weather, great food, music and culture.
Head to balmy Malta for autumn and winter festivals featuring everything from baroque ensembles to Christmassy choirs.
Not forgetting the closing spectacle of Valletta 2018, celebrating the archipelago’s programme of incredible events with the same energy and love that’s gone into the whole of this special year.
Malta is made up of three main islands — Malta, Comino and Gozo — each blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and packed with eye-popping historic wonders.
The capital’s stunning collection of baroque churches, palazzos and fortifications has deservedly won Unesco world heritage status, and is easy to explore on foot.
The Maltese are welcoming and gracious hosts — and just about everyone speaks English. What’s more, the food is excellent and great value, whether you are lunching on palazzo terraces or dining on seafood by the trendy harbourside.
Just a three-and-a-quarter hour flight away, the Maltese Islands are also an LGBT-friendly destination, awarded first place on the Europe Rainbow Index for the last three years.
In this jewel of a capital, 16th-century townhouses have been transformed into boutique hotels, while onceinfamous Strait Street (top right) has evolved into a sophisticated nightlife hub. Its cosy bars, eateries and music venues have been collaborating on live shows and street theatre — part of an ambitious vision that has created one of the Med’s most exciting arts cities.
Add to this some striking modern architecture — the elegant Parliament building and City Gate, designed by the creator of London landmark The Shard, Italian architect Renzo Piano — and there is a cool new vibe that’s seen Valletta soar to the top of the city break list.