Named after the knight who masterminded Malta's successful stand against the Turkish siege of 1565, Valletta became the city of the Knights of the Order of St John and the seat of Malta's government. While travelling through the Mediterranean, Sir Walter Scott described Valletta as 'the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen'. Today it's a beautifully preserved 16th-century walled city, small enough to cover in a few hours without sweating too much in the Mediterranean sun. In fact, the streets were carefully laid out to channel cool breezes in from the harbour.

Valletta is Malta's impressive, heavily fortified capital, built from the mid-1500s. Within its 2 mls of ramparts lies a compact nucleus of high, venerable, solid, stone-built structures dating mainly from the centuries that the city was the dominion of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, a religious and military order. A grid of straight, mostly narrow streets marks its centre, which is all but off limits to motor vehicles. Awaiting the visitor is a wealth of history, palaces and churches alongside bright, modern shops and cafes; a serene, friendly, traditional air prevails, with foreign tourists enjoying themselves along with the locals. A bustling commercial centre on weekdays, the old city slumbers at night and on Sundays.

Upmarket and middlemarket adults, especially those interested in history.

Mainly small character hotels in converted town houses and palazzos; some larger, more modern hotels outside the city.

No beach. Swimming from flat rocks in Sliema, 5 mls away.

A wide choice, from small boutiques to department stores. Fine-quality gold and silver jewellery are good buys. Daily covered food market and open-air street market.

Daytime: historic and cultural sites, including the Grand Master's palace; St John's co-cathedral and museum; outstanding views of the Grand Harbour from Upper and Lower Barracca Gardens; a great many churches; and 16th-century Fort St Elmo. Nightlife: a theatre and cinemas.

Cafes, burger bars and a few good restaurants.

Regular buses to every destination (these often lack air conditioning, which can make for uncomfortable journeys in summer). Ferries to Sliema.

Cruises to creeks, harbours and fortifications. Island of Gozo, including Ggantija temples, the Citadel and fishing villages. Blue Grotto - boat trip inside sea caves with bright, clear water. Mdina - fortified medieval city, with catacombs just outside. Prehistoric temples and cave. Boat trip to Comino, a tiny island, with picnic and swimming. Full-day cruise around the Maltese Islands.

On the NE coast, 6 mls from the airport.

A high, thin peninsula dominating and dividing the twin natural harbours. Steeper on the E side.

Website: www.visitmalta.com

Airport : Luqa
Airport Code: MLA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 3 hrs