Valletta

[[file:Valletta banner View from Senglea - unesco=yes|otbp=yes}}

Valletta or Il-Belt is the capital of Malta. It is both the southernmost and the least populated national capital in the European Union and one of only two without rail based public transit (the other being Nicosia).

Valletta Halal Travel Guide

A harbour city, Valletta preserves much of its 16th-century architectural legacy built under the Hospitallers. Valletta was one of the earliest sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Referred to colloquially as Il-Belt ("The City"), it takes its name from its founder, Grandmaster Jean Parisot de Valette.

Valletta was a " European Capital of Culture]" for 2023, an honour it shared with Leeuwarden.

How is the Climate in Valletta

{{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =15.2 | febhigh =15.5 | marhigh =16.7 | aprhigh =19.1 | mayhigh =23.3 | junhigh =27.5 | julhigh =30.7 | aughigh =30.7 | sephigh =28.0 | octhigh =24.2 | novhigh =20.1 | dechigh =16.7 | janlow =9.2 | feblow =9.3 | marlow =10.1 | aprlow =11.9 | maylow =14.9 | junlow =18.4 | jullow =21.0 | auglow =21.8 | seplow =20.1 | octlow =17.1 | novlow =13.9 | declow =11.0 | janprecip =89 | febprecip =61 | marprecip =41 | aprprecip =23 | mayprecip =7 | junprecip =3 | julprecip =0 | augprecip =7 | sepprecip =40 | octprecip =90 | novprecip =80 | decprecip =112 | description = Source: w:Valetta#Climate|Wikipedia. Visit weather.com/en/mt/valletta/233779/daily-weather-forecast/233779 AccuWeather for a five-day forecast.

The southernmost national capital in Europe, and sitting next to the Mediterranean, Valletta is one of the few places in Europe that has mild and warm weather around the year. Nighttime lows are around +10°C in the winter, however at that time of the year it's comparatively rainy. During the summer, expect sunny and hot weather.

Travel as a Muslim to Valletta

Stadtbefestigung Valetta - Valletta city walls

By car

Most bus routes and many arterial roads converge on Valletta. However, inside the city there are many one-way streets and some pedestrian zones. Parking can be difficult. There is a large multi-storey vehicle park in Floriana, about half a kilometre from the City Gate entrance to Valletta.

Travel on a Bus in Valletta

In front of the main gate of Valletta is the main bus station GPS 35.8940, 14.5088 for the entire island, rather than en/route-map buslines covering the island in a grid, most of them spread out from here and return to here.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Valletta

Valletta Sliema - Valletta from Sliema

For those opting not to fly to Malta, Virtu Ferries runs ferries from Pozzallo and Catania on the island of Sicily, Italy.

A much shorter journey can be done by Valletta Ferry Services across beautiful Marsamxett harbour from Sliema and past Manoel Island, for just €2.90. Considerably cheaper then paying for an harbour cruise.

Another little-known way is to visit Vittoriosa by bus and then have the Maltese version of the gondola and the so called Dghajsa bring you back in style across the spectacular Grand Harbour to Valletta, and drop you off just by Victoria gate for €3.50.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Valletta

The island's sole airport is

• Malta International Airport IATA Code: The airport is the main hub for flag carrier Air Malta and a base for Ryanair with numerous flights all around Europe and the Mediterranean countries. The airport is also served seasonally by numerous European airlines from their respective hubs, but increasingly flights are available year-round

• The bus runs from the airport to Valletta, with generally two buses per hour which takes around 20 minutes, costing €4.00 in summer.

How to get around in Valletta

The Valletta peninsula is only a couple of kilometers in length and so the ideal way is to do everything on foot, which enables you to take many shortcuts via stairs. However and the city is built on a ridge, and is steep in parts (requiring walking up and down stairs in some places), which can be tiring. The alternative would be doing it by vehicle which is not ideal for visitors due to lack of parking space, direction signs and the fact that the streets are very narrow, often one way and confusing if unfamiliar. Most of the main tourist attractions are along the main street (Triq ir-Republika) which does not involve steep hills.

Another possibility is to rent one of the horsecarts (Karozzin), but be sure to negotiate over the price.

Best way to travel in Valletta by a Taxi

• A fleet of electric min-cabs operate during the daytime in Valletta, with a maximum fare of €5.00.

Travel on a Bus in Valletta

Bus route 133 operates a circular path around Valletta, departing from the bus terminus going round the peninsula including the Valletta Waterfront, Fort St. Elmo and many other locations. However, since most of Valletta is better accessible on foot, it may be advised to use this bus only to visit a particular location rather than for general sightseeing.

By lift

• Barrakka Lift - A two-cabin lift between the waterfront and the main city level, taking 23 seconds to cover 58 m.

Islam in Malta

Malta - Paola - Triq Kordin - Mosque 07 ies - Malta - Paola - Triq Kordin - Mosque

Islam in Malta has had a historically profound influence upon the nation—especially its language and agriculture—as a consequence of several centuries of control and presence on the islands. Today and the main Muslim organizations represented in Malta are the Libyan World Islamic Call Society and the minority Ahmadiyya.

In modern times, Malta's unique culture has enabled it to serve as Europe's "bridge" to the Arab cultures and economies of North Africa.

After independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, Libya became an important ally of socialist Maltese leader Dom Mintoff. History books were published that began to spread the idea of a disconnection between the Italian and Catholic populations, and instead tried to promote the theory of closer cultural and ethnic ties with North Africa. This new development was noted by Boissevain in 1991:

...the Labour government broke off relations with NATO and sought links with the Arab world. After 900 years of being linked to Europe, Malta began to look southward. Muslims, still remembered in folklore for savage pirate attacks, were redefined as blood brothers.

Malta and Libya also entered into a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, in response to repeated overtures by Gaddafi for a closer, more formal union between the two countries; and, for a brief period, Arabic had become a compulsory subject in Maltese secondary schools.

The Islamic Centre of Paola, was founded in 1978 by the World Islamic Call Society, together with a Muslim school called the Maryam al-Batool school. In 1984 the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque was officially opened by Muammar Gaddafi in Malta, two years after its completion.

Mario Farrugia Borg, later part of the personal office of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, was the first Maltese public officer to take an oath on the Koran when co-opted into the Qormi local council in 1998.

In 2003, of the estimated 3,000 Muslims in Malta, roughly 2,250 were foreigners, roughly 600 were naturalised citizens, and roughly 150 were native-born Maltese.

By 2010 and there were roughly 6,000 Muslims in Malta—most of whom are Sunni and foreigners and it is estimated that by 2022 the number of Muslims increased to around 10,000.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Malta

With over 5,500 Muslims in Malta, Muslims looking for Halal food will be able to locate a variety of restaurants, most of which are located in Valetta. Cuisines ranging from Moroccan, (Turkish), North African, Indian and Italian, to traditional Maltese, can be found at the several Halal restaurants found here. Some of these restaurants include:

• Moo's Kebab Turkish Restaurant Fast Food, Mediterranean
• Ali Baba Lebanese, Mediterranean
• Kebab ji
• Falafel Street - “Great shawarma at a great price”
• Kebab Factory Qawra “Great Take Away experience” “Very decent”
• Nargile Lounge
• Sultan - Halal Kebab and pizza “Best Lamb & Chicken Kebab On The Island...”
• House Of Spice “Tasty Indian food - British family from Yorkshire”

What to see in Valletta

St Johns Co-cathedral Valletta Malta 2014 5 - Street Johns Co-cathedral

In debatable order of importance:

• St. John's Co Gothic Church - Unremarkable from the outside, but incredibly ornate on the inside. Each of the different 'langues' (knights of a particular nationality had their own langue) has a their own chapel lined along the side of the nave in which they try and outdo each other in splendor. The barrel shaped ceiling is a single huge fresco and the lifework of famed artist Mattia Preti. And last but not least the floor is entirely taken by knight's graves all intricately inlaid marble in different colours, a recent book on the subject describes it as the 'most beautiful floor in the world.' This relatively unknown cathedral can count itself one of the most impressive in Europe. Open 9:30AM and 4:30PM on weekdays and 9:30AM and 12:30PM on Saturdays. Entrance is through the Carappechia Annex on Republic Street in between Street John's Street and Street Lucy Street, directly opposite the Law Courts. As soon as you enter you will be provided with an audio guide included in the entrance fee which leads you through the cathedral in 24 stops enabling you to get further historical information about the paintings and special parts of St. John’s Co-Gothic Church.

• The Gothic Church Museum - Holds two works by Caravaggio who was briefly himself a Knight, one of them being his masterpiece the famous huge "Beheading of St. John the Baptist."

• Palace of the Grand Masters - Now it is the President's office and the Maltese parliament. The staterooms, when accessible are quite impressive. It also houses the Knights' armoury which is open to visitors daily from 09:00-17:00. (However, all other parts of the palace are closed to visitors, so what they can see is limited.) At the entrance you can receive an audio guide which is included in the entrance fee. It provides you with further historical information about the various armoury of different eras beginning from the medieval chain mail up to the 17th-century armour.

• The Malta Experience - Despite not being affordable visitors who have any interest in culture or history and who haven't exhaustively read up on the nation before coming here would do well by starting their visit to Malta by going here as it is an excellent introduction to the nation. It gives an impression of major events that shaped the nation, but as it's only half an hour long and meant for first-time visitors one shouldn't expect an in-depth dry scholarly treatment of the subject.

• The Upper Barrakka Gardens - The gardens offer a jaw-dropping view of the Grand Harbour. Go on a sunny day and bring champagne!

• The National Museum of Archaeology - Even though Malta has an impressive and unique ancient history, this museum housed in the former Auberge de Provence in Republic street can be rather a disappointment. The museum is partially being renovated hopefully bringing something more worthy of its name.

Fort St. Elmo, Valletta - panoramio - Fort St. Elmo

• Fort St. Elmo - National War Museum | Built at the tip of the peninsula by the knights after the Dragut Raid of 1551. During the Great Siege of 1565 the Turks made the mistake of choosing to first take this fort, for which they had planned a week. Instead the knights and soldiers present fought desperately for a month, buying crucial time. The knights in the fort knew they were fighting to the death, and so rather than being taken off the ramparts when wounded, knights would fight on seated in chairs until they couldn't even lift their arms anymore. Today the fort houses the National War Museum and the Police Academy. The National War Museum is mainly focussed on World Wars 1 and 2, but covers the period from the Bronze age onwards.

• Fortifications of Valletta - The imposing defence walls and ramparts at the entrance to Valletta built by the Knights in the late 16th century are interesting to explore.

• The National Library - Bibliotheca | An evocative old library on Republic Plaza, next to the Grandmaster's Palace. Only part of it is open to the public: you will need to take a passport or other photo ID to get in. The entire archives of the Knights of St. John from the Crusades in the 11th century until 1798 when Napoleon took Malta, are kept here, in true Maltese style in rickety wooden filing cabinets. They were proud to mention that recently a sprinkler system had been installed to protect this priceless collection.

• The Sacra Infermeria - Mediterranean Conference Centre | The great hospital built by the knights in the 16th century, open to everyone, it had the highest level of healthcare available in Europe at the time. It was mostly destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt and now functions as a conference centre. It is commonly open to the public.

• The Casa Rocca Piccola - A Maltese Noble Family House on Triq ir-Republika, a few hundred yards past the Grand Master's Palace on the right hand side. Very enjoyable.

• St. James Cavalier - A fortress opposite the Auberge of Castille (today the Prime Minister's office) which was built as part of the elaborate defence systems of Valletta. Today it houses a 'Centre for Creativity', with its own theatre, cinema, music room and exhibition halls. Its twin, St. John Cavalier, is the embassy of the Knights of St. John who are, like the Vatican, recognised by several countries as a sovereign entity.

• Hal Saflieni Hypogeum - The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a subterranean structure excavated c. 2500 B.C. Thought to be originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times. It is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world. To ensure its conservation and the site’s microclimate is strictly regulated. For this reason and the site is open to a maximum of 80 visitors each day. Each tour is limited to ten visitors. A tour of the site starts with a brief introductory exhibition and multilingual audio-visual film focusing on the temple building peoples and the Hypogeum’s relationship to Malta’s temple sites. Booking in advance on the Heritage Malta website is highly advised. If unable to book in advance, tickets for lal-tours/ tours the next day at 12:00pm and 4:00pm are sold at the Valletta Museum of Fine Arts the day prior. They are sold at a first come, first serve basis. Depending on the season, lining up prior to the opening of the museum is a necessity for purchasing tickets. Plan on lining up anywhere from half an hour to an hour and a half in advance to ensure ticket purchases.

• Tarxien Temples - This site, dating from 3600 to 2500 BC, is the most complex of all temple sites in Malta and consists of four megalithic structures.

• Lascaris War Rooms - Underground complex which was used as the British HQ during the defence of Malta in World War II.

• Street Paul's Pro-Gothic Church - Anglican cathedral built in 1844, with memorials to the World War 2 defence of Malta.

• Malta Postal Museum - Museum run by Maltapost, including a working post office.

• City Gate - Porta di terra | The fifth incarnation of the main entrance to the city was built between 2011 and 2014 to design of the Italian architect Renzo Piano. The first gate on this site was built in 1569.

• Parliament House - Malta Parliament building built between 2011 and 2015 at a cost of €90 million to a design by Renzo Piano. The building's design of two large stone blocks on stilts is controversial, but it has low emissions with solar panels on the roof. Public access to the building is restricted.

What to do in Valletta

Valletta-misrah-san-gorg-st-george-s-square - Street George's Plaza Valletta Saluting battery Malta 2014 7 - Saluting Battery Saluting battery and Grand Harbour in Valletta - View from Upper Barrakka Gardens

• Coastal Walk - You can take a spectacular walk along the sea around the outside of the city walls. If you go to the mooring place where the ferry for Sliema leaves and there is the possibility to walk over the rocks towards the tip of the peninsula and then around it coming back up into the city just next to the Malta Experience. This walk takes about 30 minutes and is done by virtually no-one.

• Street George's Plaza - at night in Street George's Plaza and there is a lovely water fountain, with coloured spouts of water which pop up and down - a fantastic play opportunity for children. They will get wet, so don't let them go near if they are wearing their best clothing. Great fun for kids.

• Audio Guide - To get further historical information about the numerous places of interest through Valletta it can be useful to get an audio guide. It is available in different languages from the Archeology Museum in Republic Street. You can choose independently from the 24 stops and it is not necessary to follow the given order. Stops can easily be skipped or visited in another sequence when tired or full of the new information.

• Saluting Battery - A gun is fired twice daily, at 12:00 and 16:00.

• Manoel Theatre - Maltese: It-Teatru Manoel | Is 'La Scala' in miniature, a very beautiful 17th-century theatre in original state. One of the oldest active theaters in Europe, it is the place for many classical music performances but also for instance the hilarious Christmas Panto. Old Theatre St, ☎ 356/22-26-18.

• Pjazza Teatru Rjal - Open Air Theatre | Open theatre on the site of the former Royal Opera House which was destroyed by a bomb in 1942. The outdoor theatre was designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 2013.
• Valletta International Baroque Festival - Festival of baroque music concerts and operas.

Study in Valletta

Several of the Maltese English language institutes are in Valletta.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Valletta

The main street of Valletta is Republic street, a busy pedestrian zone leading down the middle of the Peninsula from the main gate down to Republic square, this is where many of the better shops are located, although it cannot quite compete with Sliema for clothing.

The best souvenir shop (the least worthless trinkets etc.) can be found at the Malta experience, but there are many other reasonable souvenir shops in Valletta. At the beginning of the Republic street there are several reasonable souvenir shops but prices are far cheaper if you walk 20 meters down South street (turn left if you have the bus station behind you) which crosses Republic street very soon after you have entered through the city gates.

• Agenda Bookshop - The best bookshop of Malta is definitely the one formerly known as Sapienzas on Republic street but can be a bit more expensive.

There is a daily market selling affordable clothing in the parallel street to Republic street called Triq il-Merkanti, or Merchants street.

• Farmers MarketEvery Sunday there's a market in front of St. James Cavalier, with local food products and textiles.
• Fish Market Every morning you can buy fresh fish next to the the Castillan Curtains.
• Malta Government's Crafts Centre At Malta Government's Crafts Centre local handicrafts are presented, and while you can't buy them there, at the centre they will inform you where the individual objects can be purchased.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Valletta

Valletta - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Valletta, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Valletta. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Valletta and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Valletta. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Valletta. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inValletta: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Valletta.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Valletta: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Valletta, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Valletta.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Valletta, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Valletta, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Valletta and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Valletta, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Valletta, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Valletta without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Valletta is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Valletta.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Valletta is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Valletta, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Valletta Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Valletta

eHalal Group Valletta is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Valletta. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Valletta.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Valletta ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Valletta. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Valletta, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Valletta are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Malta 270915 Valletta 06 - Ships passing the Saluting Battery

Visit https://hotels.ehalal.io for a full list of hotels and prices in Malta

In Valletta proper, accommodation is rather expensive with nights at midrange hotels often costing €150-200 even in the low season. If you don't want to spend too much of your travel budget on the place to sleep, consider staying in one of the surrounding towns where rates are much lower.

• British Hotel - Friendly two-star. Has fantastic staff and a really cool bar with one of the best views in Valletta.

• Valletta G-House - Artist's private townhouse, sleeps two. Large bedroom with striking floor tiles and traditional 'galleria', rustic kitchen with all mod-cons and lounge.

• Valletta Suites - Boutique hotel with 3 self-contained suites within a 17th-century townhouseː Maison La Vallette, Valletta Nobile and Lucia Nova.

• De Vilhena - Right in the heart of Valletta, with 22 upscale rooms. Visitors complain about noise, and the fact that breakfast isn't served at the hotel itself.

• Casa Ellul - 4-star boutique hotel on a quiet street in central Valletta. Has eight suites (most with balconies) ranged around a central courtyard, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.

• Grand Hotel Excelsior - 5-star hotel set in 16th-century ramparts

• The Phoenicia - 5-star luxury Art-Deco hotel just outside of the main gate.

• Palazzo Consiglia - Boutique hotel with 13 rooms, each room individually designed. Rooms have the amenities one can expect at an upscale hotel including tv, bathroom, Minibar with alcohol removed, hairdryer, coffeemaker, free wi-fi. The hotel also has a wellness area and swimmingpool.

• Osborne Hotel - 3-star hotel in a converted palace.

• The Saint John - AX Hotels - Chain hotel in a historic building. Rooms have the amenities one can expect at a 'luxury' hotel.

Stay Safe

Most of the usual petty crime that travelers are confronted with happens in Sliema and Street Julians, but it's something to keep in mind.

Telecommunications in Valletta

Many businesses (restaurants, hotels etc.) offer free Wi-Fi, in addition to the "Free Wi-Fi" zones that exist around Malta. The country has several mobile carriers and your phone will work just like elsewhere in Europe.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Valletta

Almost all of Malta's bus routes start from the large roundabout just outside the main gate, making everywhere in the nation accessible.

There is also the ferry which goes to Sliema, across the bay to the northwest. Sliema and St. Julian's further northwest are more modern towns and unlike Valletta more geared towards nightlife and partying.

• Mdina
• Gozo

Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but two more can be found in the suburb of Tarxien, in the form of the Megalithic Temples and the Hypogeum

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