The tiny Maltese capital

Size doesn't matter, damn it! I've told myself this so many times I've actually come to believe it. But there are times when my personal delusions prove true. The smallest capital in Europe (if excluding the Vatican) is Valletta, the capital of Malta. With something like 7,000 inhabitants and small enough to walk across in under 10 minutes, the capital is indeed wee. But that just makes everything easier to see with those on serious time restraints.

From the sea, Valletta is wonderfully imposing. Rocketing out of the waves with tower city walls it makes for magnificent photos. The 16th century building are best scene from Silema, Maltas shopping and nightlife centre across the bay. The wonderful cathedrals and such reflecting in the water. But once in the city itself, i found it a little disappointing. There's certainly plenty to see. Being a rather religiously conservative country, the numerous churches scattered around the capital are lovely. However, how many churches does one need to see in one's lifetime. And besides, you need to pay an entrance fee for some of them. There are also numerous little museum and what-have-you, but at several Euros each, they price of the city can really add up. I have often just been content getting lost in these types of places, but even that isn't terribly rewarding in Valletta. The buildings are quite high and tend to block out any sunshine, leaving the narrow streets dark and cold (although a godsend in the summer). But with a nearly anal retentive city planning, the streets typically follow a grid pattern making it nearly impossible to get lost.

It ain't all bad. There are a few lovely things to do for free. There are two quaint parks, the upper and lower Barrakka gardens, which are completely free of charge. Originally built for private use of the knights, now anyone can enjoy the view over to the lovely 3 cities. The Siege Bell war memorial commemorates the victory of the Allied forces
during the Second Siege of Malta from 1940-1943. Although the quirky little sign warning of the 12 o'clock sounding was misleading as no bell could be heard at noon. And it certainly a good place to pick up souvenirs as every other shop seems to specialize in them.

The great news is that getting here couldn't be easier. If the saying goes "all roads lead to Rome" then in Malta it is certainly true that all roads lead to Valletta. The central Valletta terminal is THE place to grab a cheap bus to anywhere on the island. Just be sure to pick up a schedule and route map as the many drivers are not the friendliest. Although i too would get tired of constantly explain the transit system to tourists. Getting to and from the airport is a piece of cake as bus #8 does the route (you need to pay more for your baggage). But the ferry terminal is sadly not connected well. Valletta is not a bad city, on the contrary it's quite cute. But it lack a certain WOW factor i expected. The seaside shot is a pretty one, but frankly, that's about it.