Malta's Grand Harbour by Clive Vella (Viewing Malta images by the MTA found at viewingmalta.com)

Malta joined the EU in 2004 and uses the Euro
Malta, with its strategic position in the Mediterranean, is one of the most conquered countries in history and Valletta has been controlled at various times by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Ottoman Empire, the Angevins, the Aragonese, the Knights of St. John and the British
The Italian painter Caravaggio was briefly a Knight of Malta, before he was expelled from the order and imprisoned when he injured one of the other knights in a brawl, and for generally being "a foul and rotten member"
Valletta was used as a film set for numerous movies including Munich, The Count of Monte Cristo, Gladiator and Alexander
The app: The Valletta Map and Walks app offers guided walks around the best sights in Valletta and can be downloaded from iTunes

Getting there and away

There’s only one airport in Malta in Luqa, 10kms from Valletta. There’s an airport shuttle service that drops passengers off at most of the major hotels in Valletta and across Malta from £6 one way.

Rooms at Phoenicia Hotel start from just £55 per person per night, based on two sharing on a room only basis, for advance purchase online bookings with minimum three-night stay. To book visit phoeniciamalta.com or call 0800 862 0025. AirMalta flies to Malta from Gatwick and Heathrow daily, with single fares starting from £60, excluding taxes. Visit airmalta.com to book. For more information on holidays in Malta see visitmalta.com

Words: Emma Sleight pictures: Emma Sleight and viewingmalta.com

Destination guide: Valletta