Coming Of Age

In the year Valletta becomes European Capital of Culture, its rich past and even richer present make it an irresistible city break destination

At this time of year, there are few daydreams more intoxicating than the thought of some early-season sun, and as a prospective destination, Malta’s capital Valletta ticks lots of boxes. Despite being just a three-hour flight from the UK and predominantly Englishspeaking, Valletta enjoys a balmy Mediterranean climate. What’s more, its status as European Capital of Culture for 2018 means a programme of more than 400 unique events celebrating its historical and cultural highlights for you to enjoy, whenever you choose to visit this year.

Musical highlights include Rock the City 2018, on 20–22 April – a special edition of the annual Rock the South, an alternative music festival now in its sixth year. Festival-goers can expect an exciting line-up of 40 local and international acts, as well as DJ sets throughout the weekend. Valletta also enjoys a thriving opera scene, and on 31 August, 2 and 4 September, Ahna Refugjati, a challenging new operatic work by Maltese composer Mario Sammut will be performed. The piece recounts the struggles of a family attempting to escape a wartorn country, and deals with the human cost of large-scale migration.