This picturesque city full of history has been named the most beautiful “hidden gem” in Europe.
The experts at Italki have analysed city safety scores, the number of landmarks, the number of things to do, the number of restaurants and the average summer temperature to reveal Europe’s best-hidden gems for a unique travel experience.
The beautiful city of Valletta, in Malta, received the highest score with 9.3 out of 10.
Malta’s summers are long and have very little rainfall with temperatures averaging around 28C to 32C in June, according to the Met Office.
The Maltese city ranks consistently across all categories and is packed with historical and cultural significance.
With 82 landmarks and 820 things to do, Valetta is a great holiday spot for tourists looking for an adventure with less crowds.
There are also plenty of dining options available for hungry travellers, with a total of 1,608 restaurants, which can be enjoyed in sunny Mediterranean temperatures.
Valletta, one of Europe’s smallest capitals, is a treasure trove of historical sites. In fact, the entire city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, it was astonishingly constructed within a span of just 15 years.
Even before the arrival of the Knights in 1530, Malta held strategic importance.
Over thousands of years, it was ruled by successive waves of Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Normans.
The Great Siege of Malta in 1565 marked a pivotal moment in the war between the Ottoman Empire and the Crusaders.
The Grandmaster’s Palace houses incredible 16th-century paintings that depict these battles.