Tiny but magical EU capital city is still 17C in March and just 3 hours from UK

Europe's most southernly capital is less than a mile long, but is packed with history, culture, and a vibrant nightlife. The City of Valletta was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980, ensuring its limestone streets and bastion walls stay preserved forever.

Built in the 1570s by the Knights of St John, the majestic city, located on Malta's northeast coast, is renowned for its plethora of museums, palaces, and grand churches - including the opulent Saint John Co-Cathedral which attracts almost half a million visitors every year.

In March, the city enjoys comfortable temperatures of around 17C, but may creep higher on a clear day. Flights from London to the island take on average around three hours and 15 minutes - making it much closer than hotspots like the Canary Islands, Greece, and Cyprus.

"With its age-old bastions, ornate architecture, and bustling cobbled streets, still very much in action today, Valletta is the ideal amalgamation of history and modern life," raved the country's official tourist board. "Aptly coined in 2018 as the European Capital of Culture, there are tons to see and do in this spectacular City, founded in the sixteenth Century by the Knights of St John."

Tourists have to experience The Saluting Battery, where a cannon once fired salutes to visiting naval vessels. The battery has been restored, and a cannon is now fired Monday through Saturday at noon and 4pm with a great ceremony for those in the area. You're also just a stone's throw from Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra, a site filled with megalithic temples perched atop Malta's dramatic sea cliffs.

Even walking around the city, meandering through its many narrow alleys and impressive harbour, is enough to occupy yourself for a few days. Try Lot 61 Coffee Roasters for a drink out of the sun, or get dressed up for the slew of cocktail bars dotted around the city. Cafe Society and Fat City bar both have stellar reviews, and won't break the bank.

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You can fly directly to Malta from most major UK airports, including London, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab a proper bargain - with return fares as low as £30 in March.

Accommodation in Valetta varies depending on your budget and expectations. For example, a week's stay at the five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior from March 3- 10 would set you back a staggering £1,093. However, a basic one-bedroom apartment costs £376 for the same dates.

*Prices are based on Skyscanner and Booking.com results at the time of writing.

What's your favourite European city? Let us know in the comments section below