Senior travel: Valletta
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 61 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Manoel TheatreStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minA few steps at the door.
- Upper Barrakka GardensStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minA few steps to the arcade; the terrace is level.
- Grandmaster's PalaceStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minA few steps at entrances; galleries are level.
- National War Museum (Fort St Elmo)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 75 minRamps and steps at the fort; stone surfaces are uneven.
- St John's Co-CathedralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 75 minA few steps at the entrance; the interior is level.
- Casa Rocca PiccolaStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minMultiple flights of stairs.
- Lascaris War RoomsStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 65 minMultiple steps.
Getting around in Valletta
Valletta is hard on wheels: the city is built on a hill with many steps, cobbles and narrow pavements. Republic Street is the gentlest line; the Upper Barrakka Gardens are reachable by the Barrakka Lift. Many sights have partial access.
- Pavements:
- Narrow and uneven; steep side streets have steps.
- Buses:
- Low-floor buses with ramps and a wheelchair space; Valletta terminus is level.
- Ferries:
- The harbour ferries have ramps at some landings; check the operator.
- Barrakka Lift:
- A public lift linking the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the harbour level (check hours).
- Taxis:
- Adapted taxis exist; book ahead through a company (check).
- Hotels:
- Old buildings often lack lifts; confirm the floor and the steps from the street.
Medicines and health on the ground
- Dive certification and insurance · before diving: Dive centres ask for your card and a medical questionnaire.
- Tap water:
- Safe to drink but brackish; bottled water is common.
- Sun and heat:
- UV is strong from May to September; use sunscreen, a hat and water, and rest at midday.
- Sea:
- Jellyfish appear in some summers; rocky shores can have sea urchins, so wear water shoes.
- Mosquitoes:
- Some in summer; use repellent in the evenings.
- Food:
- Standards are good; eat hot dishes and choose busy places in summer.
- Insurance:
- EU and UK visitors carry an EHIC or GHIC; others need travel medical cover.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.