Valletta Catania ferry

Valletta Guide

Valletta is the capital of Malta and lies in the central eastern part of the island and the Valletta Peninsular is home to two natural harbours; Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour, which is Malta's main port that has a number of quays at Marsa. Along the old sea wall of Valletta's waterfront, which was built by Manuel Pinto de Fonseca, there now stands a cruise liner terminal. Many of the city's buildings date back to the 16th century and were built during the reign of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The mainly Baroque city also has traces of Mannerist, Neo-classical and modern architecture and the effects of the Second World War on the city are clear to see with many scars left behind - particularly the demolition of The Royal Opera House. In 1980 Valletta was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the island's cultural centre with many churches, palaces and museums for tourists to explore.

Ferry services operating from the port depart to Catania and Pozzallo.

Catania Guide

Catania is located on the east coast of Sicily on the Ionian Sea and is the second largest city in Sicily and sits under the imposing shadow of Mount Etna, or A Muntagna as the locals call it. The volcano has had a significant influence on the city's history and its actual existence, having destroyed the city on several occasions. The most destructive being an eruption in the 17th century. Catania was covered in lava in 1669 and then 24 years later, in 1693, an earthquake shook the town to its foundations.

A popular attraction in the city, located on the edge of the town's square is the Cathedral which is dedicated to St. Agata, the city's patron saint. The cathedral stands on the site of an earlier 11th century church that was almost entirely destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The imposing cathedral's baroque architectural style incorporates Roman columns taken from an amphitheatre. There are more Roman elements in the cathedral as beneath there are some Roman baths. The Baroque theme continues within the cathedral's interior with several ornate chapels and a fresco depicting the 1693 earthquake. Catania's most famous son, Bellini, is buried in the cathedral as are three Aragonese Kings: Frederick II, Louis and Frederick III.