Ljubljana

Slovenia upon first sight may seem too surreal to be true - majestic alpine mountains, glassy wide lakes, carved-out gorges and fairytale villages that border the Adriatic Sea and limitless nature. But it doesn't take long for any traveller to discover that Slovenia's beauty isn't only abundant, but also accessible and welcoming to everyone. 

Slovenia

Central Slovenia

Grajska Vinoteka at Ljubljana Castle is a vaulted wine bar and wine shop that carries a treasury of over 300 wines covering each of Slovenia’s three wine regions. 

Sunset on the terrace at Grajska Vinoteka makes for a great start to the evening, especially with a cool glass of Slovenia’s orange wine. The orange glow of the sunset matches the orange wine as you peer out into Ljubjana’s old town and surrounding silhouettes of peaks and mountains. 


An unparalleled view of Ljubljana from a castle terrace? Yes please! 

The interior wine cellar of Grajska Vinoteka with full wine case on display.

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The terrace of Grajska Vinoteka overlooking the city.

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The interior dining area of Grajska Vinoteka with tables and seats.

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The interior wine cellar of Grajska Vinoteka.

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When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

Taste This 

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Food & Drinks

Grajska Vinoteka

Ljubljana’s vibrant live music bar has different music themes that varies night to night.

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Prulček Bar

When you picture an urban city, this spot debunks that skyscraper image with sprawling mountain panoramas, as you experience Slovenian wine paired in the Archer’s tower of the Ljubljana Castle. 

The wide and curved interior Strelec Restaurant hosted in a castle tower. 

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The door to Strelec Restaurant from a tower of the castle.

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A dish at Strelec Restaurant with artfully arranged plate.

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The interior of Strelec Restaurant with historical windows and wooden floors.

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The view from Strelec Restaurant with mountains and the city.

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Restaurant Strelec at Ljubljana Castle

With so many great food and drink options in Ljubljana - where does one go? Well, go where the locals go.

The fairy lights along the waterways at Slovenska Hiša with a hand holding a glass of wine.

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View of Slovenska Hiša with the city's castle high above and the waterways below.

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A glass of wine and a board of deli cheeses at Slovenska Hiša under fairy lights.

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A board of different cold cuts and two glasses of orange wine at Slovenska Hiša.

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A tradtional Slovenian dish with a drink by the water at Slovenska Hiša.

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Slovenska Hiša

 A cozy, chic bar known for serving a wide selection of Slovenian wines. 

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Dvorni Bar on a summer day with tons of people drinking on the terrace.

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Dvorni Bar

Slovenian-inspired tapas and the country’s iconic orange wine? Say no more! 

A plate of Slovenian tapas and a glass of wine at TaBar.

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The entrance way of Tabar with open wooden doors and an arch.

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Two wine glasses and wine bottles on the terrace.

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The open interior of TaBar restaurant with rows of tables and a bar.

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TaBar

 Ljubljana’s biggest market featuring fresh and local products.

Stalls at the Ljubljana Central Market selling fresh fruit

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A person buying from a fruit stall at the Ljubljana Central Market.

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A building overlooking the Ljubljana Central Market.

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Different stalls at the Ljubljana Central Market.

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A bird's eye view of the Ljubljana Central Market.

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Ljubljana Central Market

This funky dive bar in Ljubljana offers live performances from a wide range of genres.


Klub Gromka exterior view of the building.

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Klub Gromka performance in front of the building.

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Klub Gromka

Saint-Martin’s Day is an autumn celebration of the harvest - and in Slovenia’s tradition, the culture of wine since he is the patron saint of wine. 

A stall at the Ljubljana Wine Route Event with people exhibiting their wine.

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Multiple stalls lining up the street at the Ljubljana Wine Route Event.

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Different meat delicatessen for sale at the Ljubljana Wine Route Event.

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Ljubljana Wine Route Event with tons of wine in a cooler.

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Performances shown at a square at the Ljubljana Wine Route Event.

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Ljubljana Wine Route Event

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United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Steeped in fascinating history no matter which corner you turn, Malta is a treasure for those seeking the best in life: romance, beauty, and of course eternal sunshine.

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Cultural trip

Family Fun

Perfect for solo travellers

Couples getaway

City and beach

They say don’t judge something by its size - but by its impact. In this case, the smallest country in Europe is Malta, yet it’s a treasure trove of a destination to discover. Sensational Mediterranean climate thanks to being the southernmost country of Europe, with a history that spans over two thousand years, Malta is one of those countries that leaves the traveller with a little more inspiration and wanderlust after having explored it. 

This island nation’s landscape is characterized by low hills, with a few valleys, mostly on its main southern shore. Malta has a population of 400,000 people but due to its land size - it's also one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.

Whether you’re travelling to Malta in the summer or winter, you simply can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to get away from the cold grey winters in continental Europe, as the sun shines on Malta for more than a whooping 300 days a year. 

With a British legacy, Latin roots, Italian influence, and Arabic touches - Malta’s cultural heritage, linguistic diversity and delicious cuisine is just as dynamic as the country. 




Piercing in the skyline of Valletta is this huge magnificent dome belonging to St. Paul's Cathedral.

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St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral in Valletta

One of the prime museums of Malta, MUZA has a collection of works by Maltese and international artists with works mostly in major European artistic styles. 

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MUZA - Museum of Fine Arts

A lively and jovial square in the heart of Valletta, in the evenings this is where locals come out for strolls and to hangout. 

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St. George’s Square

Built in 1992 to honour the thousands of Maltese victims in World War 2, this structure now remains a peaceful look out into the sea.

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Siege Bell War Memorial

These tranquil and lush gardens overlook the harbour, giving you fantastic panoramic views of what makes Malta such a postcard-perfect country.

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Upper Barrakka Gardens

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Valletta

Malta

Southern Harbour District

Stop 1: Valletta
The capital city of Valletta is a glorious historical city, that’ll make you feel like you’re exploring an age that has long past elsewhere - but still very much untouched here. Also most likely if you’re flying into Malta, this will be where you start! Explore the cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and impressive fortifications. Don't miss out on St John's Co-Cathedral, a grand Baroque building with an intricately decorated interior. 

Already you’ll get an impression of how many centuries far back Valletta goes. 
If you head over to St George’s Square in the heart of Valletta, you’ll  find plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes as well as street performers and art galleries.Take a stroll along Republic Street to see some of Valletta's most beautiful architecture or visit the Manoel Theatre for some amazing live performances. 

You can also check out one of Malta's many museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology or the National Maritime Museum. The National War Museum is also worth a visit; it’s full of fascinating artefacts from Malta’s turbulent past. 

My favourite part of the city? Walk over to the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer incredible views of the Grand Harbour. Valletta may be a small city but it’s packed with culture and history, and there are plenty of underrated places to explore. 


Luciano Valletta Boutique

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West street apartments

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Valletta Harbour View Apartment

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Luciano Al Porto Boutique

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Casa Asti

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Art & Culture

Sightseeing

On the edge of  Senglea’s peninsula is the ever-so-full of grace, Gardjola Gardens. A spot that makes for a peaceful lookout into the surrounding waters.

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Gardjola Gardens

The Senglea Basilica is a great example of how Malta's culture and architectural landscape has been influenced by the Romans too.

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Senglea Basilica

Take a walk out by the waters of Cospicua, and you'll find a stunning waterside with a UNESCO World Heritage site backdrop.

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Vittoriosa Yacht Marina

Right away in Vittoriosa, this huge well-preserved fort will catch your eye. You can explore its historical wall which gives great views into the harbour.

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Fort Saint Angelo

Can you believe that this Vittoriosa museum was actually a bakery for the Royal Navy? Yep, once the former Royal Naval Bakery was built in the 1840s for the Mediterranean Fleet now it's a museum dedicated to the maritime. 

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Malta Maritime Museum

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Malta's Three Cities

Three cities in one stop? I know what you’re thinking but don’t get intimidated! The Three Cities of Malta are all worthwhile, all superbly majestic, and all a good bite-size that makes it easy to explore within one day. From the Grand Harbour of Valletta, here you can take a ferry across to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – for some more interesting sights that go beyond the capital.  My preferred method of getting across the harbour to the Three Cities is taking the classic Dgħajsa, a traditional fishermen's boat that now some locals use as an independent ferry for passengers.

Vittoriosa (you’ll also sometimes hear it being called Birgu) is home to the Grand Harbour, which was once the largest natural harbour in the world. It is now a busy commercial seaport and Malta's busiest tourist attraction. Vittoriosa was founded by the Knights of St John in 1566 as Fort St Angelo on an island just off the coast from Mdina and named after Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor who sponsored their order during his reign. It was later renamed Birgu (meaning "good town") by Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner who ruled Malta from 1676 to 1680 when it became one of Malta's three most important cities with Valletta and Mdina.

Senglea is Malta's second city, with an extensive fortification system built by the Knights of St John which has been restored to its former glory. Senglea is also sometimes referred to as Isla. The first thing that catches your eye is the Basilica, standing ever so proudly looking out into the water. The Safe Haven Gardens is a little park that juts out above the peninsula, where you can go for stellar panoramic views. 

Then there’s Cospicua (it’s also known as Bormla), the third city, which was once regarded as one of Europe’s most fortified cities, with a 16th-century bastioned enceinte surrounding it. Today it is one of Malta's most densely populated areas due to its proximity to Sliema and Valletta - two other popular tourist destinations in Malta but that doesn’t make it any less of a beauty. The best thing to do in Cospicua? Ditch the map and get lost inside its many cobbled alleyways. 


Ddream Hotel

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Azur Hotel by ST Hotels

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AX The Victoria Hotel

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Backstage Boutique Music Themed Townhouse

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Marco Polo Party Hostel

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Adventure

While it's impressive from the outside, on the inside it's even more stunning - look up the ceiling to find it covered in frescoes and paintings depicting St. Paul's life.

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St Paul's Cathedral of Mdina

Also called locally as the Main Gate, this is the entrance into the fortified city of Mdina in Malta. Built in 1724 in a Baroque style, it still stands today the same as it was back then.

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Mdina Gate

Known as the "Silent City", Mdina is a walled city perched on a hilltop in the centre of Malta (giving you great views of the Maltese countryside!). It’s one of the oldest inhabited cities on the island, with a history dating back to 800 BC.

Mdina is full of hidden gems that are worth exploring. Start your journey at St Paul's Cathedral, which dates back to 1693 and features Baroque-style architecture. Then, wander through the narrow streets to discover historic palaces such as Palazzo Falson and Palazzo Vilhena. If you're interested in art, make sure to visit Palazzo de Piro, which houses an impressive collection of artworks from local artists.

For an activity that is quite charming, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town or explore the old city walls for stunning views of Malta's countryside. You can also take a guided tour of Mdina Dungeons for an insight into its medieval past.

If you're looking for something unique to do in Mdina, why not visit The Silent City’s Museum? This interactive museum showcases artefacts from Mdina’s past and offers visitors an interesting insight into its culture and heritage. Or if you're feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at falconry? The Falconry Centre in Mdina offers visitors the chance to learn about these majestic birds up close and personal!


Grajska Vinoteka

Tips and Tricks