Grand Masters Palace The Armoury

Malta's capital and seat of government, Valletta was built in the 16th and 17th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John. It's founder Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette decreed it should be “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. It is a compact town, barely a kilometre long and 600 metres wide with a regular grid of narrow streets confined within the massive fortifications at the tip of the peninsula.

Grand Harbour, Malta We were lucky to get a berth even at this time of year, it's always full. Had to move to a different berth the following morning because the owners of the berth we are at are returning, that's how it works here, so we are now berthed close to the "Black Pearl" which is used as a restaurant and was used in the film. The marina is quite noisy with locals talking loudly and a charity car wash event in the car park, but there was an excellent firework display at night.

We had a great day sightseeing wandering around Valletta and even found a franchised M&S but unfortunately they don’t have a food department. The views over Grand Harbour are quite impressive. We had a very good lunch at the King's Own Band club which is open to visitors after which we went round the Grand Masters Palace and Armoury at half price because we were both classed a pensioners.