The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Valletta is an old city, with dark stories to tell.
This walking tour begins at the Triton Fountain at the entrance to Valletta, and will teach you the truth about the Maltese capital's shocking and bloody past.
You'll learn what Jean de Valette, the capital’s founder, really thought of Malta and the Maltese, and you'll hear why hundreds of boys once entered a church in the city - but did not come out alive.
The dark streets will also reveal how the ghost of 16th-century knight Sir Oliver Starkey threw parties in the 1990s, and how he's still disturbing the peace today.
You'll hear about shocking crimes of passion, a friar who was poisoned in his priory, and discover the strange legend of Nelson’s Hook, named after the famous British admiral.
All this and more on The Dark History of Valletta tour.
Please note: Valletta has hills and some steps so a reasonable amount of fitness is required
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Valletta
Your dark history walking tour will take in the streets of Malta's capital city, Valletta. You'll hear how the ghost of 16th Century knight Oliver Starkey threw parties in the 1990s - and how he was eventually persuaded to stop disturbing the neighbours; the shocking letter that a lovesick man sent to his lover shortly before he murdered her; and why over a hundred boys entered a church but never came out. You’ll also learn the truth about Jean de Valette, the founder of Malta's capital city, and the hidden meanings behind a grotesque statue that watches over the people in Valletta, right above their heads. All this, and more, on the Dark History of Valletta walking tour.
What‘s Included
Dark history stories from Malta's capital city
Options
The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour
Reviews
57 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do in Malta
Joan A,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the tour with Mario back in November, and even though it’s been a few months, I absolutely had to leave a review. If you're looking for a 5-star experience, this is it. Mario’s knowledge of the capital's hidden past is incredibly deep and interesting. He doesn't just recite dates; he is a truly captivating storyteller who brings the narrow streets and old buildings to life with tales of mystery and intrigue. He kept our entire group hooked with some laughs along the way. I highly recommend booking with Mario if you are visiting Malta—I will definitely be doing another one if I am back.
Humorous and Informative Walking Tour
grahamaN7277BS,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We live in Malta and my wife booked this for us as she knows I love all the history and interesting tales of Malta. This tour lasts 2 hours (ish) and I think at €15pp it is really good value. The information and humorous way it was put across made it very interesting and it is no surprise to my wife I have already started looking in more depth to the tour information. I (we) can highly recommend this tour and we have already decided on doing several more.
Excellent & Entertaining
Departure789279,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have been following ‘Dark Malta Tours’ on ‘YouTube’ and FB for 12months from Australia. Finally travelled to Malta and booked tours, did not disappoint. Would book more tours but leaving tomorrow.
Wonderful guide, highly recommend. The whole family enjoyed Mario.
Leslie M,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a day with Mario in Mdina, Rabat and Hagar Qim. He was great at engaging the adults and my young kids throughout the day. We met back up with Mario a couple of days later for the Dark Night tour. He was able to adjust the stories to be suitable for my kids. They loved hearing the crazy stories. The whole family was sad to say goodbye to Mario, we want to return just to hang out with him again! Who knows maybe we can convince him to meet us somewhere else in the world to hear some more amazing stories.
A little mystery added to our trip!
Lauren F,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario was entertaining and knowledgeable- he kept us both interested and amused with his narrative. The pace was good - both the walking and the narrative! I highly recommend this adventure!
Dark History tour of Velletta
O4680SLkevinm,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this Dark Tour, Mario was excellent, and very funny regarding the characters of bygone Valletta. We would recommend this your
Prosit!!👏👏
glnb2013,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We can't get enough of dark tours ! Thank you Mario for being such a great host..you are a walking encyclopedia with a great sense of humour ! We look forward to the next!
Dark Tours Malta - highly recommendes
A9598JAjoanned,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario, who is Dark Tours Malta is a very good host. Tours are fun amd informative and based on Mario's thorough research.
Mario is Valetta’s best tour guide
sserwatka,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario emerged from the shadows to give us a thrilling, action packed, two hour long tour of dark sides of Valetta. Tons of excellent stories, very well researched, and very well told. He left us in awe, and disappeared into Valetta’s shadows…..
Stories you won't hear anywhere else
orrg2025,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I booked a private tour with Mario and it was worth every penny. His background as a journalist was what we loved the most, he handpicks stories you won't hear anywhere else and does independent research into each one, sharing details from interviews he's conducted, or pulling out his iPad to read you a real letter he dug out of the archives. A true master of his craft, he's an engaging storyteller and attentive to his audience. Highly recommended!
From €20.00
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Operated by Dark Malta Tours