Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Valletta is an old city, with dark stories to tell.
This walking tour begins at the statue of Jean de Valette behind the Royal Opera House.
You’ll discover the truth about this legendary and fearsome man, the founder of Malta’s capital – and how he didn’t actually like Malta.
You’ll also discover how the ghost of 16th Century knight Oliver Starkey haunted a house in the 1990s, and how he’s still causing trouble there today.
See the place where people were once punished in public, and learn why a large metal hook found in a Valletta side street has a link to the famous British Admiral Lord Nelson.
You’ll also hear the shocking letter a lovesick man sent to the woman he was obsessed with, shortly before he murdered her, and learn why hundreds of boys entered a church – but didn’t come out alive.
All this, and more, on The Dark History of Valletta tour.
Please note that Valletta has hills and 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
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.
Options
The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Dark history stories from Malta's capital city
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
59 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lots of fun. A must do if you are a believer of the possibility of ghosts. Also a great description of past history
Phyllis H,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun event filled walking tour. Our guide was fabulous in his descriptions of ghostly events. Great walk around Valetts and the history of the town.
Top tier tour
Charles A,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined Mario for the dark history tour of Valletta and it was one of the highlights of our trip. He was easy to deal with and ran the tour smoothly from start to finish. Mario brought the city’s hidden past to life, sharing gripping stories of intrigue, crime, and lesser-known events, all backed by real historical facts. He kept the entire group engaged, including our 15-year-old, with the perfect mix of suspense and insight. His storytelling was sharp, informative, and entertaining. If you want a deeper, more fascinating side of Valletta, this tour is absolutely worth it.
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.
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Operated by Dark Malta Tours