The Maltese Archipelago, which its capital is La Valetta, is located in the Mediterranean sea and made up of three main islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino.
The Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem converted Malta into a flourishing island, and after centuries of History, it has become one of the most populated countries in the world, a popular holiday destination and one of the most favourite places for those who would like to study English in one of the many international schools set in Malta, rather than UK, given the fantastic mediterranean weather all year long.
ARRIVING IN MALTA
By air
MALTA (MLA) Airport It's located in the island of Malta and has been awarded as the Best airport in Europe 2010 and 2011. Most of the European low cost airlines from over 50 main Europe airports fly to this destination.
By ferry
Regular ferry lines depart from Catania (Sicily) to Valleta and the other way around. Also from Catania to Salerno (Italy mainland).
Getting to Valetta and Sliema
Bus
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| Unique Maltese bus |
Even so, Malta still has several bus types no longer in service anywhere else in the world.
Train
There are none nowadays. Operating from 1883 to 1931, the only railway line ever on Malta, Malta Railway consisted of a single railway line from Valletta to Mdina.
Driving a rental car
Previously booked with www.britishcarhire.com online vehicle can easily be collected when arriving at the airport.
Malta is one of the 166 countries of the world drive on the right side of the road. If it is your first driving experience on the right side of the road, please familiarise yourself with the controls and mirrors and the feeling of handeling the gear stick with your left.
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| Senglea's Marina |
Boat
There is a small ferry to La Valetta leaving from Sliema that crosses Marsamxett harbour for a very little rate.Very useful if you have rented a birth either in Sliema or Manoel Island Marina.
WHERE TO STAY
The longest established hotel in Valetta: British Hotel, overviewing the Great Harbour.
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| Fort St Angelo |
Breakfast, tax and private terrace with astonishing views above the Sliema Bay and the fortress and docks of Senglea were included.
The only trouble to get up to this room is that no lift reaches the top floor and finding the right staircase is a kind of labyrinth challenge!
Very close to anything worth to visit in Valleta and also the Triton's Fountain, where all bus lines depart to every town in the island it is also a stone's throw from the leisure facilities of the Waterfront.
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| Victoria's gate |
Going down the steps, passing through the
Victoria's Arch and walking along the promenade where boat workshops and dry docks once were busy you will find the magnificent Waterfront,
where some picturesque restaurants serving local food are protagonist along with some other representative ones of international cuisine.
A few chic clubs play pop and house music all night long.
WHERE TO EAT
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| St Julian's Bay |
On the contrary, Sliema and St Julian's has plenty of gardens and benches 5.5 miles long promenade by the sea, above the rocky beaches.
It is enjoyed by families because the sun and the views, and many people are taking advantage of the flatness of the promenade for cycling, jogging and roller-skating.
Walking this promenade, you can find the best restaurant in Malta.
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| Barracuda's venue |
Right above the sea in a little cape and in an old stone turret, it is located one of the most cozy and well decorated venues I had ever been in.
Sitting outside listening to the rumour of the sea is obviously available too but I wasn't lucky enough to find a table in the balcony.
Waiting staff matched the high standard that a place like this one requires and also my dinner was superb. I went for dourade and a lovely smooth glass of wine while watching the dressed up couples were coming in to enjoy a romantic soiree.
Any of the dozens of little take away bars that are easily found and where traditional food is served. Pizza and pasta are also very popular due to the Italian influence.
TYPICAL TOURIST ATRACTIONS IN VALETTA
Dozens of churches and hermitages
Which must be discover by the visitors themselves walking the city as there are so many but easy to find whilst having a look around La Valetta.
Fort St Elmo
It divides Marsamxett Harbour from Grand Harbour and used to command the entrance of both. Its strategical situation was key in many battles against the Turkish. It has also housed the Maltese police academy.
Tickets for guided tours, including the event "In Guardia or Allarme" that shows how the Knights of Malta defended the City of La Valletta, cost 10€ for adults. Children up to 16 years old enter for free.
National War Museum
Which occupies part of the Fort.
St Paul's Pro-Cathedral
From Fort St Elmo, keep walking the wall's promenade towards Marsamxett Harbour. This temple is dedicated to Apostle St Paul, who is believed to be the one who brought Christianity to the island when expanding it through the Roman Empire. Do not miss the organ.
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| Triton's fountain |
Occupies the centre of the circus out the old walls of La Valetta where all the island's buses departs from. The lighting in the evenings is worth to see.
Upper Barracca Gardens
Crossing the City Gate and walking across the Republic Street to turn immediately right leaving the National Bank on the right and the roundabout where the impressive St James Cavallier Centre and the L’Auberge de Castille et Leon, nowadays Office of the Primer Minister, erect on the left.
The gardens give a beautifull view over the Grand Harbour, Senglea and Birgu.
Narrow and steep streets
Difficult to mention one as all streets in La Valetta have something to offer.
From little fruit markets and cafes where to get an snack at an affordable price to hundreds of clothes shops both international brands and local ownership.
Walking down Republic Street, which I mentioned above, Piazza Regina is a lovely place to sit in and have a invigorating coffee in the shade of the trees.
Just a few meters away, St George Square happens to be the centre and heart of La Valetta and where kids can play around without fear of cars.
EXCURSIONS from Valleta
Buses depart from Triton's circus to all the destinations mentioned below.
It's recommended to get a travel guide or a little map that hotels usually offer to their guests or even ask the staff for a list of the buses lines and their destinations.
Once in Triton's Fountain it is unavoidable to look for the dock where the right coach is, as they seem not to follow a particular order when parking.
Sliema and St Julian's Bay
Senglea and Birgu
These tow towns seem to be part of Valetta because the stone and the design of the buildings but on the contrary, they are ideally situated for safe anchorage and count with many marinas and nautical clubs.
Gozo
The roro ferry service takes tourist and their rental cars to the neighbour island of Gozo. The most popular place in this island is Xlendi, a resort built for touristic purposes in a little bay.
A staircase carved in the cliffs leads to minor bays where waves beat fiercely.
Mdina
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| Bacchus restaurant cave |
Crossing the main gate walking the bridge over the moat, we will find this gem, a fortressed town, preserved as a walking museum, where all buildings are well maintained and some reconverted in classy restaurants like Bacchus.
The shop where the unique artisan pieces of decoration are made of glass is worth a visit both to buy a souvenir or a gift or just to walk the corridors where pieces are shown like if they were in a museum
Beaches
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| Sliema's beach |
"Rock of sandstone" it's the description the Knights of the Order of St John used to give about Malta.
Their opinion was based on the fact that beaches in Malta are made of golden sand
(but rocky Sliema's, see attached photo)
and can be easily visited by bus.
Avoiding to stay on the beach at the hottest hours of the day is highly recommend as this sand gets that hot that would burn your feet.
ALSO
If you need to exchange cash and the banks are closed:- in St Julians one in St Georges Road and in Paceville at the side of the Bank of Valletta and opposite 'Going Places'
Be aware that there are not supermarkets in La Valetta, only little convenience shops where to get the basic groceries.
And make sure you have plenty of water at all times as shops are not open til late.
THINGS TO TRY
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| St Paul Church's Catacombs |
So why not jumping into Sliema Bay to see the Stone age Temple located a few meters under the sea and more or less 3 km from the shore.
This building must have been build when the sea was lower and on dry land. But this happened during the ice age ended 12,000 years ago!
Catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha, Bajjada Triq Sant Agata, Rabat, Malta.
Burial place to be discovered with an audio guide. They are considered to be the first evidence of Christianity in the island.
Rabat celebrate their big Fiesta the 4th of July in honour of St Paul and town becomes a colourful place covered in red and white.
DID YOU KNOW...?
The oldest free standing structures in the world are now believed to be the megalithic temples at Ggantija in Gozo - from about 3,600 B.C, 2000 years older than the Egyptian civilisation.
The white Cross of Malta, whose eight points represent the Beatitudes on a red field was approved by Pope Innocent II in 1130, and it is considered the oldest existing insignia used by a sovereign European government.
Top-less is not allowed in Malta.
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| Be aware... |
I am usually top less on the beach and given that this part of the island is very touristic bringing people from all over the world, I didn't consider inappropriate being this time also.
The beach was packed with kids on language course trips and both local and foreign families.
After a while, I noticed that no other women were top less and some local men were staring at me. The reason was simple: No top less bathing is allowed as I could have read on a sign that I didn't notice when earlier arriving at the beach. Oops!
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Uxia Olsson
