Malta, officially known as the Republic of Malta, is a Southern European island country consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It lies 80 km south of Italy. Malta is one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries, at over 316 km² with a population of about 475,000. Its capital is Valletta, which is the smallest national capital in the European Union by area at 0.8 km. Its largest town is Birkirkara, while its chief economic centre is Sliema. The official languages are Maltese and English, with Maltese also recognised as the national language.
Flag of Malta
Malta has an array of things to discover. And no matter where you go, the scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking, with the honey-coloured stone of the buildings against the deepest of Mediterranean blues, just beautiful. Valetta and the three cities are stunning as they are surrounded by a beautiful harbour. We stayed in the city of Birgu in a wonderful Airbnb right on the Harbour. The city had a nice town square with some beautiful old homes with cobble streets. There is an area on the harbour that was designated for swimming, it was great to have a swim after a day of sightseeing. It was interesting to see how families would come to the swimming area in the evening time or to the town square, to socialise or just catch up on day to day living.
View from our Airbnb in Birgu
Harbour of Birgu
Valetta
Amazing storm that came through Valetta
Valetta Harbour
A tribute to all the fallen soldiers
Behind the Green door
Interesting Sculptures throughout Valetta
View from the upper Barrakka Gardens on Valetta
Church of St Publius Valetta
Traveling by ferry or motorised Gondola is a great cheap and wonderful way to travel in and around Malta. What is unique about Malta is that so much of the past is visible today. It is steeped in History, you can retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John fought their most famous battles. St Johns Co Cathedral is one of the best and most interesting we have seen, although plain on the outside, it is very beautiful inside. From Valetta you can see great views over to the three cities Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua from the Upper and lower Barrakka Gardens. On Birgu the oldest of the three cities we bought a ticket for 13 euro each, that got us into, the Forth St Angelo, Malta Maritime museum, and Inquisitors palace the only one left in Europe with public access. All very interesting.
We spent a morning at the small but picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk and an afternoon at the blue grotto. The blue grotto is several sea caverns on the south east coast of Malta. It was lovely to have a swim here.
Fishing village of Marsaxlokk very quaint
Blue Grotto
If this were not enough, there are two other islands – Gozo and Comino that boast wonderful water sports, and a more relaxed atmosphere. In Gozo we stayed at Xlendi beach village, it is a small place but perfect for a few days. We did a great boat trip out around the Gozo coastline stopping at places like blue hole, Dwejra Bay where we had a swim and snorkel it was divine.
Gozo
Xlendi on Gozo our second Airbnb accomadation
Boat trip around the coastline of Gozo
Dwejra Bay our swimming spot
From Gozo we took a day trip to the Blue Lagoon which is on Camino island, beautiful but too many tourists this time of year, we walked around to the side of the island for a swim as it was a much nicer spot with a lot less people.
Blue Lagoon
We have had a great 10 days in Malta 5 days in Birgu and 5 days in Gozo, Malta is a place that Martin and I said we could happily live, especially if we had a place on the harbour of Birgu or the Harbour of Valletta.
Panorama a Great Bar and Restaurant in Valetta
