On our last big trip we spent 10 days in Malta, we loved it so much we came back to spend 5 relaxing weeks. It has been great getting to know more about Malta. To see the last blog page I did on this refer to this blog (Malta – Valetta, Birgu, Gozo and Camino island August 2018).
Malta has 2 groups of people. One that wants to preserve the old architecture and others that are happy to put up high-rise apartment building. You can clearly see the area’s that have become tourist havens. Lots of Restaurants not serving any local dishes but serving with the crowed want, high rise apartments, lots of night life, beaches over crowed that have sunlounges with little space in-between. Not my type of a holiday, but i know know this appeals to many. When we go to visit a country we want to see how the locals live, eat and spend their time.
Some of the area’s and things we missed on our last trip.
Cathedral of Gozo: Designed by renowned Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, the Cathedral of Gozo is built entirely from limestone. Constructed between 1697 and 1711, it has five bells upon it, although the roof of the Cathedral is flat, inside, the ceiling cleverly shows a painted masterpiece dating back to 1739 and depicting the ceiling as a dome, confusing many a first-time visitor. It is interesting to know that Malta has 359 Churches
Mdina: Mdina was the former capital of Malta, it is a walled city perched on a hill in the Centre of Malta it is so beautiful and photogenic. It is a lived city and easy to walk around. There are lots of places to eat or drink and absorb its glory. It has all the old architecture with lots of narrow streets and the The Gallarija which is a typical element of vernacular Maltese architecture, consisting of an ornate closed wooden balcony. It is so worth a visit.
Rabat: Rabat is a town in the Northern Region of Malta. It adjoins the ancient capital city of Mdina, Rabat offers its own charm. It has narrow streets, historical houses and many attractions. And if history interests you, Rabat’s rich medieval vibe won’t disappoint. Dating back to the third century BC, when burial was prohibited within the city of Mdina, St Paul’s catacombs are located in this tranquil city. Serving as a burial ground from Punic, Roman and Byzantine times the St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. We went to visit them, they are amazing and the best we have seen. It is like a whole underground maze of Catacombs.
Gzira: It is a town in Malta we had a week here, this is one of the area’s that is starting to get very touristy it is creeping in from Sliema. It would be good if they can preserve some of its character.
We also had a week in Senglea: Senglea is one of the oldest cities of the Maltese islands dating back to the 16th century. This maritime city not only boasts of a rich heritage but also contains many structures built by the Knights themselves, making it one of the heaviest fortified areas on the island. It has a lot of charm and a lot of older Maltese people live here. It has a very large work port and is kept very busy with all the cruise ships that come into Maltas Harbour.
Our number one favorite places in Malta is Birgu we just love it here. I think because it is surrounded by water the beautiful Malta Harbour, Fort St Angelo and it has all the old architecture with lots of narrow streets and the The Gallarija (malta wooden balconies) There is also a beautiful swimming spot that we took advantage of most days.
My sister and her son joined us for one week while we where here. It was wonderful to spend time with them.
We had a wonderful time in Malta and now feel refreshed to continue on with our travels. Bring it on.