Day 6 (Friday)

Malta Experience

The Malta Experience is a 45-minute audio-visual show everyone  should see at the very start of their visit to Malta.  It tells the dramatic story of the island's 7000 year history. Educational, informative and entertaining, it takes you through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. The Malta Experience will enrich your understanding of the islands, its people and the places you’ll see on your visit.

Each show is followed by a tour of “La Sacra Infermeria” (Holy Infirmary). By 1787, the various wards of this hospital accommodated 563 beds – a number which could be increased in times of emergency to 914. This vast 155-metre long room with its magnificent timber ceiling is known as the Great Ward and was once the longest hospital ward in Europe.

After the show I went to further explore Valletta. You never get enough of this beautiful capital city. 

The Knot sculpture known also as the Migration Summit Monument

The Auberge de Castille now houses the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

Lower Barrakka Gardens 

Lower Barrakka Gardens 

Siege Bell Memorial 

Siege Bell Memorial

Day 5 (Thursday)

Marsaxlokk - the best place to eat seafood

Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village in the sout east of Malta. As the arabic name, marsa, suggests, it is a port. To get away from the crowds and seek some quiet and peace, it is advisable to go there any time but on Sunday, when the famous fish market takes place along the seafront.

Marsaxlokk is also famous for the national/traditional boats called luzzu. They are usually painted in bright colours, while the bow has a pair of eyes.

If you feel like eating fish, Marsaxlokk is surely the best place to order it. I went for swordfish, which was served along with a large bowl of chips and a salad.

                               

Day 4 (Wednesday)

A lazy day in Golden Bay

By far one of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines I have ever seen.

                             

                             

                                

Day 3 (Tuesday)

A trip to Mdina and Rabat

Mdina is a hilltop city built on a plateau with history dating back a remarkable 4,000 years. Changing names over the years and once the capital city of Malta, Mdina is today also referred to as the ‘Silent City’.
Approximately 250 people live within the walls of the Silent City. The narrow, dimly lit streets have hidden doorways that open to Norman and baroque abodes, some of which have 20 rooms or more. Businesses have strict noise restrictions, and cars are also strictly limited. Visitors are expected to adhere to the noise restrictions but this adherence appears to come naturally, as stepping through the gates of Mdina is like stepping back in time.

The walled city of Mdina, which is a maze of tangled streets built in golden limestone, is the best spot for of film directors looking for a medieval-looking location.

Main Gate

Any Game of Thrones fans here? The walled city of Mdina doubled up as King's Landing. Mdina’s main gate was the setting for one of the show's most moving scenes, eg. the farewell between Catelyn and Ned Stark when she set off from King’s Landing after the death of King Robert.

Another place is Pjazza Mesquita, Littlefinger’s Pleasure House.

Walking through Mdina’s streets is like losing yourself in a sandstone maze. Doors are painted in an array of bright colors, while balconies are lined with bloomig flowers and strands of ivy.

Day 2 (Monday)

Valletta - built by gentlemen for gentlemen

Day 1 (Sunday)

A trip to Gozo

Having a full day to myself  I decided to spend it in Gozo.

Gozo is Malta's sister known and provides a tranquil haven for tourists tired of the main island's hustle and bustle. It is greener, more rural and smaller, with life's rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.

According to the myth, Gozo is the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey - a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. 

What I wanted to explore, though, was Gozo's rugged landscape and spectacular coastline  I also planned to take a dip in the warm Mediterranean.

The cliffs by the Azure Window

The remains of the Azure Window 

Ramla Bay 

Ta' Pinu Basilica

Ferry going back from Gozo