Ok before I jet off to another destination, there are some things I must show you from my time here in Malta. This country is truly incredible and worth a return visit without a doubt. From the first moments after leaving the airport, I knew I would be coming back here at some point. There is so much more Maltese beauty to be seen than what little I have posted about.
Things to See
There is such an enormous amount of sites to see here both on Malta and Gozo. I cannot possibly do it justice. However, I will show you pictures of what I saw that brought me joy.
The Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens. These are beautiful. The upper gardens have been freshly planted will all sorts of spring blossoms. From the large arched balcony, one can look down upon the Saluting Battery and out to the Three Cities. The views of the Grand Harbour are simply breathtaking.
The Lower Gardens are an entirely different place, close to the St. Elmoโs Fort and almost at the seaside. Several huge monuments are located here, and again, the views are amazing.
The churches, cathedrals, basilicas, etc. From the smallest and quaint little parish to the huge St. Paul’s Co Cathedral, each one is loaded with beauty, art, peace and friendliness.
The walls! So important to Malta’s history, and truly amazing to see. There are the inner walls for example the Santa Margherita Lines surrounding Cospicua and the Three Cities. Then there are the impressive Cottonera Lines outside of those. The size, shape and vastness cannot be done justice in photographs or maps along.
The forts! If you are at all interested in anything military, you will be in heaven here. There are so many forts and fortified areas.
The Doors
My door addiction was fed. I was absolutely not disappointed in Malta. The city has so much history, and the doors show that. From the tiny ones that are less than 5 feet tall, and yes there are quite a few of these. To the grandiose, so utterly huge, I cannot imagine how much they weigh or how they can even operate.
The decorations on and near the doors were another attraction for me. So fitting with the history, charm and religion of the country.
The Food
Oh the food. I thoroughly enjoyed the hot snacks. Almost everywhere you will go, there are little deli style glass cabinets in a doorway. Encased in these, are the most delectable, mostly savoury snacks. From arancini to pastizzi to meat pies of all shapes and sizes. The selection is huge and the tastes are divine.
I only consumed local wine and beer. Most wines I found on the sweet side, but really rather enjoyable. The popular beer is Cisk and I can report it is very refreshing. ๐
Sweets were a little harder to come by, but rest assured, where there are baked goods, Carol will be. ๐
The Old Businesses
The charm and quaintness of these old school businesses is beyond lovely. From the font styles of the signs, to the window displays, I was absolutely drawn in.
Visually, walking down a street, being surrounded by colourful balconies and windows against the blue sky above, it is hard to keep your eyes at street level. But itโs a must, the sights all around you will bring such pleasure.
Many Small Towns & Villages
I must have visited at least a dozen on this trip. Valletta the capital of course. I went to Sliema which is where most tourists stay as that is where the hotels are located. Also visited were St. Julien, Tarxien, Birgu, Cospicula, Victoria, Paola, Senglea, Rabat, Mdina, Kalkara, Xaghra, Fgura, Floriana and more. I have a collection of photographs from each of these places, but alas, cannot show most of them here.
There are so many photographs I wish I had the time to share. Each one has been kept as a memento of my unique visit. My appetite has been whet with Malta. A return visit is definitely in my future. Anyone wanting to travel and experience, the feeling of stepping back in time, to a place of simple living, should make Malta their destination of choice.
