Malta is a miniature country consisting of three different archipelagos in the middle of the Mediterranean. So, it is not just about the knights. When you are travelling to Malta, spend your time wisely and visit everywhere!
Malta is a country squeezed into the middle of the Mediterranean; between the continents of Europe and Africa. The island is so small that when the plane starts to land, it made me think like; “Who knows that a big wave will not swallow this place!” Travelling to Malta for the first time was surprising for me. In addition to language courses, I can say that Malta is a lovely country that can be preferred for travel. Especially for short getaways!
Malta, Gozo and Comino
In fact, this country consists of three different archipelagos: Malta, Gozo and Comino. There are even a few other small islands with no life on them that are never mentioned. As a matter of fact, Malta is the largest and most populous of these islands.
Gozo is the second largest island and where the famous Azure Window is (was) located. Comino is the third island famous for its crystal sea. With the death of one of the four people living on Comino Island, the number of residents on the island has decreased to three in the past years. Think of an island, only three people live on it! Sounds strange, right? However, in the summer time hundreds of people flock to this island. Then you cannot even find a place to put your towel.
Traveling between cities in Malta is equivalent to going to another district in Istanbul. It’s so small that you feel as if the area of the island gets smaller as the number of days you stay increases.
If I was asked to make an analogy, I would say this; imagine that you are one of the Smurfs and they put you in this island. It’s like you’re in the Smurfs’ Village, but surrounded by the see. Moreover the nearest land to reach is too far away. Even to swim… So, the central of our Smurfs’ village is Valletta.
Europe’s Smallest Capital City: Valletta
Valletta, on the Unesco World Heritage list, is the smallest capital city in Europe. This beautiful and historical city, whose construction dates back to the 16th century, takes its name from Jean de Vallletta, one of the famous Maltese Knights, also known as Saint Jean Knights. This issue goes back to the Ottoman Empire. As you know, the greatest success of the Knights of Malta was their resistance against the Ottoman navy in the 16th century. They are rightly proud of it. Some Maltese people even smile, and make a joke when they find out that you are Turkish. As a matter of fact, the siege attempt of the Ottomans led to the establishment of such a beautiful city behind it.
Valletta, located by the sea, has an altitude of 50-55 meters. So this means that the city is located quite high above sea level. It is surrounded by walls on all sides, and it’s quite tiring to go up. In 2012 they even built Barraka elevator from the Grand Harbor to the Barraka Garden. It is nice to have an enjoyable ride up in a glass elevator.
Although Barraka Gardens doesn’t have a very large area, it has a very peaceful atmosphere. When you walk towards the view terrace, you encounter a very beautiful scene. The Three Cities, which were the first homes of the Maltese Knights, and located directly opposite Valletta. You can see Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormia) and Senglea (D’Isla) from this view terrace. In addition, cannon fire is made symbolically every day at 12:00 and 16:00 downstairs. It is much more enjoyable to watch it from above.
Let’s get out of the garden, pass the state buildings, and move on from the pedestrian street towards the heart of Valletta!
British Effect
All the buildings are the same color in the narrow, hilly, stairway streets of the city… However, these streets look interesting with the colorful balconies and bay windows of some buildings.
There are British-style red telephone boxes at some points, as you know, the British influence is not so easily removed. Let me add that the traffic flows from the left and the sockets are British plugs as well. It is good to go with the socket converter. Moreover, the effect of Spanish culture has been “siesta”; so, employees rest for a few hours during the day.
There are churches and museums in Valletta that can be visited, especially Saint John’s Cathedral. Since it is not a big city, you have time to see everything.
When you exit the walls that surround Valletta, you see a bus stop. It is possible to reach all cities with these buses passing around the “Trition Fountain“. The transfers are also done here. Even if you want to get some sea air, Sliema can be reached by small boats departing from the port on the north side. Sliema-Valletta boat rides are faster than the bus and are preferred by some people.
Sliema and Saint Julian’s (San Giljan)
These two cities located side by side are the most populous region of Malta. Especially the presence of language schools and large hotels in these cities are the most important reasons for the crowd. As you know, it is the students and tourists who come to the island to learn English that keep the Maltese economy alive. This crowd mostly prefers to stay in these cities. Although Sliema has historical streets; the seaside part of the city is full of high buildings. This is also an ideal place for shopping. In 2015, the only large shopping center in the country, called The Point, was located here. Now that we’ve heard, the options have increased. Like many European cities, shopping centers and shops are closed on Sundays. Sliema is very lively compared to other cities; and has many cafes, restaurants and clothing stores.
When you wander along the coast, you will see the Portomaso business tower, Malta’s highest building. This means that you are in the center of entertainment in Saint Julian’s (San Gilyan). With large or small hotels, language schools, casinos and tourism-oriented businesses.
Paceville – St. Julian’s
The street of bars, gets crowded as the hours go by. Bars fill up, glasses get empty. Nobody sleeps here until morning here; especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The staff of the venues are giving you “Free Cocktail” cards to come in. Take them all, drink them all and then go wherever you want. Some are looking for opportunities for theft in this crowd, so watch out!
Mdina
It is also known as the quiet city… Because of that once we didn’t understand how time passed. We only realized that nobody was left in the streets of the city. “Oops! What if they closed the door of the city? What would happen if we are stuck here!”
We arrived at the door of the city with an unnecessary panic. It turns out that all the shops are closing early; but the door is open 24 hours. By the way, that door I’m talking about is King’s Landing; which has been shown many times in Game of Thrones scenes.
If you ask, “What have you been doing in that quiet city?” Well… We spent our time by taking countless photos in the streets, wandering around all the shops, and then eating delicious cakes accompanied by rose wine in a cafe called “Fontanella“. Since the city is located high above, we enjoyed the scenery of the city. It is not difficult to understand why Malta’s capital was Mdina until the knights arrive. While travelling to Malta, you might see somewhere that is also called Rabat. Actually both are correct; just there is a difference. Rabat is the whole area, and Mdina is the part within the walls.
Marsaxlokk and St. Peter’s Pool
If you want to spend a nice Sunday in Malta; then you can go to Marsaxlokk early in the morning. An outdoor market is set up here until noon. It is the ideal place to buy fresh fish. Of course, you can also find vegetables, fruits, clothes and souvenirs; however, the best is fresh seafood. I still have the taste of small bream and sea bass. If you are not into cooking; you can have something in the fish restaurants lined up next to each other. This fishing town is actually famous for its beautiful boats. Also great for a nice walk and capturing quality shots with your camera!
As it’s said that in the afternoon, the outdoor market is closing down. Surely, we have other plans for the afternoon. We put our hat on, prepare our water, coffee and snacks; then start walking towards another point. After a 2.5 kilometer bumpy hike, St. Peter’s Pool greets us with all its naturalness. This is such a natural swimming pool!
Although it is very crowded in summer, you can swim here. You are even able to jump into the water from a height of several meters. Definitely do this! It is incredibly enjoyable to lie on the rocks for sunbathing and enjoy this view… The water is clean and sparkling… If you visit here in the winter, you will encounter a quiet and calm view. I definitely do not recommend you to go on a windy day alone. The most important reason for this beauty is that you cannot reach here by public transportation. Also there is no building here. It is heartwarming to see places that have not yet been plundered by people.
Blue Grotto
Many people come to see this natural beauty when travelling to Malta. It makes much more sense to rent a car and go. Because waiting for the bus, which is the only means of transportation that comes here, and returning by bus after arriving can take your whole day. On days when the weather is nice, boat tours and diving can be done in these caves. Plans should be made according to the weather in Malta; otherwise, the wind will sadden you. Personally, it has upset me many times. Blue Grotto’s most famous personality is the owl Nina. Uh, this owl greets every visitor.
Gozo
Gozo Island, which can be reached by ferry departing from Malta, has many historical buildings. Especially churches, towers, temples and caves… It is not possible to swim on every shore due to the cliffs on this island, which is exposed to strong winds. Ramla Bay is a quiet beach with golden sand that makes it possible to swim. If you want to swim, you can use your luck from Ramla Bay. You woud see almost everywhere in Gozo by taking a daily tour with sightseeing buses; however, I should add that you will lose a lot of time. Because the bus comes to the center of the island every time and moves from there to another point.
Azure Window
When it comes to Malta travel plan, Azure Window would come to mind first. There are certain diving spots on the island, including the famous Azure Window shore. However, when the Maltese woke up one morning, they saw that the Azure Window was not in place. It was collapsed. Surely this upset not only them, but everyone. Who had been there and had the opportunity to see that beauty. The center of the most beautiful photos; in fact, only memories remained from this window used for the wedding scene of King Drogo and Khaleesi in Game of Thrones shootings. You are in our hearts, Azure Window! And also in our profile photos…
Although Malta is an island, it does not have many beaches. As I said before, it is surrounded by cliffs and rocks; so, we have to make a good choice if we want to swim. Such as Comino!
Comino
Comino Island, which has three populations, has managed to become the most popular place in this country with its crystal sea. For instance, Brad Pitt was in the Blue Lagoon in a scene in Troy. The island can be reached by boats departing from Malta and Gozo. The thing to be aware of is the painful jellyfish as well as the very strong current. Let me warn you! Although swimming to the small island opposite may seem easy; the moment you swim further, you feel like you’re trying to swim in concrete. Apparently, the lifeguard is doing a lot of work here in summer. Even I saved a girl who was drowning, with the help of other people.
Apart from swimming, you can have a peaceful walk in Comino. There is a temple that can be seen on the island. In 2015 there were nothing more than a few structures. I really hope that it is still the same.
Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha
After Comino, other favorite beaches are located on the western side of the Maltese Island. With its golden beach, Golden Bay welcomes many tourists every year. From here, there is a path towards the hills. And then when you follow that road, you arrive at another beach: Ghanjn Tuffieha. It is a very suitable place to meet the sea of the Mediterranean. The most beautiful thing is to follow the path and climb up the small hill and watch this magnificent view! Your right and left are covered with an untouched beauty. You can bring your own drinking, sandwich and have your lunch here.
Popeye’s Village
Let’s come to Popeye’s village, one of the symbols of Malta. This movie set was made for “Popeye” starring Robin Williams in 1980 and afterwards nobody accepted the demolition of this movie set. They also turned this fairy tale village into a museum and entertainment center. You can go inside and visit all houses by buying a ticket. In this fairy tale village, suddenly you see someone wearing Olive Oyl, Poopdeck Pappy and the Brutus clothes. Moreover, they also offer wine to you in the cafe inside. There is also an area where you can sunbathe and swim in the sparkling sea. The half an hour boat tour is another option that can be preferred under the burning sun. If you don’t want to go to this village, there is a spot from above where you can see the village beautifully. It is impossible not to get beautiful shoots!
Mgarr
As the harbingers of spring, cemre (In Turkish folklore, three fireballs that come from the heavens to warm earth at the end of each winter.) fall into the air, water and finally the ground, the fragrant strawberries fall on the stalls in the Festa Frawli. Strawberry Festival, held in early April, is one of the most beautiful events of spring. Although it is not a big festival, I cpuld say that is quite cute. Theater groups, dance teams in their local costumes and various shows are held. In addition to strawberries, there are also food, drinks and desserts made from strawberries. The center of the event, Mgarr, smells like strawberries.
February Carnival
One of the carnivals held in many parts of Europe also helds in Malta. In this event, which falls in February, you will see many people wearing different costumes, especially in Valletta. Bars are filled with these strange dressed people, the streets turn into party areas. Various parades are held and everyone has fun in the streets with music. These carnival days were pretty good for us in the middle of Maltese winter.
International Fireworks Festival
I am not normally a fan of fireworks; but this festival, which is held every year at the end of April, is definitely not an ordinary fireworks show. This show, held by Maltese and foreign fireworks factories like a competition, is so fascinating. You avoid blinking your eyes for even a second, worrying about missing this beauty. Just to give a tip, you need to go to Valletta early and take your place. There are so many people coming to watch it. The fast one wins! I mentioned that Valletta is a high-located city. You may not be able to feel your legs due to sitting on the walls at meters high. Suddenly a fear of heights appeared in us. After not looking down and being careful, you can enjoy the bright evening.
Isle of MTV Malta
This music festival is held in Malta’s capital city, Valletta, every June. It hosts many musicians and attracts a lot of tourists, especially from Europe. The square of that tiny city is full of people. If your trip coincides with your time, you should take your place in the crowd!
What to eat and drink on this island?
Since Malta is a Mediterranean country, it offers you many dishes from the Mediterranean cuisine. You can have good pasta and pizza all over the island. Pastizzi is famous here for the morning to have it with coffee. There are all kinds of meat and fish in the restaurants. But if you have a Maltese with you, you are lucky! She or he can take you to the best restaurant to eat the local flavor of rabbit meat. First time I tried rabbit and horse meat here. It’s up to your taste; but I think it’s delicious.
Vegetables and fruits are generally imported from Italy. Strawberries and seafood are completely original. Liquors full of pleasure are produced in Gozo, and sour wines are produced in Mdina. Really nice gift from the island.
Transportation
Luqa International Airport is predictably the only airport in the country, and direct flights are made from many cities, including Istanbul. Transportation from the airport to the city center is quite easy. You can go to cities such as Valletta or Saint Julian’s by buses that depart right in front of the airport. Traveling by bus in Malta takes a lot of time; but somehow you arrive. You can rent a car, taking into consideration that the traffic flows on left side. It makes me really confused, especially at intersections! If you want a fast and precise solution, taxis are another alternative.
The only type of transportation you can use in Malta other than airline is ferries to Sicily. Ferries departing from the large port in Valletta, arrive at Pozzallo port in the south of Sicily after a two-hour journey. Discounts can be used by following the occasional campaigns on the ferry company’s website. Normal round-trip tickets are between 90-110 Euros. The ferries are very large, comfortable and shaky. It makes you feel like you are in the middle of the Mediterranean.
Maltese language and religion
Although Maltese prefer to speak their own language, Maltese, all things can be done with English, the other official language of the country. Street names, streets, and station names are Maltese, and this language sounds like a mix of Arabic and Italian.
Malta is one of the strongest Catholic countries in the world and with its effect, there are 365 churches in the country. So that; there is another church that can be visited for every day of the year. In Malta, where divorce was prohibited until 2011, abortion is still illegal. Even the birth control pill cannot be taken according to pleasure. It was the only country in Europe where abortion is prohibited; now Poland joined this. However, despite all this, same-sex marriage was legalized in 2017.
Malta, where I stayed for 6 months, became like my home with all its features and beauty. If you want to have a little getaway, this miniature country in the middle of the Mediterranean will warmly welcome you. Let’s smurf!
P.S.: If you are travelling to Malta, I recommend you to check the website of Visit Malta to have much more information about this beautiful island.
