Malta - A Perfect Long Weekend Getaway

However, I take what I can. 2 days to know a country a bit more than an evening stroll can give you more than enough with a bit of planning.  So what you have to know.

1. Live in Valletta. All the buses come and go from the capital bus terminal.
2. Get a 7-day bus pass. It cost 21 euro and works 24/7 for any bus on the main island and Gozo island.
3. If you have spare cash to spend get a hop on – hop off bus pass. It goes much more often but this way you can save on time in exchange for a more expensive ride. The cost per day for a hop on hop off is around 20 euros.
4. The fairy to Gozo island costs around 4 euros if I remember correctly.
5. Food – try the street bakeries the cheapest food you can get are there. 40 cents for a cheese bun. But what you shouldn’t miss is the seafood at this place –  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g776430-d13340520-Reviews-Panormus-Paola_Island_of_Malta.html. The seafood spaghetti and squid are out of this world.
6. Plan in advance. The bus ride takes to one point or another on average between 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Thus in a day you can see max 2-3 and if lucky 4 locations.

So what have I seen while I was there? In this magnificent full of history country? If you are a nature lover well I have some bad news. It is an island inhabited by nearly half a million people so almost everywhere you go you will see a village or a city. However, there are quite a few exciting things to explore, historic sites dating BC, holy war period historic sites and few interesting nature sites mainly near the sea.

Valletta 

A capital of Malta, built by the Saint Order Of Malta. A true historical site. Strolling there feels like taking a walk in the ancient times if you are able to shut down the other tourist walking around you.

Streets are filled by markets and complemented by manicured gardens; all around you are beautiful balconies and grand noble houses; the old city retains its fort, harbor, and historical structures like churches, theaters and the Grandmaster’s Palace.

It is simply a wonderful place for a stroll that I have personally enjoyed. Furthermore, if walking on top of the ground is something you dislike there are always options to explore the tunnels of Valletta. Some are as old as the dark age and some are no older than World War II.

It is also the easiest city to reach since all the buses go to Valletta. By the way, to get a timetable for the buses uses google maps it is pretty accurate. Plus-minus 10 minutes.

But even then do not worry. You can find water pools and take a dip in one of those. While nearby observe the waves crashing on the rocks or enjoy the scenery around you.

Rocks touched by wind and cliff surfaces scraped to make small pools so that when the sun is bright and hot sun dries the sea river and people in ancient times collected salt.

The location of this fascinating natural grotto combines with sunlight and the surrounding chain of caves to reflect the phosphorescent colors of the submerged flora and the deep dark shade of blue of the sea. I was not so lucky visiting that location. It was cloudy and the sea was stormy but the color mixture was still as beautiful as it can be. Light blue mixing together with the crashing of the waves.

A beautiful sight to observe and enjoy the sound of the waves. If the sea is calm you can take a dip in these turquoise waters or take a boat ride through the caves.

Located in the main city of the island of Gozo. Overlooking the green fields surrounding the city.

Another truly beautiful historic castle to explore. It has tunnels under it however they are being reconstructed for the general public use.

Azure Window

Well, it is not there no more. The time, wind, people and corrosion did its thing. Gone kaboom. However, it is still an interesting spot. There is an ancient watchtower. An inland sea and diving spots.

A pretty little stop for a few hours and a swim. Ah, by the way, it is possible to hike from here to Wardija Punic temple and further on if you have time and like hikes.

Surfing In Malta

They say it is possible to do it. That is has little people loitering the waves.  It is also an undiscovered site for most surfers. It is hard to determine when waves will come because there are many different winds and coastal lines in the surrounding areas (Italy, Tunisia, Libya, Greece).

They say there might not be a wave for over six weeks. However, when they come they come.
The best surf spots in Malta are Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay in the Northwest, and St. Thomas Bay in the Southeast part of Malta. Selmun, Ghadira (Mellieha Bay) and Ghallis Point in the North, and the Gozo island are interesting backup sites.

Hiking In Malta

It doesn’t have much in terms of hiking options. Mostly because the island is very small and villages upon villages are a common sight. Though circumventing Gozo Island could be an exciting endower since it is small and less crowded. However, what I wanted to do the most but had not enough time is to Hike Victoria Lines. The Maltese great wall. 12 KM line of fortifications that spans along the width of Malta, dividing the north of the island from the more heavily populated south. It was built as a defense line by the British in the 19th century.  Designed to present a physical barrier to invading forces landing in the north of Malta, intent on attacking the harbor installations. Tho it was never tested in was does nobody knows its effectiveness.

Other locations to visit

•  Dingli Cliffs
•  Ghar Lapsi
•  Comino Island

Malta is a perfect weekend getaway for anyone who wants some history, great weather and perfect beaches.