Michael_sgrant

Nov 30, 20214 min read

MALTA

Malta, Gozo and Comino: Island hopping in the Mediterranean has never been easier...

Views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens

Valletta:

Valletta is a walled tiny city known for its museums, palaces and grand churches, and it is the capital of the Mediterranean island of Malta. The city is full of narrow streets lined with limestone buildings, multicoloured doors and balconies overlooking the hustle and bustle as people pass by. The quaint vibrant lights on a late summer evening creates an incredible atmosphere...

At times you can forget you are in Malta: I'm from the UK and since Malta is a former British colony there are many similarities. British post boxes and telephone booths can be found in many parts of the island...

During your time here I'm sure you'll not miss the opportunity to visit a number of landmarks. The Basilica of our Lady of Mount Carmel is probably one of the most recognisable landmarks of the city; located in the heart of the glorious capital, the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic church and is indeed the most characteristic church on the Maltese islands. Its magnificent dome looms high over Valletta’s skyline and it's not just impressive on the outside, make sure you enter inside and check out the interior, however it is only accessible from 17:15-19:00. The Church of the Jesuits and St Paul's Shipwreck Church are one of the oldest churches in Valletta. And St John's Co-Cathedral is remarkable as it contains two masterpieces by Caravaggio. So make sure you visit these places also!

(Left) Basilica of our Lady of Mount Carmel, (Centre Left) Church of the Jesuits, (Centre Right) St Paul's Shipwreck Church, (Right) St John's Co-Cathedral

Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens:

Check out the many gardens that can be found in the city of Valletta - the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens and Hastings Gardens. From all of these places you can enjoy stunning views of the Grand Harbour. If you head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for noon, you will witness the salute from the battery of cannons beneath this bastion-top garden. You'll also want to explore the Lower Barrakka Gardens to see the monuments and sculptures, as well as cool off by the fountain and take in the spectacular panoramas.

(Left) Views from the Saluting Battery, (Centre) Monument Temple to Sir Alexander Ball, (Right) Views of the Siege Bell War Memorial

Talking about the views, the Grand Harbour and the waterfront of Valletta can be seen from almost all sides of the city...

It's impossible to visit this island without stepping onto a boat. There are many connections between Valletta and the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua), as well as between Valletta and Sliema. In fact I used this service frequently since I was staying in Sliema during my time here. A single trip was €1.50 and a return would cost you €2.80, for a 10 minute journey I thought this was an excellent and really useful service!

Click on the link below for more information:

Valletta Ferry Services.com

Gozo:

You can also hop on a Gozo Fast Ferry which will take you from Valletta, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo in just 45 minutes! The boats themselves come equipped with a fully integrated bar to serve a wide variety of cold and warm products, features onboard entertainment, as well as free onboard WiFi. The route will take you from the harbour of Valletta around the North coast of the island, pass the island of Comino before reaching your destination Mgarr at the South side of Gozo. A standard adult fare costs €9.99 which I thought was super cheap and I expected it to be much more expensive.

Click on the link below for more information:

Home - Gozo Fast Ferry

On the island of Gozo there are many things to do. For example I took a bus which gave me a tour of the island and I saw everything in about 2 and a half hours before catching the ferry back to the mainland. Starting off at Mgarr, you'll head to Calypso's Cave, Marsalforn Bay, Ta' Pinu Church, and many other places. And you can't go to any of these places without passing through the island's capital, Victoria.