Malta

Malta lived up to its resort reputation and offered so much more! It had a fun, fascinating vibe set among ancient ruins, but also beautiful natural wonders, like tall white limestone cliffs with hidden coves, sea caves and dramatic ocean arches, all of it surrounded by super clear royal blue sea.

GETTING THERE

Malta is an Island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the Italian island of Siciliy. Travelers arrive at Malta International Airport MLA on direct flights from across Europe. A lucky few also arrive by sea on boats and super yachts. It’s a popular holiday spot for people from the UK and Europe.

The landscape was mostly a white beige color, because of the Maltese Limestone, with clusters of trees now and then, even some cactus, also ivy and plants growing up well weathered walls. Almost all of the buildings were made of the same light limestone, including the historic landmarks, giving the island a similar color palate and eye pleasing, consistent look.

AMAZING EXCURSIONS

Malta was very much a maritime country, peoole live on the sea, work on the sea, eat what comes from the sea. There wasn’t many sandy spots, but plenty of huge flat limestone sheets of rock which jetted out into the water, allowing people to sunbath and jump into the sea! There were also swimming ladders and stone steps all over the coastline allowing people to get in and out of the water. Every mile or so there was a new cove to explore, often filled with sailboats and restaurants.

Valletta was a remarkable walled old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There was a fort with historic palaces and churches, relaxing gardens, many hotels and restaurants. It was very hilly, definitely a hike in the heat, but the view was certainly worth it and so was making it to Tritons Fountain, which paid homage to the sea gods and the strength the Maltese peoole get from the sea.

Sliema was the most modern city in Malta, with a long, level waterfront strand that meandered around a bay, where people ran, walked, sat at restaurants and bars with open air rooftop lounges and panoramic views. A lot of the harbor cruises and boat trips to the islands of Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon launched from here.

St Julian’s Bay was a lively, waterfront town with fishing boats speckling the bay, restaurants and clubs lining the shore, and a small popular sandy beach. Everywhere I turned people were jumping off rocks and jettys into the sea. Nearby St George’s Bay was home to high priced homes and luxury oceanfront resorts.

I took a trip to the Blue Lagoon, on Comino, the next island over. It was a spectacular journey past small towns, sea caves, and ocean forts. The Blue Lagoon had baby blue water surrounded by limestone cliffs in a horseshoe shape. It was busy with tour boats, sailboats, speedboats, and everyone was having a blast! People were swimming, sunbathing on rocks, walking along a stone path that went to almost every part of the lagoon, and enjoying the breathtaking view. There were food trucks along the walkway offering frosty drinks, snacks, and full meals to go. Just on the other side of the Blue Lagoon was the Crystal Lagoon, with dramatic cliffs, sea caves and natural windows in the stone, looking through to the land and sky.

The fusion of food on Malta was fabulous. Now an independent country, but at one point part of France, Italy, Middle East, Spain or Britain, the food was multi-national and authentic. Malta mostly had ethnic eateries with momma or poppa making food, also kebab stands with skewers of meat, busy British pubs, and bigger restaurants with a little bit of everything. My favorites were little pastries with different fillings inside.

My journey to Malta exceeded my expectations. I found not only a thriving resort atmosphere, but also well cared for ancient ruins, many beautiful access points to get into the water, and a scenic coastline with caves, coves, and arches.