For centuries, the Maltese archipelago passed between North African Moors and European Crusaders in an epic struggle for control of this important hub.
In the Bible we’re mentioned as the island where St Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome. The country draws people less with the whole conquering-empires thing and more with its warm summer temperatures, pristine beaches, clear Mediterranean water, ample hiking, friendly locals, and cheap prices this days.
I always try to score a ticket somewhere in the late summer for a winter escape to avoid expensive prices so i scroll my way over the internet searching for a nice place to stay this Christmas Holiday. This year it will be Malta , its still warm in winter and cheap.
Checking booking sites for a nice offer this winter i landed at the Hilton they ad a nice offer during winter season so I booked my airplane ticket, hotel and car and here we go
Arriving in Malta it turns out to be a small quiet airport, we are the only aircraft that has just landed so no long lines and I picekd up directly my car at the rental desk.
After getting on the wrong side in the car (in Malta they drive on the left) we could continue our journey to the Hotel at ST Julian Malta. Given Malta’s main island is is a fun-sized 27km by 14km, hiring a car gives you access to pretty much everywhere.
So the next day we decide to explore Valletta because the weather was windy and turbulent.
As its capital, Valletta, gears up for a stint as European City of Culture in 2018 we walk arount and explore the city. Valletta, Malta’s capital, seems built for aimless wandering. Its grid of sun-dappled Baroque streets is punctuated by vintage shop signs, red British-era pillar boxes and ornate timber balconies.
Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – You literally walk through City Gate and you’re in a living museum that’s been certified as such by UNESCO
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The next day we leave the main island Malta for a trip to another island. Gozo is a small island north of Malta and easy to reach by ferry, they have been talking about a bridge here for decades, but that aside. Arriving at the ferry, more people seemed to have the idea to travel to Gozo for a day, after half an hour's waiting the boat disappeared without us, unfortunately this ferry was full. Lucky enough they decided to use extra ferries so we could go quickly enough to Gozo, the crossing lasted only half an hour.
Ramla Bay is a superb beach located on the coast of Gozo. With its deep red sand and clear blue water, the beach offers fantastic swimming and bathing oppotunities
The Collapsed Azure Window
A study in 2013 said that while erosion was inevitable, the structure was not in imminent danger of collapsing, the Times of Malta reports.
The popular limestone arch on Gozo island was featured on the first episode of the HBO series Game of Thrones and in several films.
Officials had recently introduced signs and a fine to stop people from walking across the landmark but they were often ignored. At the time of the collapse the Maltese tourist board said that there was much to the island than the Azure Window, including “the Ggantija Temples, the oldest in the world, its stunning medieval Citadel, an amazing coastline, which includes one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and its superb gastronomic culture”. But tourist still come here for a visit.
At the evening we drive back to Malta and watchin the sunset at Popeye Village has grown from its days as a Film Set of the 1980 Musical Production 'Popeye' into one of the major tourist attractions on the Maltese Islands
On Sunday we waking up with breakfast on bed and after that we drive to Marsaxlokk . The fish market is a very popular attraction featuring in many guide books and therefore attracts many tourists and locals who go to buy fresh fish and seafood caught during the same morning.
In the afternoon we drive to Mdina the old capital of Malta.Mdina is a fortified medieval town enclosed in bastions, located on a large hill in the centre of Malta. The town was the old capital of Malta, and with its narrow streets, few inhabitants and beatuful views over the Island it is truly a magical town.
At night we watching the sunset from The Point Sliema
The next days we just enjoy the sun and walking trought the tourist town of Sliema and St Julian
Malta gets ferociously hot in high summer when everyone heads to the nearest beach. The picture postcard option is The Blue Lagoon, a shimmering expanse of turquoise water surrounding tiny Comino island, between Malta and Gozo.
It’s well worth the day trip despite the inevitable crowds (arrive early if you want enough space to lay a beach towel).
Top 10 Things to do:
St John’s Co-Cathedral Valletta
See the Panoramic View at Upper Barrakka Gardens Valletta
Swim in Comino’s island Blue Lagoon
Valletta fortifications walk
Grand Harbour boat tour
Malta’s first citadel capital, Mdina
St Peter's Pool
Play at Popeye Village
Beaches & Salt Pans Gozo
Eat Fish in Marsaxlokk
Of course we can not see al the hidden spot`s of Malta at a short time but in just 5 days we see a lott i think