Just returned (in the early hours of May 27th) from a ten day break in Malta, where we were blessed with the usual sunny weather, perfect for both a relaxing and interesting holiday. Although we’ve been to Malta on a couple of occasions, we were astonished when looking back that the last time was way back in 2004. So, it was good to return, this time using Sliema as a base.
We decided before we went that this would be part relaxation and part sightseeing and by and large we stuck to the brief. So, there were plenty of strolls around Sliema and surrounding area, including a walk past St. Julian’s up to Draganara Point to revisit the Westin, our hotel of choice sixteen years ago. Walking in the opposite direction also took us to Gzira and Ta’xbiex, where there are some lovely old colonial type houses, now unsurprisingly finding themselves housing embassies from around the world.
We of course found our way back to the lovely capital, Valetta, on a number of occasions, which is just across the water from Sliema and best accessed by the Sliema to Valetta ferry, a short five minute cruise across the bay. Ans at the fourth time of asking (if you include a one day visit when on a cruise), we finally got inside the 16thC St. John’s Co-cathedral to see its stunning interior. Also managed to chance upon a state visit from the Montenegro prime minister, which proved to be a tad controversial as he appears to be mired in corruption charges back in his homeland. We also made a return visit by bus to the very lovely ‘silent city’ Mdina, but didn’t manage to get to the catacombs in Rabat, which had been the plan – have to be the next visit. Have to say, the bus journeys are nowhere near the fun they were when the classic and original buses were still running.
This time around, we also ventured beyond Valetta itself to the ‘Three Cities’ that can be found a short ferry ride from Valetta. We visited twice and on the first occasion we majored on Birgu (Vittoriosa), which is a lovely, historical area of Malta, much quieter and relaxed than Valetta, which nonetheless features the Inquisitors Palace (a fascinating museum, if a little disorganised) and a number of the Inquisitirs’ auberges or palaces. It was built in the 16th century as a courthouse, and it was used the inquisitor’s residence from 1574 to 1798. (This was the papal inquisition by the way, not the Spanish!). On the second visit we also went to L’Isla (Senglea) which, although not quite as interesting as Birgu, still has a fine Basilica and its fair share of lovely houses, along with the Vedette (watchtower) viewing point, which provides superb views over the Grand Harbour and back to Valetta. The third ‘city’ (Bormla, or Cospicua) will have to wait until the next trip.
Malta always delights, with its mix of guaranteed sun, lovely historical,cultural and archaeological centres and, for those who crave it, plenty of retail therapy. The breadth and quality of the food on offer seems to have greatly improved in the twelve years since our last proper visit and now you can probably get just about any international cuisine known to man, as well as the excellent local Maltese specialities. We also tried the Maltese wine, and can vouch for its quality. Hopefully, we won’t leave it so long until the next visit