Malta has never been a place I've been interested in visiting before. It has always struck me as a place visited by elderly people, but how wrong was I. Having spent a week on the island a couple of months ago, I was struck by it's beauty and mesmerised by it's cities. It really is a beautiful country and I don't believe it has really been given full credit for it.
The weather wasn't fantastic when I visited at the beginning of April. It was very windy and although the sun shone most days (apart from a few overcast days) it was still quite chilly. I wouldn't say it ruined the week as such, however I would have liked to of visited Gozo and the Blue Lagoon on the Comino Island during the week, but decided against it due to choppy waters. With both islands being smaller than Malta I gathered it would be far colder on the neighbouring islands due to the wind, plus I am not all that great on boats and didn't fancy getting sea sick. Still that does give me an excuse to return some day.
Having done some research before my visit I had some places that I wanted to check out during my stay and was pleased that they didn't disappoint. First up was the Popeye Village. Originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams, it is now a family attraction. I didn't venture into the attraction but I did take full advantage of the beautiful view and the pretty little coloured shacks built for the film. It's worth checking out even if only for a photo opportunity.
Next up was the city of Valletta. Wandering around the streets, discovering little hidden treasures and just generally soaking up the atmosphere, I fell in love with this place. On my list of places to visit in Valletta was the Lower Barrack Gardens which were beautiful and did not disappoint, the view was pretty good too. Top on my list in Valletta was Amorino Ice Cream Parlour. There honestly isn't a word that cuts this place, the ice cream was literally to die for.
A friend recommend I visit Mdina, The Silent City. I had looked it up online and wasn't sold but as it had come recommended I thought I'd pay it a visit. I am so glad I had listened as I would have been gutted to have missed this little treasure. The buildings were absolutely stunning and the city itself was an Instgrammers paradise. I spent a good hour wandering around the maze of streets, looking up at the grand buildings and snapping away with my camera. I'm so glad I made the visit as it is definitely worth seeing if ever you visit
Last up on my list of must see's was the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk which is located to the south east of the island. Such picturesque spot and a great place to sit a while away the hours watching the pretty fishing boats bobbing in the water . A perfect end to a great week on this beautiful island.
So if Malta isn't on your list of must see travel destinations, add it on there now. Such a beautiful island full of picturesque villages and cities bursting with photo opportunities. The trip certainly changed my perspective of Malta.
~ Gem x
