MALTA - WHERE EUROPE MEETS THE CARIBBEAN
MALTA – WHERE EUROPE MEETS THE CARIBBEAN
MALTA – WHERE EUROPE MEETS THE CARIBBEAN
I LOVE MALTA!!! Did I say I love Malta? Well, I absolutely do! This a shameless plea to the officials in Malta, send me an indefinite pass, and maybe I come to stay forever. Why do I love Malta so much?? Well for me, it is the best of both worlds, read on and see why I described it as, Malta – where Europe meets the Caribbean.
ENTRY INTO MALTA
On landing at Malta International Airport, we disembarked on the tarmac and walked a short distance to the main airport building. This scene was like déjà vu because it reminded me of entry into Havana Airport Cuba. (see my post – solo vacation in Cuba). Approaching the airport building I felt as if I was entering through the back door instead of the main entrance to the building.
On entry, I walked through an area of passengers awaiting departure, (it looked like), to baggage collection, then exit. I encountered no Immigration Officers (maybe it’s because I transited another country before arriving here) so I got no entry stamp into Malta.
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TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO THE CITY
The Malta International Airport is a rather small and user-friendly airport. This is the only airport in Malta and serves the two other Maltese Islands of Gozo and Comino. N.b. For those looking for inexpensive transport to Valletta, Sliema, etc, you can use the Malta minibus transfer at the airport it as low as €6.00 (seems very popular with visitors), just visit the Tourist Information Centre and ask them to direct you to where they are located (this is if you didn’t book online before arrival, yes there is an online booking option). Taxis start at €12.00 – €15.00 or use one of the transfer pick-up Apps for avg. €8.00 (I did on return to the airport).
ABOUT MALTA (MALTESE ISLANDS)
Malta is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy, (the closest city to Malta) and the North Africa coast. The island is a total of 316 square km and its capital is Valletta. The Maltese archipelago is comprised of the three (3) major islands, Malta the biggest, Gozo (2nd largest) and Comino (the smallest and uninhabited).
The total Maltese population is close to .5 million people. I was surprised to see the mixture of different nationalities on the island. It seems there are people from almost every country worldwide working and living in Malta. (It reminded me a bit of Rome in this aspect).
Wherever you go on the island, the view is almost always spectacular. The island has a mixture of luxury hotels and club resorts, and I must point out THEY ARE NOT CHEAP…Malta is not an inexpensive country, the cheapest thing here is public transport, that’s it. Malta has many exotic beaches perfect for all, snorkelers, surfers and sunbathers.
Even though it’s wintertime, the skies are blue, and the sun is out in all its glory, (unlike the rest of Europe) you think you are in the Caribbean. Of course, it’s too cold to go swimming, but I’m sure the possibilities are endless during the summer. Unlike the other European countries close by, Malta has longer daylight hours, because by 6:00 a.m. the sun was up and the day was bright and beautiful, however. The sunset was around 5:00 p.m.
Malta is a famous movie film location, many scenes from lots of movies and T.V. series have been filmed right here in Malta and Gozo (a scene from Games of Thrones was filmed Gozo). Malta attracts visitors in numbers twice the size of its population yearly, and has three (3) UNESCO world sites, together with Gozo and Comino.
It appears to be a crime-free country, from talking to the locals, I am told, you can count the number of crimes on the island per year, on one hand, and it’s mainly crimes of passion. I felt safe, yes, it’s true, no country is 100% crime-free, but the non-visibility of police indicates that criminal activities are very low in Malta.
ABOUT THE MALTESE PEOPLE
Maltese/Gozitans are very friendly, helpful and welcoming people…Super nice! I rate them a 9/10 for friendliness. Seems even the people who are from other countries and are working in Malta are super friendly too. They appear to be happy to be living in Malta, (I usually asked anyone I talk to, their origin, so that I differentiate between locals and immigrants). The people were always very happy to take my pictures when I stopped to ask, (in some countries its tough ha!). As a solo traveller, you need to have the courage to ask total strangers to take your photos (see my FAQs) because selfie sticks just don’t the job for full-body, distant shots, etc.
I visited Malta for 10 days and saw no police, except for the day when the prime minister was exiting office, (before completing his full term) and the new prime minister and ministers were entering the Auberge de Castille (Office of the Prime Minister).
Many Police Officers, both men, and women were present outside the building. One thing I must add, these officers were approachable and helpful. One male officer I was talking with, went into details explaining what was taking place. Same when I asked a female officer for direction to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, she was only too willing to help. I was impressed.
Another very noticeable thing in Malta was the absence of beggars and street persons, I saw none. No one ever approached me, nor did I observed anyone walking around begging others. As mentioned in my previous writings, it can be that the people of the country take care of their own. Another possibility can be that those in charge of the “public purse”, has programs in place to assist the less fortunate in some meaningful way (because I am sure there are poor people in Malta).
MALTA – WHERE EUROPE MEETS THE CARIBBEAN, WHY?
Malta for me feels like home, being an island, it reminds me very much of the Caribbean. Almost everywhere where you traverse on the island you can see the beautiful coastline, the blue skies coupled with the blue and turquoise sea waters. The friendliness of the people and the general feel-good, relaxed atmosphere feels like the Caribbean. Fresh fruits were being sold everywhere and strawberries in an abundance, (grown in Malta).
My experience was almost perfect, blue skies, beautiful coastline and relaxing waterfronts with cold temperatures. This was close to perfect because the temperature reminded me, I was not in the Caribbean but Europe, even though it was not as cold as the rest of Europe. January, the temperature ranged around 12/14 degrees Celsius in the day, and avg. 10 degrees Celsius at nights, for me, this was excellent because I love the cold weather.
The difference is the Medieval to Maltese/European style Architectures, and even though cold, it has the feel and the warmth of Caribbean.
RUDIMENT OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE MALTESE ARCHIPELAGO
It is documented that Apostle Paul (Acts 28 in the Bible) while being taken to Rome to face charges, was caught in bad weather and was shipwrecked on an island close to Gozo. Apostle Paul and survivors swam to the island, which is now called St. Paul’s Island. The tiny island is currently uninhabited but there is currently a statue of St. Paul on said island.
The cave Apostle Paul first took shelter is also called St. Paul’s Grotto, located in Rabat. The welcome and acts of kindness shown to him and his men by the Maltese people are written in Acts of the Apostles, by St. Luke. It was further stated that Apostle Paul and his missionaries brought Christianity to Malta around A.D. 60. Besides Armenia, Maltese were among the first people in the EU to receive missionaries and be converted to Christianity.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA?
Hotel stay in Malta, even in winter months are somewhat high, I can just imagine the cost during the summer. You have a choice of the capital Valletta (historical, most expensive, bit dull at nights), Sliema (waterfront hotels, shopping and lots of hang-out spots) and St. Julian’s (nightlife and clubbing). All three areas are next to each other and offer something different and the same with the variations in hotel prices.
I love Sliema, from the waterfront you can see Valletta. Sliema is a 15 minutes ferry ride to Valletta or a 20 minutes ride by public bus, both ferry and bus cost of €1.50. It costs the same to St. Julian’s, which is joined to Sliema. So, if you are on a budget Sliema or St. Julian’s are somewhat cheaper and livelier in the evenings than Valletta. There are other areas, but for a visitor, these are my recommendations, close to the town and convenient to stay. If you prefer to stay close to the beach, then I recommend the Mellieha area.
ABOUT GOZO
Gozo means Joy and Its capital is Rabat. It was mentioned by the tour guide, that the name was changed centuries ago to Victoria, but to this day it’s still called Rabat. The people of Gozo are called Gozitans and the population is and avg. 31,000.00. The island of Gozo is serene and oh so beautiful (I think here is where I will be coming for my wedding and honeymoon…. when the mystery man shows up.. ha-ha!). Strange enough it is less expensive than the mainland Malta.
Gozo’s coastline is rugged with spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The main money earners are fishing, agriculture, and tourism. like Malta, Gozo has many churches and is known for many myths and mystical powers. One church rumored to have mystical powers is Ta’ Pinu Church it is known to be a church where miracles take place and wishes are granted.
Many scenes from sequels and movies have been filmed in Gozo. Games of Thrones was one such film, it is even rumored that one of the scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here. It is a mystical paradise, shrouded in myths and legendary tales. Gozo is the home of the sea nymph Calypso, in Homer’s Classic & Epic Poem, The Odysseus. This is where Odysseus aka Ulysses was shipwrecked and was held captive for seven days by Calypso. The cave is now called Calypso Cave, which overlooks the Ramla Hamra Beach.
HOW TO GET TO GOZO FROM MALTA
To get to Gozo, there is only one way in, and this is by ferry because the island has no airport and no connecting bridge. There are two (2) ways to get to Gozo from Malta. The cheapest and least fun way is; take the public bus from Valletta (bus #45) St. Julian’s, or Sliema, etc. (bus #645), to Cirkewwa/Gozo Ferry Boat Terminal.
The bus ride takes approx. 65 minutes to Cirkewwa and cost no more than €2.00. At the ferry port, you get the ferry to Gozo or Comino. The ferry to Mgarr, Gozo cost a €5.00 round trip and takes approx. 25 minutes, depending on the weather. When you get to Mgarr, Gozo you can buy a hop on hop off bus ticket and do the island tour or explore on your own.
The other way (which is hassle-free, more picturesque and exciting, but more expensive) to get to Gozo, is to do the day tour with Luzzu Cruises (highly recommend). No bus is involved until you get to Gozo Island. You board the ferry at Sliema and sail directly to Gozo, then the Blue Lagoon and Comino Island. It takes about an hour to sail to Gozo (depending on weather, the waters to Gozo are very rough and choppy and sometimes tours are cancelled due to the wind).
When you get to Gozo you board a bus along with a tour guide, who takes you around the island. At Dwejra Bay you board a small boat (€4.00 per person) that takes you to the view the Azure window aka Dwejra Window a natural arch (which appeared in several international films until it collapsed in 2017) the Blue Grotto and caves then you visit Comino Island and Blue Lagoon. For the beautiful and fun-day you experience on this tour, the price doesn’t seem expensive at all.
ABOUT COMINO
Comino is the smallest of the three islands in the Maltese archipelago. It is an uninhabited island with one hotel and one tower, the Saint Mary Tower (Santa Marija Tower). This tower was used in the early century as a defense and communication medium between Comino and other Maltese islands. This island is perfect for those looking to a tranquil, isolated vacation as its quiet and has no vehicular traffic.
Comino is perfect for snorkelling, beach lovers and windsurfers, but what makes Comino most popular is the exotic Blue Lagoon and its intriguing sea caves. Scenes from the Blue Lagoon have appeared in different movie scenes, one, the diving scene in Swept Away.
MUST DO/VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN MALTA/COMINO/GOZO
- Visit Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon
- Three Cities
- Marsaxlokk Market ( on a Sunday, during the week it’s bit low-keyed) is popular with the visitors and lots of fish restaurants.
- Do the tour of Mosta, Ta’Qali & Mdina the Noble City
- Valletta and Sliema Waterfront
- Upper Barrakka Gardens & the Saluting Battery
- Grandmaster’s Palace
- Mellieha Beach, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Golden Bay Beach (top 3 beaches)
- Shrine of our lady of Mount Carmel
- Fort Manoel (from Game of Thrones)
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
MALTESE FOOD
This was my only disappointment in Malta, the food and the ice-cream. Coming from Italy and not wanting to see more Italian food, I was most disappointed to see most of the meals served at the restaurant were Italian, from Pizza to pasta and even the ice-cream shops. Almost everywhere. My first Ice-cream was Italian and only asked after it was in the cone, it was a task finding Maltese-made ice-cream.
I found one shop that went on to explain that the ingredients were Italian but made in Malta. Of course, I tried it but wasn’t too impressed, after this one I had no more because of a sore throat. Eventually, I lost my voice and had to stay away from ice-cream for the entire week, because the cold had finally caught up with me.
Maltese traditional dish is a pastry called Pastizz, it is mainly a flaky pastry stuffed with peas or ricotta. If you are visiting and love meat, then you will be happy here. Maltese main dishes are made with Rabbit and Snails. Rabbit stew (Stuffat-tal-fenek) is their main specialty.
It was a task finding a Maltese restaurant instead of Italian. However, I found some restaurants that served delicious fish, my favourite, after all the island is surrounded by seas, so the fish was plentiful. I would also recommend the Marsaxlokk Market for delicious fish restaurants, the first time I visited I didn’t enjoy too much, maybe because that morning the area was a bit too cold and rainy. I returned another day and enjoyed some of the best fish dishes. This area/market is also perfect for souvenirs too both edible and inedible.
MAIN DISHES
- Pastizzi – This is a Maltese pastry and their national food/pastry. It is a diamond-shaped pastry filled with ricotta or peas. (The strange thing about this pastry, its name is used about the female intimate part, and I must say the shape is somewhat similar).
- Rabbit (Fenek) for me this is a no no also, Bunnies are pets. That’s it!! as I told the Maltese people, no way am I eating “Bugs Bunny” ha!
- Snail… plain and simple, (not escargot like in France), but good old slimy snail, did I sample this? Hell No!
SOME FACTS/MYTHS ABOUT MALTA/GOZO/COMINO
- World second oldest man-made religious structures after Gobekli Tepe in Turkey.
- Azure Window, the limestone Arch is the most popular location in Gozo and has appeared in the series Game of Thrones, it is also a popular spot for expert cliff diving. (However, the arch collapsed in 2017 due to bad weather).
- Maltese means “belonging to Giants”, it is said that the ancient structures there were built by mythical beings.
- Paul from the books of Acts landed in his act of fleeing persecution on his way to Rome to bring his case before Caesar and was shipwrecked in Gozo it is also said that he brought Christianity to Malta.
- There are 365 churches in Malta, or just a few more.
- Malta has some of the oldest structures in the world, some of its ancient wonders are underwater where it is proven there was once underwater civilizations.
- Valletta the capital, it’s the first-ever planned city in Europe, designs go back as far as 1565, by the order of St. John. UNESCO has deemed it one of the most historic areas in the world.
- Ta’ Pinu Church located in the village of Gharb in Gozo is said to be the miracle Church where miracles/wishes are granted…It’s very popular because people around the world visit yearly to ask for miracles or return to give testimonials of wishes granted… (I will be back in Malta WHEN my wish is granted).
- It is speculated by researchers that Malta is the Lost City of Atlantis or part of it because of its geographical location and other under-water findings.
- Malta has some of the oldest free-standing temples in the world, (35 to be exact) even older than in Egypt and Israel.
SUMMARY
No matter how small in sq. miles Malta may be, the island doesn’t feel small. You cannot get bored in Malta, as a visitor, there are too many things to enjoy. For me, 10 days was not enough. The only negative thing I can say about Malta is there are too much Italian food and their meat choices, bunny and snails. I ain’t eating no “wabbit” nor snail, but there were enough fish to keep me happy.
I felt at home in Malta and everyone treated me great, from the hotel staff at Euro Guest House to the tour guides, everyone was super-nice. Special thanks to Air Malta, I was impressed by the size of the aircraft, (I don’t know why I expected a tiny aircraft), also the interior was quite nice as well. The all-round excellent service from this the Check-in Staff, and generally friendly and upbeat and Air Stewardess/s, the flight was on-time and had a smooth flight from Malta to Sicily, Italy. Keep it up, guys.
Another Airline I MUST mention is Blue Air, more so the pilot. In all my years of travels, never have I been so impressed and shocked at any landing. This flight was from Sicily to Romania, on reaching Romania’s airspace, visuals was nil, just thick clouds.
The shocker came when from thick clouds I felt a bump, that bump was the plane landing, I couldn’t believe it. On landing, everyone applauded I was so shocked and bit scared, even going down the runway absolutely nothing could be seen but fog surrounding the plane. I’m still very much in awe at the skills of this pilot. As mentioned in a previous post, the staff were also very courteous, and the economy seats were extra-roomy.
The Maltese archipelago is quite a safe for females and any solo traveller, I have no incidents to report. The currency used in Malta is Euro and the spoken languages are Maltese and English. Would I recommend Malta to others or re-visit? YES 100%, It is one of my top 5 most impressive countries, of all countries I visited, I wish I was still there. Summer, I am sure is the best time to visit and of course the most expensive and crowded. Then, you may well agree with my sentiment, Malta – where Europe meets the Caribbean.
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