Malta - (AL 2) A 7 day self directed trip to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Spent a very pleasurable week break in the island of Malta, set in the Mediterranean Sea..

 

 

Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Malta Video:-

To view the video select:-  https://youtu.be/EkLZAGXlMYU

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A sense of Malta 

For a week break, the island of Malta in the Mediterranean has a quaint and old-time charm. It is an all year round destination, with hotels, affordable restaurants, cafes, shops and a quiet  contemplative feel. There is lots to see and do in Malta. As the island is only 17m long and 7m wide, all of the tourist venues are in easy reach for tourists. We stayed in the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands, which is a lovely hotel located on a beautiful sandy beach.

 

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Recommendations for Malta

A great way to spend a holiday in Malta, in our opinion, would be something along the following:

 

Day 1: Explore Valetta - A strategically important seaport, Valletta is the capital city of the Republic of Malta. The city is the home of the  Knights of Malta, these European noblemen were granted the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain in 1530. The two harbours, the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour are a feature of the city, making it easy for tourists to navigate. At the heart of the city is Saint John's Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church built by different Orders of the Knights, featuring opulent gilded decor and a lavish interior. Valletta is Malta's most modern city.

 

Day 2: Trip to Gozo by car ferry - With its quiet villages and nice beaches, this little island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing trip. Gozo is less developed than Malta. A patchwork of small farms cover the gently rolling hills and valleys. The hillsides lead down to protected beaches and quaint old fishing ports. The Island of Gozo is a short ferry ride from Cirkewwa on the Island of Malta. You will see loads of jelly fish in the waters while on the ferry.

 

Day 3: Take a trip to Mdina - Mdina is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting medieval hilltop town is steeped in history. Within the city's immense, ancient ramparts is a delightful world of car-free streets and beautiful, old sandstone buildings. Dine in restaurant Bacchus, which is amazing, delicious cuisine delivered in a combination of Roman and medieval surroundings. A wonderful setting for a wedding.

 

Day 4: A trip to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum - Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground Neolithic cult site, a complex of catacombs where prehistoric man performed religious burial rituals. It is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site. Access is limited and tickets must be reserved well in advance for a specific day and time.

The Tarxien Temples archaeological site is within easy walking distance of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. Both sites could easily be visited on the same day. Tarxien Temples are the largest and best-preserved prehistoric cultural site in Malta. They consist of four megalithic structures. Excavated in 1914, the site covers an area of 5,400 square meters and displays the artistic achievements of Malta's mysterious prehistoric culture

 

Day 5 - 7: Hang out on the beach - reward yourself with a few days on the beach.

With its sheltered sandy shores tucked away behind a mountainous coastline and sloping cliffs, Golden Bay in Northwest Malta is one of the island's prettiest beaches. Golden Bay Beach is easily accessible by car or bus; the bus stop is only a five-minute walk away from the beach. Unlike other beaches in Malta, Golden Bay Beach is far away from street traffic, which makes it a perfect ‘get way from it all’ seaside escape.

The beach has an extremely wide shoreline with soft golden sands. The clean, calm waters are safe for swimming. Many visitors spend the day here sunbathing while listening to the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Obviously, as these day trips are self directed, the trips can be juggled about to suit the weather and your general demeanour on each day.

 

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Our must see recommendation for a trip to Malta:-

1. Our visit to the island of Gozo by car ferry was the highlight of our trip.

2. Our trip to the capital, Valetta, with its multitude of excellent shops and restaurants. 

 

 

The average cost per person / per week is €600.

Car hire for a few days was very cheap.

 

“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”

 

“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.”