As some of you know, I am currently living out of a plane on a travel tour with one of my best friends. We have no set itinerary, no set schedule but we are still working remotely. It’s been a month and some since we left home and just now starting on my Malta post. Working remotely is not as easy as it looks especially when you are an early riser and have an intense wanderlust soul and want to spend your hours wandering around with no plan in sight. But it has to be done. 🙂
To tell you the truth I’ve always wanted to visit Malta but it wasn’t a top one on my list until recently. I started to read and see more about it. Top bloggers started posting about it, Conde Nast named it top travel destinations for the year 2018, etc. And plus it’s a historic island with crystal blue waters! Hello! Yes please.
Visiting Malta in the winter is their off season but we couldn’t have asked for better prices, weather, locals, and actually some seats on our bus travels. Here are photos of our first day on the Island. Our AirBnb in Sliema was steps away from the ocean so we couldn’t have been happier. There was also a coastline of all restaurants, bars, shops, and more. Once you walk to the coastline you see a beautiful cityscape of beautiful Valletta, Malta.
If you are visiting or staying in Sliema, I would recommend to take a full day to walk the hidden nooks of this town. You will get inspired and take in all the hidden beauty that is tucked in between the streets. Have a coffee at a local shop, try their spinach and tuna pie on the go, and just enjoy those snacks and sit on a random step in the middle of it all. It’s a lovely vibe. You’ll like it. We did all those things and then we stumbled upon the cutest lunch place in front of the water to have a glass of wine.
We knew we wanted to see most of what the island had to offer so we planned on taking the bus to different towns that we heard so much about. We didn’t even make it to some of them! We spent a couple of hours in Mosta and then saw a tiny town on the water that day as well. It was a nice town but there’s not much to do except see the church and grab something to eat. I would recommend skipping that town and heading to Mdina or Popeye’s Village instead.
One of the most memorable and magical places I’ve ever seen is a little town called Mdina. If you are a Game of Thrones fanatic (who isn’t) you will recognize and fall even deeper in love with this place. The land of ‘Kings Landing’ is shot in all of Malta but it was mostly shot in Mdina. With the cobblestone narrow streets, to the medieval architecture and restaurants, to the horses riding along the town, you will be waiting to transform into Kaleesi right then and there! As some of you already know, I truly get inspired by my travels and this place got me to the bones. I was inspired, mesmerized and truly blessed to be able to walk these magical streets and take in all the beauty. A friend of mine actually took us thru Mdina at night and I have no words. I thought I was in a medieval dream. Mdina is definitely a must see if you visit Malta, you will too be mesmerized.
Favorite place to get a drink: Tiffany Champagne and Wine Bar in St. Julians
Favorite place for dinner (Get the cheese plate and a glass/bottle of wine) : Bridge Bar in Valletta
Valletta is a great place to see during the day and a must at night. There are several restaurants, bars and stores to check out. You can take the ferry or the bus to this beautiful city. Since we were all over the island checking out other places we only had the chance to be in Valletta at night. Thankfully, it turned out to be a night to remember. I recommend to walk the streets as much as you can and go to bridge bar. On a calm night, order the cheese and meat plate recommended by the owner with a glass of your favorite wine. I always do rose :). On a busy night, go there and sit on the steps while you drink your favorite beverage while listening to music that is played outside. It’s really the coolest most amazing little gem and the owner, George is the sweetest most generous human. Start a conversation with him, maybe he’ll even toast some limoncello with you!
I get asked all the time what beach is my favorite? I’m a beach nut so it’s hard for me to answer that question because any place with the sea and sand is beautiful in my eyes. But Rambla Bay in Gozo was an absolute stunner. I’ve never seen anything like it! Crystal blue waters, orange sanded beach that is sandwiched between countryside and mountain tops you won’t know where you are. It is one of the most captivating areas of Malta, surrounded by natural beauty you will be. The natural colors of the surroundings of this place was very inspiring for me. The colors in the bay and colors surrounding it all made it a wonderland. The mis of the green and blues of the ocean with the orange and golds from the sand to the greens and browns of the cliffs and countryside..(I can go on and on). Put this on the top half of your list for sure.
Finally I get to talk about the Blue Grotto in Malta. One of the most beautiful coolest experiences I have done in a long time. The ride there is spectacular going up the mountains tops, along the Dingli Cliffs and looking down at the water. Make sure to give yourself enough time to see everything on the way as well as making it to the boat ride. It’s about 8 euros for the ride and it’s definitely worth it. They take you inside the caves and you get to see the beautiful rock formations from afar and close up. The water is so crystal clear blue you’ll be tempted to dive in so bring a suit! These six marine caves are so breath taking you’ll have this memory forever.
We did a lot in a week and we could have definitely stayed longer. We felt right at home and loved every bit of this island. The food was great, the people were incredibly nice and the history just took our breath away. Malta is definitely one top of my list of favorite places and I want it to be on yours too. This country gave me some great memories and for that I am loving it for life.
