Jul-2013
The 360˚ dream of a photographer
After a flight of only 3 hours, which departed from Amsterdam Schiphol I landed on Malta, a small Mediterranean Island that amazed me with the many things you can see and do.
The fishing village Marsaxlokk
The total area of 316 km2 makes Malta bigger than Liechtenstein, but smaller than Andorra. It is incredible that on such a small island you have many activities to choose from, but also dining, hotels and guides. The two official languages are Maltese and English, but Malta has its own guide for every single country so that every tourist can be guided around the country in his or her own language. That is amazingly hospitable, right?
A city tour through Valetta with a visit to the Upper Baracca Gardens gives a beautiful view of Valetta and the Three Cities. If you start your holiday in Malta with this excursion you will get a better sight on how big the island actually is.
Interested in churches? The most important cathedral of Malta can be visited during the city tour as well: the St. Johns Co-Cathedral.
The fourth biggest dome of Europe can be found in Malta in the town Mosta where a miracle occurred: in the 2nd World War a bomb fell through the dome, but fortunately this bomb did not explode and nobody got hurt.
The surroundings of the Blue Grotto
When you are visiting Malta you definitely cannot miss a visit to the Blue Grotto. Wow, this is amazingly beautiful! My trip to Malta is like a dream of a photographer, but places like the Blue Grotto make everything a real experience. A fishing boat will take you along the coastline where the mysterious caves are hidden.
The surroundings of the Blue Grotto are ideal for scuba diving. There are more than twenty shipwrecks in the sea of Malta. The most popular wreck is the Um el Faroud. This wreck lies at a depth of 35 meters near the Blue Grotto.
The seawater at the Blue Grotto is turquoise because of the light effects of bright sunshine
Near the Blue Grotto you will find the remains of the temple of Hagar Qim, which stand on a hill. You can explore the temple while enjoying plenty of shade. Because of the weather, the temple has had a lot of damage and the government of Malta is now trying to minimize further deterioration with a large white tent that covers the temple.
The inside of the Hagar Qim Temple overlooking Filfla
Important archeological discoveries have been made in Hagar Qim such as the sitting ‘Fat Lady’ which still gives the archeologist a reason to debate whether it is a fat woman of maybe a sumo wrestler – Sounds weird, but it is true!
From this temple you have a nice view at the small deserted island Filfla which has been a bird sanctuary since 1980.
Small fishing boat at Marsaxlokk
Malta has an impressively colorful fishing village: Marsaxlokk. With its local market and restaurants it seems to be a very attractive place for tourists, but it is not an exploited tourist attraction at all. You will find a lot of local people and you can taste all kinds of local delicacies. Pisces Restaurant in Marsaxlokk is a must if you are looking for a finger licking good seafood restaurant. They serve a delicious octopus salad, tuna and even swordfish. I had the pleasure of trying these dishes for lunch accompanied with a fantastic dry white Maltese wine!
In Malta you can stroll through the gardens of the President. In order to get there you have to drive to the middle of the island, to the village of Attard. The huge garden complex called San Anton Gardens offers plenty of shade and you can even briefly take a picture at the front door of the President’s residence! The President himself goes to his neighbors for a cup of coffee from time to time: the elegant 5* star Hotel Corinthia Palace. I paid the hotel a visit too and enjoyed a Maltese cup of coffee.
Malta is a safe country where people are friendly and they trust each other. The hospitality of the Maltese people is fantastic, all the local food is worth trying and the island offers 360˚ of great pictures.
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About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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It looks lovely! I was never on Malta, no not true, I did spend a few hours there on my way from South Africa to Amsterdam, many years ago. I’ll put Malta on my list, to spend some more time and make photo’s!
Hi Margo! I am sure that if you go to Malta for a short trip or even a longer holiday you will have great fun! This place has so much to offer. I noticed that a lot of people do not know that this small island has more to offer than just a beach holiday. I would like to return too myself for a scuba diving experience with a good underwater camera 😉 It is definitely still on the bucket list. If you go there, please do share your experience!