Have you ever heard of the “Malta Convention”? It’s a European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. Also dubbed the “Valletta Convention” or the “Valletta Treaty”, since it was adopted in Valletta, the capital of Malta. Due to her job, Mei – who is an archaeologist, as you might know – told me a lot about this convention for the last several years. Mainly, because Luxembourg recently ratified this treaty.
Now, you might ask what this treaty, which aims to protect the European archaeological heritage, has to do with our voyage in Malta? Let me spare you the details: it actually isn’t very relevant. Except for the fact that had Mei not mentioned this treaty every single day for the past few years, I probably wouldn’t have suggested to visit Malta.
Our trip only lasted for four days. But when it comes to travel: quality matters, not quantity. Quality and memories. Because we travel to make unforgettable memories…
Table of Contents
MARVEL AT VALLETTA’S COLORFUL WOODEN BALCONIES
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It was midnight when we landed in Malta. Not a soul lingered in the city. But as we were driving through the city center of Valletta, our jaws dropped at the sight of the countless historical facades ornated with entrancing details. These buildings were gracefully lit with warm yellow lights.
Only the next morning did the Mediterranean sun finally lift the curtain on Valletta’s exuberant architecture. What the previous night had merely augured, was suddenly unveiled. So, we spent the whole day strolling through the narrow alleys of one of the smallest capital-cities in the world: climbing down dozens of limestone staircases, gazing up at the colorful wooden balconies, unmasking features at every corner. Apparently, the trend to build these enclosed balconies started in Valletta around the end of the 17th century. They revealed the owners’ social status.
However, it’s not sure whether these enclosed balconies have an Aragonese, Spanish, Arabic, or Turkish origin. But one thing is sure: the protruding wooden balconies, the heraldic stone-carved emblems, as well as the solitary church chimes render Malta an interactive storybook. We were eager to turn all the pages…
SIT DOWN AND RELAX IN THE LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS
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After a long day wandering around the streets of Valletta, we ended up in front of a small public park. When we set eyes on a miniature Greek-styled temple, Mei immediately wanted to visit the inside. It turns out that this neoclassical monument was built in 1810 as a memorial to Sir Alexander Ball. He was a British admiral, very much loved by the Maltese population, when the archipelago was under British rule.
The monument was encircled by palm trees, rearing their feathery crowns proudly. The stone pillars presented here and there colorful dots. At times, we could see the golden gleam of a lizard before it vanished in a crevice. A lazy cat was sunbathing. It squinted at us before turning its attention to the waving neck of an orange tree.
We settled on a bench, letting the light sea breeze play with our hair. As far as the eye could reach, the Grand Harbour stretched out its giant legs. The Lower Barakka Gardens soon became our favorite spot in the city. Each night, its magnetic vibe drew us in.
LISTEN TO THE WAVES AT WUESTENWINDS BEACH
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Malta is recognized for its clean beaches, reputed to be the cleanest in Europe. But most of them are located in the northern part of the archipelago. In the city of Valletta, there is no beach… or is there?
We chose to stay in Valletta, because we intended to explore its cultural and historical sites. We’re not beach persons. The April zephyr is not warm enough for us to take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. But on the second day of our trip, we stumbled upon a narrow staircase just a few steps south of Fort St Elmo. A little kitten licked its paw, then advanced to greet us with a meow. It didn’t let us touch its sandy fur, but looked at us with intent, before walking down two steps. Then it stopped again, turned around slowly and gave us another meow. So, we decided to follow the kitten down the stairs…
A few meters further, we found several boats turned upside down. Scattered all around, tiny colorful cabins had been built on top of the steep cliffs. We assumed they were abandoned fishermen cottages. Little kitty didn’t seem to want us to stop there. It led us further down, until we reached the sea. And there it was: a hidden stone beach, called Wuestenwinds Beach.
GET LOST IN MDINA
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A bus ride between Valletta and the city of Mdina lasts about twenty-five minutes. But it took our bus driver only ten minutes, and a few close-call accidents…
Perched atop a hillside and surrounded by lime-green fields and canary flowers, the fortified city of Mdina looks like a fairytale town from afar. But once inside the Silent City, we felt like history truly came alive! Mdina used to be Malta’a capital from its foundation in the 8th century BC until the arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530.
In Antiquity, the town was called Maleth. Then Melite by the Romans, before becoming Mdina, which derives from the Arabic word medina, meaning “a walled city with narrow and maze-like streets”. This description of Mdina is still accurate today. But unlike in the medinas of Tunisia or Morocco, the narrow alleys of this Maltese walled city are absolutely quiet.
Most tourists stay at the entrance gates of the town or visit the famous St Paul’s Cathedral or the French baroque Magisterial Palace. Some of them stroll on the city wall to catch sensational panoramic views of the surrounding areas. But once we walked into the hushed heart of the city, we were all by ourselves. Perfect to take in the timeless quietude. To feel the heat emerging from the sun-kissed walls. And to get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways…
SLOW DOWN IN MARSAXLOKK
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Compared to the chaotic bus ride we took to Mdina, the one to southeastern Malta turned out to be less hectic. We drove sluggishly along the shoreline, past grazing sheep and cattle… soon, we closed our eyes…
But the unexpected beauty of Marsaxlokk woke us up. We had not seen such a picturesque fishing village for a very long time! We felt like stepping on a Greek island. Not crowded, nor touristy. It was almost noon, but we didn’t want to rush to the first restaurant for lunch. We wandered gently through the little fishing village, marveling at the boats’ coloring and names. Finally, we sat down by the water, enjoying the quiet. A few local fishermen were mending their fishing nets. While others were repainting their luzzu boats… probably getting ready for the high season in Malta.
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A group of Buddhist monks dressed in bright orange came out of nowhere. Seeing their genuine smile, we imagined they lived in a jungle-temple in Angkor, or perhaps in one of the many wats in Luang Prabang. Even they found Marsaxlokk scenic enough to take a selfie…
By the way, did you know that it was in the bay of Marsaxlokk where the Phoenicians first settled down when they landed in Malta in the 9th century BC? I like it when Mei reveals bits of history. It soothes me. I put my head on her shoulder, and asked her to tell me more… The name of this village sounds complicated. But its meaning is actually quite simple. “Marsa” is the Arabic word for “port”. And “xlokk” is Maltese (pronounced “shlock”) and means “south east”. I thought that this fishing village was called so, because it was located in the southeast of the island. But in fact, “xlokk” is related to the dry southeastern wind dubbed “sirocco”, which blows from the Sahara.
WATCH THE SUNSET AT THE UPPER BARRAKKA GARDEN
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Some say that sunsets are always the same, wherever you go. We don’t agree. They’re never the same. Not even when watched from the same spot. Let alone, from different places. I love the ones we witnessed in Santorini. Mei loves the ones we experienced in San Francisco Bay. Perhaps, sunsets are not linked to places. But to memories. And to feelings of specific moments, as the ones you remember because you held hands, or kissed.
When the last violet sunrays slid across the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a pristine colonnaded garden with fountains and archways, we felt at peace and in love. It was magnificent…
LEARN ABOUT MALTA’S HISTORY IN THE NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM
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On the last day of our trip in Malta, we had a few hours to spare. Mei wanted to make one last use of her ICOM membership card, which provides her with free access to national museums and historical sites around the world. So, we walked to Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum. While I sat down under a lemon tree to muse and to write, Mei explored the museum. She sent me pictures of the Knights’ final resting place inside a small chapel. As well as of artefacts from the Normans who conquered Malta in the 11th century. And of several wreckages from WWII’s crashed aircrafts. By the way, did you know that Malta gained independence only in 1964?
Restored only recently, the whole complex of Fort St. Elmo is gigantic. The panoramic views of both the Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour, which the Fort guarded proudly in the 16th century and again during WWII, were well worth the visit, according to Mei. From the top of the fortification, she waved at me as I finished the last verse of my poem. When she joined me under the lemon tree, I thought that this was life as it should be. For once, without a care in the world. Free to stroll around. We took silly selfies. Kissed. Loved. Looked out into the teal Mediterranean Sea and dreamed away our time…
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34 Responses
Adri
Wonderful place, Malta has been on our bucket list for a long time. Thank you for the information!
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
I always learn so much whenever I read your posts, Kerstin! I had no idea that Malta was known for those unique balconies. It’s always a strange feeling to arrive to a new destination in the middle of the night and use only the streetlights as a preview of what you’ll find the next morning, isn’t it? Also, reading about the kitten bringing you to a hidden beach in the city gave me warm fuzzies! I’m planning on doing Europe this fall if I’m allowed to (if not, will likely postpone till next spring, or as long as I need to, but I’m determined to do an extended stay after this pandemic finally gets under control). I was planning on doing a month in Italy but I’ve heard such good things about Malta… if I can find a great flight deal I might have to do what you did and spend half a week there, too!
Mei and Kerstin
Thank you, Kevin! When you’re in southern Italy, you can catch a ferry to Sicily. And from there, another ferry to Malta, since Malta is really closed to Sicily. That way, you won’t need to plan your trip to Malta a lot in advance and avoid taking a plane. 😉
Erica
Stunning photos! Malta has been high on my list for a long time and these photos make it look like such a dream 😍 I myself am a beach gal, so a combination trip seeing the historical sights and pretty fishing villages mixed with a couple of days dipping in the mediteranean has got my wanderlust in overdrive!
Kerstin
Thank you, Erica! I hope you’ll get to visit Malta soon!
diapersinparadise
Oooh, Malta! I loved it there. I don’t often favor returning to places I’ve already visited rather than trying new countries, but Malta is one place I would love to go back to. I never made it down to Marsaxlokk, unfortunately! Next time you two are in Malta, if you have a bit more time, you should also explore further north. We stayed in St. Paul’s Bay and it was just stunning. So different from Valletta, though!
Mei and Kerstin
Yes, we have friends who explored the northern part of Malta and have said a lot of great things about that area. We didn’t go because we didn’t rent a car and taking the bus would have required to get up early in the morning… But when we return to Malta, we’ll make sure to go up north. 😉
Kez
Malta has always been high on my list and I’ll be getting there on my next trip. I also have a Maltese friend who has been telling me how amazing it is for the past 10 years!
Mei and Kerstin
Oh, why did you have your friend wait for you for so long? hehe… I definitely recommend you to visit Malta as soon as it’s safe to travel again. 😉
The.Holidaymaker / Renee
You had me at Malta, this is very high on my list. I want to go right now! I soaked up every descriptive word and photo you shared.
How much time did you spend there? It sounds like the destinations you visited are all recommended places that I would add to an itinerary.
I agree with you about a sunset, they are different each night, and each location. And, it’s the feeling you get that holds a special place in your memories.
Mei and Kerstin
We spent 4 days in Malta. Of course, we didn’t see everything, and didn’t go to the famous Gozo island in the north. But our goal was to get a first feeling of Malta, which I think we got that in 4 days. Especially since we traveled slowly, taking in each moment with full conscience. 😉
ansh997x
This is a great way to explore a new place and your recommendations to do so much during a short span of time is perfect for every Traveller.
Mei and Kerstin
Valletta is quite small. So it was easy to visit a lot in the city within a short amount of time. 😉
Giulia Turchetti
Would love to visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and see the sunset from there! You took such great photos from that spot. And I agree, I also think that sunsets are all different and special from various places, as they link to different moments and states of mind 🙂
Mei and Kerstin
Thank you so much, Giulia. In terms of pictures, the credit goes all to my wife. 🙂
Kez
Malta is actually high on my list of places to go and I intend to get there in my next trip. My Maltese friend also keeps telling me about how wonderful it is.
Zarina
Oooh, I’d love to visit Malta and was actually planning on going there this year… No idea when I’ll be able to go but I’ll keep your tips in mind 🙂
Mei and Kerstin
I hope you’ll get to visit Malta soon. If not this year, then in 2021! Let’s cross our fingers! 😉
josypheen
Beeeautiful post Kerstin!
It may not have been warm enough for a dip in the sea, but the golden colours of the sun-soaked bricks are just so inviting. It makes the city’s architecture look incredible.
The ICOM membership card sounds really useful too for this kind of historical city!
Kerstin
Thank you so much, Josypheen. If you get a chance, I definitely recommend you to visit Malta. You’ll love the colors. 🙂
Sandy N Vyjay
Malta looks beautiful. An irresistible cocktail of nature, heritage, and history. The place seems to posess a unique old world charm that is really enchanting.
Mei and Kerstin
We completely agree! 🙂
Two’s company
Malta looks so picturesque and it seems like you have a very relaxing time there!
Mei and Kerstin
Yes, we experienced a few soul-searching moments in Malta. 😉
CJ
Love your travel style, and I appreciate the history and context you provide. Valletta’s colorful balconies really caught my attention! So bright and beautiful! Also, love that you are ICOM card holders. I used to work at a museum in NYC, and ICOM members always have the best recommendations!
Mei and Kerstin
Thank you, CJ! In which NY museum did you work? We only had time to visit two museums when we were in NYC. Definitely looking forward to exploring the other museums someday!
Rudy @ Backpack & Snorkel
Wonderful! Malta is on my list of countries to go to. Since you only spent there 4 days, what would you say how many days should one plan for Malta. We love sightseeing, but also like to have the occasional beach day and, if there is snorkeling, frequent snorkel days..
Mei and Kerstin
If you also want to spend some time at the beach, snorkel and perhaps visit the other smaller islands such as Gozo, then you should plan in a week in Malta.
Catherine
I can’t wait to visit Malta – I’ve heard so much about the city and it has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember! The buildings are so gorgeous! Will save this post for when I visit one day.
Mei and Kerstin
Which city do you mean? Valletta? We hope you’ll get to visit Malta’s capital someday, but you might also like Mdina and Marsaxxlokk. 🙂
Sarah Carpenter
Wow, you managed to squeeze a lot into a few days and took such beautiful photos. I can just imagine myself strolling around Valletta admiring the stunning buildings with amazing balconies. I have always wanted to go to Malta and this is such a great idea of what I could see in just a few days.
Mei and Kerstin
Thank you, Sarah. Of course, we couldn’t see everything in Malta in 4 days. But that wasn’t the point of our trip. We wanted to take time and get to know a bit of Malta. It’s true that in the end, we got to see more than we first expected to. 😉
Matt
What a fantastic couple of days you spent in Malta. Marsaxlokk sounds like my type of place. My wife is a history nerd, so I always get to learn through her and there are times when she visits museums by herself, while I take photos. Sounds like we have a little in common 😉
Kerstin
Haha! In fact we both love history, but I was too inspired to finish my poem at that moment, and didn’t want to buy an entrance ticket to the museum instead of writing. So, I let Mei visit the museum for the both of us, since she has an ICOM card. 🙂