Malta June 2022

Well the years 2020 and 2021 were a write off due to the dreaded Covid, holiday wise, but thankfully this year things improved slightly and people began to travel with some confidence. After a chat with our lovely relatives in regards to the Covid situation in Malta, we decided to take the leap and book a visit. We'd be lying if we said we weren't just a little concerned, but we are so glad we made the decision to go.

Arriving in Malta on Tuesday 14 June, we once again chose to stay in the beautiful village of Imgarr. The birthplace of my Dad and his family. Our first night was very special, as we were surprising cousin Lina and husband Frans, with the help of son Daniel and cousin George. Unfortunately no pics but it was very emotional and a great time had by all.

After our dinner, I took the camera out for this night shot of Mgarr's beautiful church.

The next morning, we walked to Gnejna Bay and back, before stopping for breakfast and reconnecting with our favourite cafe owners, Doriella and hubby. As you can see, their cafe has prise views of the church.

Here's our beautiful Doriella taking time out for a pic with Cathy and of course it was pastizzi for breakfast and by God, they went down well.

This picture perfect wine bar also just beside the church in Imarr.  

We decided, our first day in Malta was to be spent visiting Rabat. Another beautiful village that takes pride in it's originality and historical treasures. The birthplace of my Mother and her family.

The saints' statues were out in display in the village square as the festa was coming soon. One of the reasons we chose this time of year to visit.

So much to see and do.

And there's always the glorious Mediterranean food.

A sneak peek inside the church of St Paul which transforms to all it's glory for the festa.

The easy going life style still exists in Rabat and it's easy to fall under it's spell. 

The alley way leading to cousin George's home.

These ceramic street signs are typical of the older villages in Malta, and quite often the street corner has mini statues decorating the intersection.

 

Beautiful narrow streets , so typical of older European villages.

No shortage of beautiful old churches in Malta. In fact there’s 365 churches and chapels throughout its islands. So that’s one for each day of the year!

 

More beautiful alleyways around every corner.

These decorations let everyone know that festa is coming.

On the outskirts of Rabat, is the walled city of Mdina.

Crossing the walkway to the city, it’s evident how serious the Maltese took security. Those walls are huge with a wide channel in the middle, built to slow down any enemy that tried to raid.

Approaching the main gate.

These traditional horse and carts (Karrozzin) now serve to amuse tourists.

This pic gives you an idea just how thick these walls are built.

The view over the great walls is amazing.

This restaurant within Mdina is well situated to take advantage of views across Malta.

Some of the homes were built for the rich and religious hierarchy. This one particularly well restored.

We did a lot of walking on our stay and this particular morning we decided to walk down to Gnejna Bay and across to Ghajn Tuffieha. Each time, we walked passed this beautiful old home that is now used as a wedding venue.

This the watch tower overlooking Gnejna Bay.

Looking down on Gnejna.

The beautiful colour, a dead giveaway this is the Mediterranean Sea.

This swimmer hasn’t a care in the world.

These shelters are dotted all round the coast of Malta. Built as lookouts during the 2nd World War.

Close by, remnants of a large gun turret.

Finally approaching Golden Bay.

A shooter's shelter, like many others all around rural Malta, usually found along the coastline, targeting migrating birds.

Shotgun shells litter the ground.

Arriving back in Imgarr, after our walk, its time for brekky at our favourite cafe in the village.

Doriella's beautiful smile, always there to greet us.

Today, we drove to Mellieha for a wander and a drink at the kiosk with some of the best views over Malta. This is the village church.

The architectural detail is beautiful and typical of churches all over Malta.

The view across to Mellieha Bay.

The Seaview Cafe is a must when visiting Mellieha.

A short drive across the other side of the Bay, is a small chapel with this statue out front.

The views are breath taking.

We are lucky to have beautiful people as relatives in Malta and to be honest, they are half the reason to visit. They always show us the true Maltese way of life and hospitality. Here, Frans slices a typical Maltese loaf of bread. The best you'll ever find and still baked in a wood furnace in Rabat.

We enjoyed meals with them at their farm, where they also grow their own veges and fruit, not to mention chickens for their egg supply.  

The thing about Mediterranean food is it's simplicity but purity and perfection. Never disappoints.

Looking down the length of their plot. 

And of course their own prickly pear cactus. Unfortunately we were to early to enjoy this fruit but such a favourite.

Home grown onions hung out to dry. No plastic bags here.

And garlic of course.

This is the hoe Frans uses to plough the family plot.

Nothing like enjoying your own produce.

Frans' pickled olives were to die for.

Sunset at the farm.

Imagine sitting watching this sunset in the warmth of a Mediterranean evening, enjoyin a quiet wine with people you love. That was our experience and what keeps us going back.

Festa time! Each village celebrates it's own festa of their patron saint and when they do it's spectacular.

The churches are decorated in incredible style and no expense is spared.

The decorations also spill out into the streets and laneways.

A traditional brass band also contributes to the excitement of the festa. 

Never any shortage of food stalls either.

This day was dedicated to visiting the capital of Valetta.

This beautiful water fountain sits just outside the main gates into the walled city.

As you walk into the city, these huge walls greet you either side of the walk way. Malta's history and architecture is nothing short of gobsmacking.

This is where you will get tourist crowds, but worth the effort.

Even relics are put to use. Concerts are often held here, just inside Valetta's gates.

Apart from modern retail shops, you'll still find many traditional stores as well.

Unmistakable old European buildings have their own identity.

No shortage of "real" cafes here. The atmosphere and experience is authentic, much like other places in Europe.

Quite often, you'll find mongers dotted around Malta, selling their goods.

The fruit smelled so good, particularly the strawberries. I truly believe we miss out on fresh fruit in Australia, all due to mass production.

Very unassuming building right? Until you see the picture below.

Needless to say, we didn't ask for the menu.

 

Gelato time!

No shortage of monuments and statues in Valetta.

Then this.

Even old cellars have been converted into posh restaurants.

Ok, time to play tourist and visit a home from previous statesmen and their families. This is Casa Rocca, a 16th century palace.

It was very well presented and explained room by room.

Some exceptional antiquities all throughout the palace.

How's this for a formal dining room?

The garden courtyard.

With it's own turtle pond.

Stairs leading down to an old water well, which was later converted into a bomb shelter during the second world war.

Looking up to the ceiling.

No visit to Valetta, is complete without to the Upper Barakka Gardens and their view over the Grand Harbour.

Stunning views across to the three cities of the Knights of St John.

Today we enjoyed a day out to Marsaxlokk. Malta's famous fishing village.

Cathy and Lina enjoying each other's company.

These are Malta's traditional fishing boats. The luzzu.

These boats date back to the Phoenicians.

There are quite a few of these taxi boats that will take you around for reasonable prices.

This is the view from the restaurant we all chose for lunch.

Seafood it is, of course.

Gotta go, my swordfish steak, cooked to perfection, is waiting for  me.

On our last two visits to Malta, we did a cruise that circumnavigated Malta, but this time we tried something different. We found a cruise that does the Grand Harbour in more detail and it was a great experience.

On ya get Cath.

We got to see modern parts of the island that didn't do much for us, but at least the buildings are in character......well sort of.

And we discovered hidden away swimming spots, kept secret by the locals.

This is Fort St Elmo, previously unknown to us.

A couple of Italian war ships doing what they do best....nothing.

Malta's past simply can't be forgotten. These access points are exits from underground tunnels, used during the war.

Stairways seemingly from nowhere to nowhere definately have a history too.

These modern units are definitely built to tradition and that is pleasing to see.

The Valetta Harbour bridge, well, not really, but that's what I'm calling it.

You really get to see how heavily fortified the city is from the water.

The Siege Bell was erected as a war memorial to those who fell in the Second World War. Over 7000 died in the three years that this precious little island was under siege. 

Boat houses dot the shore, that have been converted in to mini weekenders.

Cruise ships frequent the harbour and usually only visit for a day or two, but unfortunately, the passengers don't really get to experience Malta to it's true extent.

Traditional little boats now serve as tourist taxis across the harbour.

A large fishing vessel returning to harbour. 

Brightly coloured cats used for quick transit to Gozo.

Yet another beautiful cathedral.

We found this crane painted as a giraffe amusing.

One of many lookout points that dot the harbour.

It seems everyone wants a harbour view.

Many of these luxury yachts are owned by wealthy overseas business people.

And then there's the ultra rich.

Lazaretto Hospital is an old Naval hospital.

These access points were used by nursing staff to come to the water for a swim and some R and R.

Just like these locals.

Well what do ya know? It's time to eat again. Or should I say feast. We were well looked after by our family in Malta and they made us feel very loved and included.

Can't not like Mediterranean food. Simple but perfect.

Cath was certainly in her element.

Yumm, just yum!

Followed by a bonfire celebrating yet another saint.

So simple yet so perfect.

Even King Toto approved.

Nearing the end of our stay, Imgarr began to decorate her streets in preparation for her Festa.

My favourite church in Malta. She's not as elaborate as many others but beautiful in her own right, but I'm biased.

Just to the left of the church plaza, is this roadside fuel stop owned by the family of an old school friend of my Dad's.

And here he is. Although he isn't so involved in the business these days, he still enjoys sitting beside the plaza, talking to whoever wants to have a chat.

Another customer. We also bought all our fuel here in support.

Today, we took a bus ride into Msida. We spotted these Roman Baths on the side of the road.

What do you know? Another cathedral. Fancy that.

Msida was also preparing for their festa.

Msida was also a fishing village, however is now more for the well to do.

Some traditions are hard to let go.

This memorial in the main square.

More festa decorations.

Ask any Maltese person what the national food is and they'll more than likely tell you it's the umble pastizzi. The Crystal Palace bakery in Rabat, is said to be the best in Malta, however, we loved all that we had from all over.

These with sesame seeds, were a curry variety. Not traditional but bloody awesome. We ate plenty of these on our trip because we knew that we can't get the same quality back home in Australia.

If this looks very Italian to you, you'd be right. Many restaurants have been taken over by southern Italians but they fit in quite well since they are virtually cousins with the Maltese.

A visit to the Sunday markets in Rabat.

Then a cold drink with our favourite loved ones in a Rabat bar.

That afternoon, we visited Dingli Cliffs. This little chapel sat at the edge of the famous cliffs.

The views from the cliffs over the Mediterranean were quite dramatic.

This home on the cliffs would be my ideal getaway.

No visit to Malta is complete without sailing across to Gozo for a day trip.

As one ferry leaves Malta, another arrives from Gozo, transporting people and vehicles to and fro, daily.

Approaching Imgarr harbour in Gozo.

Imgarr harbour, Gozo.

Today we decided to play tourist. It worked out well getting off and on where we desired.

Lots to see and do in Gozo, including this old hospital.

As you can see, it was quite large to cope with demand in the war.

Yep, there she goes again, and yet another church preoaring for festa. This time, in Gozo.

The streets in Gozo were so clean.

No visit to Gozo is complete without seeing the Inland Sea in Dwejra.

This restaurant overlooks the lagoon but I wouldn't recommend it. In years past it was a great venue, but our experience this time around was very poor and we walked out.

The inland sea is more of a pristine lagoon actually and a great place for a dip.

It also has it's own boat sheds lining the shore. 

Looking from above.

The Our Lady ta Pinu Church is well worth the visit too.

Many believers have visited to cure what ails them and have had their prayers answered.

This day was dedicated for a day in Armier for a swim.

Very pleasant morning with Frans, George and Ollier.

The water was very inviting but we had to keep an eye out for the odd jelly fish.

More pics near Dingli cliffs.

These aren't too far from Fomm ir Rih

We have no idea how this fella got down to his fishing spot, but I hope it was worth it.

Beautiful spot but no help around should things turn bad.

Every day of our stay in Malta, started with a morning walk through the farm lanes of Imgarr. It was important to get an early start due to the heat of the day, with temperatures regularly reaching 40c. Our walks were usually closely followed by a swim in Gnejna Bay close by.

So this morning's walk was documented with pics along the way. So picturesque and needed recording.

As you can see, these roads weren't so wide.

Although the season was almost done, this strawberry field smelt divine every time we passed it.

What remains of an old farm house , looking from the inside.

A small vineyard with the beautiful village of Imgarr in the distance.

This field of onions almost ready to harvest.

This beautiful old Bedford tipper looks right at home here.

Many farms had these reservoirs to store precious water when the rains come, although these days, recycled waste water is pumped out to rural areas for farming.

The family crest was popular in Imgarr. It seems we're related to many of the locals.

Such a dry little island but the people make it work, somehow.

These water meters allow the farms their share of recycled sewer water.

Every now and then, a splash of colour amongst the rock walls.

These mile stones were the old way of marking distance.

During the war, the numbers were etched out to hinder the German army should they have landed.

Prickly Pear cacti were everywhere and valued as a delicious fruit in Malta.

Walking back to town, we pass the school where my father attended and his mother before him.

This was the family home where my Dad grew up, which stands close to one of Malta's ancient temples.

Finally back to the village square and that gorgeous church.

After we freshened up, we made our way to Pitt Stop Cafe. It was a Saturday morning which means the traditional folk singers were gathered for a session. Such a special thing to be part of.

In the afternoon, we finally got the opportunity to experience the war shelters in Imgarr. Access is from the Tal Barri restaurant, Who also maintain this important piece of history.

Dark tunnels and old gas masks remind us of the conditions the locals endured in the day.

Old black and whites hang on the walls as records of the time.

This little room served as a place of worship and prayer during the air raids.

Complete with it's own little alter.

A "hospital" room to treat the wounded.

There was no lighting in the day so kerosene lanterns were used. 

Any space was used, even school wasn't forgotten.

A wing of a downed German aircraft kept as a trophy and typical living quarters.

A wash room pictured left and yes, it was all carved by hand tools.

An infants room complete with potato sack hanging crib.

And finally toward the furthest point of the tunnels, a stair case leading up to the school, to quickly evacuate the children to safety.

We had a free day to spend in San Anton Gardens.

The gardens were overdue for some tlc but were still pleasant to walk around out of the heat of the day.

San Anton Palace, within the garden, which serves as the residence of the President of Malta.

Peacocks roam the garden freely.

The old method of irrigation in the garden still remains but no longer in use.

Note the pigeons lined up above the fountain? They're not silly and know how to keep cool.

The odd splash of colour from flowering trees.

This fountain and pond is the home of numerous turtles.

It was nice and cool to sit in the shade near the pond.

Here's another peacock.

And his hen friend.

Today, we returned to Marsaxlokk to enjoy a boat ride to St Paul's pool, with Frans and Lina.

It seems , I can't escape anything to do with fishing.

Ok time to board the HMAS Xlokk. 😆

The water around Malta is so clear and inviting.

Really nice to experience Malta from a boat.

Smile!

love the colours of the traditional craft in Marsaxlokk Bay.

So unmistakeably Maltese.

Marsaxlokk Bay is an absolute must see when visiting Malta.

Apart from it's traditional boats and seafood restaurants, there is a market along the shoreline that you can see in the background in this pic.

Reaching the end of our stay, We drove to Zurrieq to view the tour boats to the Blue Grotto.

This yet another great activity to experience although we've been a couple of times already.

Not too far is this enclosed sea pool.

Popular with the locals and tourists alike.

Yet another charming spot.

Sadly, our Malta visit had come to an end, but our last night in Malta was also the most memorable. Not only did we get taken up to the church bell tower in Balzan, the home town of Frans and Lina and family, but we got to experience a night of song and dance and fine food in the village streets. An emotional experience and one we'll never forget. 

Cath and I would greatly like to personally thank Frans, Lina, Daniel, Vanessa, George and Ollia for the time they gave us during our stay. You showed us so much love for life and helped us experience Malta to the fullest.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU all. 💓