Malta in Autumn

Autumn is a great time to visit Malta, a small but historically rich and beautiful archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta enjoys mild temperatures during autumn, making it a comfortable time for exploring the island. We arrived on Malta's airport at 13.45 h and took a taxi to our apartment. The Uber taxi is available on Malta and the prices are very affordable.

The apartment is modern, spacious and clean. The location is perfect, near bus stations and close to the seaside. Very convenient for exploring Malta. Buses are main public transport next to the taxi services. Many lines, excellent connections, frequent and cheap makes the buses our first choice of transport here.

After settling we went for a walk to explore our close neighborhood. Started in Msida Marina we saw lovely Parish Church and strolled through vivid streets towards Sliema. Walking along the coastline filled with hotels, caffes and restaurants we enjoyed the beautiful view over Valletta across the bay. On our way each of us bought a Tallinja card called the 7-Day Explore Card for only 21€. The Card includes unlimited travel for 7 days and offers the best value for exploring the whole country.

Sliema is a popular tourist destination with lots of hotels but is also an elite residential area, with some of the most expensive properties available in the country. It has one sandy beach and a long rocky coastline.

In the morning we took a bus 74 from Valletta to Ħaġar Qim. The late-Neolithic site of Ħaġar Qim is over 5000 years old and is located on the southern edge of the island of Malta. The site consists of a group of monumental megalithic buildings. The name Hagar Qim means “standing stones”, and is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

500m downhill from Ħaġar Qim one finds Mnajdra, consisting of three buildings, probably used by the same community. Both Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are protected from the weather conditions by shelters that resemble “UFO” to us. The sites are described by the UNESCO committee as "unique architectural masterpieces." IMPORTANT: Choose activities that need entrance tickets in the morning! Most of the attractions close at 16.30 or 17.00 h.

We came back to Valletta by bus. The path to the main entrance of the city leads from the wide plateau with the beautiful Triton fountain in the centre. Leads you through the huge city walls with the St. John Bastion on the left. A pair of giant sloped stone blocks designed by famous architect Renzo Piano open the city walls.

The ornamental stone facade of the new building of the Parliament House of Malta is a part of the City Gate Project by famous architect Renzo Piano. That project also included converting the ruins of the Royal Opera House into an open-air theatre.

St John's Co-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Valletta dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It was built by the Order of St. John in the 16th century. The interior of the church is considered to be one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe. The highly decorative interior of the cathedral is home to the Caravaggio masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John."

Take a stroll along the main street and steep side streets between many shops, cafes and restaurants and visit Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views. The Lower Barrakka Gardens is located on the bastion edge on the northeast side of the city. The garden overlooks the entrance to Grand Harbour.

The public garden of Upper Barrakka Gardens is the highest point of the city walls. It can be reached also by a 58 m high elevator called The Barrakka Lift. The Garden offers a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. And a breathtaking view of the three fortresses on the opposite side of the bay, a location known as The Three Cities.

After this spectacular day we went into a cozy brasserie and vintage bar Taproom in the historic city of Valletta. We had various delicious meals and vine. Finished the evening with fine cocktails.

Ghar Dalam Cave is the oldest prehistoric site on Malta. Museum contains Paleolithic art, human remains and Ice Age artefacts. The cave contains the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta. Very impressive cave and museum.

Just 15 minutes walk from Dhar Galam is another archaeological site Borġ in-Nadur located in open fields near Birżebbuġa. It is occupied by a Tarxien phase megalithic temple as well as the remains of a Bronze Age village which includes the earliest fortification in Malta. We went there because it was not far and the entrance ticket was already included in the Cave ticket. But honestly it wasn't much of a site to see. But the nature and the lovely houses made it worth coming. And it is practically in Birżebbuġa where we took the bus to go on.

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village famous for its colourful boats, known as luzzu. Along the seafront there is ongoing market with souvenirs and food specialties of the region. Very lively village. It's a great place to experience local culture and enjoy fresh seafood. From here we had to take Uber to Birgu becouse we had entrance tickets for Inquisitors Palace for 3 pm.

Inquisitor’s Palace in the centre of Birgu was the seat of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. Later the palace was used for many purposes, including as a military hospital, a mess hall and a convent. It is absolutely fantastic palace and a must see place on Malta.

Birgu, also known by its title Città Vittoriosa, is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbour. At the end of the Birgu peninsula lies a magnificent fortress, Fort St. Angelo. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and surrounding fortified towns.

Historic towns Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua, are known as the Three Cities. They are filled with narrow streets, churches, and forts. From the Birgu waterfront to the opposite peninsula and the city of Sanglea we took a small taxi boat for only 2€ per person.

Sanglea is also known by its title Città Invicta because it managed to resist the Ottoman invasion. It is also the walled city with many amazing narrow streets worth walking through. Finished our siteseeing on the top of the peninsula visiting the famous Gardjola Gardens with decorated watch-tower. We enjoyed the wonderful views of the harbour and Valletta.

Returned by bus to Valletta and searched in the old town for the place to eat. Found very good restaurant Soto. They are famous for Pinsa Romana, a sort of pizza. It was very delicious. Valletta is very lively and beautiful in the evening.

In the morning we went by bus 41 from Valletta to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. It took about an hour drive. The ferry to Gozo sails every 45 minutes.

The ferry from Cirkewwa to Mgarr sail 25 minutes. In front of the terminal in Mgarr we entered the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. We bouhgt the tickets in advance and they include both Hop-on circular bus tours on Gozo.

First we took the purple tour and chose to stop at The Inland Sea and in Dwejra on Gozo. It is a lagoon of seawater linked to the Mediterranean Sea through an opening formed by a narrow natural arch. It is famous diving spot. There are tours with small boats through the cave to the open sea. The rocks and cliffs arround are very interesting and unusual structure. The spot is popular for watching sunsets over the sea.

Fungus Rock is a second of two natural wonders located within a few metres from each other. On the left from Inland Sea you can see the Fungus Rock. It became famous during the times of the Knights. It was thought that a particular plant (mistaken for fungus) which grows on this little island had medicinal properties and could cure various illnesses.

Next stop we chose to see Ta’ Pinu. It is a Roman Catholic Basilica of the Blessed Virgin, a national shrine. The Basilica is striking from the outside. And being almost in the middle of nowhere dominates the local area. The sanctuary was constructed in front of the original chapel.

Victoria is the capital of Gozo Island and the centre of its commercial, social and cultural life. Its medieval Citadel, with fortified walls, is worth visiting. From the walls, one can see a 360° panorama of the big part of the island and far away to the sea. The bus tours intersect in Victoria where you can change the tour.

We did change the Hop on bus in Victoria and drove the second route arround the other half of the island. But unfortunately it was too late to see the famous sites there. First some were already closed and other needed time to explore that we didn't have anymore. IMPORTANT: We learned that if you want to see all the beauty of this island one day is not enough! We took ferry and bus to go back to our apartment.

Mdina, also known as the „Silent City“, is a medieval walled town with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a charming atmosphere. There are many old decorative horse carriages to take you through the city. But walking through is really beautiful and you can spot many special details on the houses and everywhere. The city is well known as a real-life location where they filmed Game of Thrones.

From the gate walk through the narrow streets to the Carmelite Priory. It's interior is rich with baroque sculpture and paintings, and offers the unique opportunity of visiting various rooms of the priory.

Now go to the right from the Priory to the beautiful baroque St. Paul's Cathedral. The cathedral was founded in the 12th century, and according to tradition it stands on the site of where Roman governor Publius met St. Paul following his shipwreck on Malta.

Close to the Cathedral is a Museum that contains various religious and profane artworks, as well as cions, furniture and accessories. We didn't visit the museum but rather went to see the famous St. Pauls Catacombs.

The Catacombs are situated in Rabat (a walking distance from Mdina) and were serving as a burial ground from Punic, Roman and Byzantine times. They represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. The catacombs form a huge complex of interconnected underground Roman cemeteries.

The Domus Romana (Latin for "Roman House") is a ruined Roman-era house located on the boundary between Mdina and Rabat. Rabat is also very picturesque city worth walking through. After the catacombs we walked back through Rabat to Mdina.

We walked through Mdina to the Bastione Square on the far end and climbed to the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding far far away.

Here we found a charming restaurant with the beautiful views all arround. Fontanella Tea garden offers huge veriety of snacks and local dishes, pastries and pizzas, but they are most famous for their cakes. Wonderful finish of the amazing day. Returned by bus to Valletta.

Checking out and taking the bus from Valletta Bus Station to the airport still using our Tallinja card.

Aerport is very lively but easy to go through. Leaving home with a promise to come back soon.