Malta excursions (Mdina and St. Paul’s Island)

Our group hired a few van taxis during our stay, and noted a variety among their features. Some had working air conditioning and seat belts, others didn’t. We rode together from Sliema to Mdina, where we wandered through narrow streets, into squares, and along the walls for magnificent views. And of course churches, the cave in Rabat where St. Paul was held, and museums.

A delicious lunch at the slowest restaurant in town was rushed in order to meet our waiting ride. Just plan on long, relaxing meals and don’t expect speedy meals.

In the town of Bugibba, we took a boat to the Island Where St. Paul’s ship was wrecked during a storm. There is a statue and a paved path, along with peaceful wind, waves, and rocks. This was a special and memorable excursion for our group. Other tourist boats have additional destinations in the area.

If you travel during the summer months, build in some down time during the afternoon, if at all possible. There aren’t any exciting siesta pictures, but a dip in the ocean, a pool, or shower is very welcome during hot and humid days of walking. We are finally learning our lesson after years of traveling to warm weather destinations, and wearing ourselves out in the heat of the day.

Malta Details (Sliema and Valletta)

We joined an English-speaking Anglican service in Sliema, at Holy Trinity. In comparison with many ostentation churches in Europe, and even Malta, the sincere simplicity of this place was welcome. The people were also welcoming!

In Valletta, we visited the Anglican Cathedral, which was not too ornate. The restaurant under the church provided a delicious meal and cool air temperatures! I’m not sure if a reservation is needed in the Cathedral undercroft restaurant. I will mention the places that I would return to for more excellent fare, but not every place we had a meal.

Then, the most astonishing array of gold I ever saw in St. John’s Co-Cathedral. It felt odd to walk on top of burial chambers with ornate stone inlay, and that "more important" people were located closer to the front of the Sanctuary. But my favorite church is yet to come (another day)!

This may be the simplest food photo I’ve ever taken, but I will strive for years to replicate this recipe. Wait, does Gourmet magazine still try to obtain restaurant secrets for readers? No? What, Gourmet is no more? Anyway, please make a reservation at Legligin in Valletta, though you may not get the cold gazpacho soup when you are there. You get what you get, and it was scrumptious. The 5 course tasting menu left us all stuffed, and unable to imagine squeezing in 7 courses (the other choice). Dessert wasn’t included, but the outstanding mussels more than made up for it.

You can see the family style service, and nary a drop of soup remaining- except the seconds I was about to demolish!

Malta Welcome (Valletta)

I’ve just returned from 5 full days in Malta (not including travel days before and after). There are so many experiences and photos to share that I’ll post multiple days in case you can go, too!

A Pilgrimage is a faith-based journey. I joined a group of Pilgrims from Stuttgart (Germany), the UK, the US, and France. We were based in Sliema, which is an easy bus ride or ferry ride from Valletta. If you travel to Malta and don’t have a specific reason for being based in Sliema, I’d suggest that you stay in or near Valletta.

Our first full day, we took bus 21 from Sliema to the end of the line at the bus terminal in Valletta (2 Euros per person*). From there, it was a short walk into Valletta, where we strolled around the pedestrian area, and then on to “The Malta Experience”. We watched a movie about Malta and had a tour of the “Knights Hospitallers” building, which was an amazing glimpse into an historic site which provided medical care hundreds of years ago.

Small ferry boats brought 5 passengers each to 3 cities, just across the water. Our captain made the boat with his own hands! What a lovely piece of craftsmanship and tradition. We took a mini train (open sided metal carriages pulled by a small truck) through the streets of 3 cities, which would be especially fun if you have children in your group.

We were grateful for the elevator which brought us back up to the main level of Valletta! We took the ferry back from Valletta to Sliema, which was a nice breeze and terrific views. Daytime fare is 1.50 Euros per one way, or 1.75 in the evening.

* a multi-trip pass is available if you plan to ride the bus more than once per day during your stay