Meandering The Maltese Islands ~ Glam Guide

Meandering The Maltese Islands ~ Glam Guide

written by Christine Philip June 7, 2016

I’m not going to lie, Malta is pretty laid back and a tad small, but the true beauty of this place is that it is still quite undiscovered and boasts the perfect combination of historic architectural elegance coupled with mysterious and majestic island vibes. Lying between Sicily and the North African coast, the Malta archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo (where Jolie Pitt’s daring “By the Sea” was filmed), and Comino island.

Known for its colorful wooden fishing boats and green shutters on it’s seafront villas, centuries-old exteriors and interiors in Malta are now transformed into swanky hotels and bars.

I’m going to give you a mini run down on How to do Malta:

malta marsaxlokk boats

malta marsaxlokk boats

marsaxlokk

marsaxlokk

marsaxlokk

marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk

First stop, you must visit this beautiful and traditional fishing village in south Malta: Marsaxlokk (pronounced ‘Marsha-schlauk’) The harbour and waterfront is one of the prettiest in South Europe. You’ll love the markets, churches, and cafes overlooking the Malta seas. Malta is known for having over 400 churches- and is a massive but small catholic country. The Marsaxlokk church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

If you are from the UK, hire a car. You will find it reassuring that the Maltese also drive on the left.

Eat in Saint Julian’s (Maltese: San Ġiljan)

Ristorante Dolce Vita in San Ġiljan

Ristorante Dolce Vita in San Ġiljan

Eat some of the best seafood with a view at Saint Julians Dolce Vita restaurant.

Cigar Menu

The Cigar Menu at Dolce Vita Ristorante

St Julian’s Bay is filled with resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs. The town is named after its patron saint; Saint Julian who is widely known as Julian the Hospitaller and Julian the Poor, the patron Saint of hunters. This area has some of the most delicious Maltese cuisine and a pretty good nightlife scene. Stay at Le Meridien St Julian’s Hotel and Spa or Xara Palace.

St Julians

St Julians

Christine Philip in Saint Julians

St Julians

Charter a fishing vessel around Malta

Christine Philip in Malta Yachting

Malta Yachting

Overlooking Valletta

Overlooking Valletta

One of the best ways to explore Malta and the islands is to go sailing in Malta. Malta’s history dates back to 5000 BC with a number of Neolithic temples that are UNESCO world heritage sites, and you can view most of them by sea. There are a number of marinas that you can hop on and off to.

Malta Valletta 2

Valletta

Valletta

Valletta

Enjoy and explore Valletta for the late nights out as it has an exceptional bar and lounge scene. There are plenty of cute cafes and fun restaurants. The islands have a surprising and booming calendar of cultural events such as jazz festivals and Theatre productions.

Maltese Night Life

Maltese Night Life

There is also a vibrant clubbing scene at paceville and Valletta. Also try Caffe Cordina, Valletta’s (Malta’s capital) most iconic cafe, feeding into the main square.

Malta Valletta harbour

Malta Valletta harbour

Churches

Saint John's Co Cathedral

Saint John’s Co Cathedral in Valletta

Like stepping into a jewel box, every church (over 400 of them in Malta), has it’s own beauty and charm where every inch is detailed, carved, or painted in gold.

Saint John's Co Cathedral in Valletta

Saint John’s Co Cathedral in Valletta

Malta's traditional green shutters

Malta’s traditional green shutters

Malta Seas

Malta’s Deep Blue Sea

Mdina

The golden-stone walls of the hilltop have intense mansions and convents hidden behind unassuming doors. You will love the restaurants perched on the top for impressive views.

Gozo Island

Meander though prehistoric temples, cliffs, and hidden coves. Smaller than Malta, it has a more private feel and encompasses a scenic yet relaxing utopia.

Christine Philip in Malta

Christine Philip in Malta

-Christine Philip

Photography by CP, GG

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10 comments

10 comments

bernie June 7, 2016 - 8:00 pm

I plan to visit sooner than I thought . What a beautiful place thank you for the amazing pictures and advise on places to see.

Reply
Tara August 24, 2017 - 12:35 pm

I always wanted to see Malta. It’s on my “bucket list”.

Reply
Stephanie August 31, 2018 - 10:23 pm

This island looks absolutely gorgeous! And the inside of those churches is just astounding. Malta sounds like the perfect place to vacation, I love being close to the water and learning new cultures.

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April Marquardt August 31, 2018 - 11:51 pm

This is seriously the most beautiful city! Hopefully one day I can make it here!

Reply
Angela Tolsma September 1, 2018 - 2:47 am

love the last picture! Boat tours are one of my favorite things to do when exploring a new place!!

Reply
Kate Kreates September 1, 2018 - 3:25 am

I’ve never really thought of visiting Malta, but it looks so pretty and the places you visited look lovely…

Reply
Elizabeth Edgar September 1, 2018 - 10:13 am

Malta looks gorgeous! I think I’d enjoy Gozo Island with its hidden coves. Your pictures are beautiful.

Reply
Rachel September 1, 2018 - 12:56 pm

All these world traveling posts are amazing. It makes me feel so sheltered and sedentary.

Reply
Ria Parikh September 2, 2018 - 2:30 am

Wow Malta is such a gorgeous island. And your pictures are absolutely stunning. I really hope to one day be able to embrace the beauty of this island!

Reply
Kim September 2, 2018 - 2:52 pm

All of these photos are so beautiful! I would love to go here one day 🙂

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