Page 54 - teyxos_13
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5dina.y..s
E ven though just double the size of Lichtenstein, this tiny island
nation comprising the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino is
nevertheless a breathtaking Mediterranean destination. From
its North African, Arabic influences and Italian-inspired cuisine to its
prehistoric ruins and rich cultural treasures, Malta boasts 7,000 years of
history. What has taken you so long?
DAY ONE
Just one glimpse from above is enough: deep blue waters and sandy
beaches, the Malta I was expecting. It is only when I arrive in Valletta, the
capital, that I realise the treats I am in for; this miniature city abounds
with massive fortifications and architectural excellence. After arriving at
Maison La Vallette, a luxury, self-catering, 400 year-old townhouse in the heart
of the city (maisonlavallette.com), I indulge in a local tradition: pastizz. Caffe
Cordina, situated in a historic palazzo, is the ideal stop for these parcels of
filo pastry stuffed with ricotta or peas and a glass of wine (caffecordina.com).
Following a walk along the harbour where sailing yachts and luzzu, traditional
Maltese fishing boats, sit side-by-side, I rush home for some sleep.
DAY TWOfter a classic Maltese breakfast on the go (coffee and pastizz), I am
prepared to explore Valletta, dubbed by UNESCO as ‘one of the most
Aconcentrated historic areas in the world’. My first stop is St. John’s
Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s most famous painting, The Beheading of
Saint John the Baptist (1608). Next, the Grand Master’s Palace; one of the
first buildings in Valletta (1571), the house of government boasts wonderful
Gobelins tapestries and ornate decorations. I take in the afternoon sun at the
Saluting Battery before heading to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a former
private garden that offers a superb panorama of the Grand Harbour. Τhe
aroma of rabbit in wine and garlic pull me to Guze, a new restaurant housed in
a centuries-old building, the epitome of contemporary Malta (guze.com.mt).
DAY THREE
Even though I could easily spend more time in Valletta, medieval Malta
is calling. I soon arrive at fortified Mdina, the old capital perched on
a rocky hill that boasts stately palazzi, bastions and a cathedral. After
a creepy visit to World Heritage Site Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, subterranean
burial place and temple that dates from 3600 B.C., I take a trip to the nearby
Ta Qali crafts village, a former WWII aerodrome converted into a local crafts
market, ideal for buying traditional ceramics, jewellery and knitwear. For a
gourmet dinner, I head to de Mondion at the Xara Palace hotel, where I feast
on succulent wild game as I enjoy the panoramic views (demondion.com).
DAY FOURoday I will explore the island of Gozo, where ancient sites meet Malta’s
finest seascapes. Tempted as I am to join the locals playing brilli, a
Tform of bowling, my first stop is the Ggantija Temples. Located in
Xaghra and dating from 3600 B.C., these Neolithic megaliths are the oldest
freestanding man-made structures, with some weighing up to 55 tons. Next
stop Dwerja, where time and the sea have worked together to produce the
most remarkable scenery – the Azure Window takes my breath away. Gozo
also offers diving sites, such as Inland Sea and Blue Hole, but I will save those
for next time. Instead, I enjoy seafood at the famed Stonecrab restaurant
(thestonecrab.com). Upon returning to Valletta, I watch a performance at
the Manoel Theatre (teatrumanoel.com.mt), Europe’s third-oldest working
theatre, before heading to Trabuxu for a drink (trabuxu.com.mt).
54
E ven though just double the size of Lichtenstein, this tiny island
nation comprising the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino is
nevertheless a breathtaking Mediterranean destination. From
its North African, Arabic influences and Italian-inspired cuisine to its
prehistoric ruins and rich cultural treasures, Malta boasts 7,000 years of
history. What has taken you so long?
DAY ONE
Just one glimpse from above is enough: deep blue waters and sandy
beaches, the Malta I was expecting. It is only when I arrive in Valletta, the
capital, that I realise the treats I am in for; this miniature city abounds
with massive fortifications and architectural excellence. After arriving at
Maison La Vallette, a luxury, self-catering, 400 year-old townhouse in the heart
of the city (maisonlavallette.com), I indulge in a local tradition: pastizz. Caffe
Cordina, situated in a historic palazzo, is the ideal stop for these parcels of
filo pastry stuffed with ricotta or peas and a glass of wine (caffecordina.com).
Following a walk along the harbour where sailing yachts and luzzu, traditional
Maltese fishing boats, sit side-by-side, I rush home for some sleep.
DAY TWOfter a classic Maltese breakfast on the go (coffee and pastizz), I am
prepared to explore Valletta, dubbed by UNESCO as ‘one of the most
Aconcentrated historic areas in the world’. My first stop is St. John’s
Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s most famous painting, The Beheading of
Saint John the Baptist (1608). Next, the Grand Master’s Palace; one of the
first buildings in Valletta (1571), the house of government boasts wonderful
Gobelins tapestries and ornate decorations. I take in the afternoon sun at the
Saluting Battery before heading to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a former
private garden that offers a superb panorama of the Grand Harbour. Τhe
aroma of rabbit in wine and garlic pull me to Guze, a new restaurant housed in
a centuries-old building, the epitome of contemporary Malta (guze.com.mt).
DAY THREE
Even though I could easily spend more time in Valletta, medieval Malta
is calling. I soon arrive at fortified Mdina, the old capital perched on
a rocky hill that boasts stately palazzi, bastions and a cathedral. After
a creepy visit to World Heritage Site Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, subterranean
burial place and temple that dates from 3600 B.C., I take a trip to the nearby
Ta Qali crafts village, a former WWII aerodrome converted into a local crafts
market, ideal for buying traditional ceramics, jewellery and knitwear. For a
gourmet dinner, I head to de Mondion at the Xara Palace hotel, where I feast
on succulent wild game as I enjoy the panoramic views (demondion.com).
DAY FOURoday I will explore the island of Gozo, where ancient sites meet Malta’s
finest seascapes. Tempted as I am to join the locals playing brilli, a
Tform of bowling, my first stop is the Ggantija Temples. Located in
Xaghra and dating from 3600 B.C., these Neolithic megaliths are the oldest
freestanding man-made structures, with some weighing up to 55 tons. Next
stop Dwerja, where time and the sea have worked together to produce the
most remarkable scenery – the Azure Window takes my breath away. Gozo
also offers diving sites, such as Inland Sea and Blue Hole, but I will save those
for next time. Instead, I enjoy seafood at the famed Stonecrab restaurant
(thestonecrab.com). Upon returning to Valletta, I watch a performance at
the Manoel Theatre (teatrumanoel.com.mt), Europe’s third-oldest working
theatre, before heading to Trabuxu for a drink (trabuxu.com.mt).
54
