Malta is a very divisive place, according to people I know. We love it and would come back any time. We spent an extended period there in 2015. Before my wife and I met, we had both spent longer periods abroad in Dublin and Sydney, and we were eager to live abroad again. So in 2015 we decided to move to Malta. And now we are going to relive this pleasant nostalgic experience, if only for a few days.


We hadn't been able to go on holiday since the pandemic, so after 3 years we were really looking forward to finally going on holiday (although I have to admit that Orsi is much better, she loves the beach, I could cycling in the mountains any time instead). After much deliberation (due to the skyrocketing cost of holidays at home and abroad), Orsi suggested - why not we travel to Malta? - Yes, why not? We know it like the back of our hands and have had good experiences there. How many years had passed? Much more than we thought, time is running really fast. 8 years had passed, but how much has changed there? Well, it's time to see what exactly.


By coincidence, our accommodation was next door to our old sublet, actually the house stands opposite side, which wasn't even there before. They had built a complete hotel behind the bus stop where we used to take the daily shuttle. Perfect, we got to see our old street again, the grocery store, our favourite pizza place, the running track, the fish shop and even the little stray cats we fed daily (I'm quite sure they're already in the eternal hunting ground).


"It was time to travel again"

DAY ONE


Visiting the old town of Mdina


Walking through the narrow streets of the old town and stopping for a coffee and pistachio cake.

Ancient stone entrance gate to Mdina with ornate architectural details and statues in Malta.
Horse-drawn carriage waiting by a historic archway entrance with tourists in the background.
Stone pillar marker surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees in a Mediterranean garden.
Historic limestone city gate entrance with black car and trees in foreground.
Detailed baroque stone carving of a classical figure on a historic building facade.
Historic cannon display in front of baroque buildings with palm fronds in foreground.
Bell tower with ornate clock face and baroque architectural details against blue sky.
Baroque cathedral facade with twin bell towers and tourists gathering in the square.
Tall palm tree against limestone architecture with a flag pole in Malta.
Medieval limestone wall with decorative statue and lantern fixture in Malta.
Traditional Maltese building facade with green shuttered window and parked cars.

History and sandstone everywhere

The old town is worth a walk, the narrow streets are very charming and the shade can be particularly nice in the narrow streets.

Local attractions are the unique door knockers, which could not have a theme other than the sea.

Vintage stone wall with ornate lantern fixture in Mediterranean architecture style.
Beautiful blue door framed by pink bougainvillea flowers on honey-colored Mediterranean building.
Historic Mediterranean building with turquoise door covered in climbing pink bougainvillea.
Tourists walk through a narrow stone alley with latticed windows and pink bougainvillea flowers in Malta.
Green door numbered 5 with decorative vine and restaurant signage on textured golden wall.
Sunlit archway passage in ancient Mediterranean stone building with tourists walking through.
Vintage brass mailbox mounted on textured limestone wall with ornate royal crest design.
Brass door knocker in circular wreath design mounted on bright red painted door.
Decorative brass seahorse door knocker on dark wooden paneled door.

Knock knock is anyone home?

Day two


The next day we had a special program


If you like beer now come join us


What feels best on a hot summer day? A glass of beer, of course. And when you do it in a brewery and museum, you have to taste more than just one glass. So take a look at Malta's only brewery. Not only beers are produced here, but also local soft drinks and mineral water. Our favorite soft drink is the Kinnie (a bit orange bitterish soft drink), which unfortunately is very difficult to get outside Malta. 

Retro neon sign displaying 'LAGER' with bottle design in orange and pink stripes.
Museum visitor viewing timeline wall exhibit with illustrated beer history.
Naval fleet exhibit wall displaying military badges and vintage warship photographs.
Vintage Parsons Special Light Pale Ale advertisement sign displayed in museum exhibit.
Antique bronze System Hansen manufacturing plaque from Copenhagen.
Vintage burlap hops bag from Stephens & Sons Canterbury displayed in a museum exhibit about beer ingredients.
Educational display showing different types of beer with a stylized grain illustration on dark wall.
Illuminated museum display showing global beer distribution with glowing world map and bottle graphics.
"We got to know the product range, now let's see where it's all made."
Copper brewing equipment valves and control wheels in an industrial brewery setting.

I turned it all to the left. I hope that's not a problem. Haha.

Large copper brewing kettle in an elegant white-tiled brewery room with wooden railings.

We have already seen something similar in Dublin at the Guinness Museum

Close-up of industrial brewery tank valves and gauges in copper finish.
Museum display panel titled 'When the Copper Blew Up!' with informational text and images.
Vintage neon sign advertising Pilsk Lager beer with glowing yellow and orange stripes.
Large copper beer brewing kettle displayed in a bright industrial space with windows.

We learned from the museum's video recordings who and when Malta was occupied in ancient times, after came the World War II. The British soldiers that stationed here were beer lovers, and Maltese families started brewing. It all started something like this. But the best part was yet to come. Head upstairs to the beer bar and roof terrace.

The cisk tap roof bar

The Cisk Tap sign mounted on green foliage covered wall in natural lighting.
Glass of amber beer and small plate of food on outdoor patio table.

The Amber Ale was a favorite, and if you're lucky enough to arrive at the right time, you can get happy hour bites to enjoy while taking in the brilliant views. From the roof terrace you could see the whole of Malta with a beautiful view and sunset.

 

Blue abel, Red Label, Green Label, Hopleaf IPA and amber ale come to me

 

 

 

Orange-lit tiled wall displaying illuminated Cisk beer branding at night.
Art deco style brewhouse building exterior with classical statue decoration.
Large copper brewing kettle displayed in modern brewery building with floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Goodbye beer factory. Now let's catch a bus and go for an evening walk."
Street view through car windshield of a Mediterranean city with parked cars and buildings.

Malta's public transport is terrible, but at least you can enjoy air conditioning in the hot weather

Nighttime reflection of city lights on dark water with illuminated buildings along waterfront.

The LOVE statute is now doubled at San Julians harbour

Nighttime street scene with string lights and buildings illuminated in warm glow.
Crowded outdoor dining area illuminated by warm string lights creating a festive nighttime atmosphere.
String-lit outdoor restaurant patio filled with diners enjoying a summer evening.
Illuminated Dubliner Irish Pub storefront at night with glowing signage and parked car.

DAY three


fish market at MARSAXLOKK

and beaching day


The previous day we had tried Paradise Bay beach, which is on the northernmost part of the island, but the waves were so big that Orsi's knees weren't ready for them, so we checked out the southern part. To fit as many things as possible into the third day, we combined it with a visit to the fish market. Fish were plentiful and smell also. After a lunch we headed to the beach. The water was crystal clear and just the right temperature.

Hand holding small seashells against a turquoise ocean backdrop.
Open palm holding tiny seashells while wearing tropical print dress on sandy beach.
Industrial port with smokestacks and blue cargo ship in crystal clear turquoise waters.

In the distance you can see the power station that supplies electricity to the whole of Malta

Large cargo ship anchored in bright turquoise Mediterranean waters.

The LNG arrives

Scenic harbor view with boats and industrial structures against bright blue sky.

So that's what drives all the air conditioning

The fish market

Fresh produce market stall with colorful fruits and vegetables on display.
Vendor arranging fresh produce in colorful plastic crates at outdoor market.
A vendor at a farmers market weighs fresh produce on a scale while surrounded by colorful fruits and vegetables.
Cathedral of St. Paul in Marsaxlokk, Malta with its twin towers against a bright blue sky.

Sunday mass is open to all. It's probably a better idea to do it before the fish market shopping.

A golden religious statue stands atop an ornate baroque church facade against a blue sky.

Kinnie or Cisk? Cheers!

sunset from the rooftop terrace

Silhouette of a construction crane against a sunset sky over a city skyline.
Rooftop infinity pool overlooking city skyline during sunset with construction cranes visible.

View towards the centre of the island

Modern rooftop swimming pool with construction cranes visible against blue sky.

And to the other side

Aerial view of curved city streets and architecture in Malta with urban buildings.

The iconic skate park from the rooftop

 

Panoramic cityscape view of Malta with church domes and buildings during dusk.
Construction cranes tower over a Mediterranean city during golden sunset.
Large construction crane overlooking Malta's coastal cityscape and harbor.

DAY four


valletta and leaving malta


On the last day we got up early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise after the sunset. Unfortunately, our hometown is in a valley, so the sunlight is not the most optimal during the so-called golden hour, so we tried to take advantage of that here.


After a quick round of packing, we headed out of the hotel for one last splash. Around noon, we strolled through the winding streets of the capital and thought about what to have for our last lunch, maybe the new pizza place we found the other day?

Ornate church dome with golden cross rises between historic buildings on a sunny day in Malta.
Steep street in Valletta leading to the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral dome against blue sky.

Streets of San Francisco with a bit more history

The pizza was a good idea, Sotto Pizzeria we would return here any time, it is probably the best pizzeria in Malta we have discovered. Then an ice cream at our favorite Amorino gelateria? Once again, amazing quality, not cheap, but I could travel back here for such icecream. 

Historic church bell tower with multiple clock faces against cloudy blue sky.
Red British post box stands in a narrow traditional Maltese street with limestone buildings.
Ornate baroque church facade with statue and clock detail against bright blue sky.
Narrow street market in Malta with vendors selling fresh produce and goods between historic limestone buildings.
White fluffy clouds over a beige stone building with a Florians sign and market awning.
Steep uphill street in Valletta with traditional Maltese architecture and hanging balconies.

The last rays of sunshine are the last whiff of salty sea air. It's time to say goodbye to Valletta and it's Mediterranean atmosphere.

Rusty iron bollards on harbor edge with blue Mediterranean waters and fortress in background.
Close-up of weathered circular metal plate with rusted bolts on stone surface.

I'm sure a few boats have docked here

Historic archway frames a view of the Mediterranean Sea and ancient fortress in Malta.
Red nautical pole stands against blue Mediterranean waters with fortress walls in background.
Limestone wall with green door marked 'Boom-Defence' and plants growing from stone.

A war bunker, it has seen a few bombings over the centuries

Historic Valletta waterfront with domed cathedral and traditional sailing ship on blue Mediterranean waters.

eya mela

the journey is over


Bye bye Malta. See you soon, maybe next year?