Malta is an island nation sitting in the Mediterranean Sea, although part of Europe it is
further south than the capitals of Tunisia and Algeria. Malta was under heavy seige during the
Second World War as a British base, but it never caved in to the enemy pressure, earning every citizen
of the country the George Cross, which now appears on the national flag. Malta joined the EU in 2004
and is rapidly developing.
I spent a few nights in Malta after a long trip offshore one February, two nights at the Imperial
Hotel in Sliema (across the harbour from Valletta) and another night in a tiny village on the smaller
island of Gozo. Although it was February the weather was still very clear and bright, and I even
got sunburnt.
A shot of the cool blue waters of the Mediterranean, taken from a cliff top at Gneja Bay on
the west coast.
The town of Mellieha as viewed from the road up to the Red Tower (Fort St Agatha).
Take notice of colourful falling rocks at Gneja Bay!
Much of the country looks like this, farming land which is slightly arid due to the
climate.
A shot across Ghajn Tuffieha bay, which sits between Gneja Bay and Golden Bay.
There aren't many sandy beaches in Malta, it's a very rocky place. There are however a
few secluded coves where you can lie on the sand, this one is called Paradise Bay and is very
near the ferry terminal to Gozo.
A view out west to the setting sun across the Mediterranean, taken from near to Il-Ghadira.
Fort St Agatha, or the Red Tower, can be seen from the road on the way to the Gozo ferry
terminal in the north of the island.
This is the entrance to fortified Mdina, a small but well defended village next to the town
of Rabat. It would seem there is somewhat of an Arab influence in Malta, judging by the place names!
One of the narrow streets of Mdina, it is very popular with tourists.
The church in the square of Mdina. It only took 15 minutes to walk around the whole place,
it's not very big.
A particularly narrow street in Mdina curves away around the side of another church.
The church in Mgarr, on the road on the way to Gneja Bay.
The defensive tower at Gneja Bay, the Maltese islands are surrounded by these lookout towers.
This is the church in Mosta, with its famous unsupported dome. It came very close to
destruction during the Second World War when its roof was penetrated by a bomb, but it failed
to go off.
Some of the oldest settlements in Europe are to be seen in the megalithic temples of
Hagar Qim on the south west coast of the island, dating back over 5000 years.
The Mnajdra temples are a bit further down the hill towards the sea from Hagar Qim.
Malta has many strange and notable rock formations, this is the Blue Grotto through which
you can get a boat trip. If you show up before it shuts.
Although it is a very crowded country, outside of Valletta Malta is mostly quite serene and
quiet. This was taken in Mdina opposite the church.
