In the previous article, I shared my Palermo and Mondello notes from the second day of my Sicily trip.. Next up today is Trapani at the tip of the island and Valletta, the capital of Malta.
Wednesday, 25 June 2015 strong>. The day is just getting brighter in Palermo, where I spent the night. My plan today is to first take the train to Trapani and complete the tour of this small city before noon. Then I plan to fly to Malta from here and spend the afternoon in Valetta.
It’s 06:00, I’m hitting the roads.. Fast forward to the station to make my way to Trapani. This time I chose to use the Palermo Notarbartolo station because it is close to my hostel.
Walking Towards Palermo Notarbartolo Station
I arrive at the station after walking for about 15 minutes. I’m buying a ticket for the 06.30 Trapani Train, which I checked last night. Although I had little time, I was able to handle this process immediately thanks to automatic machines. The amount I paid for the ticket is 9.70 euros. My journey will take about 3 and a half hours and the total distance we will travel is about 110 kilometers.
I’m going down to the platform around 06.25.. Since I am boarding a regional train, it is necessary to have the ticket read and confirmed at the station before getting on.. There are small machines for this process on the platform.. While I’m doing this process, it’s 06.30 and it’s past.. But there is neither incoming nor outgoing…
Although Trapani train is displayed on the time screen, no train is coming. Fortunately, Notarbartolo station is not very crowded in the morning either.. After waiting for about ten minutes, a train approaches the platform.. I jump on the train before I can control it too much.
Palermo Notarbartolo Station
After advancing a few stops in the city on the train, I realize that the train I’m on is wrong and get off immediately.. I catch the train coming from the opposite direction and go back to Notarbartolo station.
I try to go to the toll booth at the station and explain the situation.. If you think that they do not know English, this is not easy at all.. In the end, I realized that I don’t know why, that the train service iscanceled at the last moment and I can get on the next train with the same ticket.
Only this train is in 3 hours and this is my plane in Trapani not enough time for me to catch up. No matter how hard I try to return the ticket, they don’t take it back because I had it read and I regret that I have a commemorative ticket for 9.70 euros.
My Palermo – Trapani Ticket, Part of My Collection
Yes, I am facing a bit of a difficult situation. i’m across. But at times like these, you should always have a “Plan B”. In line with the research I made the previous day, I learned that there are buses from the bus terminal next to Palermo Centrale station to Trapani Birgi Airport where my flight will depart.. I’m diverting my route here right now.
Sorry for this setback, I miss the chance to visit Trapani. From Notarbartolo station, I rush to take a train to Palermo Centrale.. While thinking about the ticket I had wasted at that time, I forget that I need to buy a ticket in this train!
The Square in Front of Palermo Centrale Station
I am sitting by the window on the train. As I mentioned in my previous article, ticket attendants are not very understanding in Palermo. As soon as the train starts, a controlling lady enters the car. At that moment, I thought that I would definitely be punished, but with a moment’s luck, the officer bypassed me.
Finally, I arrive at Palermo Centrale station.. I buy my bus ticket for Trapani Birgi Airport from the bus company Salemi. The bus is at 11.30 and the amount I paid is 11 euros. My watch shows 09.30. During this time, I rest a little and have breakfast.
The bus is moving.. A wonderful view accompanies me until Trapani. After about 2 hours, I arrive at Trapani Birgi or Vincenze Florio Airport.
Trapani Birgi / Vincenze Florio Airport
First of all, I need to mention Trapani, Sicily A charming seaside city with a population of 70,000, located at the westernmost tip of. In other words, it’s right on the thumb of the boot.. This city, which is not very touristic on its own, is located next to the islands of Levanzo, Marettimo and Favignana, which are among the most popular islands in Europe.
You can easily reach these islands by motors from Trapani. Especially Levanzo Island, with its small town and magnificent sea, has been chosen as the most place to swim in Europe many times.
Trapani from above
Trapani is also Sicily’s direct Mediterranean’ island. Located at the e facing end, it is only 170 kilometers from Africa and Tunisia. This is the closest of Europe and Africa, not counting the Strait of Gibraltar.
The city is located on a ledge and for example Trapani Centrale station has the sea on both sides. This is a very impressive geography.
Levanzo Island / Sicily
If we go back to my route, I am at Trapani Birgi Airport at the end of a difficult road, while my clock is showing 12.30.. This airport is quite small and cute. I guess only Ryanair and a few smaller airlines use it. Since it is not very well known, the flights organized by Ryanir from here are very convenient and reach many points in Europe.
Even though I could not use it, there are buses every half hour from Trapani Centrale station to Birgi Airport. takes off and costs 1 euro. I think it takes about half an hour because it is about 10 kilometers away from the city.
While Waiting for My Malta Flight / Trapani Airport
I complete my transactions at the airport and head towards the gate.. The officer examines the Turkish Passport I gave him with curiosity and says that it is the first time he has met a Turk at this airport.. Actually, I’m not surprised at all, because the airport is quite opposite and small.
I should mention briefly that the Malta country Schengen and EU > since it is a member, there is no passport control and we act according to the logic of our city flight.
Incoming Ryanair Aircraft / Trapani Airport
Meanwhile, in Trapani the weather is getting off a bit and it is light raining. The second surprise of the day greets me when I walk in.. My flight, which is scheduled at 14.40, is delayed and the departure time is updated to 16.30.. That’s about two hours lost for me in Valletta.
I have to wait for departure time, although I’m not very pleased. During this time, I take a nap at the airport and then eat.. My flight arrives at 4 pm and they begin to let us in for Ryanair’s flight FR 4162 to Malta.
Ryanair Flight Taking Me to Malta and Me <
My journey will take approximately 40 minutes. I’d say it’s a pretty short flight. The total distance I will cover is 287 kilometers. My plane takes over the runway and we take off in a partly cloudy Sicilian air.
Luckily, a few minutes after take off from Trapani I get the chance to see the city from a pretty good angle. As the plane turns towards Malta, I see African Mainland and Tunisia with my naked eye. This has already got me excited for my planned trips to Africa.
After half an hour, I choose Your Island of Gozo first from the plane’s window.. Meanwhile, thanks to the clear air, I have a unique view on the plane.. The first thing I noticed is that the beaches of the island consist of high stony hills and there are not many sand.
We are descending for the landing now the island we are flying over is Malta >. A new adventure doors are opened for me from the minute we put the wheel down!
From the plane, Malta Island
First, let’s briefly talk about Malta. Malta, as we all know, is an island country located in the south of Europe and surrounded by the Mediterranean.. Malta actually consists of 5 archipelagos.. These are Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto and the Filfala islands.
The total area of the islands is only 316 square kilometers. The two biggest are Malta, which includes the capital city of Valletta, and the Island of Gozo just to its west.. In other words, Malta Island has a smaller area than Gökçeada, the largest island of our country..
The farthest reaches of the island are only 30 kilometers.
Valletta, Malta
Malta is a country with a rich history. The history of the island dates back to neolithic times.. Phoenicians and then Romans ruled the island around 1500 BC.. In this period, the island, which was called Kente Melita, hosted Muslim Arabs from Sicily in 400 BC, and at this time it was renamed Medina.
Even though the Ottoman State besieged this place at the beginning of the 1500s, it could not capture it, and finally after the French and British dominations Malta gained independence in 1964.
Port of Valletta / Malta
Nowadays, the population of the island is around 450,000. Thanks to its rich history and structures, the island is one of the important touristic centers today.. Many people go to this island, which is also very popular in our country, for language training throughout the year.
With the influence of the last British in the country, their official language today is Maltese. and English. Traffic in Malta also flows on the left and the electrical outlets are British style.
Finally I reach Malta Luga Airport. The airport is medium sized. A warm and sunny weather greets me as soon as I get off the plane
Getting off the Plane / Malta Luga Airport
As I leave the airport with fast steps, a beautiful grand piano standing at the terminal attracts me at once.. Meanwhile, even though I’m a little excited, I can’t stand it and sit on it..
I’m playing Mozart’s Turkish March for some sense at the time. Meanwhile, the entire terminal is listening to me.. After this short performance, I get a happy applause.. Fortunately, I decided to record this moment with the camera.
I’m leaving the airport. I was in danger of being crushed at the first moment due to the traffic reverse. There are buses to Valletta right across the terminal. After waiting for about 15 minutes, I get on the bus X2.
We can buy the bus ticket from the driver in cash.. With the daily ticket we bought for only 1.50 euro, we can take as many buses as we want for 24 hours.. Frankly, this price is quite affordable.
As soon as you enter the city, a sign saying “Hello” greets you.. You guessed it right, this article means hello. It is possible to come across interesting similar words between Maltese and Turkish.
After a 20-minute journey, I arrive at Valletta Main Bus Terminal. A wonderful atmosphere welcomes me as soon as I get off the bus.. This is where the heart of the city beats. The square is quite crowded and lively. People and music are playing all around. After a day of tiring and setbacks, Valletta has already brought back all my energy !
Maps Showing the Bus Route / Valletta
I immediately went to my accommodation and left my belongings in this enthusiasm of the city. I want to give up. My place to stay tonight is in the Sliema district, which is the exit right next to Valletta.. I’ll take the bus to get here.
Bus number 21 to Sliema. You can go anywhere on the island with these bus anyway, you have no other alternative.. However, I can say that these buses move very frequently and in a series. It is also very easy to understand where the buses go, thanks to the maps at the stop
I get on the bus by showing the ticket I bought from the airport. I’m in Sliema in about 15 minutes. From the very first moment, Malta’s distinctive architectural structure and unique houses draw my attention.. After the bus, I will spend the night on foot for 2 minutes I arrive at Two Pillows Boutique Hostel, Sliema, Malta.
Sliema Beach / Opposite Valletta
When I check in to the hostel, I get a small for 2 euros. I also supply a >plug converter. I will stay here for one night and the amount I will pay is 22 euro in a six person room. I can say that this fee is at an average level..
The hostel is inside one of the great looking Maltese houses. Even the street it is on is a place to spend hours on its own.. I can say that I like the hostel in general.
After leaving my things and getting ready, I immediately set off for Valletta. My clock is approaching eight o’clock in the evening. It’s already starting to get slightly darkening in the air.
Sliema Beach / The Boat I’m Boarding Behind
I’m coming to the street on the beach where I got off to get on the bus.. Valletta is right across from where I am, and there is the sea in between.. The bus arrives there by circling the bay.. Meanwhile, on the beach, while looking at this wonderful view, I hear a man shouting Valletta in the manner of the marketers next to us.. I look carefully and go close. The shouting man is a boat owner, I understand he is recruiting customers to take him to Valletta.
I go to the man and buy a ticket to take the boat to Valletta for only 2 euros. . The boat is very cute and plays music inside. Considering the route we will take, this is actually a small boat tour for me, and it’s only 2 euro!
We’re leaving right away. Meanwhile, the weather is getting darker now. Malta immerses itself in the magnificent lights. Capturing this moment while on the boat is also a great opportunity for me.
By Boat Malta
I am disembarking somewhere on the coast of Valletta. enthusiasm and fun dominate the boat, where Malta took me in from the very first moment.. There is not much in the place where we landed, the place where the people are is at the top.. I have no idea how to get out.. In times like these, perhaps the most useful way is to follow the crowd.
I walk by following the crowd. Crowd, and if we open this up, most of them are young and look like they’re out for an evening party.. Actually, I’m in the same mood. After a tiring day, all I want right now is some entertainment !
As I keep walking, I see the crowd getting bigger and bigger. When I combine this situation with the crowd of the Bus Terminal when I first landed, I sense that there is something strange.. Meanwhile, I hear a distant music sound.
St.. Publius Church and Concert Hall
I’m finally up the hill. This is the Main Bus Terminal where I got off the first bus. But this time it’s hard to believe the image I witnessed !
There is a huge concert stage in front of me. Just across it is the St., which I plan to visit tomorrow.. Publius Church shines brightly. The crowd is huge and if you really throw a needle, it doesn’t fall to the ground.. When you put the warm Maltese atmosphere and people next to them, you can think of the rest.
At the first moment, I have the idea that the concert may be paid and hesitantly head inside.. The concert is actually right on the square. However, it is surrounded by iron bars and you can enter after control. Even though I’m hesitant, I’m coming to check. The attendant lets me in just by making a very simple body call.. I am now officially at concert.
MTV Isle of Malta Concert Stage
One of the sponsors of the concert was the beer company Soprano. I grab a glass of beer at no cost and approach the stage. As I move towards the stage, the place gets crowded without realizing it, and when I turn my back, I see that it is invincible.
From this moment on, I’ve already let myself go with the flow of the concert.. Luckily, the concert hasn’t started yet and I don’t even know whose concert I’m in yet.
I’m in a beautiful place with a direct view of the stage. From the Isle of Malta MTV article in the fake, I understand that the sponsor of the concert is MTV Music Channel and a pretty big organization.
Nicole Scherzinger On stage
Finally the concert starts. The name that appeared on the stage is the world-famous Nicole Scherzinger. Although I don’t know much, I have an idea of how famous he is.. I have fun like this for about 1 hour. The atmosphere is so warm and beautiful that it cannot be described.
The name that comes out after it leaves my mouth open as it will surprise you as you read it now.. The man on stage Enrique Iglesias. I don’t need to talk about this man. After he left, Malta turns its place and I’m having one of the best concert experiences I’ve ever had in my life.
Enrique Iglesias On Stage
The most interesting thing about it is that I went to this concert without knowing it luckily i don’t agree. After the bad luck I had in Palermo this morning and my flight was delayed, I think it’s a reward. In fact, the day was a bit sad and tiring, even after the second half it was added to the list of unforgettable for me.
After the hours that were wonderful for me, the concert came to an end.. The clock is approaching 2 am. Buses don’t normally run at this hour.. However, they put a special souvenir ticket and buses for this event.. So I hop on my bus with the crowd and set off for my hostel.
My Isle of MTV Souvenir Ticket
My day started in Palermo in the morning after all I’ve been through Trapani and then ends now in Valletta, Malta. I’m ending my post for today here . Tomorrow is the last day of my trip. My plan is to explore Malta, especially Valletta. If I have time, I will also stop by the famous town called Marsaxlokk.
I will continue on the last day’s notes next page. Have a good sleep now !
Continuation of the article: Sicily – Malta / 4. Day Valletta – Marsaxlokk
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