In my previous article, I told you about my impressions of Trapani and Valletta on the third day of my trip.. Today, there are the remaining places in Valletta and the famous town of Malta Island Marsaxlokk.
Thursday, June 26, 2014. The day is getting brighter in Malta. I have a long day ahead of me. Also today is the last day of my Sicily – Malta trip.. After completing the places to visit in Malta, I will go to Malta Luga Airport late at night. With my flight to Catania early in the morning, the return journey will begin for me.
It’s 08:00.. I take a shower and get ready before I leave the Hostel. As I mentioned the previous day, the location of the hostel is really nice.. I just stick my head out the window and stare at the sea. The street and the architecture are really perfect
Sliema from the Window of the Hostel I’m Staying
I’m Leaving the Hostel. I reach the beach by walking from this beautiful street. This becomes the district of Sliema. Valletta has a lot of indentations and it’s all a residential area.. Between Sliema and Valletta is Manoel Island. It was possible to reach this island by a small bridge from land.. But Valletta is the first on my route.
I’m going to Valletta this time by taking the bus from Sliema beach.. The weather seems warmer today. Twenty minutes later, I’m at the Main Bus Terminal.
Sliema Beach / Across Valletta
The place where I got off the bus is actually Valletta’s most famous street Triq ir-Repubblika ie the starting point of Repubblika Street. You can think of this street as Malta’s Istiklal. There are shops and restaurants along the way. In my opinion, it is one of the most colorful spots in the city.
Although it is early in the morning, it is quite crowded. In Repubblika, castle walls welcomes you first. You are traveling into history at the very beginning of the street.
Triq ir-Repubblika / Repubblica Street
I come across the ruins of Malta’s famous opera house on my right.. Originally called Royal Opera House. Built in 1886, this building was the target of air raids during the second world war (1942) and only remains are today. able to come. In recent years, work has been started to rebuild it.
I turn right from the street and continue walking.. Now I have St Catherine of Italy Church. This church was built in 1576. I can say that it looks quite historic and nice from the outside.
Auberge de Castille / Church of St Catherine of Italy on the left
near the church is the Auberge de Castille. The word Auberge means “guest house” in French.. This building still hosts important people who come to Malta.
I continue my exploration.. My current stop is Upper Barrakka Gardens. As the name suggests, this is a park located on the hill part of Valletta.
Upper Barrakka Gardens / Valletta
The most important feature of the park it has a wonderful view. We can say that it dominates the entire eastern side of Valletta because it is at a high altitude.. Across the Mediterranean waters in between, Saint Angelo Castle rises in all its glory.
There are also cannons and monuments symbolizing the second world war right in front of it.. The gardens and the sculptures inside the park are also worth seeing.
Upper Barrakka Gardens and Balls / Across the Castle of Saint Angelo
Now, as I always do, I go a little off course and enjoy the narrow and cannons of Valletta. I start impromptu in its mysterious streets.
Valletta is truly a fascinating city.. It is quite pleasant to discover the narrow streets that come across as I descend towards the back streets.. These houses, which I can call the color of sand, built in the Baroque style, actually bear traces of the transition betweenEuropean-African cultures.
Valletta Streets
Another feature of these streets is that they resemble waves. to be lower and lower. Although this is quite tiring while walking, it allows us to capture a wonderful Valletta view from the hills.
After getting lost in these narrow streets for a while and taking pictures, it is at the ultimate point of Valletta. > reaching. Here at St.. Elmo Castle is located.
St.. Elmo Castle Walls
Really known as Fort Saint Elmo, Elmo Castle is one of Valletta’s most important structures. Completed in 1570, this fort was built to control Marsamxett Harbor and Valletta Grand Harbor.
The Saint Angelo I just mentioned built mutually with strong> castle, St.. We can compare Elmo to Rumeli and Anadolu Hisarı in terms of the purpose of its construction.
Sliema Region and High Buildings / St.. From Elmo Castle
I’m just watching the sea after the castle. The tall buildings rising in the Sliema district across the street attract my attention. Frankly, I can say that Malta has spoiled the historical atmosphere a little.
I’m going back to Repubblica Street. This time I’m at the other end of the street and there’s so much to explore here.
Repubblica Street
First of all, the street is really very lively. It is possible to come across street artists almost everywhere.. Together with the tourists accompanying them, Repubblica increases the energy of the person considerably.. There are also touristic sightseeing trains on this street that I am used to seeing in Europe.
The first important place I came across on the street was St.. Georges Square. This square has hosted important moments in Malta throughout history.. Now it looks like a concert is being prepared in the square.. This situation does not surprise me much after my first night in Malta.
Palace of Grand Master Side Section
Just across the square is the Palace of Grand Master. 16. This palace, which was built in the middle of the century, was known as The Palace among the people.. The palace houses the official office of the President of Malta. There is also a museum inside.. I can say that it is a beautiful building, although it does not stand out much compared to other buildings I have seen in Valletta.
I am reaching the end of Repubblica Street now.. The last thing I should add, I think, is the British type phone booths. As I mentioned in the previous article, it is possible to see such traces frequently, since the last dominant society in Malta is the British.
Repubblica Street / Street Artists
I’m ending my route in Valletta for now and next is Marsaxlokk that I would love to see before I get here. Buses to Marsaxlokk leave from Valletta Main Bus Terminal as they do all over the island. I think the best part of the job is that the bus ticket I bought for only 1.5 euros is valid on the buses that go here. With the help of the maps at the stop, I can easily find the bus I will go to and get on it immediately.
Marsaxlokk is a small fishing town in the southeast of the island. It is quite popular in Europe with its colorful boats. famous place. Its name comes from the Arabic word “xlokk”, which means port. Currently, 3200 people live on the island.
General View of Marsaxlokk from Magazines
After a journey of about twenty minutes, I arrive at Marsaxlokk. The first thing I should say is that it rests. Generally has a quiet vibe.. In addition to Malta’s unique houses, the boats that make the rainbow live on the sea are truly enchanting.
What disappoints is that the town in general is very busy. lack of care. That beautiful sea that Malta has is a bit polluted here. The factory-like structures rising behind the boats that make the city world-famous obviously spoil the view.
Marsaxlokk Beach / Famous Colorful Boats
Another thing identified with the town is Marsaxlokk Market. As you can understand from the name, I can say that this is Marsaxlokk’s own private market. It consists of small shops and stalls set up along the coastline.. Here you can find all kinds of fish, souvenirs and products from the island.. It’s a very pleasant place to visit.
I’m adding a felt hat with Malta on it from here to my collection.. I pay 7.5 euros in return. I’d say the price is average.
Marsaxlokk Market
My last stop in townMarsaxlokk Parish Church. 19. This church, built in the 19th century, has a nice architecture.. The name comes from the city of Paris, as you guessed.. The Virgin Mary Statue on the top is a striking element.
If I may add, there is a Fisherman and Child Statue on the coastline of the town.. Fisherman’s feet have a small puddle and fish in it. I can count it among the must-sees in Marsaxlokk.
The Fisherman and the Child Statue / Marsaxlokk
It’s time to leave this beautiful town. I recommend to take your time here, even if it’s just a few hours. My clock is approaching three. I’m walking to where the bus dropped me off. Buses arriving here operate in the form of a ring and return to Valletta. That’s why you get on the bus where you got off.
I’m getting on the bus and going back to Valletta. I’ve finished the places that I actually plan to visit in Malta right now.. Taking into account the temperature of the weather and the unlimited bus ticket I have, I decide to go on a exploration to the west end of the island.
My Fedora and Me / Marsaxlokk
I’m thinking of going. the place is named Mellieha. This place also has a sand beach which is not uncommon on the island.. The idea of enjoying the Mediterranean for the last time before returning sounds good to me.
I jump on the 42 bus from Valletta Main Bus Terminal and start to watch the surroundings.. Since my destination is at the other end of the island, I have the opportunity to see almost the entire island along the way from where I sit.. The town of Mosta and its cathedral are just one of them.
Valletta Main Bus Terminal / Mellieha Bus Number 42
After a journey that takes about an hour I am in Mellieha area. I throw myself to the beach as soon as I get off the bus. I would say the sea is below Malta average but overall nice. It is really enjoyable to swim in the sea especially in the evening.
There areboats of all sizes and beautiful Maltese houses along the bay.. On the beach there are usually people from hotels located here. There are also ferries to Gozo Island a little further from where I am.. I advise those who have a little more time to stop by here as well.. Gozo is mostly preferred for swimming.. As I saw from the plane on the way back, there is not much settlement in Gozo.
Mellieha Beach / Malta
After a few hours at sea, the sun is starting to set. I’m heading for the bus to return to Valletta. I guess for those who come here for the day like me, the return time and the bus are quite crowded. Fortunately, I find a place to sit and light sleep with the view.
When I open my eyes, we enter Valletta.. After getting off the bus, I check the times of the bus that will take me to the airport. I caught my eye on the last bus at 22.50. Now I’m heading to Repubblica Street for lunch and one last tour.
View from the Bus / Returning to Valletta
St.. I learn that the concert that I saw the preparations for in the morning in Georges Square is the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. As far as I can feel, it’s a little while before it starts, and I sit on one of the chairs and start waiting to relieve the tiredness of the day.
After a short while, the concert starts.. This is the first time I’ve had the chance to attend such a outdoor concert. Besides this beautiful concert, the magnificent buildings and lights around me create a great atmosphere. I would like to add that the concert is free. I don’t think there could be a better goodbye for me !
St.. Goerges Square / Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Concert
Even though the concert isn’t over yet, it’s nearing the end and I have to head to Valletta Main Bus Terminal to avoid missing the last bus.. Now the return journey literally begins for me.
I get on my bus and reach Malta Luga Airport after a 15-minute journey. Checking my 06.20 to Catania flight from the time screens and now looking for a nice place inside to spend the night.
Flight Information Screen / Malta Luga Airport / Second Place My Flight to Catania
Note that the airport nights are also open, so for your early morning flights you can come like me at night. I choose a nice armchair with a socket next to it.
Tomorrow is the last day of my trip. In the morning I will set off for Istanbul via Catania. On the fifth day of my trip, you can find my impressions on the way back and the general evaluation of my Sicily – Malta trip on the next page! Now I can set my alarm and go to sleep…
Continued: Sicily – Malta / 5. Day Catania – Istanbul
(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});