Throwback Malta
A tiny magical island
I always had the impression that Malta must be a magical place. A place where knights would surely have left an indelible mark throughout the centuries. Later, I saw many movies that were filmed there (such as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Da Vinci Code, The Spy Who Loved Me, Force 10 from Navarino) reinforced this impression. Until the day I went there myself, and that impression proved to be absolutely correct.
Things to know
As soon as you arrive on the island, the first thing you notice is the climate and the colourful buses. Old buses everywhere, and the climate is strangely warm and humid, even for a Greek like myself. Also, the fact that all the houses have their own names!
Valletta is like something out of a fairy tale. Huge, cyclopean walls stretch all around the harbor, their height and depth seemingly endless. Its cobblestone alleys (UNESCO World Heritage streets of Valletta) and magnificent buildings—especially at night, when the streets quiet down—make you think that a dashing knight on his magnificent horse might just gallop out at any moment.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a must for a morning stroll and the view of the Grand Harbour.
One of the most beautiful churches in the world is also located here: St. John’s Cathedral, which houses an incredible Caravaggio. Perhaps the most magical experience you can have in Malta is a visit to the unique Hal Salfieni (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Be sure to book well in advance, as only 10 people are allowed in at a time due to the site’s fragility. Try the pastizzi. I loved them, just like the bakeries of all kinds that are everywhere.
“Il-mistoqsija oħt il-għerf”
When I went there once upon a time, a few bad experiences kind of ruined the trip for me, and that’s why I took very few photos. Maybe I should go back, on a trip dedicated solely to photography.
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