Keri Gee is a Personal Travel Designer here at Black Opal and we encouraged her to share her thoughts on her recent trip to Malta.
With initial trepidation from a previous trip to Malta can a return change her mind? Read on and find out more.
Rekindling a relationship with Malta
Thirty years ago I made my first trip to Malta, staying in an apartment made of breeze blocks, surrounded by cranes and with a swimming pool containing a dead fish! I vowed never to return. Standards were definitely lower back in the 80’s (although the music was better)
Fast forward to 2023 and I decided it was time we gave Malta a second chance…………and I am so glad we did.
We decided to risk just a five night break staying in the capital, Valletta – what a difference – I LOVED it!
Firstly mid-October and the weather was amazing, blue skies and mid to high 20’s – with perfect sea temperatures too. No sandy beaches in Valletta, but rock platform bathing available, as well as the hotel’s pool. However, if a sandy beach is a must, there are a couple elsewhere on the island or why not combine the two?
Given that my husband is not one for sipping cocktails reading Hello magazines on his lounger, I knew I’d need my sensible shoes for this trip – and I did!
Valletta is steeped in history and being such a compact city everything is on your doorstep or under your feet as the “Underground Valletta” tour proved.
We visited Forts, War Rooms, Monuments, Gardens, the Cathedral - the most ornate I’ve ever seen, with some amazing pictures including Caravaggios’s Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (an interesting story to that one!), the Saluting Battery with it’s daily 4pm canon salute and even “The Pub” where poor Oliver Reed met his maker during the filming of Gladiator!
There is an abundance of bars and restaurants to choose from and despite the poor exchange rate, I found dining out really good value for money. Also a good selections of shops ranging from high end jewellers, to high street chains to smaller artisan options, including some lovely glass shops.
So, if you like the idea of a city break by the sea with good autumn temperatures and reasonable prices, do get in touch with me.
Black Opal recommends that you view
Surrounded by landscaped gardens, on the outskirts of Valletta’s historic bastions, The Phoenicia is Malta’s most iconic hotel, boasting true Mediterranean luxury and impeccable service.
Overlooking the stunning harbour in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valetta, the exclusive Iniala Harbour House prides itself on elegant style and exceptional service.
A stunning boutique property at the heart of historic Valletta, you are sure to be indulged in the luxurious surroundings and stylish designs of The Rosselli.
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