The Citadel on Gozo and the hill known as IL-Harrax

A trip to Malta is not complete unless you take the short ferry ride over to the island of Gozo.
Just a twenty minute journey, Gozo accommodates more than her fair share of heritage sights and plenty of places of interest. Here you can visit what is believed to be the oldest free-standing stone buildings in the world, pre-dating the great Pyramids of Egypt and Britain's Stonehenge by around a thousand years.

Or you may want to stop off at the Azure Window, a natural arch where the sea, wind and high waves have formed a hole, giving the impression of a window. Aptly named the Azure Window due to the deep dark blue sea which runs through and around the arch. The rocks in the surrounding area are encrusted with fossilised crustaceans indicating that most of the island was once masked by water.

My favourite place on the island of Gozo is what is known as the Citadel. This town/castle was first thought to have been fortified during the Bronze Age at approximately 1500BC. Based in the hub of Victoria (also known as Rabat), the Citadel has seen all of the action and has been the centre of activity since Neolithic times. It was later developed by the Phoenicians, who continued to create this intricate Acropolis up and too Roman times. Through the ages the Citadel saw further development, from the domination of the Aragonese right up to the re-construction by the knights of St John which occurred between 1599 and 1603. The knights continued their fortifications by building vast defensive stone walls in order to protect the villagers from foraging Corsairs, which were attempting to take slaves.

Today much of the Citadel is under restoration and a lot of imagination is needed when visualising it at the height of medieval activity. But aside from the history that this awe inspiring place holds, it is yet again another location of beautiful panorama.

At each level the views become more and more apparent, allowing you to see Gozo in her full glory. But for me the most spectacular view from the Citadel is the hill known as iL-Harrax. Allegedly named after a bandit which terrorised local villagers who then subsequently joined together, trapped him on this hill, and set him on fire leaving him to burn for all of his torment.

Malta is an extremely wonderful place to visit and her sister island has just as much to offer, so again if you get the chance, plan Gozo into your sightseeing agenda.

Mellieha Bay

Mellieha Bay is one of my favourite places on the island of Malta. Not only is the bay brilliant for children but the views are beautiful too.


As a child my family and I spent many happy hours on Mellieha beach and some of my fondest childhood memories were created here. The beach has barely changed since I was a child - with the same man offering you a sun lounger, to the family selling you beach side snacks and the same elderly man wading up and down the beach all day offering you his sea food delicacies. For me though, those familiar faces have been there all my life and although they may have aged slightly, it is lovely to see very little has ever changed.

If you plan on spending a few hours here with your children, the sea is wonderful as it remains incredibly shallow for quite a way out. It is here (whilst having a dip) that you come across the most beautiful of views, offering you a unique glimpse at part of the Maltese coastline.

Based on the northern side of the island, Mellieha Bay is an incredibly popular beach and can become relatively busy during the height of the summer season, especially weekends. Taking this into account, it is still one of Malta's most beautiful beaches and is well worth the visit.

View of Fort St Angelo & Upper Barrakka Gardens

A great place to visit while in Valletta is Upper Barrakka Gardens. Open to the public, these gardens originate from around the year 1661 and were distinctively "private", created and owned by the Italian Nights.
For many residents Upper Barrakka Gardens are a place of peace and tranquility, a place to sit reading, take in the sights or simply gather your thoughts. With strategically placed trees and shrubs, and the most magnificent of panoramic views, it is easy to see why so many people choose to spend their time here. At the heart of these prestige gardens is where you feel the true worth of your visit, providing you with the most spectacular panorama of the monumental Grand Harbour. Here you can appreciate what lengths the Knights of the Order of St John went to in building their fortress, with bastion walls standing proud since the 16th century. On the opposite side of the water lie the Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, alongside which are the Great Dockyards that served their own purpose by helping to keep the British Navy out of difficulty during World War II. The top left hand picture is of Fort St. Angelo, which can also be seen from Upper Barrakka Gardens. So if you do get time, Upper Barrakka Gardens is another one of Malta's great places to visit.
Deborah

Beautiful chapel set in a cave

This unique little chapel is situated in Wardija Ridge, between St Pauls and Mgarr.

It was shown to my parents by a lovely Maltese lady a number of years ago who used to frequent the chapel, sadly since she has passed away.

Unfortuately, I don't know any history or even the name of this quaint little church and only wish I could say more about it. One thing I was told, (and I have to say I don't know if it is the truth) is that the chapel was placed here for the local farmers. Set in the cave, the farmers would then only have a short distance to travel for daily prayers, during the height of there farming seasons.

If anyone can give me more of an incite, I would be very interested to know, especially why it is beautifully set in a cave.

Debs

Malta here I come.........

Well I have managed to book our flights, 2 weeks of guaranteed sunshine and precious time with my mum and dad, (I cannot wait).
It has actually been a difficult task this time, prices for apartments have shot up to an extortionate amount. I don't like saying it, because I adore this country, but what is going on? As a family we used to be able to lease an apartment for around the £150 mark, per week, now your looking at double! It has been a challenge, but thankfully as my folks live there, they have managed to find us something decent for a little more than we were used too, Phew. Anyway, we are going now and it is something to look forward too this summer.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the photo's.
Debs