Nextination
  • Español
  • English
  • Home
  • About me
    • Contact
  • My World Map
  • CATEGORIES
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
        • Berlin
      • Greece
      • Helsinki
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Malta
      • Netherlands
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Sweeden
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
      • UK
    • América
      • Belize
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Emirates
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Uzbekistan
  • Shop
    • Print Shop
    • Presets
  • EspañolEspañol
  • EnglishEnglish
  • Español
  • English
  • Home
  • About me
    • Contact
  • My World Map
  • CATEGORIES
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
        • Berlin
      • Greece
      • Helsinki
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Malta
      • Netherlands
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Sweeden
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
      • UK
    • América
      • Belize
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Emirates
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Uzbekistan
  • Shop
    • Print Shop
    • Presets
  • Subscribe
  • 0 Cart
    No products in the cart
Nextination

Inspiration for Traveling

Nextination

Inspiration for Traveling

CollaborationsEuropeMalta

Discover the island of Malta, a jewel in the Mediterranean.

By Esther 7 m read

Contenidos

  • Discover the island of Malta, a jewel in the Mediterranean
      • Rabat
      • Essential places to visit in Rabat:
        • Catacombs of St. Paul
        • St. Paul’s Church
        • Domus Romana
        • The House Bernard
      • Mdina
      • Essential sites to visit in Mdina:
      • Marsaxlokk
      • Blue Grotto
      • Travel Quick Fact Sheet
      • Marketplace 
    • Producto disponible en Amazon.es
    • Producto disponible en Amazon.es
    • Producto disponible en Amazon.es

Discover the island of Malta, a jewel in the Mediterranean

Hello Nextinationers,

In my previous post of Malta, I told you everything about what to see and what to do in the capital, La Valletta. However, Malta is much more than Valletta and the three cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea, which I was able to discover them with my own eyes. I recommend you to take a tour around the island and visit at least these essentials:

La Valeta Malta
What to see and what to do in La Valetta, Malta
Hi Nextinationers, if you are planning to visit Malta don't miss to see La Valetta. Follow this link where I tell you more about it..

Rabat

Rabat played an essential role in Malta’s past and is a primary source of its cultural heritage. Rabat was formerly part of the Roman city of Melita. This city was of significant importance during Roman times, and you can see this thanks to all the archaeological relics discovered here. It was also a site dominated by the Arabs, hence the name of Rabat, which means “suburb” because it is located at the outskirts of Mdina, that was the Capital by that time.

Also, for centuries religious orders of the Franciscan, Dominican and Augustinian were established within the precincts of Rabat, so there is a significant Christian heritage in addition to their former Roman and Arab inhabitants.

The city of Rabat is small but very beautiful, full of unique corners, with houses full of flowers and colorful facades. Here you can also see the picturesque balconies, typical of the whole island.

 

Essential places to visit in Rabat:

  • Catacombs of St. Paul

It is an extensive system of underground galleries and tombs dating from the III and VIII AD centuries. This place has more than 2000 square meters, being one of the most massive Catacombs that exists after the ones in Rome. These catacombs were where the Romans buried their dead and were also used for clandestine religious celebrations. Later, this place was also used by Christians as a necropolis.

The truth is that the catacombs are quite impressive and the good thing is that they are open to the public. There is a small museum at the entrance where some found objects are exposed and with a brief explanation of the underground distribution. You have to go downstairs, and you will arrive at the main chamber from which departs several aisles from one side to the other, up and down, full of empty niches that served as the final resting place for the loved ones. The corridors at some points can be narrow and with very low light, which enhances the creepy feeling down there. Definitely worth the visit.

The catacombs took the name of St. Paul because according to the legend, he came to the island after suffering a shipwreck while the Romans were taking him to the prison in Rome. It is said that he was hidden in a grotto that was connected with these catacombs and tunnels.

The Catacombs of Saint Agueda are also close by, but I could not visit them this time. However, according to the locals, St. Paul’s are the best ones.

Malta

  • St. Paul’s Church

It was built in the XVII century above the grotto of the same name where according to the legend, St. Paul was hidden. You can visit the church with an entrance combined with the Wignacourt Museum. It is an important place to visit for most religious people.

Malta

  • Domus Romana

It was an aristocratic house of the Roman period, now in ruins, built in the 1st century BC that was inside of the ancient Roman city of Melite. In the 11th century a Muslim cemetery was established on the remains of this “Domus,” but in 1881 the house was found thanks to several archaeological excavations in the area. I could discoverer here several very well preserved Roman mosaics as well as statues and other objects that appear here exposed in what now days is a museum.

The old house had a peristyle with columns inspired by ancient Greece. The mosaics were polychromed, and nowadays some of them still have the original paintings. Two types of tesserae were used here, creating a three-dimensional effect, really amazing if you find the right angle to see it. It is curious how these mosaics have survived almost intact of these years, similar to those found in Pompeii and Sicily.

  • The House Bernard

It belonged to a noble of French origin from the Order of Malta. The entrance is quite expensive because it is a private museum and part of the building is still used as a residence. Paintings, furniture, tapestries and other works are framed in an elaborate decoration that takes us to a past where the nobility dominated the island.

___________________________________________________________________________

The city is full of pastries and cafes so I recommend you make a small stop for a coffee and try out its delicious cannoli and Pastizzi………. -click on the images to see them bigger-

Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta

 

 

Mdina

Mdina is just spectacular. I was amazed by its beauty. It is one of those essential visits to do if you are in Malta. It will take you about 3-4 hours to stroll and lose yourself among its medieval streets.

Walking around here is, therefore, a real delight for the senses. It is a walled city that was formerly the Capital of Malta and that, precisely because it is located inside the island, and it was easier to defend from external pirates.

Known as the “City of Silence” because the vehicles cannot access the interior of the city, Mdina is full of baroque buildings, churches, palaces, craft shops and some squares that will make you travel back on time.

It is amazing the color of its golden-toned stone, which reminded me a little of that golden stone of Salamanca, the Spanish city where I am originally from. Mdina has been the scene of the famous series “Game of Thrones.”

The city was inhabited in the years 700 BC by the Phoenicians who were their first settlers. The tradition maintains that the Apostle Saint Paul resided in the town after his historic shipwreck on the island. Today, these ancient palaces are now inhabited by nobles and aristocrats.

Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta

 

 

 

Essential sites to visit in Mdina:

  • Mdina Cathedral and Museum

It is located in the main square where you will also see several palatial buildings. It is a construction of the 11th century rebuilt at the end of the 17th century.

The museum located next to the cathedral contains relics as well as paintings and sculptures by the ancient Templar masters. It can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 9.00-17.00.

  • Palazzo Falson

Palace also dating from medieval times. Here you can get an idea of how the noble class lived in Mdina in the Middle Ages.

  • Palazzo Vilhena

It is another palace that belonged to the aristocracy of Malta and you can visit it. Today it hosts the Museum of Natural History of the island.

Marsaxlokk

It is one of the most picturesque and charming villages I have ever seen. The name Marsaxlokk comes from the union of two words “Marsa” meaning “port” and “Xlokk” which is the name of a wind that comes from the Sahara. The Phoenicians were the first to settle here because of their strategic location.

This fishing village is located in southeastern Malta and stands out for its fishing boats painted with vivid colors also known as “Luzzu” that the fishermen have decorated with an eye of Osiris, the protective emblem of the Egyptian god that they had seen in the sailboats of the Nile.

This type of boat is used for fishing of all kinds of fish especially the “Lampuki“, a kind of fish that inhabits in these waters, that it is fished between August and December and that it is part of the Maltese gastronomy. In fact, most of the fish consumed on the island comes from this town, so one of the best things to do here is to take pictures of its beautiful boats, and of course to enjoy a delicious meal based on fish and shellfish.

Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta
Malta

 

 

 

Blue Grotto

This place is another must visit while on the island because of the beauty of its landscape. It is a series of sea caves located under some cliffs that can be accessed by boat. Although the views of the sunset from the top are spectacular, I recommend you also take the boat, since only from it you can see a unique phenomenon that occurs in these caves from sunrise to noon. It is the light of the sun that is reflected inside the walls of the cave creating reflections of different shades of blue. This, together with the blue color of the sea, makes this site to be named “Blue Grotto” or “Blue Cave.”

Here were filmed some of the scenes of the movie “Troy” starring Brad Pitt.

Malta

Malta

Other places to visit in Malta that we couldn’t make it for not to have enough time are the Blue Lagoon and the Popeye Village. I always say that we must always leave things without visiting to have an excuse to return, so these two are mines, and of course, I would like to visit the other two islands, Gozo and Comino next time in Malta


Travel Quick Fact Sheet

In this section of the post, I make a short summary of the most practical information of the trip.  You can save this Travel Quick Fact Sheet as an image on the Cameral Roll, Pinterest, etc. For quick references during your trip. I hope you find it useful and if you want to know something more leave me the question in the comments or send an email directly to hello@nextination.es

Marketplace 

In this new section of the post I make a small selection of products that can be useful for your trips

Travel guides

Any trip that is planned well requires reading a bit about the destination and knowing more about the places to visit beforehand. Travel guides are always good readings to take with you. Below is a selection of the Malta guides that I recommend:

Producto disponible en Amazon.es

‹ ›

Tech Gear

Malta uses the plug type G , so in case your country has different plug type is better to bring a travel adapter. In addition, having extra portable batteries and USB hub charger isn’t a bad idea. Here are my recommendations:

Producto disponible en Amazon.es

‹ ›

Miscellaneous Stuff 

I always pack my stuff in smaller bags to keep everything organized and easy to reach without having to stir my suitcase trying to find something. In addition, is always good idea to bring some other things, just in case. Here are my recommendations:

Producto disponible en Amazon.es

‹ ›

If you have any questions, you can send me an email or write it in comments.

If you want to see more pictures of my travels, since here I only put a few, do not hesitate to follow me on my Instagram clicking here. 

  Subscribe to the blog newsletter here

Thank you so much for reading me.

  If you liked the article and want to save it for later, Pin it:

 

signature

Share this article

0
Esther
I believe in pursuing your dreams, in doing what you love every moment of every day, and in inspiring others to do the same. Because life is what you're living, so make the best of it!
  • previously

    previously

    Discover the amazing city of Hamburg in 48 hours
  • up next

    up next

    The best Instagram spots in Singapore

Post navigation

Previous PostPrevious Discover the amazing city of Hamburg in 48 hours
Next PostNext The best Instagram spots in Singapore
You Might Also Like
The Madison Hotel, the best choice in Hamburg
Discover the amazing city of Hamburg in 48 hours
 Corinthia Hotel Prague: Best place to stay
The 10 best Cafes in Moscow that you can’t miss
From Moscow with lots of love
Discover the wonderful island of Crete in Greece

What do you think? Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

15 Comments
  • Zenja | Bearly Here
    February 21, 2019

    Wow, I would love to visit Malta. Mdina looks gorgeous! Thank you for sharing – love your photos!

    Reply
  • Elizabeth
    February 21, 2019

    I’ve been seeing a lot of posts on Malta lately! It looks amazing! We’re hoping to spend an autumn semester in Europe with our boys and it’s starting to look like we really need to add Malta to our list!

    Reply
  • Sarah Wilson
    February 21, 2019

    So pleased I found this. We are off to Malta next month. Looking forward to visiting many if not all of the places you mentioned!!

    Reply
  • Laurence
    February 21, 2019

    Malta looks awesome, I always say that too to leave something so you can visit the place again some other time, but it takes me a while to do that, haha. Photos are really great

    Reply
  • Carrie Ann
    February 22, 2019

    Malta looks like such a picturesque island! I love the architecture, and the brightly-painted accents on many of the buildings. I would like to visit Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto – so beautiful! Thanks for the tips and ideas on places to visit.

    Reply
  • Brittany
    February 22, 2019

    The island of Malta and the weather looks gorgeous! And I love how your outfit blends with the architecture!

    Reply
  • Richa
    February 22, 2019

    Such a lovely post. I would like to visit Malta archipelago. With its numerous fortresses, megalithic temples it sounds exotic. I am intrigued by the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum which is the subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C.

    Reply
  • An Indian Traveler
    February 22, 2019

    This seems like a cool place to explore. Beautifully captured pictures. Would love to explore this little island country.

    Reply
  • Bilal
    February 22, 2019

    Really informational post and love the pictures you took! Malta is definitely on our bucket list for this year so will use this as a reference.

    Reply
  • Dani Ward
    February 23, 2019

    Gorgeous! I love all the beautiful little cafes and buildings! And the blue grotto is downright instaworthy. Thanks for sharing your pictures!

    Reply
  • Shalini
    February 23, 2019

    Love your photographs! I’ve never been to Malta! Your pics make me want to add it in my bucketlist.

    Reply
  • Hailey
    February 23, 2019

    I would love to visit Malta! I didn’t realize there was so much to see and do. I would honestly be really interested in St. Pauls and the catacombs. But then I would hit every single one of those bakeries!

    Reply
  • Luda
    February 24, 2019

    Oh, I love this entire post – from the gorgeous and colorful pictures to the fact sheet (so helpful!)

    Malta is high up on my bucket list (I’ve been meaning to visit for the last 2 years) and hopefully this year I’ll finally buy that ticket. I’m pinning this post to reference it when I do 🙂

    Reply
  • Renata - www.byemyself.com
    February 24, 2019

    What an inspiring read – Malta sounds absolutely fascinating (already all these names – very Arabic sounding) and I’ll make sure to visit as soon as I can; with your detailed guide, I’ll certainly won’t get lost 😉

    Reply
  • Thelittlelai: Beyond limits
    February 25, 2019

    What makes Rabat amazing and beautiful for me is the fact that the houses always have a full of flowers and colorful facades, which looks interesting. I haven’t been to Malta yet, but it has long been penned on my bucket list. Hopefully soon, I can traipse my feet here and enjoy all what it has to offer.

    Reply

Language

  • EspañolEspañol
  • EnglishEnglish

ABOUT ME

I believe in pursuing your dreams, in doing what you love every moment of every day, and in inspiring others to do the same. Because life is what you're living, so make the best of it!

Saber más

Exclusivo para suscriptores

“Suscríbete a mi Newsletter y tendrás acceso a contenido premium, mapas personalizados, sorteos en destinos increíbles alrededor del Mundo, y mucho más.”

“Subscribe now to my Newsletter and you will have access to premium content, maps, giveaways in incredible destinations around the World, and much more”

Recent News Slideshow

EuropeSpain

Mallorca Travel guide: Discover the East part of the island

AsiaUzbekistan

 What to see in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan

AsiaUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: Bukhara travel guide. Includes map of locations.

My Instagram Feed

My favourite aspect of travelling is the feeling y My favourite aspect of travelling is the feeling you get when you're in a new place, far from home. 
Arriving in a place that you have never been before. 
Creating memories. 
Falling in love with a foreign culture.
Tasting food you have never tried before. 
Learning, and unlearning. 
Feeling excited to be out of your comfort zone. 

What about you? What is the best part of travelling?

📍 H10 Ocean Suites hotel in Fuerteventura. The best place to feel yourself at home when you’re not. 

👗 @shein_spain  ID 10870523. You can a 15% off with my code NEXTI15ES

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #travelphotography #travelawesome #instatravel #h10hotels #wearetravelgirls #explorespain #spaintravel #visitspain #travelgram #traveler #sheinsforall #shein #ad #sheisnotlost
Sicasumbre astronomical viewpoint is the first on Sicasumbre astronomical viewpoint is the first on the island of Fuerteventura.
It is an ideal place both for observation and knowledge of the sky, as well as for enjoying the wonderful landscapes that it offers us. 
From here you can see a landscape of enormous beauty towards the Cardón Mountain Natural Monument, the Jandía Natural Park and towards the Hendida Mountain. 

You can not miss this place in Fuerteventura. Truly magical. I felt in another World! 

👉🏻 Wearing dress from @shein_spain  ID 10780545
Don’t forget that you have a 15% off with my code NEXTI15ES

🇪🇸 El mirador astronómico de Sicasumbre fue el primero de la isla de Fuerteventura.
Es un lugar ideal tanto para la observación y conocimiento del cielo, como para disfrutar de los maravillosos paisajes que nos ofrece.
Desde aquí se divisa un paisaje de enorme belleza hacia el Monumento Natural Monte Cardón, el Parque Natural de Jandía y hacia el Monte Hendida.

No te puedes perder este lugar en Fuerteventura.  Verdaderamente mágico. ¡Me sentí en otro mundo!

 👉🏻 Llevo vestido de @shein_spain ID 10780545
 No olvides que tienes un 15% de descuento con mi código NEXTI15ES

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #volcano #nature #travel #travelphotography #travelawesome #instatravel #damestravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #girlsborntotravel #femmetravel #girlsaroundtheworld
If you are looking for a really nice family hotel If you are looking for a really nice family hotel in Fuerteventura, H10 Ocean Suites could be the best option for you. Located very close to the Sandy beaches of Corralejo and the sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park this hotel has so much to offer: beautiful gardens, large pools, a tennis court and a varied program of entertainment for your family. 

Would you like to visit Fuerteventura soon? 

🇪🇸Si buscas un bonito y completo hotel familiar en Fuerteventura, H10 Ocean Suites podría ser la mejor opción para ti.  Ubicado muy cerca de las playas de arena de Corralejo y de las dunas de arena del Parque Natural de Corralejo, este hotel cuenta con hermosos jardines, grandes piscinas, una cancha de tenis y un variado programa de entretenimiento para tu familia.

 ¿Te gustaría visitar Fuerteventura pronto?

#wearetravelgirls #explorespain #spainpassion #spain #dametraveler #femmetravel #travelinladies #traveltheworld #visitspain #culturetrip #fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain🇪🇸 #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #reels #reelsviral  #nature #travelphotography #travelawesome #h10hotels
The Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes was declar The Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes was declared a protected area in 1994 and is an almost hypnotic landscape that the island of Fuerteventura is fortunate to have.

This is also a volcanic island, so while in the centre we find a volcanic terrain of red and ocher tones, on the north side we will find a diametrically opposite landscape, with this field of clear dunes, the largest of all the Canary Islands.

Did you know about this beautiful place? Have you been to Fuerteventura? Let me know in comments. 

Wearing a dress by @sheinofficial @shein_spain  ID: 10471934. You have a 15% off with my code: NEXTI15ES

🇪🇸 El Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo fue declarado espacio protegido en 1994 y es un paisaje casi hipnótico con el que la isla de Fuerteventura tiene la suerte de contar.

Fuerteventura también es una isla volcánica, por lo que mientras en el centro encontramos terreno volcánico de tonos rojos y ocres, en el lado norte encontraremos un paisaje diametralmente opuesto, con estas dunas, las mas grandes de las Islas Canarias.

 ¿Conocías este hermoso lugar? ¿Has estado en Fuerteventura?  Déjame saber en los comentarios.

Llevo vestido de @sheinofficial @shein_spain ID: 10471934. Tienes un 15% de descuento con mi código: NEXTI15ES

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #reels #reelsviral #volcano #nature #travel #travelphotography #travelawesome 
#wearetravelgirls #explorespain #dametraveler #femmetravel #travelinladies 
#travelreels
Bird view of beautiful Fuerteventura in Canary Isl Bird view of beautiful Fuerteventura in Canary Islands 🇪🇸 

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #reels #reelsviral #volcano #nature #travel #travelphotography #travelawesome #instatravel
P O R T O 💙 Such a nice memories here! #portu P O R T O 💙
Such a nice memories here! 

#portugal #portugaltravel #visitportugal  #amar_portugal #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #traveling #travelawesome #porto #amar_porto #wearetravelgirls #girlsgoneglobal #dametraveler #femmetravel #travelinladies #travelblogger #traveltheworld #iamtb #welivetoexplore #culturetrip #traveltips
#wow_destinations  #travelreels #reels
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Nextination

Inspiration for Traveling

Copyrights © 2018 Esther García Sagrado. Todos los derechos reservados | Aviso Legal |Política de privacidad |