Gozo
The island of Gozo is often referred to as the sister island but it only takes 20 minutes to travel here by ferry. The smaller, more rural island boasts some of the best secluded beaches and hidden spots for incredible views (Ghar il-Mixta / Mixta Cave is one of our personal favourites).
Make sure not to miss the Citadella in Victoria which is made up of a fortified city that is designed in the Byzantine and Roman styles, the natural salt pans in Xwejni, the Ggantija Temples (older than Stonhenge and the pyramids), and, my personal favourite, Tal-Massar Winery.
Rent a farmhouse with a pool and relax. Go quad biking. Go jet-skiing. It’s a place to explore and relax. This is where we’ll be unwinding (and curing hangovers) after the wedding. Ferries operate every 30/45 minutes pretty much the whole night through, making Gozo an ideal day trip too!
Otherwise…
1. ✦ Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk (pronounced marsa-schlock) is a traditional fishing village where colourful boats known as Luzzus clutter the bay and the shore facing street is lined with fresh fish restaurants.
Popular amongst tourists, it’s best to go to Marsaxlokk on Sunday when the open-air local fish market sells the morning catch. Marsaxlokk has some of the best seafood restaurants on the island (if you want to treat yourself, Tartarun’s the place to go).
2. ✦ Swim in Comino’s Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a large “swimming pool” whose aquamarine coloured sea is postcard worthy. This water-lover’s paradise can be found on the island of Comino. For our adventurous friends, Comino is also ideal if you like reef and cave diving.
At under four square kilometers, it is car-free and virtually uninhabited. That fact and the azure waters draw quite a crowd of day-trippers, so get there early!
You can take a ferry from Gozo or Malta to get there or simply book a day tour that has a pickup directly from your hotel.
3. ✦ See the Panoramic View at Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are found in Valletta (and are a stone throw’s away from the ceremony location if you like to show up to events early). Aside from the picturesque landscape, the gardens offer a panoramic view of the Three Cities and the Grand Harbour.
Built atop a bastion, every day at noon characters dressed in British Artillery uniforms with fire a salute from the canons below.
4. ✦ Visit the Three Cities of Cottonera
Be transported back in time with a visit to the three fortified cities of Cottonera; Isla, Bormla and Birgu. Jutting into the waters of the Grand Harbour, the inlets of these maritime towns have been used since Phoenician times.
You can get to the three cities via taxi, bus or a ferry that leaves from Valletta every thirty minutes (the trip only takes 10 minutes).
For another option, let someone else do the driving while you relax on a Vintage Bus Ride through the Three Cities.
5. ✦ Play at Popeye Village (for kids)
Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village, may look like just some rustic and ramshackle buildings, but it is so much more. The film set of the 1980 musical “Popeye” has come a long way over the years. Today, it is a fun attraction for young kids.
Visitors are greeted by none-other than Popeye himself and his fun friends who may just let you be a movie star for the day. There are also water trampolines, an indoor jump around, boat rides, sunbathing and wine for the adults.
6. ✦ Explore the Silent City of Mdina
Mdina is the old capital of Malta and referred to as the “Silent City”. It’s famous for being enclosed by fortifications – not to be missed if you’re a history buff. If you’re not a history buff but you are a foodie, the town is littered with cafes and eateries that make the perfect spot for afternoon tea (be sure to try the cake at Fontanella – some of the best on the island).
7. ✦ Step Inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral
With over 365 churches on the island, it was difficult not to mention at least one. This gem was built in the 16th century for the Knights of St. John and boasts an eye-catching Baroque style. It is also home of a famous Caravaggio painting the Beheading of St John the Baptist.
One of the signature features is the marble floor which is composed of nearly 400 tombstones of knights and officers of the order – morbid but beautiful (and also why you can’t show up in heels).
8. ✦ Wander the Streets of Valletta
No trip to Malta would be complete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Valletta. The capital city is not only home to St. John’s Co-Cathedral (see #7), but also home to charming narrow streets, trendy restaurants and Upper Barrakka Gardens (see #3).
Walk the hilly streets and keep an eye out for the colorful enclosed balconies that date back to the early 17th century. As the capital city, Valletta’s also home to some of the best restaurants and bars on the island. We recommend Rubino for traditional Maltese food, Zero Sei for the best Roman-style pasta on the island, Yard 32 for your choice of over 200 gins and if you’re here on the weekend, Bridge Bar for some wine and jazz on the cobbled steps of the capital.
9. ✦ Go Cave Hopping Around the Blue Grotto
Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon (see #2), Blue Grotto is a complex of seven caves along the southern coast of the island. Frequent boat tours will take you around the caves where you’ll find the Honeymoon Cave, the Reflection Cave and the Cat’s Cave, or you can rent a kayak and explore at your own pace!
10. ✦ Wild Card – Paceville
Purely John’s suggestion. If clubbing is what you’re after (while Kristina silently judges), then Paceville is the place for you! Paceville offers a variety of bars and nightclubs that make for a great night out if that’s what your into. It’s the antithesis of social distancing but the drinks are super cheap!
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