A Treasure Trove of Historical Sites

As we approached Malta, the small island nation bridging Europe and Africa, Valletta's golden skyline came into view. Our exploration unveiled the country's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. The Grand Harbor, a naval bastion dating back to 1530, offered our first glimpse of Malta. Its waters teemed with sailing ships, while uniform stone fortifications lined the shore.

Malta's rich history is evident in its diverse array of historical sites. Our journey through the island revealed a fascinating timeline, from ancient megalithic structures to medieval walled cities adorned with ornate Baroque architecture. Each location we visited offered a unique glimpse into Malta's complex cultural heritage.

• Our first destination was Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village in southeastern Malta. The name of this picturesque spot derives from the sirocco, a warm wind that sweeps in from the Sahara. We spent some time admiring the harbor, where traditional fishing boats, painted in vibrant colors, bobbed gently in the water. After our stroll, we paused to savor an Americano coffee and a delectable pistachio croissant, the perfect refreshment before continuing our tour.

• Blue Gotto and Megalithic Wonders of Malta

The day continued with a trip along the island's west coast and there we enjoyed stunning views of the Blue Gotto, a series of beautiful, phosphorescent caverns and a temple which dates back thousands of years that once served as an important place of worship. While following the coastline we stopped at the Dingli Cliffs, to admire the view of the sea and the tiny island of Filfla. Malta is also home to some of the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, predating even the Egyptian pyramids and stonehedge.

• Fortified City of Mdina

The walled city of Mdina, also known as the "Silent City", is one of Malta's crown jewels. This ancient settlement dates back over 4,000 years and has been shaped by various rulers, from the Phoenicians to the British.

• Baroque Splendor in Valletta

Malta has a rich history deeply intertwined with the Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller or the Knights of Malta. These knights, originally founded as a monastic order during the Crusades, were granted control of Malta by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1530.
The Knights ruled Malta for over 250 years, leaving an indelible mark on the island's culture, architecture, and history. As the capital city, Valletta is brimming with Baroque architectural masterpieces. Highlights include the opulent St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's renowned painting "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist", and the Grandmaster's Palace, the former residence of the Knights of St. John. And afterwards, we saw another Baroque marvel, St. Paul's Cathedral, dedicated to St. Paul, who is said to have been shipwrecked on Malta.

It is impossible to stroll down the streets of Malta without noticing its colorful, vivid accent of the doors and balconies of the limestone buildings.

Jeff finally crossed Malta off his bucket list today. We can now proudly say we've experienced this fascinating island. As a memento, we've added a few more bottles adorned with the Maltese cross on their lids to our growing collection. I'm starting to think we might need to install extra shelves upon our return to accommodate all these new bottles we're gathering from our global adventures."