Malta

We stayed in Mellieha

which is in the north of the island.

The village is perched on top of a steep hill overlooking the sandy bay.

Our Lady of Victories church

In the church grounds.

Marfa Ridge

From the north tip on top of the Marfa Ridge we looked down on Mellieha Bay to the east

and the rugged coastline to the west.

Red Tower of Mellieha

is also known as Saint Agatha's Tower.

The Knights of St John built the watch tower to guard the Straits between Gozo and Malta.

Inside the tower is a small chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha. She was originally from Sicily and spurned the advances of her Roman lover, who then had her persecuted and put to death by having her breasts cut off with shears and then burnt at the stake!

Marsaskala

We travelled around the island by bus, which was quite an experience on these distinctive colourful old Leyland and Bedford buses.

The pretty harbour and waterfront at Marsaskala

with the typical pastel coloured Maltese fishing boats.

Mdina , the ancient capital

The approach to this fortified medieval city.

We passed through the city gate

and entered Pjazza San Pawl, St Paul's Square, which has a large church bearing two clocks.  The one on the right tells the correct time; the left one is there to confuse the devil!

We explored the narrow winding alleyways

admiring the honey coloured walls and fine detail in the old buildings.

On Magazine Street, so called because munitions were once stored here, is the Knights of Malta museum.

Knights of the Order of St John

Valletta the modern capital

Views of Vallatta from across the harbour at Sliema.

Valletta was built as a fortress city by the knights and developed as a naval base by the British.

It's easy to see how the formidable ramparts have protected the city throughout history.

The natural deep water harbour.

The Lower Barracca Gardens

Mosta

In the centre of Malta is Mosta which contains St Mary's church famous for its enormous dome.

Sliema

is a modern tourist resort with a bustling promenade full of bars and shops including a Marks & Spencers.

Gozo

We took the ferry across to the small island of Gozo.

We then caught a bus to the capital, Victoria.

We went to the medieval walled citadel and walked up the steps to the cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady.

From the high citadel walls we looked down onto Victoria.

The knights had once again built another sturdy fortress with lots of strategically placed canons.

Relaxing at the hotel

After all the sightseeing we enjoyed relaxing by the hotel pool

and of course drinking evening cocktails in the bar.

Restaurants

Here are a couple of restaurants I can particularly recommend in Mellieha.

• Arches, Main Street, Mellieha. www.thearchesmalta.com. Upmarket French and international cuisine.
• Giuseppe's, Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha.  Lots of daily specials featuring Maltese and Italian dishes.

See our other holiday photos.