What better way to flee a dreary November in Vienna than to fly to Malta. The island to the south of Sicily is spoiled with a mild and sunny climate. Already stepping out of the plane I was transported to a different world. Even though huge rain clouds hung in the sky I instantly felt better. More alive, warmer and in a better mood. Finally no more down-coat. At least for a weekend.
Valetta airport @Malta
Have you ever noticed that once it gets colder there are no more birds around except for crows and ravens? Not so in Malta. To the thousands do they occupy the trees in Grandmaster’s palace and make a ruckus that is unbelievable.
courtyard of the Grandmaster Palace in Valetta @Malta
Where else can you get the best and cheapest lunch imaginable? Nothing beats fresh pastizzi directly out of the oven. So hot and greasy that you burn and lick your fingers at the same time. We had the best ones in Rabat at Crystal Palace. Pea filling was my favorite!
ricotta pastizzi @Malta
It might be too cold already to go swimming, at least it was for me. But I saw people on the beach in swimwear. So everything is still possible at this time of year. If you are not planning to go swimming, there is so much else that you can do. Like explore the “underworld” (of which Malta has more than one) and other historical sites – and get tickets for them.
over 5000 years old and a sight to behold @Malta
It is not too cold to eat ice cream outdoors. Plus the Italian influence made sure that the ice cream is as good if not better than in Italy. Amorino Valetta has ice cream flavors to die for.
still standing before my first spoon @Malta
If all of that hasn’t convinced you, I loved having lunch by the sea. Just sitting with a T-shirt and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. Not much can beat that on a day in November.
al fresco lunch next to the sea @Malta
Best of all is to get lost in the cities Valetta or Mdina. Walking around without a map, only following your nose. Seeing beautiful buildings and almost no people. With the Christmas lights up already (in Valetta) and an unmistakably cheery atmosphere. All of this and so much more awaits you on Malta. Yours, Pollybert
walking around in the Mdina @Malta
