MALTA
I finally ticked off a longtime dream and explored the gem that is Malta. And how did I roll around this beautiful island? On two wheels. Just me, a mountain bike, and the winding roads of Malta.
I've been dreaming of this trip for years, and Malta didn't disappoint. From historic sites to stunning coastlines, this place is a traveller's dream as long as you don't get stuck in organised groups of tourists!
Let's explore this Mediterranean gem together!
The cheapest way for me to travel to Malta was with Lufthansa with a stopover in Frankfurt. I reduce all my carbon emissions by planting trees in my Ecologi forest here.
Hotels in Malta don't come cheap in the summer unless you're cool with crashing in a hostel. I've done my fair share of hostels over the past 15 years, so this time, I opted for a hotel. I stayed in the Ta'Xbiex area, and gotta say, pretty stoked about that choice.
Stayed at Chapter 5 Boutique Hotel. Really nice place with incredibly friendly staff. They even let me store the bike I rented in their storage room since there is no spot to park bicycles. (No ads involved, just sharing my genuine great experience at their hotel). For 5 nights I paid in total. 390 Euro
With my base in Ta'Xbiex, I basically walked everywhere. If you've read my blog, you know I can cover some serious ground (30-40 KM a day).
Wandered over to Valletta and walked to Saint George's Bay ( on 2 separate days). And if walking's not your thing, Uber is always an option.
I spent 6 days in Malta, with 3 of those cruising around the island on a mountain bike.
First thing first.
From the airport, I decided to pre-book a taxi using booking.com. I would normally use public transport but wanted to maximise my time on the island. The cost was 18 Euro.
VALLETTA
Valletta is a true gem in Malta. It's like strolling through an open-air museum, packed with historical buildings. The architecture is genuinely unique, with charming narrow alleys and cozy little restaurants. Spent a full day soaking it all in.
These are just some of the places I enjoyed visiting, but literally there is something to see at every corner.
Walk from Ta’Xbiex to Valletta
Knisja ta 'San Publiju
Bażilika Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Karmnu
The Maglio Gardens
The beautiful streets of Valletta
Il-Berġa ta' Kastilja
Floriana City Gate
Valletta Sea Front
St Julian and St George's Bay
I opted for a walking day trip to St Julian and St George's Bay. It took me about 3 hours to stroll to St George's Bay along the coast, factoring in the numerous stops for pictures. And, of course, I covered the same distance on my way back. The route is easy to navigate with good pedestrian paths. The roads are packed with traffic so it felt good about walking instead of being stuck inside a vehicle.
Places I Loved on this Day Trip:
Parish Church of Jesus of Nazareth
Balluta Square
Knisja tal-Karmnu
Spinola Bay
Mensija St
Sea Front
Absolutely stunning coastal walk, definitely worth taking.
Cycling trips
Spent the last 3 days exploring the island on a mountain bike. Quick heads-up, though – I wouldn't recommend it for beginners or those not too comfy cycling on roads, especially if you are coming from Sweden where you have cycling lanes almost everywhere! Malta's cycling infrastructure is pretty minimal, with just one lane next to the main highway, and you're pretty much riding alongside cars. Drivers here aren't too accustomed to cyclists, so if you're not at ease sharing the road, might wanna skip it.
And, oh, Malta's not exactly flat, so a bit of fitness comes in handy for those uphill stretches.
BUT, despite the challenges, I absolutely loved my cycling escapades in Malta. Got to discover places I wouldn't have seen otherwise, and it was a fantastic personal challenge.
Picked up my trusty mountain bike from a spot called THE CYCLIST, and I've gotta say, their service was spot-on. The bike, helmet, and lock – all in for just 20 Euros a day
Mistra Bay
Selmun
This area has beautiful views and several World War 2 ruins, but it's not very suitable for biking. You might need to walk your bike when exploring the ruins.
Mosta Rotunda
Small coves around the coast. Just cycling along the coast you will find numerous secluded places with not so many tourists. These are the pictures I took just around Fomm ir-Riħ.
Street Art
If you love street art, you'll be happy to find a cool skate park with lots of colorful and creative street art.
