Malta Magic: Grotto, Mdina, Frawli & More!

Malta Magic: Grotto, Mdina, Frawli & More!

This week we’re taking a whirlwind tour of the sights and tastes of Malta from beautiful Blue Grotto filming location for epics such as Conan the Barbarian and The Amazing Race to one of the most ancient religious sites on the planet. Then we’re off to Mdina, quite possibly the most lovely city on earth and location of Littlefinger’s infamous brothel – one of several such establishments he owns. Finally, we close out our tour with a visit to Mtar and its annual Strawberry Festival.

Blue Grotto

That is the Blue Grotto, and you can pay to ride a little boat in there, but um yeah we’re not up for that because we live on a boat. But it’s beautiful here and way over there somewhere right there about 90km away is Sicily. Can you see it? Didn’t think so.

Hagar Qim Temple

The ancient ruins of Hagar date back over 5,500 years and make up a single temple which stands dramatically on a cliff’s edge. This is one of the oldest temples in the world and it was built for worship. Statues have been discovered at the site that are believed to be related to fertility, and evidence suggests that Hagar was built by Stone Age people who came over from nearby Sicily. Unearthed in the 1800s, significant erosion of the exposed limestone has prompted tents to be erected in 2009 n to protect these unique structures.

Mdina

We’ve set a pin so we won’t lose the car, maybe stay tuned. The history of Mdina, also known as the Noble City, traces back more than 4,000 years. Story has it that in 60 AD, the Apostle St Paul after being shipwrecked on the island resided inside a grotto known as Fomm ir-Rih in the adjoining suburb. Robba is the location of our first stop – St Paul’s Catacombs because really who doesn’t like dark damp places where bones were once kept?

Festa

The Feast of St Joseph is a big celebration in Malta. After a quick stop for lunch, we’re back out into the streets for more.

Mdina City Walks and Processions

Walking amongst these ancient structures is to truly take a step back in time. We’re being invaded! Run run for the hills!

Grotto Tavern

We closed out the night with an amazing meal at The Grotto Tavern. They let Carla squeeze through a hand-dug bomb shelter dating back to World War II.

Mtar Strawberry Festival

The annual Festa Żabbar – Mtar Strawberry Festival is one of the most popular and delicious days on the Maltese calendar. Local farmers, chefs, artists, and musicians come together for the perfect day out for friends and family.

Highly recommended – yes The Grotto Tavern. We loved Mdina, definitely have to go check it out. It’s just beautiful!