28 | FIT FOR A KING
www.nitravelnews.com
Where Kings and Queens Reside… Make It in Malta
BY SARAH PICKERING
sarah@nitravelnews.com
FAR from the Game of Thrones
pandemonium that took over the UK sits a small island not far from its neighbouring country,
mustard buildings stand watch over its many bays and coves as salty waves caress its shorelines. The hot summer sun lights the way for its abundance of visitors both on land and sea - here resides a piece of the pandemonium story. Here lies Malta. Whilst visiting the little island on what
can only be described as a last-minute gasp for summer, myself and partner Matthew ventured to the southern region to endure its food, culture and a rarity in Northern Ireland… sunshine. It's funny how you can be transported to what feels like a different planet in a mere 4 hours, but here we arrived at Malta International, sunglasses at the ready. With a week to explore all that Malta holds and enough suncream to protect what felt like a family of eight, we began our perusal. Through extensive research (thank you TikTok!) the week ahead was planned to an extreme, hoping to squeeze in as much sand, sun and sea as possible. From war tunnels to aquariums, boatrides and pooltime -
the
stage was set for that long awaited summer adventure. Avid travellers seek many different things: the sun bather looks for the hot, clear weather. The adventurer goes in search of landscapes and activity. Those travelling for a historic nature explore museums and silent-standing statues from times gone by. Even the foodie looks for culture and diversity to satisfy the travel itch. This is where Malta can play the ultimate route. Fine tuned in each department, rest assured you can indulge in the sun and blue sea by day, and marvel at unique architecture and the upmost unique dining experiences by night. This cultural abyss holds character and grace in its humble surroundings- trek north and view the beauty of its bays, coves and marinas, where sea life dance and dazzle much to the delight of visitors and locals alike. In the south find a fishermen’s frenzy, with seaside towns serving up the very best of the Med to all who will allow it. Four points on the compass; each bringing a new descent for those that choose to visit this small but mighty island. Boasting over 7,000 years of history which spans from the Ottoman era right
Italy. Warm,
January 2026
though to its current days of independence, Malta’s fighting talk is done through its daily showcase. Venture to the Salute Battery overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour and listen and the echo of cannon fire as it rings out twice a day over the city. The stark reminder of days gone by now lingers, for just a moment, over this now wealthy with tourists city. The modern mix to its historical heritage makes for a filled day of exploring as you discover what lies beneath its walls and through its narrow streets. A tale of British colonisation and its current influence of the region melds carefully with its Italian neighbours influence- a cultural delight much like nowhere else. In its modern upbringing, Malta welcomes visitors from across the world to its many festivals and shows where the sandy buildings of Valletta to its historic presence in Gozo make for the ultimate backdrop. Home to music, food and historic celebrations, the island’s party-like atmosphere is never condensed, with each corner of its
little
abode sharing in a warmth of pride and splendour in unison.
Hopping in an uber to dart us to the beautiful village that is St Paul’s Bay, our day was set for what was guaranteed to be a washout ( and not in ways you may think). With the sun shining and my partner being of the bald descent, a day of exploration indoors was called for. The aquarium
perched on the waters edge shone out as a guiding light for our driver as we approached its doors. With varieties aplenty, we were given a glimpse of what we may see on through our week long trip which called for a boat trip and sea swim. Cheap, immersive and jam-packed with species for all kinds- the Aquarium made for a pleasurable stop from the hot sun. Sharks, sting rays and jelly fish galore, with a fanatic restaurant greeting guests as they exit. Sure what more could you want.
As mentioned, a boat trip was on the cards later in the week and after extensive research a glass-bottomed vessel awaiting our entrance. Blue skies and blue seas- we were ready to take on the day. With the intention of visiting the must-see blue lagoon, swim suits were dawned and essential snacks were backed. The smooth sail set off from the bay and we began our journey to the blue abyss. Darting past fellow passenger boats, one can only describe it like the M2 at this time of year. However, I don’t believe that you would get the same reaction to an excited wave to other passengers on the M2! After a scenic journey along Malta’s shore, the blue lagoon opened in our line of sight.
Picture this- the Westlink at 5pm on a Wednesday. People almost outnumbered the fish below if you ask me, none the less, what a sight this was to enjoy. The crystal, torquise blue water danced below the blazing sun. Children and adults alike took the plunge and bellows of laughter rang out, bouncing off its surrounding
fly by and it’s time to board the busy boat, much quieter than before as it transcends many tired eyes back to the mainland.
Navigating the narrow streets of
Valletta became an inviting challenge with my partner and I ‘one-uping’ the other as to who can guest the correct route back to the hotel. I find this sense of exploring invigorating due to the turn your day can take just from taking a seemingly wrong road. Eateries and bars line the cobbled streets with a distant horn blows- here comes the hop on hop off train filled with gleeful tourists. Cameras at the ready. Delighting in wine for the region of which can only be found here, you’ll find yourself people watching and actually sitting in silence. What an indulgent thought. Life
is slow
here. A relaxed state thought once only read in books.
Yet
rocky coves. On the far shore a small cave sits idyllic inviting visitors to enter if they dare. Deep blues of the Mediterranean tease the shallow landing of the blue lagoon, with onlookers toasting on the sandy rocks. Despite the traffic, it is easy to see why so many visit her and enjoy a leisurely swim in her waters. Hours
here it lies. Malta sits silently whilst bellowing its noise through its culture, architecture and cuisine. The land of Kings and Queens, fit for its medieval preservation. The alternative kings landing in my books.
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