We went to St Peter’s Pool as early as we could. Of course, we were on holiday, so we didn’t get up at 6 am. Was good to arrive “early”, because we found a place in the shadow and it wasn’t that busy. After our jumps, we returned to our accommodation in Pietá and started to discover Valletta, Sliema and Paceville.

St Peter’s Pool

The natural swimming pool is located on the southern coastline, close to Marsaxlokk. The area is beautiful, you arrive at the top of the small bay and the pool is in front of you with its totally clear water with amazing azure and light green colours.

We went there after breakfast, so got there at around 11 am. We found a little shadow on the right side above the rocks. Sunscreen first and then went to the water. For a starter, we jumped from a lower point on the right side. You can avoid jumping if you are afraid of heights, the water is accessible by a ladder on the lower part.

First, I wasn’t brave enough to jump from the highest part, so I tried to improve my jumping technique. Hahaha, didn’t get better. I went to the highest edge aaaaaand I jumped 🙂 I have to admit, I was standing there 2 minutes before it, but finally I jumped and it was goooood. Try it, don’t be afraid, it’s just a jump 😉

I have to admit, this was one of my favourite spots in Malta. And also the best beach experience, read my other post about the best beaches in Malta to choose your favourite.

Around noon an old man and his dog appeared, the man carried the cute dog. I added funnily, maybe they will jump together hahaha. And they did!!! The dog ran to the other side of the pool and they jumped at the same time, looked very professional. My boyfriend’s friend was also there 2 years ago and mentioned an old guy with his dog jumping into the water. We were like: Whaaaaat? I wish you luck to meet them. I investigated a bit (relax I’m not a stalker), I found out that the Jack Russell terrier’s name is Titti and she is obsessed with jumping. Watch the video about the owner and Titti. 

Go as early as you can (I could say this about everything…), otherwise it’s quite busy. Later the Italian guys (with perfect bodies) arrived and jumped from everywhere. So go before noon in case you don’t want to enjoy the pool with the Italian guys.

How to get there?

We went by the rented car. The last part of the road wasn’t in a very good shape. Close to the main parking area, it is very bumpy. Parking places are along the road but don’t stop at the first opportunity, that one isn’t so close to the main parking area.

The buses don’t go directly to the pool, the closest bus stop is 2 km away at the bay of Marsaxlokk.

Also reachable by water taxi from Marsaxlokk for 10 euro. Don’t forget to book your return taxi with a fixed time. Or rent a fishing boat at the pier if you are looking for more adventure.

Where to eat?

At the car park, there is an ice cream truck selling food and drinks.

 

Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta. The city was designed in the 16th century, built during the rule of the Order of St. John. The city is characterised by baroque architecture and with the elements of neo-classicism and modernism.

It is a cultural centre with churches, palaces and museum. The entire city of Valletta has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. It is going to be the European Capital of Culture in 2018. 

We took the bus in the afternoon, we didn’t want to drive in the busy city centre. The bus ticket costs only 2 euros. The bus stops at “Valletta Bus Terminus”, next to the Triton Fountain and the City Gates, which are at the entrance of the city centre.

The area of Valletta City Gates is designed by Renzo Piano, the famous Italian architect. He planned City Gates with wide walls, Parliament and open-air theatre. The theatre contains the remains of the former Royal Opera House, which was demolished during the WWII. The Parliament is made up of two massive blocks. With its stone finish, it fits into the historic atmosphere. The sculpted stones give an amazing pattern to the facade and also have shading functions.

We were strolling in the cute and narrow streets. Valletta is built on a hill, so the sea is visible at the end of the streets between the buildings.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is in the very centre of Valletta, it was finished in 1577. A richly ornamented interior is hiding behind the simple baroque facade. The floor is an iridescent patchwork of marble tombs. The walls, pillars and ceiling covered with rich ornamentation. Unfortunately, we arrived there late (around 6 pm) after closing time. I was disappointed because I wanted to see the Caravaggio painting about John the Baptist.

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Last admission at 4:00 pm)

Saturday: 9:30 am – 0:30 pm (Last admission at 12:00 am)

Tickets

Adults: €6.00 / Students: : €3.50 / Seniors: €4.60 / Children: Free

Upper Barrakka Gardens were built on the highest point of Valletta around 1660 when it used to be the Knights’ private garden. Nowadays the garden is open to the public, so we can adore the fountain, the trees and the flowers. The terrace offers a magnificent view to the Grand Harbour, the peninsulas of the 3 cities (Senglea, Birgu and Kalkara) and the Breakwater. Every day at noon, members of the Malta Heritage Society (dressed in British Artillery uniforms) fire a salute.

Opening Hours

Every day: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Ticket

Free

We went down to the sea level by the Barrakka Lift, which can be found on the southern part of the garden. The Grand Harbour can be reached easily thanks to the lift. In the 50’s, a lift was there to link the city to the harbour, but in the 80’s it became abandoned. The mesh aluminium skin recalls the form of the original cage lift.

We took a walk at the Waterfront. Retail outlets, restaurants and bars with outdoor spaces can be found along the long promenade. The buildings were originally stores and warehouses. A church is located in the middle part. The area was partially destroyed during the WWII, the facades and interiors were renovated. Valletta Waterfront hosts several concerts and events, such as Malta Jazz Festival and Malta Fireworks Festival. Around 6 pm there were just a few people walking around. I could imagine it a few hours later when the restaurants and bars are full. We weren’t hungry, so we headed to the other side of the city. First, we had to climb back to the bus terminal, which is located much higher than the sea level.

 

Sliema

Sliema’s peninsula is located northwest from Valletta. The area is popular for shopping, hotels, bars, cafés and restaurants. A promenade stretches along the coastline, ideal for a long walk. The rocky coastline features with small square pools. For more photos and information read my other post about the best beaches in Malta. 

We went to have dinner to Surfside beach bar. They have a wide selection of dishes. It offers a great view of the sea and a perfect place to enjoy the sunset.

Paceville

Paceville and St. Julian’s are famous for their nightlife with the best bars and clubs. We arrived there around 10 by bus to Paceville, the outer part was already bit crowded, more people started to arrive and arrive, so it became very busy. The streets are full of clubs, we just stop by to drink a few cocktails.

The clubs are usually open till late (early in the morning) and have no entrance fee. We haven’t stayed there late, because we wanted to get up early the next day to travel to Gozo.  

How to get there?

We didn’t want to drive in the busy city centre, so we took the bus. The bus ticket costs only 2 euros. In Valletta, the bus stops at “Valletta Bus Terminus”, next to the City Gates. You have many options to get there depending on your departing station. Cars are banned from many areas of Valletta, so the main areas are only used by pedestrians. Read more about buses here.

A lot of buses go to Sliema and Paceville as well. Visit the website of Malta Public Transport for more details.