Mediterraneo Marine Park and Zoo
If you’ve always wanted to swim with dolphins, or you’ve harboured a desire to get up close and personal with your favourite marine animals, now is your chance. The Mediterraneo Marine Park allows you to enjoy closer encounters with wildlife than you’d usually enjoy in the UK. It’s great for adults and children alike and has animals for all to see from parrots to sea lions and of course, swimming with dolphins.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is arguably one of the best small sandy beaches in Malta. It’s in a cove, which gives shelter from the wind, and the crystal clear waters make it ideal for visiting after the Blue Lagoon. It’s becoming more popular with tourists now, but is still unspoilt and locals enjoy the privacy the cliffs offer, as it cannot be seen from the road.
If you take a bus to Paradise Bay, be prepared for quite a trek uphill. It takes twenty minutes from the bus stop to reach the bay, but once you arrive, and see the cove beneath you, you’ll realise it’s well worth the uphill struggle. You can reach Paradise bay on bus 145. You can also drive to the bay and enjoy free parking on top of the cliff. It’s situated let to Cirkewwa and can be reached by following signs to the Gozo ferry terminal.
Popeye Village
Built in 1979 for the famous film starring the incredible Robin William’s, the Popeye village is now a mini theme park. It has rides and attractions and lots to see and do for all ages, alongside beautiful views of the gorgeous Maltese beaches. This is a must for families.
Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and is steeped in history, which is evident by the jaw-dropping fountain you see as soon as you leave your transport behind. It’s mostly pedestrianized and set in a walled square where you can watch the pigeons, enjoy some street entertainment or enjoy a delicious gelato or ice cream.
There’s always something happening in Valletta and there are many historic sights to visit. There is also a parade of shops and boutiques which make this city a shopping paradise.
Mdina Glass Factory
You can’t visit Malta without watching this collectible glass being made. The factory sells thousands of items you can choose from to take home a piece of Malta. The glass is expertly made and crafted into a range of products from large vases and plates to smaller, delicate perfume bottles and ashtrays. In the factory you’ll find a shelf of seconds that look identical to those that are four times the price. Buying a unique piece is an investment, as the Mdina glass will increase in value over time. You can also buy a multi coloured piece made from “end of day” glass. The glass blower brings together all the waste pieces from multiple creations to construct a riot of colour in an object such as a vase or fruit bowl.
