FIVE FUN WAYS TO EXPLORE MALTA AND GOZO

Travel Writer Petra Shepherd Gets Active

Malta is just a three-hour flight away, perfect for a beach holiday or a city break. The islands’ honey coloured architecture complementing the deepest of Mediterranean blues will be familiar to many Silver Travellers. I too have visited Malta several times, so it was a fun change on a recent visit to discover some alternative ways to explore the islands’ 7,000 years of history and stunning scenery.

DISCOVER THE THREE CITIES IN A SELF-DRIVE ELECTRIC CAR

Enjoy A Ferry Ride On A Dghajsa And Take A Boat Trip To Discover The Blue Grotto

The Dghajsa is a typical Maltese gondola-shaped boat (dating back to the Phoenician times) used extensively in the Grand Harbour to ferry sailors and seamen. Historically, the boats were propelled by one or two men with oars which they stand and push instead of sitting and pulling. Nowadays, they tend to be motorised and can be hailed to cross from Valletta to the Three Cities costing just 2 euros per person. For 8 euros the friendly boatmen will take you on a 30-minute cruise around the Grand Harbour. Another popular boat trip is to the picturesque Blue Grotto and its neighbouring system of caverns that mirror the stunning colours of the underwater fauna. The Maltese coastline hit the silver screen last year, appearing in several international productions, including Hollywood blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Several of Malta’s cities feature as the backdrop to many action-packed scenes throughout the movie including Birgu, Pembroke, Mellieħa, and the capital Valletta.

A Rolling Geek is a self-drive electric car that talks and takes selfies. They’re easy to drive, fun, comfortable and a unique way of discovering the three cities. Did you ever want a robot? Well, these are ones on wheels. Rolling Geeks are cars that talk, not like Knightrider, more like Star Wars C-3PO with attitude. Want to earn serious kudos if holidaying with any grandchildren or just want to put a smile on your face, then this is the tour for you. These little electric powered cars are very easy to drive and come complete with a pre-programmed GPS showing you where to go and what to look at when you’re there. With Rolling Geeks, you get all of the knowledge of a tour guide, but with the freedom to park up, get out and explore whenever you want to. In just 2 hours and 30 minutes you get to see three of the richest cities in Malta enjoying the sights of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Isla (Senglea) and Bormla (Cospicua). The three cities sit directly opposite Valletta and offer spectacular views of the capital city. The cars are safe and fully insured and have an inbuilt 2-way communication system with the office watching over you at all times.