Travel
Return trip
Mairead Robinson goes back to her favourite Mediterranean island for a long overdue break. The spectacular seafront of Valletta
When travel once again opened up, I knew where I wanted to head off to straight away – for me it had to be the island of Malta. I wanted sunshine and crystal clear water to swim in, I wanted a bit of luxury and pampering, a warm and safe environment where I could indulge in top class food and wine. It had to be somewhere where language was not a problem and there were plenty of opportunities for walking, shopping and enjoying the unique sites. It was actually six years since my last visit – how time flies – and after two years of lockdown, I was like a greyhound just let out of the traps! So off I went with a Ryan Air flight from Dublin taking just three and half hours and a speedy taxi ride taking me to the newly refurbished Marriott Hotel in St. Julians, I was soon ensconced in my luxury sea-facing balcony room for a well deserved week of perfect holiday. Malta has always been a destination of choice for discerning holiday makers from Ireland, because it really does have it all. History and culture in spades - you will never tire of visiting the 365 churches that are scattered throughout this little island – and that is not counting the ones on the smaller island of Gozo. Then there are the twenty four heritage sites and museums where you can learn more about the fascinating and unique history of this Mediterranean archipelago. If you want to do a little research before you go, visit www.heritagemalta.org The Citadel on Gozo
best place to learn. And if you would like to do your own tour, there is no better way than to head off driving your own Rolling Geek. This is an electric buggy – if you are used to driving a golf buggy – this will be a piece of cake. Because the car has an inbuilt two way communication system with the office watching over you all the time you explore the 18 km route, they will put you right if you get lost. This was definitely a fun way to explore, each car takes four people, with one driving, one front passenger, and two sitting at the back. More on www.rolling-geeks.com If you are looking for something more active than just swimming in the unspoilt and un-crowded beaches, you can try scuba diving. If you have never done this before, this is the 28 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
And talking about golf – this is another new attraction in Malta. And the Marriott Hotel will arrange tee time for you at the 18 hole course at Marsa – www.royalmaltagolfclub.com
