Exploring South Malta with iSee Malta

Did you read my last post on the North Malta tour? Well, earlier in the week, we did the South Malta tour as well – you see they're run on different days and the South tour is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We went on the Tuesday and had our trip to Gozo in between. Much like the other tour, this one was also a limited service of the usual Hop-On-Hop-Off sightseeing bus and was priced at the full (or standard) amount of €25 per adult.

There were also fewer stops on this particular tour, but needless to say they were all pretty beautiful and it was a lovely day – blue skies and the sun was shining. That said, it was still pretty windy on the open top bus, and we ended up sheltering downstairs. The commentary was a bit hit and miss, but there was plenty to see as we rode around the island.

Exploring the stunning three cities

Malta’s three cities are Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) – and these are the cities you can see from Valletta, or more specifically, Grand Harbour. We stopped off in Vittoriosa, which is the oldest of the trio, and home to a beautiful harbour and narrow cobbled streets with stunning architecture.

We pulled up at the Marina and went for a drink – milkshakes and ice coffees were needed, before having a wander. Vittoriosa is home to several museums, although we didn't have time to venture inside any of them, instead choosing to admire the exterior of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, which is free to enter (although donations are welcomed). Saint Lawrence Church was equally as stunning – and like most of the buildings in Malta, was made of limestone.

Fishing village of Marsaxlokk

This small sleepy, yet picturesque village was a beautiful stop. Had we visited on Sunday, we would have been able to check out the local market. Instead, we could watch fishermen reel in the catch the day and look on as different coloured traditional boats bobbed in the sea.

Of course, this idyllic location means is perfect for fresh fish restaurants, and it was at Marsaxlokk that we stopped for lunch. I had my first ever seafood pizza, which was delicious and topped with mussels, clams, squid, shrimp, and langoustines. The pizzas were huge and we 100% regretted ordering one each, especially when Alfie didn't like his when it arrived. Thankfully, the waitress boxed up for us to take back, but I ended up leaving it on the bus… Someone was in for a treat that night, for sure!

Peace and serenity at Blue Grotto

A quick photo stop drew our attention to the Blue Grotto: a series of sea caverns on the southwest coast of the island. Our driver told us this was the best view, and he wasn't wrong – although we did drive a little closer to stop and go for a proper walk. Sadly, the boat trips to the caves weren't running, otherwise that would have been an incredible experience. Instead, we found a bar with beautiful views of the sea – and the sun shone down on the rocks and water, it was just bliss. It was such a peaceful spot, I stared out into the distance sipping an Aperol Spritz. The site is also popular with divers and snorkelers, although we saw neither – maybe in season, or at least, when it’s warmer than 16C!

If you love stunning views, then this is the tour for you. We continued driving around the coast, before returning in-land and getting off in Buggiba.

Love, Lucy xx