Back on the main island of Malta I have booked another car rental for a day driving around the island. Scarred by the tribulations of driving around Gozo, my life partner pleads with me to cancel the booking but it is too late. Gozo in particular was difficult with extremely narrow roads and erratic drivers.
Just south of Valletta is the famous Blue Grotto. Stopping at the lookout above we appreciate the limestone arches carved out by the sea. Unfortunately the cloudy sky dulls the sea colour. Heading down we hop onto a boat ride and as the sky clears we get the beautiful turquoise sea experience.
It’s off to the ancient capitol called Mdina. It is here when the wheels fall off for my navigator. Streets are narrow and drivers drive chaotically. We have asked Google Maps to take us to the main carpark. Despite driving around repeatedly it is full. Traffic is everywhere there is no place to stop. I ask my life partner to find me another car parking area and she loses it. Nothing! I drive without direction further out, stop the car and reset Google Maps. Eventually I squeeze into a tight park on a steep incline. Known as the “Silent City” due to the absence of cars and the tiny population of only 242 residents in the historic inner city centre it is pretty and well worth the angst.
Leaving Mdina the driving becomes easier. Next stop Dingli Cliffs.
not look that inviting.
Final stop is the quirky Popeye Village. An odd theme park in the middle of nowhere!
