The Italian island of Sicily and the island nation of Malta are underrated Mediterranean spots which have been catching media consideration WORLDWIDE. From Sicily being the placement of the most recent season of The White Lotus to Malta being in Jurassic World Dominion and Under Deck Mediterranean. Each are superbly rugged with pristine seashores and historic cobblestoned cities which are nothing however spectacular.
Sicily and Malta are nice for backpackers as a result of they’re budget-friendly in comparison with different Mediterranean locations and are tremendous shut to one another (no losing half a day in an airport). This text will provide help to plan the last word 2-week Mediterranean getaway and discover out the place to go in Sicily and Malta.
Extra about Sicily
Sicily is positioned on the southern tip of Italy and is the biggest island within the Mediterranean. Believed to be inhabited since 12,000 BC, this island boasts various landscapes and wealthy tradition that may be a results of a mish-mash of ethnic teams. Its vibrant traditions are seen by its historical cities, century-old markets, and passionate locals. The island can be the birthplace of arancini, a fried rice ball that’s an Italian delicacy and a must-try at any bakery. Sicily provides genuine Italian attraction with out the overwhelming crowds of Italy’s mainland.
Extra about Malta
Malta sits between Sicily and the northern African coast. The nation consists of three islands, the principle island, Malta, and two smaller ones, Gozo and Comino. It has an enchanting historical past courting again to 5200 BC with its tradition being influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. The nation is understood for welcoming locals, baroque structure, and archaeological websites that features seven megalithic temples. As a haven for dreamy seashores and idyllic coastal views, Malta is unmatched for snorkelling and sunbathing – particularly because it has among the hottest temperatures in Europe!
Day 1-3 – Palermo
@bratpackerssPalermo is Sicily’s full of life capital metropolis that is stuffed with Sicilian tradition. It isn’t a very clear place, however don’t let this discourage you from visiting! The traditional structure is gorgeous, locals are welcoming, and the markets are on an entire different stage. If you’d like a break from town streets, close by seashores might be reached by bus.
Palermo actually comes alive in the course of the night time, particularly on the historic Vucciria market, a celebration hotspot for each locals and travellers. Palermo Airport isn’t removed from town centre, making it simple (and inexpensive) to succeed in with public transportation and shared taxi choices.
Issues to do in Palermo
- The Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio
- Dance at La Vucciria
- Ballarò Market
- Mondello Seashore
- Palermo Cathedral
- The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
- Royal Palace of Palermo
Day 4 – Cefalù
50 minutes from Palermo by way of practice is the city of Cefalù. Seaside and irresistibly charming, Cefalù has quaint eating places and a picturesque medieval previous city with a Norman cathedral. Cefalù is well-liked with travellers so you’ll be able to look forward to finding plenty of gelato and memento outlets round. If you wish to lounge at Cefalù Seashore (top-of-the-line seashores in Sicily), arrive early to safe a spot because it turns into crowded because the seashore could be very slender.
Issues to do in Cefalù
- Cefalù Seashore
- The Cathedral of Cefalù
- Dine on pasta at Pasta e Pasti
- Wander the streets of the previous city
Day 5-7 – Taormina
The hilltop city of Taormina might be reached by practice from Cefalù inside 4 hours. Taormina is breathtakingly magical and has every thing you need in a Mediterranean vacation spot with turquoise water seashores, a chic previous city, and breathtaking coastal views – it was even a filming location for season two of The White Lotus. Like Cefalù, Taormina is a well-liked space that’s barely extra high-end, but nonetheless budget-friendly.
It’s price noting the space from the city to the seashores. The city sits on prime of a cliff, and to get all the way down to the seashore you’ll must take a bus or the cable automotive. To economize and time, strive spending the day oceanside and the evenings eating and exploring the city.
Issues to do in Taormina
- Historical Theatre of Taormina
- Isola Bella
- The Public Botanic Gardens and Villa Comunale
- Browse the shops on Corso Umberto
- Piazza Duomo
- Piazza IX Aprile
- Take a ship to Grotta Azzurra
- Lease a seashore chair on Giardini Naxos
Day 8 – Catania/Journey Day
@theyardhostelcataniaTown of Catania is a fast 50-minute practice journey east of Taormina and sits on the backside of Mount Etna, an energetic volcano. It isn’t as touristy in comparison with Palermo and is the place you’ll discover one in all Sicily’s primary airports, making it a fast and sometimes low-cost strategy to fly to close by Malta. In case you have time earlier than your flight, this historical port metropolis is price exploring, or for those who’re up for an journey, you’ll be able to hike to Mount Etna’s summit.
Issues to do in Catania
- Castello Ursino
- Fountain of the Elephant
- La Pescheria Market
- The Giardino Bellini
- Mount Etna
- Piazza Università
Day 9-10 – Malta, St. Julian’s
@simiaroundtheworldSitting on Malta’s east coast is St. Julian’s, an city city that was as soon as a small fishing village. Dwelling to the island’s nightlife district, Paceville, and the lovable Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s is a busy traveller hotspot for each day and night time time enjoyable. The city is round a 25-minute automotive journey from the Malta airport, with a shared shuttle being the most cost effective and most handy mode of transportation.
I counsel staying in St. Julian’s in your whole trip and taking day journeys to different cities on the island, as it’s centrally positioned and never as pricy as different areas. If you’d like an excellent social and get together setting, the Marco Polo Hostel is a enjoyable possibility in Paceville. Nevertheless, for those who’re into extra of a chill vibe, Inhawi Hostel is in an exquisite constructing with a pool, steps from Balluta Bay Seashore.
Issues to do in St. Julian’s
- Balluta Sq.
- Brunch at Crudo
- Swim in Balluta Bay
- Stroll the promenade to Spinola Bay
- Watch stay music at The Thirsty Barber
Day 11 – Sliema
Sliema, the city subsequent to St. Julian’s is only a 30-minute scenic stroll away. With a beautiful promenade, hidden alleyways, and streets lined with vibrant balconies, Sliema is an prosperous and aesthetically pleasing city. Alongside the promenade, there are locations to leap within the water with well-marked areas for swimming, nevertheless, look forward to finding solely rocky seashores right here. Sliema additionally boasts loads of eating places and outlets along with a watchtower in-built 1657.
Issues to do in Sliema
- Sliema Seashore and the Victorian Baths
- Comfortable Hour at Surfside (seashore bar)
- Stroll the promenade
- Carolinas Petit Cafe’ & Tearoom
- Saint Julian’s Tower
Day 12 – Valetta
@simiaroundtheworldMalta’s capital, Valletta, is a World Heritage Metropolis that was based in 1566. Famed for grand baroque structure, a formidable pure harbour, and charming cobblestone streets – it’s laborious to not fall in love with Valletta and its show of Maltese tradition. Town is throughout the harbour from Sliema, so a simple strategy to attain Valletta is to take a ferry from Sliema for just a few euros. Due to Valletta’s in depth historical past, take into account taking a strolling tour to study its heritage.
Issues to do in Valletta
- Each day cannon firing on the Saluting Battery
- Decrease and Higher Barrakka Gardens
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- Nationwide Museum of Archaeology
- Nationwide Battle Museum and Fort St. Elmo
- Valetta Meals Market
- MUŻA – Museum of Effective Arts
Day 11 – Mdina
Inland close to the centre of Malta is the tiny medieval metropolis of Mdina. With an environment that appears and feels straight out of a fairy story, Mdina’s fortified partitions are lined with baroque palaces the place noble Maltese households as soon as lived. At present, town is a vacationer vacation spot with round 300 residents and has unreal views of surrounding fields. Mdina is well-preserved and served as a filming location for scenes in Sport of Thrones, Gladiator, and Troy.
Reaching Mdina might be difficult from the east coast, however is doable by way of public bus. Another choice is to purchase a day cross for the double-decker hop-on hop-off tour bus that stops at well-liked websites. Though costlier than the general public bus (approx. 20 euros), the hop-on hop-off bus is extra environment friendly and dependable.
Issues to do in Mdina
- Mdina Gate
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Cathedral Museum
- Fontanella Tea Gardens
- Go to the neighbouring city of Rabat
Day 14 – Blue Lagoon
@cincocantosdomundoMalta’s northern coast is the place you will discover improbable pure websites, with the Blue Lagoon being probably the most well-known. Simply off the coast of Comino Island, The Blue Lagoon is pure paradise because of crystal-clear waters and excellent swimming situations. The lagoon is small and will get crowded rapidly early within the day. Though it’s distant, getting there may be simple. Many tour corporations provide boat journeys to the lagoon from varied harbours, together with Sliema, at cheap costs. The larger the boat, the much less you’ll pay!
Issues to do on the Blue Lagoon
- Swim all-day
- Sip a cocktail out of a pineapple
We hope this itinerary will provide help to plan the last word two-week journey to Sicily and Malta. You’ll want to tell us within the feedback if in case you have any ideas for visiting these locations and if there are different spots in these areas that travellers shouldn’t miss! Cheers!