Malta, a Warm Island of Sunshine, Alleys, and Sea

Malta was a small yet extraordinary island filled with unique stories. While it lacked grand landmarks or bustling shopping streets, it offered sparkling seas under the sun, flowers blooming on old stone walls, and a serene passage of time. From the very first day, I felt at ease. Valletta felt less like a city and more like a giant maze. The narrow, charming alleys lined with golden limestone buildings always led to a view of the sea at the end of the stairs. At the Upper Barrakka Gardens, I spent a long time gazing at the scenery where the blue sky and the Grand Harbor merged into one. The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island was a color that seemed almost unreal. Just being able to swim in that crystal-clear water washed away all the fatigue of the journey. The moment when sunlight reached into the water and made it sparkle is still vivid in my memory. St. Julian's and Sliema had a livelier and more everyday atmosphere. Simply sitting at a café by the sea reading a book or walking along the tree-lined promenade filled the day completely. As the sun set, sitting on a terrace with a glass of wine and watching the Maltese sea was pure peace. Malta is not a place to go to "do something," but rather a place where you simply want to stay quietly. A trip that was perfect even without doing anything.