It is currently a quiet period as regards travelling. I rarely travel in Autumn as I am usually very busy with my other full time job – back to school (for those of you who are not aware I am a teacher). Therefore travelling is usually out of the question. In the small amount of free time left, I am either planning my next trip or I go out in the Maltese countryside to enjoy the outdoors. Here in Malta Autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy the outdoors as the temperatures decrease and the weather is still perfect to go out for some nice walks or treks. Without any doubt my favourite part of the island is the West coast. It is where there are still several ‘raw’ areas, where humans have not hugely altered the landscape. This post is dedicated to where I live; the south western coast of Malta starting from my hometown Zurrieq travelling up until Fawwara. Keep following this space as we discover more of Malta’s wild west further North.
Here are my favourite Places to visit in South Western Malta:
Il-Munqar
This place lies a couple of minutes away from home and all I can say is that I am very lucky! It is one of the most scenic places from where you can watch sunset. This shot was taken in early Spring and it is one of the best times to visit. You can admire the flora during this season and the sunset is perfectly aligned and sets right on top of Wied iz-Zurrieq.
Blue Grotto and the nearby caves
There are several places from which you can view this Blue Grotto. The first option is the previously mentioned Munqar to get an aerial view. There is another spot along the way towards Wied iz-Zurrieq which I believe is the most picturesque, however this place is at high risk of collapsing and an area from this viewpoint is now closed. Lastly you cannot miss the boat trip to Blue Grotto and also the nearby caves. The best time to go for the boat ride is during the early morning. The hues of blue of the water are amazing!
Wied iz-Zurrieq
Talking about this place is always emotional for me. I have so many childhood memories here! This is my favourite place for a swim in summer and I visit this place very frequently. It is just a couple of minutes away from home and luckily enough it has not changed much in years. This is the place I go to when I want to relax or enjoy a nice fish based lunch or dinner when I don’t feel like cooking. I come here to Wied iz-Zurrieq for a refreshing swim in one of the cleanest waters of the island.
Ghar Hanex and Ras Hamrija
Most of the time people visit Mnajdra and Hagar Qim temples and just follow the foothpath to get from one temple to another. This is just a glimpse of what you can view if you dare to out the path and make your way down to the sea. It is not the easiest of trails as it involves some climbing up and down the cliffs, however there is no need for ropes or equipment. You can start your way down from the Congreve Memorial which is visible from Mnajdra temples and go slowly down until the coast. There are several interesting geological formations here such as caves, a small arched window and valleys all leading to crystal clear waters. One of the caves known as Ghar Hanex (the first photo above), unfortunately collapsed following the strong winds earlier this year. However the area is still worth a visit as it is not the only attraction to admire.
Ghar Lapsi
This beach is very popular with locals in summer. If you visit in Summer weekends, you will most likely won’t find a spot where to put your bags and towel. Going off season is surely more rewarding and you can venture along the coast to see what it offers. By off season I am refering to Spring, Autumn and even nice winter days (both the above shots where shot in winter).
Xaqqa Cliffs
This is on the way down to Ghar Lapsi and it is a very popular destination with abseiling enthusiasts. I cannot believe that I only discovered this place recently as I have drove past it a countless number of times. I was not aware of the rock formation that was in the sea as this is not visible from the road.
Il-Fawwara
Fawwara lies in the outskirts of Siggiewi and it is a very nice place if you wish to go for a sunset walk. The views are out of this world and at the end of the road you will end up in what seems to be an abandoned hamlet as well as a chapel. There are a couple farmhouses along the way but some of them are now abandoned, as nowadays only a few appreciate living in a quiet setting like Fawwara has to offer.
If you are interested to know more about beaches I also have a guide to Malta’s less popular beaches here. Keep following this space as we will travel further north along the West coast to discover the natural beauty it has to offer.
