We made land today at about 1pm local time. It's about a day and a half from Naples but the timing was perfect. Billed as the most beautiful port in Europe, it was best to see it in full sun. Not having seen too many other ports in Europe , I can't be a good judge but it is absolutely stunning.
Malta has an interesting history having been a strategic port of some value for over 2000 years. Most of what we see today was developed by the Knights of St. John in the 1600's and has many beautiful examples of renaissance architecture. Unlike many cities in Europe, Valetta is free of graffiti and trash. Close to Italy, the Maltese speak both Italian and some Phoenician ( never heard the language before)...most also speak some English. Malta was also under English control for a number of years. The signs of which you can still see. Noticed a Lipton tea sign as we walked from the ship. Most all signs are also printed in English making it easy to find your way around town.
Pat and I visited the Upper Barakka gardens and St. John's Co-Cathedral and spent a pleasant afternoon drinking coffee and reading books by the Saluting Battery. Much of the city is built on a Sandstone bluff several hundred feet above the harbor. Take our advice, pay the 1€ fare and ride the elevator up to the top...it will save you over 300 stairs to climb.
Next stop Athens, the Parthenon and the 7 hills. ( just like Rome)
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