Anna Marie Felice is an international blogger, regularly bouncing between the UK and Malta. Born & raised in Malta, she emigrated to England to pursue her lifelong career of nursing. A lover of the unfamiliar, she is always on the lookout for a new experience – whether in Malta, England, or another country is yet to be decided. In our first guest blog, Anna Marie shares her experience of the Summer Soltice in the Majjistral.
Ask anybody who’s visited the island of Malta what their impressions were. Ask me and I’m sure we will agree that it’s overpopulated with cars and people. Malta’s historical wealth, its recent economic boom and its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea has led to an influx of visitors, many of whom choose to stay. Malta now caters for diverse taste, with a newfound cultural diversity almost taking locals by surprise.
Where is it possible to escape the noise and busy streets?
On Summer Solstice day I went on a sunset walk across part of the northwest coast of Malta. After a surprisingly heavy downpour of rain earlier that day the weather had once again turned out warm. I joined a group of people on an organised walk across the scenic route, starting from Golden Sands leading up towards the northern peninsula.
The North West of the island boasts many beautiful bays, stretching from Fomm ir-Riħ, to Ġnejna, Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Sands, and Paradise Bay. This region of Malta was declared a national park in 2007. Since then it has become known by the Maltese name of the northwest wind: il-Majjistral. The word Majjistral also means North West so there is no mistaking its location on the island!
The terrain is rocky and surprisingly perfumed. Here the flattish rocky limestone is pocked with fissures and hollows encouraging plenty of wild foliage to grow.
There are other areas of interest here that from part of the landscape. Peppered around are the remains of British military architecture, dating to the early 20th century amongst which is a military shooting range.
The cliff-top landscape overlooks quiet coves, some only accessible by boat. Back in time they were used by hunters or pirates for storage and shelter. Precarious pathways lead down to the water, but I choose to stay up on the ridge. Looking out over the still sea towards the islands of Gozo and Comino, the day came to a close and the sun sank slowly down under. It was the longest day of the year, but the summer stretched out ahead, beckoning to enjoy the sun and sea.
Find more of Anna Marie’s words on her blog. She regularly posts photos of her adventures over on Instagram. Follow her @amfelice and @livinghertfordishire
The Majjistral Park holds regular events throughout the year.
You can get to the North West of Malta from the bus stop right outside our accommodation. Hop on bus 56 or 181 to get to Rabat, or bus 182 for Mtarfa. Visit the Majjistral Park by walking 3 minutes to bus stop Tereza in Naxxar Road and catching bus 44 which will stop you at TUFFIEHA.