Malta Wheels Be They On 2, 3, 4 Or 4 Legs!
Getting mobile in Malta. Wheels seem to be a bit of a trend currently be they 2,3 or 4?
Whether it’s on horseback, ‘Rolling Geeks’, Tuk Tuk or Segway these are just a few worth checking out there!
Not the largest of islands. However, this variety of transport choices has a history here for its colourful buses that once ferried tourists around in years gone by.
Karrozzin horse and carriage in Mdina.
Still today also the traditional Karrozzin horse and carriage are still used for tourists.
Joe with his passenger tour on three wheels on Gozo.
Now more high-tech motoring options such as the battery driven Segway and the self drive GPS monitored Rolling Geeks provide a very different experience in order to see the sights!
The Tuk Tuk, tour three wheel option can be found on the island of Gozo.
Being whisked away from the Gozo island ferry port by driver Joe was a great way to see many of the tourist hot spots. Experiencing literally the sights and smells as the open sided vehicles bring you closer to the island’s nature and wildlife.
Go Joe…Gozo tour on three wheels.
Visiting after the recent rains the island was lush and full of colour. As were the pretty villages with their colourful painted or warm stone houses as our trike trundled through the narrow streets.
3 Malta Wheels Around Gozo
Joe our guide, was full of stories about the island. We headed for the first stop. A hilltop viewpoint above the port. Before then heading to the Ġgantija Temples built even before the pyramids. These are some of the oldest structures in the world still standing. They were constructed in the megalithic period and could be as old as 3,600BC.
Ggantija Temples in Xaghra Gozo, Malta.
Ramla Bay being the next stop to view the Tal-Mixta Cave a clifftop cave offering great views over the bay. And in the evenings there would be some wonderful westerly sunsets to view from there.
Being the only town on the island Victoria but it is is not called the capital. However, its resplendent fortified Citadel is a gem.
The fortifications are stunning as its stands high above much of the town that has grown up surrounding its base.
Citadel in Victoria Gozo, Malta.
In Roman times there was a temple dedicated to Juno in the area and where the Cathedral is now today.
In the mid 16th century a Turkish raid by an Ottoman naval force attacked Malta. That was repulsed and they then attacked a less well protected Gozo. During that time most of the population was taken into slavery. It took some 50 years to rebuild the population. The citadel was then rebuilt to the way it looks today.
A large investment from the European Union has meant that the citadel is now very much like it was 400 years ago. Views from its defensive walls are stunning. They offer a 360 degree view of the whole island.
Tuk Tuk Time Around Gozo
Colourful and striking the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu was consecrated in 1932 with work starting in the 1920’s. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is located in the village of Gharb. Its 61metre high tower and the Basilica’s dome stand out across much of the island.
Ta’Pinu make sure its on your tour.
The island was once famous for the Azure Window, a 28 metre high limestone arch that collapsed on March 8th 2017.
My photo of the Azure Window before it was lost in 2017!
There has been talks that a modern replacement that could be built in its place. However, this is how it looked before its sudden collapse.
Where the Azure Window stood is now visited by Games of Thrones fans.
Today the site has been replaced with another point of interest. As its where key parts of the film Game of Thrones was shot and fans still like to see the location.
There are numerous other locations on Malta itself too. Currently film crews can be spotted around the islands. Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator 2 is to start shooting very soon under the direction of Ridley Scott.
Malta Wheels This Time 4
Back via ferry to Malta and then back on four wheels in the area opposite the capital Valletta called the Three Cities. One unique company offers a chance to take guided drives around its three conurbations on their Rolling Geeks!
Malta wheels whether two, three four wheels.
These road worthy golf type buggies will take you around the sites of Birgu, Vittoriosa and Kalkara. Using GPS the carts allow you to explore along a guided route and they even have direct communication with the operators who can check your route position and put you back on course remotely from their base should you get lost.
Driving around there is a series of audio information descriptions telling you what is coming up and where to look. The vehicles only drive at 15 mph and can pass through areas where normal vehicles can’t go. The drive takes around one and a half hours with plenty of places to stop to take in the magnificent views of Grand Harbour. Your hire fee of around €90 for two and a half hours. Meaning there is plenty of time to see your historical surroundings or perhaps grab a coffee or tea break.
Malta Wheels. Rolling Geeks can go where others can’s.
Equipped with a computer screen which provides a large easy to read sat nav map. The tablet type screen will even let you take selfies as you tour giving you a record of your ‘Rolling Geeks’ fun time. Emailing copies of the pictures you have taken direct to your computer home computer.
4 Legs Fun At Golden Bay Malta
From four wheels to four legs. The Golden Bay Horse Riding near Mellieha. An equine experience for those with riding skills or those that are just beginners.
Malta four legs!
Kitting us out with helmets and matching the skill level of each of us to each of the horses. Children and adults are able to take part and enjoy the excitement. Seeing the countryside from the lofty view of a 14 or 15 hand horse!
Nearby the sandy bay and the cliffs make this hour-long ride a pleasant day out in the country.
Malta on four legs!
With instructors leading the beginners someone is always in control. This colourful coastal nature reserve area makes it an interesting excursion.
I know that some readers will object to this in principle. However, the horses were well cared for animals. Observing many cases of good animal welfare I felt comfortable in taking part.
Buzzing around on two wheels in Malta.
Taking to two wheel option adjacent to the stables. Segwaying around the same location. After some initial guidance from the Malta Segway manager my colleagues were soon buzzing around me as I filmed them. Operated by adjusting your weight. Lean forward and you go forward, lean back and go back.
Another great team building or family type experience as the battery driven Segways take you along the roads and tracks.
Switching wheels as the tourism transport options seem to grow more and more here on Malta!
