This is probably
my favourite urban walk and one Anne and I have done a number of times.
The walk starts from the bus terminal in Valletta. As we have done this
walk mostly late mornings or early afternoons we have often purchase
a few cakes etc to eat on our way. These have usually been obtained
from one of the stalls in the bus terminal, which is located just outside
of the main entrance to the city of Valletta.
From the bus terminal
you walk away from the city through the linear Maglio Gardens, located
between two roads, the Mall and Triq Sarria (triq is Maltese for street
or road). There are usually some vacant seats in this area so if the
sun's shining, which it usually is, it's a good spot to eat the cakes.
Freesias
growing over the ramparts. Ta'xbiex (centre) and Manoel Island
(right) can be seen in the distance.
At the end of these
gardens the route goes right, and on reaching a T-junction the way is
left down a steep hill (Triq Maison), which leads to the Valletta terminal
for the Gozo Ferry.
However, before reaching the terminal there are some gardens on the
right and it is well worth taking a detour here to look at the plants
and the views. From the walls of the garden, which are more akin to
ramparts, it is possible to see across the water to Manoel Island, locate
to the south of Sliema. In March we have always found Freesias growing
wild on these ramparts. Anne loves the sight of these.
Looking
down on the Gozo Ferry from the freesia wall.
Having passed the
Ferry Terminal, unless we want to take short cuts, which will take us
inland, we follow the coast all the way back to Sliema.
A
couple of views of the marina at Ta'xbiex.
So we walk along
Triq Tal Pietra and very soon the road bends left and we are on Msida
Sea Front and the yacht marina, with many expensive looking boats. In
fact from now on until we reach Manoel Island (which is actually joined
to the main land by a bridge) we will pass a number of marinas. The
next one is on Ta'xbiex sea front and, having rounded the promontory
that this suburb is located on, we reach a further marina with an adjacent
recreation area. By now it's usually time for an ice cream, and this
is a very pleasant location to enjoy one.
From here we pass
Manoel Island - if your interested in football there is usually a match
taking place here on a Sunday Morning - and soon after we are on the
sea front in Sliema.
Sliema
- Manoel Island is to the left and Tower Road is to the right.
If a longer walk
is desired, rather than continue all the way along the coast it's best
to turn left near the ferry terminal and go up Tower Road to reach the
other side of the Sliema Peninsula. From here follow the coast left
and in an hour or so you will be in St Juliens Bay.
The harbour
at St. Julien's Bay. Complete with couple of cranes in the background.
This photo was taken in 2000 so the building work may be completed
by now!
Distances - it's
just under 5 miles from Valletta to Sliema and further 2 miles from
Sliema to St Juliens Bay.
