The best of Malta in a 4-hour self-drive Ecotour
North Tour = E75 euros per car (2 passengers)
Smarter Car Rentals Ecotours start from Valletta Cruise Port – Mdina – Golden Bay - Popeye Village and back to Valletta. We will provide a shuttle service from any agreed location.
From Valletta, our tour heads towards the centre of Malta. The half an hour drive takes you through the built-up areas of Malta as well as the valleys. The landscape is defined by the Maltese rubble or dry-stone walls, which look simple however, their construction is a complex one, requiring special skills to place the stones on top of each other. There is no mortar or any other binding agent, only gravity and friction bind the stones together.
Our first stop is the beautiful walled city of Mdina – Malta’s ex-capital, a fortified town, situated in the centre of the island, next to Rabat. It was the island's capital from antiquity to the medieval period, chosen due to its altitude, the highest from the sea. Mdina’s narrow streets were purposely bent to allow archers to throw their arrows and hide from their enemies. At around 700 BC Mdina was first fortified by the Phoenicians. The Normans added to the city by building the defensive fortifications and the moat. 20 min stop for photos.
From Valletta, our tour heads towards the centre of Malta. The half an hour drive takes you through the built-up areas of Malta as well as the valleys. The landscape is defined by the Maltese rubble or dry-stone walls, which look simple however, their construction is a complex one, requiring special skills to place the stones on top of each other. There is no mortar or any other binding agent, only gravity and friction bind the stones together.
Our first stop is the beautiful walled city of Mdina – Malta’s ex-capital, a fortified town, situated in the centre of the island, next to Rabat. It was the island's capital from antiquity to the medieval period, chosen due to its altitude, the highest from the sea. Mdina’s narrow streets were purposely bent to allow archers to throw their arrows and hide from their enemies. At around 700 BC Mdina was first fortified by the Phoenicians. The Normans added to the city by building the defensive fortifications and the moat. 20 min stop for photos.
From Mdina, we follow the North roads to Golden Bay. We drive through Manikata, one side overlooking the valleys and the farms while the other you can see the Mediterranean Sea.
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We arrive at Golden Bay, a beautiful sandy beach in North West Malta. It is one of the most popular sandy beaches in Malta, located in unspoiled and undeveloped countryside. It is a popular resort for snorkelling. We stop for 20 min for refreshments and photos.
After Golden Bay, we follow the coastal road to Popeye Village. This was a film set of the 1980 Musical Production “Popeye’’. After the filming, the set was transformed into a touristic attraction.
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Our tour will now head back to Valletta, via the most expensive and prestigious areas of Malta. Pembroke, which developed a Victorian fortification (Fort Pembroke. It was built by the British in four main building phases 19th and 20th Centuries. It is now an affluent residential area.
Saint Julian and Balluta are the next along the coast road. They are residential areas and popular for 5-star hotels, bars and restaurants.
Next is Sliema, one of fastest growing Towns in Malta. Its coastline has a beautiful promenade known as the Sliema Front, ideal spot for jogging and walking. Sliema has plenty of international restaurants and bars, catering for all ages. It is also renowned for shopping where you can find most of the English branded shops.
Next is Sliema, one of fastest growing Towns in Malta. Its coastline has a beautiful promenade known as the Sliema Front, ideal spot for jogging and walking. Sliema has plenty of international restaurants and bars, catering for all ages. It is also renowned for shopping where you can find most of the English branded shops.
Manoel Island used to house a large quarantine hospital in the 50’s. Manoel Island currently houses a yacht yard and yacht marina. There is a regeneration programme due to start soon for the whole island.
You can see Valletta from the other side of the peninsula. It has been Malta’s capital since 1571. It is a beautiful town which survived many invasions but managed to keep its beautiful architecture. It is also a hive for new business and shops. Valletta embodies the Maltese spirit, as a symbol of survival and flexibility to adapt to new, while keeping the old, remaining a World Heritage Centre while welcoming tourists from all over the world.
You can see Valletta from the other side of the peninsula. It has been Malta’s capital since 1571. It is a beautiful town which survived many invasions but managed to keep its beautiful architecture. It is also a hive for new business and shops. Valletta embodies the Maltese spirit, as a symbol of survival and flexibility to adapt to new, while keeping the old, remaining a World Heritage Centre while welcoming tourists from all over the world.
