North coast

Today's driving was to the north coast, but first a visit to Victoria to find a Post Office and do some shopping. The city centre was chaotic, so we decided it was easier to pay for a park at the Citadel and walk back down to the shops.

Heading north, our first stop was The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, 3km from Victoria, and 700 metres from the village of Għarb. It sits out amonst rural properties like the proverbial sore thumb, and was built in 1883 on the site of a small 16th century chapel, with money raised by public subscription. We also walked up the Stations of the Cross walk, 14 statues spread along a winding path up the hill opposite the church, with an amphitheatre at the summit (and a cache, of course).

Next stop was Għasri Valley, a narrow snaking sea canyon, known for its quiet beach, which is 300 metres inland from the sea. The sea is only accessible via a narrow cove with high cliffs on both sides, and steps carved into the rocks. On a fine day it's a popular spot for swimming and diving, but it was a bit cold and rough for either today.

We continued via some more salt pans and a few caches to Marsalforn for a late lunch. The restaurant we stopped at, on the foreshore, had water 1m up their walls during Storm Harry, and were still cleaning up the street.

We arrived back in Xewkija in time for a cup of tea on our deck as the sun was going down.Read more