There is really nothing like the sea at night. Living on an island naturally has its perks and constant proximity to the sea is one of them. The salty air of sea-side towns and villages, the joyous atmosphere of beaches during summer. Even the picturesque waters hitting the island rocks in the peak of the Maltese winter. If you are so fortunate as to live or vacation on an island, take advantage of this proximity to the sea. The best way to appreciate it is by late night drives.
A local favourite thing to do on the island is to get your car, and drive up to some beach or cliff. Let yourself enjoy the night sky reflecting itself on the Mediterranean mirror. But don’t just pick a random spot. There are a few places in Malta where you can guarantee a picturesque night.
Anchor Bay
Starting from the northernmost point on the list is Anchor Bay. Many people forget this gem because they associate Popeye’s Village with it. All the locals will have visited as kids, and tourists may not be interested.
But on the other side of Popeye’s village is a small little rock-pier area where you can drive down and just enjoy these magical landscapes. What makes this place so beautiful is the fact that it is so sheltered there’s much less light pollution.
Mistra Bay
On the way from Xemxija to Mellieha, as you reach the top of Xemxija Hill, there’s a small road that takes you down through some fields. Finally you’re in a quiet, secluded beach. Pull down the windows, take out some snacks and enjoy yourself looking at the shimmering lights of Xemxija and St. Paul’s Bay in the distance.
Pembroke Ranges
Pembroke is pretty much a residential town and very much overlooked. It is in between the coastroad area, and the Paceville, St.Julian’s and Sliema area. When you enter Pembroke from St. Andrew Street you will first immediately notice the old British buildings all over the area. They are remnants from when it used to be a British MIlitary and residential place.
If you keep driving till you reach the sea you’ll find a large area that is filled with soil, flora, rocks and the sea. There are a few car pathways which you can use to get yourself on the rocks overlooking the sea.
Ta’ Liesse, Valletta
Yes we know, Valletta tends to end up in many lists. But you have to admit it’s just packed with things to do! There are plenty of spots but in this case I’m only mentioning one overlooked place.
The place known as ‘Ta Liesse’ is now used as a parking space. There actually used to be an old fish market there. But in the night there’s plenty of space to just park and enjoy the harbor overlooking the three cities. You could also do this from right on top of ta’ Liesse, on the fortifications themselves, if you want to have a higher view of the port.
Isla Promenade
As a kid I used to spend my Sunday evenings at this place. I recently paid it a visit during one of my late night drives. After visiting it I would say it somehow managed to retain its magic. The Isla promenade is just a beautiful taste of the southern character of the country. A more raw mediterranean feel with the remnants of an island lifestyle that somehow seems to live on in this beautiful area of Senglea.
