Comino

Comino is a small island between Gozo and Malta where the main attraction is the Blue Lagoon.

Arrival at the island...

...where we were made to walk the plank! I'm sure you can see why it's called the Blue Lagoon...

...but intrepid Tine wanted a closer look.

Free bar on the boat? It would be churlish not to, as Big Dave would say!

Fantastic rock sculptures on the return journey...

...including Elephant Rock (id-Darsa or the Molar in Maltese)...

...and a photo borrowed from the web showing its full elephantine likeness!

Victoria & back to Mgarr

We stopped in Victoria, the capital of Gozo Island, where we found that the reputation of Maltese bread was true: amazingly delicious sandwiches!

But that wasn't all, the Citadel was well worth a visit with its panoramic views.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, photo taken from the citadel walls...

...and the reverse shot!

There were lots of steps to be climbed but the views made it all worthwhile

Somebody photobombing Tine's shot

Back into the town and a well-deserved beer...

...then to Mgarr harbour for the return journey...

...with a stop to admire the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Dwejra

Our guide took us over to the north west of the island to the oh-so-impressive Dwejra area where Mother Nature shows us how creative and destructive she can be.

Tine is standing on the causeway of the inland sea, linked to the Mediterranean by this cave naturally carved through the cliffs. On calmer days fishermen use the tunnel to go about their duties.

A couple of shots of the former Azure Window...

...apparently used in one scene in the Game of Thrones.

Why former? The arch collapsed earlier in the year, the stack disappearing too!

Odd rock and sand formationa all around us...

...and the turquoise sea...

...one intrepid individual taking his life in his hands. (Not really!)

A short journey inland and a photo opportunity of the Ta' Pinu Basilica

Cruise to Gozo

One of our golden oldie friends has mentioned Gozo so many times that we decided to take a day's cruise up the eastern coast of Malta to see what the attraction was.

Firstly the very convenient ferry across the harbour
 to Sliema, leaving from near the old police station, now a restaurant and so near our apartment

And off we go with lovely blue skies accompanying us

The sea was choppier than it looks here but not enough to upset this well-seasoned sailor

First glimpse of Mgarr Harbour where transport was waiting to take us around the small island

We stopped at a huge stone quarry overlooking the sea...

...and understood why all the buildings are this warm ochre colour!

St Paul's Catacombs

As hinted last time, our aim was to visit the catacombs in Rabat, and how amazing were they! They date from the Roman occupation of Malta when Christians weren't permitted to bury their dead within the city walls.

There's a taste of what's to come under the glass floor in the entrance hall

I don't think this skeleton was one of the original occupants somehow

The entrance to one set of catacombs. We were very surprised at how many there were.

The tunnels were carved out by hand... 

...with many a final resting place...

...and other smaller niches in the walls for children & babies.

A couple of living temporary residents

Interesting hieroglyphics...

...and early graffiti?

We even spotted colour used in one catacomb

Circular rock tables that the Romans used to commemorate the annual Festival of the Dead

Definitely a recommended visit if ever you're Malta-bound.

Rabat

Venturing out of the old city of Mdina into the neighbouring town of Rabat there was more history to be found.

Just a few yards/metres outside the walls we came across these Roman ruins, hardly signposted and apparently not to visit (at least on the day we were there).

A little further along, the Parish Church of St Paul...

...intriguing buildings...

...and narrow streets.

And here's where we were aiming for: St Paul's Catacombs 

More next time!