Monday, 4 May 2026

Top 6 Archaeological Sites in Malta You Must Visit.

Ancient megalithic temple site in Malta, part of the island’s UNESCO-listed prehistoric heritage.

Malta is one of the most remarkable archaeological destinations in the Mediterranean, home to ancient sites that date back more than 5,000 years. Long before the pyramids of Egypt, early builders on the islands created some of the world’s oldest free-standing stone structures. Today, these prehistoric temples and sites offer a rare window into a lost civilisation—combining mystery, engineering skill, and ancient ritual in one landscape.

 

 🏛️ Top 6 Archaeological Sites in Malta 


1. Ġgantija Temples (Gozo) One of the oldest known free-standing structures in the world, built around 3600 BC. These massive limestone temples are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.






2. Ħaġar Qim Temples A dramatic clifftop temple complex overlooking the sea. Known for its finely carved stonework and alignment with the sun during solstices. These prehistoric structures are dated between 3600 and 3200 BC, making them older than the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge.





The entire site is protected by a large tent structure installed in 2009 to prevent weathering and surface flaking. Ħaġar Qim is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.



3. Mnajdra Temples Located near Ħaġar Qim, this site is famous for its astronomical alignment and beautifully preserved temple layout.




These prehistoric temples date back to approximately 3600-3200 BC, making them among the oldest 'religious' monuments in the world. The site consists of three distinct buildings arranged in a cloverleaf or three-apse design, constructed from local limestone.

4. Tarxien Temples A richly decorated complex featuring some of the most detailed stone carvings found in Maltese prehistoric sites, including spiral motifs and animal reliefs. 




The temple complex consists of four distinct structures built between approximately 3,600 and 2,500 BC, making them over 5,000 years old. The site was discovered by local farmers in 1913, long after the nearby Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum was found. Excavations revealed prehistoric art, unique spiral designs, and evidence that the site was originally used for animal sacrifices.

5. Ghar Dalam Cave. The cave is a renowned archaeological site where researchers have discovered fossilized remains of extinct animals, including dwarf elephants and hippos, dating back to the Ice Age. It features six distinct layers of deposits that provide an uninterrupted record of the Pleistocene period, crucial for understanding ancient Maltese prehistory. Today, visitors can take guided tours to explore the cave's ancient underground landscape and visit the on-site museum to see the artifacts and fossils discovered there.




6. Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni A unique underground burial complex carved entirely into rock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals extraordinary insight into prehistoric burial rituals and acoustics. These ancient sites not only showcase Malta’s deep history but also raise enduring questions about the people who built them and how such advanced structures were created so early in human civilisation.

Which of these sites would you most like to visit in Malta?

Other interesting sites of archaeological significance worth seeing are...

Domus Romana (1st Century BC Roman Villa between Mdina and Rabat).



Xwejni Salt Pans (A practice believed to have been started by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Romans):




 Mdina Gate: Built in 1724.



 Map of Archaeological Sites in Malta 






This guide highlights six of the most important archaeological sites in Malta that are essential for understanding the island’s unique past.


Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Tunis and Carthage Travel Guide: Top Things to See & Do

 Welcome back everyone and welcome to my first solo trip for 2026! Living the retired life ain't half bad ya know.

Tunis and nearby Carthage offer a striking contrast between ancient history and living culture. On one side, the ruins of one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world; on the other, the vibrant streets, markets, and architecture of modern Tunisia’s capital. Together, they create a unique destination where Roman ruins, Phoenician history, and North African culture sit side by side..

Back to day 1. I'm staying at the Ibis Tunis which is about 20 kilometers South of Carthage so I hired a guide to drive me around and explain the history. So, pick up at 9am by Noureddine Boukari (here's the plug... WhatsApp (+216) 24 332 451 and boukari.noureddine@gmail.com).

First stop was the highest point in Carthage, the location of the Cathedral of St Louis IX who died in 1270 and was buried in Carthage. His body was disinterred in the 1800's when Tunisia was a French colony. Fun fact, well interesting maybe not fun, Louis led the seventh crusade. You know, those pesky little escapades organised by the church and European nobles!

Three Layers of History

What makes this site particularly impressive is that there are three distinct layers of history:

  • Punic period (814–146 BC): Carthage at its peak, including the Punic Wars and Hannibal’s famous march across the Alps with elephants.
  • Roman period (146 BC–533 AD): After Carthage fell to Rome in the Third Punic War.
  • Byzantine period (533–698 AD): Eastern Roman control from Constantinople.
 View from the Byzantine level

My hat has now been to 20+ countries 
The level I am standing on is Byzantine, and the lowest visible remains are Punic. Unfortunately, very little survives from the Punic period due to destruction and reuse of materials.

Looking down to the Punic layer

If you walk to the rear of the Cathedral you'll find a sort of relic garden where they have collected ruins. There's also a statue of St Louis IX and his, now empty, sarcophagus. I've attached a photo of the sarcophagus and a picture of a tiny version. So, horrible history time, the tiny ones were used for the ashes of the first born son. Apparently, the Phoenicians required that first born sons be sacrificed. This continued until a general refused, he sacrificed a slave which led to his son growing up to be Hannibal!

St Louis IX sarcophagus 


A smaller version is also displayed. These were associated with burial traditions—some Phoenician tombs were later interpreted as containing remains of first-born children, a topic still debated by historians.

Cathedral Views

Although I wasn’t there for modern architecture, the Cathedral itself is very striking, so I’ve included a few photos below.



Travellers Hint

You’ll find a lot of stalls at the major sites selling similar items—small mosaics, mini statues, etc.

Be careful as prices are often inflated and haggling is expected. Some vendors take offence if you don’t engage.

Also, don’t assume everything is authentic—Punic coins are commonly sold, but genuine 2,500-year-old coins at 40 dinar is very unlikely..

Second Stop – Roman Amphitheatre

A short drive brought us to a Roman amphitheatre used for executions.

Built around the 1st–2nd century AD, it is associated with the martyrdom of early Christians, most notably Saints Perpetua and Felicity, who were killed by wild animals in 203 AD.

The site was buried for centuries and only excavated in the last hundred years.


The center is where the animals were kept 

Roman Aqueduct

Next stop was part of the Roman aqueduct system.

The Romans were master engineers, and this system is a good example of their scale and complexity.

In Tunisia, the aqueduct stretched 134 km and fed a system of cisterns supplying around 30,000 people.



Aquaduct cistern 

Roman Theatre

By now it was getting very warm—no surprise in North Africa.

Carthage actually had two theatres:

  • a winter theatre (smaller, lower site near the cathedral)
  • a summer theatre (larger, designed for shade in the afternoon)

The theatre is still occasionally used today, with only parts of the seating and stage original.

It has hosted acts such as Kool & The Gang, and Churchill also gave a speech here in 1943 to the 8th Army.


Stunning view from the theatre 


 Great views!

Roman Baths (Antonine Baths)

Next stop was the Roman baths—second largest in the world.

The site was built over part of a Punic necropolis, though little remains of that earlier period.

The baths were started under Hadrian in 117 AD and completed under Antonius in 165 AD. Roman baths consisted of four chambers. 

Roman bath structure included:

  • Apodyterium (changing rooms)
  • Tepidarium (warm room)
  • Frigidarium (cold plunge pool)

The scale is larger than the famous baths in Bath, England.


Ok, by now I was starting to flag. Being old and tired, spent most of the night chasing mosquitoes 🦟, plus it being around 25c pretty much did me in. 

Travellers tip: Don't open your hotel window unless you like 🦟. There's a salt lake at the edge of the city. The government has reclaimed some of the land and are aggressively building there, including a new USA embassy. However, despite their efforts, they haven't got rid of the mozzies.

Back to the hotel with a quick stop for supplies and a bite to eat, a 'Brik' which is a deep fried savoury pastry made from thin mollsouka dough...like filo pastry, and filled with cheese (you can tuna and egg but that just sounds nasty).

All in all a good outing. Tomorrow is a visit to the Medina for some shopping and haggling.

Day 2 begins…

Started out less than ideal due to a last-minute flight change caused by a strike in Germany. I’m now flying back via Paris on Air France.

Medina of Tunis

The Medina was the main focus of the morning.

It was lively, colourful, and full of jewellery and craft stalls.

Compared to Moroccan medinas, it felt less aggressive and more relaxed, which made it easier to explore.






I will be going to the American WW2 cemetery later this afternoon, more of an update later.

Ok, went out to do some more exploring. My guide yesterday mentioned the American Cemetery on the outskirts of Carthage so I asked my airport driver if he'd accommodate and, as I was paying, he kindly agreed. What a beautiful site. I have to say the American Battlefield Memorial team always do a fantastic job commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This site was commissioned in 1960 and is the burial site for 2,883 soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians including a Medal of Honor winner and a member of the USA 400m relay gold medal team from 1936.







Sidi Bou Said

Final stop was Sidi Bou Said, the blue-and-white clifftop village.

It’s often compared to Santorini but was extremely busy due to a national holiday.

Not usually my kind of scene, but the views were still excellent.




And of course, I had to try a bambalouni—a large doughnut-style street food.


Final Thoughts

All in all, a very full trip combining ancient history, Roman engineering, colonial layers, and modern Tunisian culture.

If you could visit just one site in Tunis or Carthage, which would it be—and why?

Monday, 3 November 2025

Marrakech highlights, what to see

 

                                                        Morocco trip with Travis 2025

Morocco Trip with Travis 2025

This year’s annual trip with the Travman is to Morocco. This is my second visit (first was over 20 years ago), while it’s Travis’ first, so it’s a bit of an adventure for both of us.

So far, Morocco hasn’t disappointed—although we did manage our usual “arrival experience”…

The hotel website said it was 0.7 miles from the airport. With no airport WiFi and relying on that information, we decided to walk it at around 7pm.

Ninety minutes later, we arrived.

🧭 Traveller Tip #1:

Check your mobile provider before travelling. Many countries outside Europe/USA fall into expensive roaming zones.

🧭 Traveller Tip #2:

Download offline maps before arrival—WiFi is not guaranteed.

🏙️ First Day – Exploring Marrakech

The first proper day was planned as a flexible exploration day before our Atlas Mountains excursion. We left the hotel at 8:30am and walked toward the old city, about 2.5km away.

Marrakech is split into two main areas:

  • New town (where we are staying)
  • Old town (Medina) with souks and major landmarks

The two are separated by an impressive wall with 12 gates. The Medina itself covers around 19 square kilometres, so it’s far from small.


🕌 Main Mosque Area

After about a 45-minute walk along Avenue Mohammed V, we reached the main mosque area.


It’s impressive, but honestly not on the level of Istanbul’s major mosques—but few places are.

🧭 Getting Lost in the Medina

From here, we made our way toward the souks… or more accurately, we entered “let’s get lost mode”.

We followed Avenue Houmman and ended up in the Mellah district, a historic area of the Medina with its own character and atmosphere.

Interesting fact: Morocco still has a monarchy. The King retains significant political authority, quite different from constitutional systems like the UK

🛍️ The Souks – Controlled Chaos

A souk is essentially a market—but that doesn’t quite capture it.

It’s organised chaos on another level, especially for anyone used to Europe or the US. Compared to places like Borough Market in London, Marrakech is far more intense and less structured.




That said, Morocco is relatively relaxed compared to some parts of North Africa—just don’t linger too long or engage too deeply with vendors unless you intend to buy.


🎬 Indiana Jones moment

At times it genuinely feels like:

                                           Indiana Jones and the Temple of Shopping


🏔️ Day 2 – Atlas Mountains & Five Valleys

Day 2 was an early start—pickup at 07:50, returning around 5pm.

A long but excellent day.

I always think it’s important to leave the tourist areas and see the real country. I’ve done similar trips in Jordan, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, Austria, France, and others, and it’s always worth it.

🌄 Atlas Mountains Experience

Today’s trip was into the Atlas Mountains and surrounding valleys.

The scenery was stunning, but what made it special was the interaction with local Berber families.

We shared breakfast with one family:

  • Fresh bread
  • Berber “Nutella” (almond/argan paste)
  • Honey
  • Mint tea

🍽️ Lunch with a Berber Family

Lunch was even more memorable—shared with another Berber family overlooking the mountains.



We had:

  • Chicken tagine
  • Couscous
  • Homemade bread

Everything was fresh, organic, and incredible.



🏔️ Atlas Fact

The highest mountain in Morocco (and North Africa) is Mount Toubkal (4167m).

For comparison, the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, is only 1345m

🌵 Valleys & Landscape

The dry riverbeds are striking—many of them remain dry until around February.




The contrast between mountains, valleys, and desert-like terrain makes the landscape constantly change.




🌙 End of Day

A fitting end to a long and rewarding day—watching the moon rise over the mountains.



She never disappoints.

✈️ Final Thought

A mix of chaos, culture, scenery, and incredible hospitality.

Until next time ✌😊