Often, when we think of breathtaking views, turquoise water and majestic craggy rocks, our thoughts run to exotic, faraway places that we will some day take that dream holiday to.

But perhaps we suffer from ‘grass is greener’ syndrome and forget that the Maltese Islands actually qualify for all the above paradise descriptions.

There are a good number of locations on our islands that fit the bill, such as the Blue Lagoon in Comino, the Azure Window and nearby Fungus Rock in Gozo and Għajn Tuffieħa in Malta.

There is also the southern Wied iż-Żurrieq area, which I visited recently and left me feeling like an awe-inspired holidaymaker, and it only cost me €8 (plus fueling fees – car and human).

I went to Wied iż-Żurrieq with the intention of simply having lunch, a popular Maltese Sunday activity, which was the day I went.

However, precisely because of its popularity, the nearest parking areas were full and I had to park towards the top of the hill – the sea is at the end of a relatively steep slope – a few metres from the coastal restaurants, but by Maltese standards, far, far away.

Rather than trudging miserably down the slope, cursing the parking gods that did not find me a close spot, I opted for a happier approach and took the slower, scenic route.

Kayaking is a great way of exploring the coastline, albeit a strenuous one

I went down to the nearby area where you can enjoy views of the imposing, rugged sea cliffs, the famous Blue Grotto and, of course, the blue waters that seem to go on until they reach the sky.

Since it is approaching peak tourist season, I had to squeeze past groups of visitors who were enjoying the views.

This made me realise that I have the luxury of visiting all year round and could come again when there are fewer people.

Interestingly, the cliffs are the nesting place for the gull-like Cory’s shearwaters.

Nesting season runs from May to July, so a visit at night would probably feature the sounds of their eerie, baby-like wailing when the birds visit their nests.

It was from up there that I caught sight of little boats gently navigating their way in, out and through the rocks and I wanted to be one of the boat’s passengers.

Directions to tickets and boats were clear and I was relieved to see a big sign that stated the price and warned boat trippers to not be tricked into paying more.

We managed to get on to a boat within minutes, which was convenient, and put on protective life jackets. Yet it always befuddles, and angers, me when boats sail so close to swimmers, who are often children.

This is dangerous, both because people can get hit by boats, but also because they end up swimming in fuel-tinged water.

Surely a simple solution would be to cordon off separate areas for boats and swimmers?

Our journey was pleasant. There were not too many people on our boat – about eight – and going earlier in the morning was also a good idea, to avoid the strong sun during its peak.

We entered caves, which were not too dark, or too small, for claustrophobics like me, particularly as I find that caves have a wondrous atmosphere.

The echo-like sound of the water as it gently hits the cave walls, or the twinkle of the rocks as they reflect the sea, or even the turquoise, almost neon-bright water in some other caves, is truly mesmerising.

Our boat captain became our guide, too, giving us little snippets of information about the cliffs we passed by.

He drew our attention to an imposing stalactite and also pointed out different rock formations and features.

The guide pointed to what he said was coral. However, on consultation with an expert afterwards, I was told that this could not possibly be coral.

On further research, I also learned the caves have names such as the Honeymoon Cave, Reflection Cave and Cat’s Cave.

So, despite wishing our guide gave us better and more accurate information, I was still pleased to have been on such a trip with such beautiful sites.

The area is also used as an embarkation point for kayakers and indeed something I have also done on a previous trip.

Kayaking is a great way of exploring, albeit a strenuous one. There are a number of companies that organise kayaking trips there. You can go with your own kayak, but I preferred having a guide.

The experience is different because it takes longer to travel from cave to cave, making each one more special.

I will never forget one particularly beautiful, big cave with water so bright it lit up the rock.

I will also never forget it because of the itching my friends and I suffered after our visit. We must have brushed against or sat on some growth that caused this reaction.

I still don’t regret going, but do look out where you sit or lean!