Mmm…Malta. In the Med. Maybe. In fact, it is an unmissable island nation that exudes warmth and charm and has 6,000 years of history and culture to appreciate. Take a dip and chill out as you learn more about this fascinating country.
Malta: Where Is It?
Malta, has for many centuries, been the crossroads of cultures and empires between Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Located in the Mediterranean, it lies south of the Italian coast and north of the Libyan mainland. Malta is the largest of 21 islands that constitute the Maltese Archipelago.
How To Get There
Most of the near-2 million visitors heading to Malta each year tend to opt to fly as it is the fastest and easiest option. Luckily, Malta International Airport is serviced by different flight operators out of many European hubs, and is less than 20 minutes from Valletta, Malta’s capital.
Facts To Impress Your Friends
- Malta is the largest of a Mediterranean island archipelago, which also includes Gozo and Comino.
- Malta has only been an independent nation for 60 years since delinking from the British Empire.
- It is also a full member of the EU, albeit one of the smallest, and its official currency is the Euro.
- While Maltese is the official language, English is widely spoken and is the second official tongue.
- Valletta is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The island’s temperatures rarely fall below 15 degrees, offering tourists a perfect winter destination.
A View on Valletta
Within the capital, you will be overwhelmed by the history that seems to seep from every pore.
The mainly 16th-century architecture demands to be admired and visited. Count in the impressive Fort St Elmo; St John’s Co-Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, with its graves of the Knights Of The Order of St John, and the Caravaggio collection of paintings, which include The Beheading of St John the Baptist and St Jerome Writing.
The walled city is walkable, but there are some hills you may need to negotiate. One of the highlights of any visit is the historic Saluting Battery and Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
The Upper and Lower Baraka Gardens are a visual feast and offer sumptuous views of the Grand Harbour, while the Valletta Food Market is another often-overlooked delight.
Malta’s Other Hotspots
If you haven’t had your fill of history, then call into the former capital of Mdina to discover the city’s museums and monuments. But you are more than likely to be here because it is one of the hottest places on the island to be seen. The snazzy St Julian’s Paceville area is where the in-crowd wine and dine and enjoy the throbbing nightlife.
For a more traditional, quieter view of the Maltese culture, you could hop into one of the local villages, such as Marsaxlook, on the southeast coast. Here, you can feast on the freshest catch of the day and take in the small market, which is open daily.
If the fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua don’t grab you, then there is always a beach or two to relax on. The likes of Golden Bay, St Thomas Bay and Gnajn Tuffieha offer you the chance to take a breath from the bustle of the island.
As a complete one-off, check out Popeye Village, which was built for the 1980 musical production of Popeye. Since it was converted into a small theme park, you can explore its wooden buildings and some of the original props. There is also a small cinema where you can learn more about the film and how the set was constructed.
Gozo
On the northwest and accessed by ferry is the island of Gozo. The Ramla il-Hamra is the beach to head for as it is less developed.
For history enthusiasts, there is a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Ggantija Temples, dating back 5,500 years and some of the oldest manmade structures in the world. The Azure Window, an arch-like rock formation, is mesmerizing.
Gozo is also perfect for hiking, walking and diving. The Blue Dome, or The Cathedral, a cave east of the Gharsi Valley, offers an amazing experience.
Conclusion
Malta is a fascinating country that demands to be seen and be amazed by. If it’s not yet on your bucket list of visits in 2024 or 2025, then you could be missing out on an absolute gem of a destination.
Andy Probert is an experienced freelance business travel journalist and PR specialist.
