Bathed in Mediterranean waters, Malta is a place like no other. With its 7,000-year history, stunning vistas and warm, welcoming culture, it is a mecca for the discerning tourist. Neolithic temples, which are some of the oldest stone buildings in the world, dot the archipelago. Meanwhile, the Maltese Islands also boast impressive churches, the remains of Roman occupation and the fortifications of the Knights of St John, along with reminders of the country’s role in the World War II. Indeed, this small nation has one of the highest densities of historical sites anywhere around the globe.
Valletta skyline – photo by Brian Gotts
When planning trips here, people need to think carefully about how they will divide their time between the three main islands. The largest, Malta, is home to the capital Valletta and its airport is no more than a 45-minute drive from anywhere on the island. Valletta now boasts a gateway designed by Renzo Piano, along with a new parliament building and open-air auditorium.
Comino Island – photo by Heini Samuelsen
Comino, meanwhile, is the smallest island and it is sandwiched between Malta and its north-western neighbour Gozo. It may only feature one hotel, but with its Blue Lagoon and turquoise waters, it makes for a memorable trip. Water lovers can spend a day snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming or sailing around its edge and the island is also great for walkers and photographers. There are no cars or urban areas, meaning noise and pollution are virtually non-existent.
The Blue Lagoon, Comino – photo beachmalta.com
Gozo is larger and houses baroque churches, old stone farmhouses, historical sites, forts, a rugged landscape and a breath-taking coastline. It is also home to some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites. Those with a love of legend may be interested to note that the Gozo is thought to be Calypso’s isle in Homer’s Odyssey. The island has a traditional feel and it is not uncommon to see horses and carts on its country lanes. Meanwhile, its quiet villages are testament to Malta’s intricate history, featuring Italianate architecture alongside English red post boxes and blue police lamps. While on Gozo, holidaymakers can check out Ä gantija, which is one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples.
Ä gantija ruins on Gozo – photo by Jon McL
Holidaymakers on Gozo and Malta will notice the dominant influence of Roman Catholicism. Its impressive churches tower over the islands’ small villages.
Mosta Church, Malta – photo malta-info.co.uk
It is also worth bearing in mind that Maltese residents speak English and Malti, a language that sounds Arabic but is peppered with Italian, French and English words. Meanwhile, Maltese cuisine includes Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavours and it makes the most of local ingredients such as honey and rabbit.
Writer Rob Miller spent the last year backpacking around Europe, and now covers all the places he visited in his blog posts for various online publications.
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I visited Malta many years ago at Carnival time in February. It was great fun to see the giant carnival heads processing through the island and the exhuberance with which the locals enjoyed themselves. We explored the interior of the island and got a boat over to Comino to see the famous Blue Lagoon. On the cloudy day we visited it was not quite as blue as the photos had implied! Great to have warmm weather when everyone back at home was freezing 😉
That looks like a fun place to explore ancient wonders and amazing cuisine, I can go for the honey rabbit stew!
It is a fascinating island Noel, especially if you get away from the tourist sites. Plenty of great opportunities for some interesting photography too.
That water looks so inviting…Malta sounds like an amazing destination!
They are delightful islands Andrea. If you go inland you can find tiny villages where time still seems to have left them barely touched. And the churches are amazing – VERY OTT in their opulence!
I went on a day trip to Malta once when cruising. We did a bicycle ride from a very high point on the island. Just near the start of our ride was an open air church. It felt really magical. I have never been able to find any details of this place since. Anyone have any info?
Charlotte – the only reference I can find to an open air church is at Girgenti http://www.neptunesdiving.eu/malta.asp Maybe this is the one?
Very indepth, thanks. It gets quite hot during summer, as you are aware. I was practically walking around naked during my stay.
I’ve added some information of my own, maybe someone can use it:)
//www.travelmoar.com/travel-tips/what-to-see-in-malta/
Thanks for the additional info 🙂
Such beautiful photos! Thank you! :))