Travel Destination: Malta
About Malta
Malta is a microstate located in southern Europe just 93 kilometres to the south of Sicily. Although Maltese and English are the official languages, it has strong ties with the Italian language.
Malta’s culture is the result of various influences from those who ruled it in the past. Aside from Mediterranean cultures, it’s also part Phoenician, Romans, Fatimid, Knights of St. John and English. This eclectic mix is the reason why this little nation is an interesting destination. It has a warm Mediterranean climate and an archipelago of seven islands. Malta’s landscape is scenic, its terraced fields and low hills complementing the skyline.
There are only three inhabited islands in Malta, the three largest ones, Malta Island, Gozo and Comino. The Malta International Airport services the islands. There are three natural harbours (Grand Harbour, Marsamxett Harbour and Marsaxlokk Harbour) and two man-made harbours (Cirkewwa Harbour and Mgarr Harbour) for car and passenger ferry, to welcome the visitors as well. Buses abound in the city so it should be easy to get from one point to the next.
Malta Island is the largest of the three islands and it is the administrative, cultural and economic centre. Valletta, the capital city of Malta is in the central-eastern portion of Malta Island. There are many churches in the capital which has predominantly Roman Catholic residents. Just like any European city, there are palaces, piazzas, museums, theatres, manicured gardens, forts, sentry posts and lookout towers to see and enjoy here.
It’s easy to fall in love with the city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. Architecture is a mix of the old and the new, 16th century, Baroque, modern, so it’s interesting to see all the colours and styles coming together. Visit the Grand Master’s Palace, a 16th century edifice which is now used as the House of Representatives’ and the President’s offices; or the Prime Minister’s office, the Auberge de Castille along Pjazza Kastilja, another 16th century building which used to be the residence of Knights of St. John and the langue of Castile, Leon and Portugal; and you’ll see why Malta is attractive to tourists. The State Apartments are also worth your time but check the schedules beforehand to be sure that it’s not closed for official functions. To enjoy the picturesque Grand Harbour, the balcony at the Upper Barrakka Gardens provides the perfect vantage point. Clubbing and pub crawling characterises the night life especially for the younger generation while wine bars appeal to the more professional and mature crowd.
The Maltese have a passion for waterpolo and because they have coastlines everywhere, water sports in general are popular here so the Malta experience wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach and bays.
There are plenty to choose from, red sands, golden sands, blue lagoons and inland seas. Head to the northern part and explore its most popular beaches, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Mellieha Bay. Going further, you’d find Paradise Bay and Armier which are perfect for some quiet and unperturbed vacation. The Ramla-I-Hamla beach in Gozo is a scenic spot with its extraordinary red sands. Gozo is Malta’s second largest island and it offers countryside experience in contrast to Malta Island’s vibrant city life.
Small but very impressive, Malta easily beguiles visitors without effort. Think of it as a fantasy land where you can choose your own adventure.