Malta - a European island country located to the south of Italy - truly offers something for everyone, so why not consider it for your summer holidays? With its pleasantly warm climate, a friendly local population, and English as an official language, you can relax as soon as you step off the plane.
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
The country has a rich history, having been inhabited since around 5900 BC. Given its colonisation by the Phoenicians, Romans, Normans, the French, and later the British, the Maltese culture is vast and diverse. Discover more about some of the historical aspects of the island archipelago by visiting the following:
- The Malta Experience, Valletta - this 45 minute audio-visual show gives a fantastic overview of the turbulent history of the island nation. After the show, you can take a tour of La Sacra Infermeria which, when built in 1574 by the Knights of St John, offered groundbreaking medical treatments.
- Malta 5D, Valletta - this is an alternative show focusing on the history and culture of Malta in a new generation theatre. Immerse yourself in the experience with a 3D film, moving seats, water spray, and air jets.
- Ħaġar Qim Temples, Qrendi - these prehistoric temples from 3600-3200 BC are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many small figurines have been unearthed from these temples, and at Summer Solstice, rays of the rising sun pass through a small elliptical hole and light up one of the low stone slabs.
- Mosta Church, Mosta - for more recent World War II history, visit the 1940s hand-dug shelter that protected families from the continuous air raids. The circular church itself was quite miraculous too; a bomb fell through the beautiful domed ceiling and failed to detonate, saving the lives of the people inside.
- Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta - the War Rooms are a network of underground tunnels and chambers hidden 150 feet under the Upper Barracca Gardens that played host to the British War HQ in Malta during WWII. Nearby you can see the Saluting Battery, with a daily gun salute across Valletta harbour, and the Malta at War museum with underground air raid shelters.
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Maltese cuisine has also been influenced by its historical visitors, and today has strong Sicilian, English, and Mediterranean influences. Stewed rabbit, fenek is considered the national dish, along with other traditional foods such as the sweet honey rings, Qaghaq tal-Ghasel.
- Visit the Valletta Food Market to pick up fresh ingredients, chill at the bars, or taste flavours from all over the globe.
- Try a fresh ftira made with tasty Maltese bread, tuna, tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives. The Maltese Culture Directorate launched a petition in 2019 for making of this delicious treat to be added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, as the process dates back to the 16th century.
- Enjoy the traditional savoury pastizzi, a popular and traditional pastry filled with either ricotta or mushy peas.
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Aside from Malta’s rich cultural and historical heritage, there’s plenty on offer for tourists looking to enjoy the sunshine with all of the family!
- Sightsee at Popeye Village, which was the film set for the 1980 musical production. There are plenty of activities to take part in all year round.
- Mediterraneo Marine Park at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is a great way for adults and children to understand more about marine life; the centre promotes marine life conservation and gives people the chance to swim with dolphins and meet a range of other sea-based creatures.
- Take a boat trip from Sliema. There are plenty of options available, from full day trips to the islands of Comino and Gozo, to harbour tours around Valletta’s Grand Harbour.
- Explore the ‘silent city’ of Mdina, the former capital with a history dating back more than 4000 years. It’s on the tourist map due to its well established archaeological and historical sites, including the catacombs, St Paul’s Grotto, and the Roman Villa.
- Visit the Blue Grotto in the south west of the island. The caves are a wonder in themselves, but the true beauty is in the bright, clear waters below.
- Bathe in the warm Mediterranean waters at Għajn Tuffieħa - a beautifully sheltered sandy beach in the north west of the country.
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
Title Image Credit: Sarah Cronk (Image Cropped)