Malta is the smallest member of European Union. The island has a Mediterranean feeling, but something different than the classic resorts on the coasts of Mediterranean Sea. There are no endless sandy beaches, crowded coasts and hotellines, but historical treasures and culture of thousand of years are waiting for visitors. Crystal clear sea, the sunshine and the local gastronomy also aren’t negligible.
Brief history
In Malta virtually all of the great powers in history passed through. Around 5000 BC there were inhabitants on the island, 1000 years later Sicilian tribes settled down, whose caves and structures today are the part of the UNESCO World Heritages. Phoenicians taught the basics of Maltese language and of course the science of navigation to the inhabitants. In 60 AC St. Paul who later converted Christianity on the island, wrecked at Malta’s coasts. Later Arabs, Normans and Aragonese conquerors came to the island.
Malta’s best-known residents were the Hospitallers, the Knights of the Order of St. John. They created the current image of the island during the 16th century. Knights built the present capital, Valletta.
Napoleon also was here, but it is true that as for the legends he spent here only 3 days. The nearly 2 years of French domination was broken by the locals and British together. The country became completely free in 1964.
Attractions in Malta
One of its main attractions is the capital, Valletta. The town lies on a peninsula, surrounded by a stronghold and is the part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The town was founded by Knights Hospitaller. Wandering in the old town we find ourselves in the age of knights, in the charming cobbled streets and squares we can find many souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s worth to walk along Triqir-Reppublika, flenked by the major attractions of the town: the city gate, St. James and St. Elmo Fort and St. John’s Bastion.
The St. Elmo Fort
St. John Cathedral is a must see, the largest cathedral in Malta, the religious center of the island, with its fancy (almost kitschy) baroque decor and Caravaggio’s paintings. The Auberge de Castille Palace today is the prime minister’s residence, can’t be visited but it’s beautiful from outside.
On the southern part of Malta lies Rabat, which also worths a visit. Here is the St. Paul Cave where as for the legend Apostle Paul first preached Christianity. If we are here, visit the city walls and St. Paul Cathedral.
The town of Silema is on the northern part of Malta, popular resort on the island. There are plenty of hotels here, the town attracts tourists with its crystal clear water.
St. Julian is famous for its nightlife, many clubs can be found here, the town is the most popular destinations for youngs. Here is the biggest shopping center of Malta, the Bay Street Shopping Center.
Gozo and Comino islands
Malta consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Goso is an ideal place for relax. Due to its calm, familiar athmosphere is a great place to hide from the world. The most attractions are in the capital of the island, in Victoria. Worths to see the Citadel, the cathedral and the town market. Gozo is popular among the divers. On the western part of the island there’s a small inner lake, which connects to the sea, it’s a real paradise for divers.
The third island of the country is Comino. The mini island is barely 1,5 kms long, uninhabited, so has a wonderful, unspoilt nature and azure lagoons.
Leisure time
Malta doesn’t belong to the common seaside resorts, but it’s a great place for relax and leisure. The island is not the best place for who prefers sandy shores, because it has mainly rocky coasts. But it has benefits, like crystal clear water and intimate coves. Malta is a diving paradise, you just need a diving goggles and a snorkel and you can dive into marine mysteries. Professionals and braves can try boat diving trips. Malta has no hotellines, the hotels and apartmants are enclosed by the houses of the villages, allowing tourists to easily gain insights into the daily life of locals, who are extremely hospitables.
Who loves seafood, won’t be disappointed in Malta. People here eat a lots of fresh fish, cooked in various ways. It’s typical to prepare fish and meats with paradise, paprika and onion. They love to use fresh herbs, olive and caper. Rabbit meat is a national food, cooked usually in red wine. Among fruits in summer the most common is the fresh, luscious figs. Worths to taste the local Farson’s beer. The sweet Kinnie is a specialty, a non-alcoholic soft drink, mix of orange juice and water with various spices.
