The Marvels of Malta

Malta is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Sometimes written off as a simple bolthole of cheaply cheerful sunshine breaks, this rocky country has a depth, history and charm that is often unappreciated until you actually pay it a visit. Pitched almost at the centre of the Mediterranean, it has, over time, been coveted by many a European and African civilisation – and remains in demand with legions of holidaymakers every year.

History

The country of Malta is not just an island. It is an archipelago, of which only three isles – Malta itself (the largest island), and smaller outcrops Gozo and Comino – are inhabited.

Evidence of the past – of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, French and British who swarmed across Malta in various eras – is etched onto this wave-lashed landmass.

The capital Valletta has a splendid historic feel, all thin sloping streets and epic structures – such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, where the body of the city’s founder, the French knight Jean de Valette, is entombed. Then there is Mdina, the former capital – a citadel that seems to exist in another century, high walls still protecting an inner kernel of churches and merchants’ houses. And in the south-west of the island you find Hagar Qim, a temple which, dating to the Stone Age, is a reminder of how far into the past Malta’s story goes.

Diving

Malta is an excellent option for those who want to try diving without the cost – in both time and money – of flying to a far-flung destination like the Caribbean or the Maldives. The waters that surround it are warm enough for scuba adventures at any time of year, ranging from a cool but tolerable 15C in winter to a pleasant 25C in the heat of summer.

Divers of all levels can find fun here. The coves and bays that litter the shoreline are ideal for learners making their first descents, while the maritime trade that has been drawn to Malta over the years has bequeathed a rich legacy of wrecks for the more experienced to explore. There are also underwater caves for those who do darkness and enclosed spaces.

Food

Malta has long welcomed an international conga-line of visitors, both tourists and settlers – and this cocktail of influences is visible in its food scene. You can find many types of cuisine here, whether you want sturdy Italian pizzas and pasta dishes, or something a little more gourmet. For the latter, try some of the many excellent restaurants festooned around St Julian’s on the west coast, where chic eateries gaze out over a busy harbour.

Seafood is, unsurprisingly, in good supply. And if you look carefully, you should find genuine Maltese cuisine amid the multinational stew. Fenkata is a local speciality – rabbit marinated in a heady wine sauce – that echoes everyday Malta’s unfussy rustic ambience.

Accommodation

Villas in Malta tend to enjoy pristine countryside settings – making for tranquil getaways for visitors of all ages. North of the main island, Gozo is a quieter enclave with a distinctly rural feel – perfect for a calm, get-away-from-it-all villa break. Some of Malta’s best villas are stationed here. Meon Villas for example, offers ‘The Hamlet No.1’, a three-bedroom property – tucked away  in Ghasri, the smallest village on Gozo – that, in its remote position in the north of the island, guarantees a peaceful break. Similarly, Villa Claudine is a 300-year-old house in Victoria – the medieval citadel that is the capital of Gozo – that boasts four bedrooms, a swimming pool and bags of character. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate photo travel blog

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.