The Republic of Malta is a picturesque island nation in the Mediterranean. The Maltese archipelago is located on the southern side across the strait at a distance of 90 km from the Italian island of Sicily. The territory of the state is occupied by several rocky islands. Three of them are inhabited - Malta, Comino and Gozo. The rest of the islets are uninhabited, and this is what attracts travelers. These are St. Paul's Island, Filfla and the tiny islands of Cominotto and Filfoletta.
The island's blue lagoons annually attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Malta is called a museum-reserve, as there is a real kaleidoscope of attractions. On a small territory of the state with an area of 316 km², you can see many unique places and structures. Walk among the majestic ancient megaliths, visit ancient temples and fortresses that keep echoes of bygone times. You can taste local traditional food on the narrow medieval streets. The island offers a huge selection of beaches, as well as the opportunity to retreat from the hustle and bustle in one of the picturesque bays.
Travellizy Team is ready to tell you about the main highlights of the island, namely about the places, each of which can become the main reason for traveling to Malta:
Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago. The area of the island is 61.1 km². Tourists practically do not stop here, mostly they come to the island with one-day excursions. However, if you want to live in a secluded, quiet place, there is an opportunity to rent a villa from local residents on the island.
An interesting fact is that there is practically no vegetation on the island of Malta. Unlike the island of Gozo, the most delicious almonds and figs grow here, as well as melons, watermelons, potatoes, tomatoes and olives. You can get to the island of Gozo, namely Mġarr Harbour, by ferry from Maltese Cirkewwa Harbour. The duration of such a sea trip will last 25 minutes.
Comino is a small island in the Maltese archipelago. Its area is 3.5 km². It is located between the islands of Malta and Gozo. All divers and snorkellers come to Comino. It is off the coast of Comino that the famous blue lagoon, one of the main attractions of Malta, is located.
Valletta is the capital of the state of Malta. The size of the city is a kilometer long and half a kilometer wide. Even the airport located in the vicinity of the city takes up more space than the capital itself. However, the city has a special attraction, the world's most powerful sea fortress. Valletta is located on a prominent promontory and is surrounded by ramparts. The city itself was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
Mdina is the first capital of Malta. The city is located in the northern part of the island. It's the most ancient and mysterious city in Malta. It has only one hotel, several restaurants and many churches. This is a quiet and calm city, walking along its narrow streets along stone houses, ancient castles and cathedrals, it seems that time has stopped in the city. To this day, the atmosphere of the Middle Ages reigns in Mdina. You can get to the city by bus from Valletta Central Bus Station.
The town of Saint Julian's is the main hangout center of Malta. It's a perfect place for young people and fans of noisy parties. There are many clubs and restaurants open until dawn. Saint Julian's is also one of the most popular fishing towns in Malta, so restaurants always offer the freshest fish.
Paceville is located adjacent to Saint Julian's. Paceville also holds the title of a bustling partygoer area. It has a large selection of discos and casinos. Hotels here are quite budgetary, as it is more youth-oriented. Sliema is the tourist capital of the island. The town offers its guests shops, restaurants and cafes for every taste and budget.
Sliema is the tourist capital of the island. The town offers its guests shops, restaurants and cafes for every taste and budget. In Sliema, it is possible to rent a car and drive along Tower Road, 5 km long, to the towns of St. Julian's and Paceville.
Bugibba is a resort located in the north of the island. From here, ferries run between the islands of Malta and Sicily, and from this resort, there is a ferry to the Maltese islands of Gozo and Comino. Bugibba is considered to be one of the most expensive and lively resorts on the island. Beach lovers choose this resort, since it is the closest to Mellieha, the only sandy beach on the island.
Popeye Village was built in 1980 as the film set for the Disney movie about Popeye the sailor. It is located near the village of Mellieha. A theme park was built on the territory of Popeye Village. This park hosts daily shows featuring Popeye the sailor and his friends. The opening hours of the park and the cost of the entrance ticket can be found on the official website of the amusement park.
Marsaxlokk is a village in the south of Malta. The village's harbour is considered to be the most fishing spot on the island. For centuries, local fishermen have made their living by fishing. And for the guests of the island, this place is a real open-air fish restaurant. It is here that tourists come for delicious fish dishes.
It's worth noting that the harbour is incredibly photogenic. Motley colorful boats, standing in a cozy bay with azure water, surrounded by snow-white houses are a picture descended from the favorite postcards about Malta.
The Blue Hole is one of the world's most famous diving spots, located off the coast of the island of Gozo. This is a small piece of the sea, surrounded by a huge rock. In the rock, under the water, there is an arch that connects the Blue Hole to the sea. The depth of this well is 26 meters. Its water is incredibly beautiful in color - bright blue. However, we note that only experienced divers can dive here.
Azure Window is located on the island of Gozo. An arch of huge rocks over the sea is a visiting card of Malta, it is this natural miracle that appears before the tourist on all souvenirs and postcards of the island. However, the photographs do not even come close to the real scale of the arch. The two stone columns that make up this arch are 40 meters in diameter each, and a 100-meter rock is on top of them. We recommend swimming through the azure window or by boat.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu is a religious landmark in Malta. It is located on the island of Gozo. On the island, it is believed that prayers said in this temple acquire miraculous power. As proof, the temple contains a whole exposition of crutches, plaster casts and photographs of healed people.
The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is an underground temple carved in limestone. Its origin as well as its author is unknown. The temple looks like a beehive, consisting of 34 cone-shaped rooms. You can get to the underground temple with a guided tour. It is advisable to sign up for it in advance, since only 80 people are allowed into the temple per day. Information on the cost of the tour can be viewed on the official website of the temple.
The statue of Jesus Christ is one of the main reasons why the island of Malta is so popular among divers. The statue is 38 meters high and weighs 13 tons. It is located at the bottom of the sea, not far from St. Paul's Island. It was placed under water in 1990, in honor of the visit of Malta by Pope John Paul II.
The island of Malta is incredible landscapes and fabulous houses, cozy bays with a azure coast and a complete feeling of tranquility and relaxation. Malta is an endless delight for the eyes, soul and body.