Last Updated on by Sabina
Malta Overview
Malta, officially known as the Republic of Malta, is a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is composed of three major islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, the island has become a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Geographically, it is situated in the central Mediterranean, south of Sicily (Italy) and east of Tunisia (North Africa). Despite its small size, the country offers a diverse range of attractions, including stunning beaches, picturesque harbors, and charming coastal villages.
The capital city of Malta is Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. Valletta boasts impressive fortifications, elegant Baroque palaces, and narrow winding streets that showcase the country’s fascinating past.
Malta Tourist Destinations
Valletta
The capital of Malta, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its Baroque architecture and its narrow streets.
The Blue Lagoon
A beautiful natural pool located on the island of Comino.
Mdina
A walled city located in the center of Malta. It is known for its medieval architecture and its quiet streets.
Hagar Qim
A megalithic temple complex located on the island of Malta. It is one of the oldest and most important archaeological sites.
Sliema
A popular resort town located on the north coast of Malta. It is known for its beaches, its restaurants, and its nightlife.
What is malta famous for?
History
It has a long and rich history dating back to over 7,000 years ago. The island has been ruled by many different cultures, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and the Knights of St. John. This has left Malta with a unique mix of cultures and architecture.
Fortifications
The island has gained renown for its fortifications, constructed to safeguard the island from invasion. Among these fortifications, the Valletta city walls stand out as the most renowned. The Knights of St. John erected the Valletta city walls in the 16th century.
Beaches
It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. The most popular beaches are located on the islands and Gozo.
Diving
It is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The clear waters around the islands offer excellent visibility, and there are many different dive sites to explore, including shipwrecks, reefs, and caves.
Food
Maltese cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Sicilian flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include rabbit stew, pastizzi (a pastry filled with ricotta cheese), and bragioli (a rolled beefsteak stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices).
Weather
The island has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. This makes it a popular destination for year-round travel.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Malta. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Airplane: Malta International Airport is located in Luqa. It is the only international airport in Malta. There are many direct flights to Malta from major European cities, as well as from North America and the Middle East.
- Ferry: There are ferries to Malta from Sicily, Italy, and Tunisia. The ferries usually take around 2-3 hours to reach Malta.
- Cruise ship: It is a popular stop for cruise ships. There are many different cruise lines that offer cruises to the island.
- Private boat: If you have your own boat, you can sail to Malta. There are many different ports of entry.
Once you arrive in the island, you can get around the islands by bus, taxi, or car. There is also a public ferry service that operates between the islands.
Activities
Here are some of the popular activities:
- Visiting historical sites
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Hiking and biking
- Diving and snorkeling
- Cruising
- Gozo
Malta Facts
Here are some facts:
- It is an island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and north of Africa.
- It is the smallest country in the European Union.
- Has a population of about 500,000 people.
- The official languages are Maltese and English.
- It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, historical sites, and mild climate.
- It is also a popular location for film and television productions.
