Malta is the destination for 2018

Malta is the destination for 2018

Malta has always been a bit of a hidden gem, an archipelago paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean. Travellers in the know laud its coastlines, crystal clear waters and diving potential, history, and cuisine; really, it’s no surprise people are flocking to Malta.

As 2018’s European Capital of Culture, its place on the travel map has been cemented, and this should see Malta get the recognition it deserves as a holiday destination. It already attracts almost 2 million tourists each year; no small feat for one of the smallest countries in the world. Comprising seven islets, only the two largest islands are regularly inhabited—Malta and Gozo. The third biggest, Comino, is home to a luxury resort, while the remaining four are uninhabited. Despite being one of the most isolated spots on the Mediterranean, there is evidence to suggest civilisations were built there as early as the Neolithic period of 5000 BC. There are 11 Megalithic Monuments to be found in Malta, all UNESCO World Heritage Site listed. There’s also evidence to suggest the Maltese islands were one single land mass at one point and were connected to modern day Sicily via a land bridge, which you can now visit with diving gear at 330 feet below sea level.

Valletta is the capital and was the first planned city in Europe, sketched out in 1565. It was also completed in just 15 years. Thanks to its colourful history under the rule of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginian, Roman and Byzantine Empires, Valletta is home to an eclectic collection of architectural styles and unique charm.

Photo by Ostap Senyuk on Unsplash

What to see

Malta offers a casual beauty; you can wander Valletta’s cobblestone streets and stumble upon a cathedral housing original Caravaggio works; the vibrant and bustling squares lead to corners where you’ll find views to take your breath away. Malta also has a church for every day of the year—almost. There are 359 churches to visit, along with all the other historical and cultural sites to squeeze into your trip. The volume of churches squeezed onto the tiny islands explains the deafening peals of church bells ringing throughout the cities: Lord Byron is said to have called Malta the island of yells, bells, and smells.

The Hagar Qim is a limestone Megalithic temple that predates the pyramids and is one of Malta’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Valletta is another, as is the prehistoric Hypogeum.

Game of Thrones fans will recognise Valletta as the backdrop for several scenes, while the Azure Window provided the perfect landscape for Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding to Kahl Drogo in one of the earliest episodes. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in the form of a severe storm and the Azure Window collapsed into the sea. Luckily, it’s been reborn as a fabulous diving site, with the remains offering plenty to explore beneath the waves for all levels of experience. Other diving sites include shipwrecked HMS submarines, caves and reefs.

For an off-the-beaten-path destination, take a trip up to Sweethaven Village; the permanent film set built in 1980 for Robert Altman’s musical Popeye adaptation featuring Robin Williams. The surreal village is open to tourists still. If that’s not quiet enough, try Majjistral Park, also in the north, offering a labyrinthine bouldering location.

What to eat

Malta is a foodie haven. During a day wandering Valletta, refuel with feta-filled filo pastries called Pastizzi with a can of Kinnie, a Maltese soft drink. Imqaret are date cakes found on every street stall and dinner can be anything from the delicious fresh seafood to the Maltese delicacy—rabbit. Wash it all down with a local vino and take your time—food in Malta is not be rushed.