Malta occupies only 316 square kilometers and is one of the smallest, but at the same time one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It is a small archipelago in The Mediterranean Sea, consisting of seven islands. The Maltese capital Valletta, with an area of only 0.55 square kilometers, is the smallest capital of the European Union. However, despite its size, Malta boasts a huge number of both natural and historical attractions, making it one of the main destinations for tourists around the world.
We offer you 25 reasons to visit this country and the same number of stunning photos that reveal the beauty of magical Malta.
1. Gayn Tuffieha Bay is famous for its red beach, pristine atmosphere, fine sand and perfect sunsets. It is surrounded by dense vegetation — here grows a comb, a kritmum and an acacia tree. The Maltese themselves love this place, however, as do tourists.
2. Xlendi.
In the south-west of the island of Gozo is the town of Kslendi, one of the most popular tourist destinations. The observation tower of 1650 stands out in the silhouette of the city, and Xlendi itself is surrounded by huge limestone cliffs, which offer stunning views of the city and the bay of the same name.
3. Victoria.
Victoria is the capital of Gozo, home to almost 7,000 people, it is the largest city on the island. In the heart of Victoria lies the Citadel, which has been the center of the island’s active life since the Neolithic period. The citadel was the first fortification in the Bronze Age around 1500 BC. By the way, this building is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the future.
4. Diving with the exploration of shipwrecks.
Malta is a great place for diving. In addition to specially submerged ships that went under water about 10 years ago, you can find several historical wrecks of ships and aircraft for beginners and more advanced divers. The most popular diving spots are in places where a tugboat and an oil tanker sank in Tsirkevva, a tanker in Zürrig or a Blenheim bomber.
5. St. Julian’s.
Located on the coast north of the country’s capital, St. Julian’s is the center of Malta’s nightlife. His Paceville neighborhood is famous for its many bars and nightclubs, which attract thousands of visitors every year. The city also has Malta’s only 98 m high skyscraper, the Portomaso Business Center.
6. Calypso Cave.
This cave is located on the island of Gozo and overlooks the bay of Ramla Bay. It has to do with Homer’s Odyssey. The nymph Calypso supposedly lived in this cave, and it was here that she entertained Ulysses for seven years before he resumed his journey. It is believed that the cave is a complex maze that in some places stretches up to sea level, but stone boulders block the way down.
7. Popeye Village.
Popay Village is a group of rural wooden buildings that are located 3 km from the town of Mellieha. It was built as a set for the film “Popeye” by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions starring Robin Williams. Today it is open to the public as an outdoor museum and a family entertainment complex.
8. The inland sea.
This is a lagoon of seawater on the island of Gozo, which is connected with The Mediterranean Sea through a narrow natural arch. On windless days, fishing and tourist boats can pass through the tunnel. It is also a very popular diving spot.
9. Valletta.
Valletta has a population of only 6,675 people, it is the smallest and second southernmost capital of the European Union. The city streets boast some of the most beautiful buildings, churches and palaces in the world. The old city center is full of historical sites, statues, niches, fountains, tiny shops and amazing cafes. The main boulevards of Valletta are home to larger stores of international brands of music, fashion, jewelry and more. Valletta was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
10. Marsalforn salt marshes.
They are located on the northeast coast of Gozo, it is the most popular tourist resort on the island. There are many hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches here. In addition to excellent places for swimming and diving, this coastal town is also famous for its numerous salt marshes.
11. Dingley Cliffs.
At an altitude of about 250 meters above sea level, the cliffs of Dingley can rightfully be called the highest point of the Maltese Islands. They are located in a village of the same name on the west coast of Malta. They offer breathtaking views of the small terraced fields below, the open sea and Filfla, a small uninhabited island opposite.
12. Maltese Carnival.
It is held in the week before the beginning of Lent. Carnival has been an important part of Maltese culture for 500 years. There are usually many masquerades and contests for the best costume and the most grotesque mask, as well as luxurious night festivities and colorful parades with moving scenery and marching bands.
13. Ramla Beach.
The beach is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the north side of Gozo Island. This is the largest and most popular beach on the island. It is famous for its golden-reddish sand, which distinguishes it from the rest of the beaches of Gozo and Malta. The beach is surrounded by hills and picturesque vineyards and orchards owned by local farmers.
14. The bridge.
The city of Mosta is located in the very center of the main island, it is one of the most densely populated Maltese cities. The main attraction is the Rotunda, a huge round church with the third largest independent dome. In April 1942, the church was almost destroyed. A German bomb fell on the dome of the church, but never exploded. The detonator was removed, and a replica of the bomb is now on display in the cathedral itself.
15. The Blue Lagoon.
Wedged between the islands of Comino and Cominotto, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular places in the country. It is famous for its incredibly clear and transparent waters, in which you can see the pure white sand at the bottom of this part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or just relaxing on the beach.
16. Fort Rinella.
It is a Victorian fortification built between 1878 and 1886. The fort was built for only one 100-ton Armstrong cannon: a 450 mm rifled muzzle-loading cannon. The cannon is still working, however, it only fires on May 5th. The Maltese Heritage Foundation is restoring the fort, which serves as a museum and is now open to the public.
17. Azure window.
The azure Window is the main natural attraction of Gozo. This limestone natural arch has also appeared in several films, for example, in “Battle of the Titans” or in the famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. Unfortunately, the arch is gradually collapsing, because the lower stones are chipping away. Scientists claim that the arch will completely collapse in a few years.
18. MTV Island.
The annual MTV Island music event in Malta is a unique opportunity for young people from all over Europe to attend concerts by some of the best musicians in the world for free. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, One Republic, Maroon 5, Akon, Enrique Iglesias, David Guetta, Snoop Dogg, Flow Ryda, Nelly Furtado, LMFAO, Afrojack, Jessie Jay, Rita Ora and Rudimental have performed at past events.
19. Santa Maria Caves.
Malta is a popular destination among divers. Its coast boasts excellent diving and snorkeling spots. The Santa Maria Caves are located on the north side of Comino Island and are considered one of the best places to explore the rich marine life of the country.
20. Slim.
Once a quiet fishing village, today Sliema is a large commercial and residential area on the northeast coast of Malta. Its population is 17,000 people, it is one of the largest cities in the country. Sliema has several impressive Catholic churches and historic buildings from the period when Malta was under British control.
21. Ta’pinu.
The Basilica of the Virgin Mary’Pinu is located near the village of Arb. It is a national temple and the most important and visited religious place on the island of Gozo. The temple was illuminated in 1932. In addition to the basilica, there is the Way of the Cross with numerous marble sculptures and statues.
22. The Maltese Dolphinarium.
The dolphinarium is located next to the sea and perfectly combines entertainment and educational aspects. The park offers tourists a unique opportunity to interact with dolphins, sea lions, parrots, iguanas and other amazing animals.
23. Mellicha.
Melliha Bay is Malta’s largest sandy beach, which is rightfully considered one of the best in The Mediterranean Sea. It is located next to the hotel of the same name and is a popular tourist destination in this northwestern part of Malta.
24. Jgantia.
It is located near the town of Shara on the island of Gozo. This Neolithic temple complex is the very first in a series of megaliths in Malta. It is older than the Egyptian pyramids and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
25. Mdina.
The former capital of Malta, Mdina, is a medieval fortified city with many historical sites and monuments. Carthaginian remains found within the city walls suggest the importance of the entire region to Phoenician settlers. Mdina is called the “silent city” — now only 300 people live here permanently.
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