VISIT MALTA
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre.
Here you can span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And wherever you go, the scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking, honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues.
Malta has been described as one big open-air museum. What makes it unique is that so much of the past is visible today. Delve into the island’s mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John fought their most famous battles.
Malta is holidaying as the mood takes you. And with near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best.
Beaches & Bays
Malta has beaches for everyone, from windsurfers to sunbathers. Choose from golden sand, red sand, rocks, blue lagoons and even inland seas. Some beaches and rocky shores are off the beaten track, but worth seeking out for their seclusion. Do not miss a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for the ultimate in azure water.
On larger beaches, you will find cafes or snack bars open during the summer season. With Malta’s climate, beach life lasts well into October.
Enjoy water sports and activities like windsurfing, jet and water skiing, parakiting and fun rides. You can hire equipment from beach cafes or shops nearby.
The main coastal resorts and larger sandy beaches are in the northern part of Malta. Malta’s most popular beaches are Mellieħa Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay. For smaller, quieter beaches, try those at the tip of Malta, overlooking Gozo – Paradise Bay and Armier. In Gozo, the most beautiful beach is Ramla l-Ħamra, a large beach of unusual red sand nestling by countryside. Gozo and Comino offer plenty of out-of-the-way rocky inlets with clear waters and perfect snorkelling.
Food and Drink
Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many civilisations who occupied the Maltese Islands over the centuries.
This marriage of tastes has given Malta an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking. Although the restaurant scene is a mix of speciality restaurants, there are many eateries that offer or specialise in local fare, serving their own versions of specialities.
Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons. Look out for Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew, Bragioli (beef olives), Kapunata, (Maltese version of ratatouille), and widow’s soup, which includes a small round of Gbejniet (sheep or goat’s cheese).
On most food shop counters, you’ll see Bigilla, a thick pate of broad beans with garlic.
The snacks that must be tried are ‘hobz biz-zejt’ (round of bread dipped in olive oil, rubbed with ripe tomatoes and filled with a mix of tuna, onion, garlic, tomatoes and capers) andpastizzi (flaky pastry parcel filled with ricotta or mushy peas).
Museums & Galleries
Discovering 7000 years is easier than you might think. The Maltese Islands are really one big heritage park. There are open-air sites and indoor museums for every historical era – from Prehistory to World War II.
The Knights of St. John were great patrons of the arts and during their 250 years rule left a legacy of masterpieces which can be found in museums, palaces and churches right across the Islands.
The islands’ museums have something for everyone – whether you’re browsing just for leisure or wish to deepen a special interest. You will find magnificent Baroque architecture and sacred art treasures and get a glimpse into the spectacular history of the islands.
With their deep colours and rugged landscape, the Maltese Islands have long inspired artists, photographers and sculptors, both local and foreign. Some of these are exhibited in various galleries, including works by some excellent contemporary artists.
The Spazju Kreattiv at St. James Cavalier in Valletta, showcases their work, whilst other venues, such as the National Museum of Archaeology hold regular exhibitions of art, sculpture and ceramics.
