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A country steeped in a colorful history dating back to the dawn of civilization, the Maltese Islands have been home to many distinct cultures, each of which have left notable traces behind. From the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines to the Arabs, Normans, the French and the British, Malta enjoys an impressive cultural scene that is evident around every corner. Valletta, Malta's capital, and its surrounding area offer an endless variety of activity options, guaranteed to delight even the most particular and discerning traveler. To learn more about Valetta, click here to read an interesting article by Ed Penza from Malta Uncovered. To view a short video provided by the Malta Gaming Authority that showcases Malta, click here.
The below suggestions are from the Malta Tourism Authority website and include numerous options that will provide you with a wide range of activities to make the most of your visit to this stunning and historically significant country.
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Museums & Galleries
Thanks to its 7,000 year history, Malta has extensive open-air and indoor museums that feature its unique historical eras. Beginning with the country's National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Archaeology, the island has dozens of excellent cultural options for discerning visitors. Some of the museums that shouldn't be missed include:
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
On the island of Malta, the temples of Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien are unique architectural masterpieces, given the limited resources available to their builders. The Ta' Ħagrat and Skorba complexes show how the tradition of temple-building was handed down in Malta. These temples were inscribed on the World Heritage List as a group and represent a unique architectural tradition that flourished on the Maltese Islands between 3600 and 2500 B.C.
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a rock-cut underground complex that was used both as a sanctuary as well as for burial purposes by the temple builders. It was discovered during construction works in 1902. The three underground levels date from around 3600 to 2400 B.C. The monument is considered one of the essential prehistoric monuments in the world.
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. Built after the Great Siege of 1565 and named after Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette, this fortified city has hundreds of monuments, all within a relatively small space, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
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Outdoor Activities
Malta's coastline offers a wide range of beaches accented by golden or 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. The larger beaches include cafes or snack bars during the summer season and many water sports and activities like windsurfing, jet and water skiing. Equipment can be hired from beach cafes or nearby shops.
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.
Malta also features a marine and water park: the Mediterranean Marine Park includes opportunities to interact with dolphins, sea lions and other inhabitants of the sea.
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Fortifications & Towers
Malta has a significant amount of military architecture that can be seen everywhere: its strategic location and its deep harbors have made the island the target of repeated battles. The fortifications that can be seen today come from two distinct periods: those of the Knights and those of the British era. These imposing reminders of the islands' wartime past fascinate not only because they are a feat of military engineering, but also because they are reminiscent of an age of chivalry, crusading, heroism and legendary battles.
Indoors, start at museums such as the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, the National War Museum and the Armoury, both in Valletta. Outdoors, stroll along Valletta's bastions or venture a tour of the Victoria Lines fortifications running along the Great Fault east to west across Malta. Wherever you go, you'll find remnants of war, from 17th century coastal forts and watch towers to WWII pillboxes.
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