Malta: 5 Good Reasons To Choose This Destination.
Its climate, its quality of life and the richness of its history make the Republic of Malta a destination to be discovered absolutely. Located only 3 hours by plane from France, this destination is safe and well served by airports in Paris or in the provinces. Here are 5 good reasons to visit this archipelago which is also the smallest state in the European Union.
1- It is a destination with many facets.
Malta is an island state located at the crossroads of Mediterranean sea routes. Its official language is English. Since joining the EU in May 2004, this archipelago has been the smallest state in the European Union.
The Maltese archipelago consists of eight islands, four of which are inhabited (Malta, Gozo, Comino, and Manoel) and four of which are uninhabited (Cominotto, Filfla, and the two islands of Saint-Paul).
This destination is appreciated for its climate and the beauty of its landscapes as well as for the richness of its history. The archipelago has been occupied since the Neolithic period and has aroused many covetousness. The famous Knights of the Order of Malta ruled the archipelago from the 16th to the 18th century. It was then under British domination from 1800 to 1964.
2- It is home to cities with a rich historical heritage.
The main cities of the island of Malta are Valletta and Mdina. Valletta, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many testimonies from the time of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
Surrounded by ramparts, this high-perched city is the capital of the Republic of Malta. Along its paved and sloping streets, you will discover ancient facades adorned with wrought iron balconies and colorful shutters. Its squares are punctuated by red telephone booths, which remind us of the time of British domination.
The St. John's Co-Cathedral will dazzle you with the richness of its Baroque interior: be sure to admire its extraordinary pavement, painted ceilings, and the unique painting in the world signed by Caravaggio. You can also visit fortifications, numerous churches, museums, and gardens such as the famous Upper Barracca.
The ensemble formed by Cospicua, Senglea, and Birgu-Vittoriosa is called The Three Cities. These three cities, located on the east bank of the Grand Harbor of Valletta, are connected by the Cottonera Lines, 17th-century fortifications.
Mdina, the former capital, is located in the center of the island. Nicknamed the Silent City, it has ramparts and magnificent palaces such as the Gatto Murina or the Santa Sofia. Some of these palaces have been transformed into museums such as the Vilhena Palace or the Falson Palace. Be sure to enter the superb Baroque St. Paul's Cathedral.
3- She offers picturesque landscapes.
The beauty of its landscapes is another good reason to choose Malta as a destination for your next sunny vacation. In Marsaxlokk, a typical small port, you can admire the "luzzi", brightly painted wooden fishing boats adorned with a carved eye that protects fishermen from the dangers of the sea.
Just 25 minutes by ferry from the main island, don't miss a visit to the garden island of Gozo. More wild, it is punctuated by dry stone walls and covered with flowers such as the Pink Laurel and the Bougainvillea...
Gozo is a must-see for the diversity of its landscapes where rocky coves, steep cliffs and perched villages alternate. Take a tour of Gran Castello, a former fortified town from the 15th century, and Victoria, the main town on the island. You can also admire salt marshes and a natural arch called the "Azure Window".
4- She reconciles nature and culture.
On the cultural side, Malta has some of the world's heritage jewels. You can discover the oldest megalithic temples in the Mediterranean world, built over 5000 years ago!
In this archipelago, there is always an opportunity to get together and have fun. Popular, civil or religious festivals punctuate the lives of the Maltese, and you may have the opportunity to attend the carnival, Mnarja, Holy Week or local festivals.
On the nature side, this destination also has multiple attractions, starting with its 300 days of sunshine per year and superb seabeds! Thanks to its very pleasant Mediterranean climate all year round, you can swim there until October.
Take advantage of it to go scuba diving on the highly reputed site of the Blue Lagoon in Comino. Note also that the archipelago is working to conserve habitats and species through a Natura 2000 area of over 4100 km2.
5- She delights visitors with her gastronomy and hospitality skills.
The last good reason to visit Malta is the legendary hospitality of its people. In this human-sized archipelago, chefs work with local farmers to offer farm-to-table products.
Maltese cuisine is known for its simplicity and quality ingredients, but it has gained sophistication in recent years, as evidenced by the 6 restaurants that have earned a Michelin star in Malta in 2023.
And if you want to discover a simpler and more authentic cuisine, know that you will find in the archipelago local specialties for all tastes. In this archipelago located in the heart of the Mediterranean, culinary influences are as numerous as the civilizations that have marked the country's history.
