Malta, Europe - A Hidden Jewel Of The Mediterranean

If you’re interested in learning all about this hidden archipelago and why it is such a must-visit destination in Europe, read on.

Overview:

• History of Malta, Europe
• What to see in Malta, Europe
• FAQs

History of Malta, Europe

The largest island of Malta is approximately 14.5 by 27 kilometres in size and is home to just over 460,000 Maltese. An interesting fact is that the largest Maltese diaspora is in Australia. According to the 2021 Census, there were 234,402 people in Australia who had Maltese ancestry or were born in Malta. Most of them arrived in the 1950s and 1960s, when the peak period of migration occurred.

Being a very small island nation that’s located halfway between Africa and Europe, Malta has always played a very important strategic role due to its location. The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St John, French and finally the British have all ruled over Malta at one time, all leaving their unique touches, architecture, food, and cultural influences. Malta finally gained independence from the British in 1964 and is now part of the European Community and also uses the Euro.

What to see in Malta, Europe

1.   The Malta Experience

A real must for any visit to Malta is to take in The Malta Experience. This is a short half hour audio-visual show that is not only entertaining, but also puts everything about Malta into perspective. The show captures and portrays Malta’s 7000 years of history from the early Stone Age settlers to modern day Malta and everything in-between. The beautiful imagery and music alone makes the show worthwhile.

2.   A visit to Valletta

Another hidden gem of Malta is the capital city Valletta, but this is not the only city on the island. Thanks to a legacy dating back to the days of the Knights of St. John, Malta is split up into 68 cities (council areas), all furiously independent and all with their own mayor, football team, and unique festivals. It seems that every peninsula, cove in the harbour and hill is considered its own independent city, making it an interesting and admittedly a little bit confusing place to visit.

3.   Grand Master Palace

The historic walled city of Valletta is still home to the parliament and offices of the president, housed in the Grand Master Palace. This is the same palace used by the original knights of Malta, giving it a real historic significance. The massive rooms and hallways of the palace are furnished with priceless art, tapestries, and even a few coats of arms. If you have time make sure you visit the armoury on the lower floor as it has one of the largest collections of armour on display in the world.

4.   Co-Cathedral of St John

While the outside looks like any other cathedral in Europe, the Co-Cathedral of St John is truly a masterpiece on the inside as its walls and vaulted ceilings are all beautifully painted and decorated to the extreme.

The cathedral is the final resting place of many knights and historic figures in Malta’s past and it shows. The floor of the Co-Cathedral of St John is made up of over 300 different marble tomb slabs that are each decorated in their own style and colour.

5.   Upper Barrakka Gardens

A nice spot to get away from the crowds and relax is in the peaceful and beautifully designed Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta were created in 1661 as a private garden for the Knights of the langue of Italy and were opened to the public in 1800. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, as well as admire the elegant design of the gardens.

The day we visited Upper Barrakka Gardens we saw the gardens in full spring bloom.  Many vibrant flowers covered the gardens, a nice change from Adelaide at the end of a dry summer.

6.   Boat tours through the harbours

A great way to explore the many cities of Malta is by boat. We embarked on a two hour sightseeing cruise that took in all the major harbours, inlets and bays that are all lined with historic fortifications, cathedrals, and castle-like buildings.

Viewing the cities from the water gives a different perspective of Malta as well as a great opportunity to take some photos!

7.   The city of St Julian’s

Just a quick note on where we stayed during our stay on Malta. Our hotel was located in the city of St. Julian’s (yes city, about 1 km from Valletta) and is very central to everything that Malta has to offer! St. Julian’s is located on a natural bay and is truly a stunning place to stay. Its foreshore offers a wide range of nice restaurants, cafes and bars, most serving fresh seafood, straight from the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere and setting are wonderful.

Explore this beautiful Mediterranean region on a tour with Bunnik

Malta, Europe should be on everyone’s travel list. Luckily, on our Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta small group tour, we spend four nights exploring this gem of the Mediterranean. If you have any questions about our Malta small group tour, please contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists today on 1800 286 645. Malta should be on everyone’s travel list. Next time you are in Europe make sure you dedicate some time to visit this gem of the Mediterranean; it will be worth your while.

Malta, Europe: FAQs

What is Malta famous for?

The country of Malta is well-known for its stunning scenery, beaches, and beautiful climate. Aside from our list above, some of the other things Malta is known for includes:

• The Knights of Malta
• Blue Lagoon
• The tiny fishing village of Marsaxlokk
• The island of Gozo
• Mdina, also known as the silent city
• Megalithic Temples

Is Malta safe?

Yes. Malta is a safe place to visit and has minimal levels of crime. However, we always advise you to listen to the safety precautions provided by our expert tour guides.

Is Malta part of Italy?

Although Malta is located between Italy and Libya, it is not a part of Italy or any other European country. Malta has been an independent state since 1964.

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Photo Credit: All Images by Sacha Bunnik