Tembea: MALTA

Malta is in the heart of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of civilizations with a history stretching back thousands of years. The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, consists of three islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterized by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited. The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages & captivating folklore but its urban side illustrates its enduring and captivating history, away from its natural Mediterranean allure. Narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum. With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history. Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant prehistoric civilization existed on the islands prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malat, meaning safe haven. That island is the modern day Malta. Later the islands were for centuries the seat of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John and then part of the British Empire. Attractions included the Megalithic Temples including Ggantija, the oldest freestanding temple in the world, the underground St Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs, The Knights of St. John’s significant sites, such as Fort St Angelo and Fort Rinella (home to the world’s largest canon). WWII significant sites, such as the Mgarr war shelter, Mtarfa ex-British military buildings, The Armoury and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa are not to be missed. With 365 spectacular churches, there are more than a few highlights like the Mosta church famous for its large dome Visit the church of St. Nicholas in the village of Siggiewi, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk market, the open-air market outside Valletta or the It-Tokk Victoria market in Gozo. The Roman Villa or the Museum of Roman Antiquities as and various catacombs are to be found in Rabat. In the fortified medieval city of Mdina, visitors will come across everything from Napoleonic troops to flower festivals. The Cathedral and its museum as well as the torturous Mdina dungeons and the Mdina Experience make an interesting combination. For a romantic stroll like no other, wander the lamp lit streets of Mdina at night. Don’t miss the renowned chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea rooms, situated right on the bastion with a spectacular view. For those who love art, the possibilities are endless, the impressive artistic collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, see the Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John at St. John’s co-Cathedral and visit medieval Palazzo Falzon, which houses a large collection of antiques, in Mdina. For fanciful fun, highlights are the passionate carnival and open-air concerts. Not to be missed is the Nadur carnival in Gozo and the parade in Valletta. Children will enjoy activity and fun parks, which include the old film set of Popeye Village. Scuba diving is an avid sport on the Islands. A harbour cruise, swimming at Blue Lagoon in Comino and St Peters Pool in Marsascala, renting a jet-ski, chartering a yacht, visiting Mgarr Ix-Xini cove in Gozo and par kiting from one of the sandy beaches to get a bird’s eye view of Malta are all absolute water lover must-do’s. Ends

Lifestyle

Tembea: MALTA