Fenced by deep blue Mediterranean Sea to the south of Sicily, the trio Maltese Islands including Malta, Comino and Gozo boasts a fascinating heritage and an engaging history. You’ll find a distinctly North African influence being closer to Tunisia with the official Maltese language derived from the fusion of Arabic and Italian. Even under scorching sunshine, the palm-tree landscape of Malta is peppered with charming hilltop towns, calm dockyards, and traditional fishing villages.
- Valletta; the graceful Maltese capital
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The best treat of Malta passport is an opportunity to step into the fortified, elegant capital of the Republic of Malta which is also a strategically important harbor. Valletta is a living example of the Grand Knights of Malta who were bestowed with the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain back in 1530. The knights were a group of noblemen who shaped the capital beyond their aristocratic stature. Valletta’s grid and columned infrastructure reveal the superior urban planning that surpasses the 16th-century logic.
- Gozo; the idyllic
The Gozo Island is most peaceful among all Maltese Islands. The old-fashioned rural landscape, laidback towns, and pristine beaches make it a true haven for ultimate relaxation and a cultural dip. The collection of amazing sights and surroundings are enough to keep everyone here occupied for several days and weeks. Though less developed than Malta, there’s Victoria; a fortified medieval city, Marsalforn; a busy seaside resort and Ggantija Temples; the most significant archaeological site. Then there’s Azure Window, a stunning coastal formation that dazzles beholders with its beauty.
- Mdina; the medieval hilltop town
A perfect escape is stepping in the enchanted fairy-tale city of Mdina; an appealing mid-century hilltop town shrouded by history. To enter the city, one must pass through the dramatic Main Gate which is an impression-enough to set you back in time. For within these huge and ancient ramparts lies a stunningly beautiful network of pedestrian streets and attractive sandstone buildings. The Cathedral of Saint Paul is one of the most important sites which is a magnificent ornamental construct designed by Lorenzo Gafa; a Maltese architect.
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- Rabat; fascination of the past
Located outside the Mdina ramparts is the neighboring Rabat allowing tourist to experience both cities in a day. In fact, both Mdina and Rabat are deemed unified urban municipals whereas “Rabat” in Maltese is for “suburb”. It’s less over visited and more of a functional city with plenty of historical attractions, however. Casa Bernard is a hidden gem and grand palazzo of the 16th century that belonged to a noble Maltese family of French ancestry.
- Hal Saflieni Hypogeum; a site of Neolithic cult
Visitors carrying a valid Malta second passport at Hal Saflieni Hypogeum get to explore the prehistoric era all the way back to the circa 4,000 – 2,500 BC. It’s a UNESCO archaeological and Neolithic cult site discovered in 1902. The very name Hal Saflieni Hypogeum represents a network of complex mausoleums carved right out of rocks using stone tools and the interconnected chambers comprise stairways and passages on three levels.
Conclusion
In Malta, there’s more than meets the eye and much to see which makes it a must-visit destination.
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