Escape to the beautiful country of Malta

Malta is hands down one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. With more than 7000 years of history, it is often described as an open-air museum. The country has perfect weather mixed with picturesque scenery, sapphire-colored sea as far as the eye can see. This tiny archipelago is located between Europe and Africa. Its location has made it a culturally diverse place. You can see all the different cultural influences in each step you take.

 

Exploring Malta

 

Tour the capital city, Valletta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a beautiful city with a lot of history. Walk around the narrow cobblestoned streets and get a glimpse of the city’s colorful past and beautiful architecture. 

For some fantastic views head on to the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens on the east coast of the city. You’ll get amazing views of the sea while strolling around a lush picturesque garden. Another place you don’t want to miss is the Valletta Waterfront or the Pinto Wharf, a wonderfully preserved promenade. You’ll find restaurants, cafes, and shopping outlets. Perhaps, the most famous and popular sight in Valletta is the St John’s Co-Cathedral. From the outside, the church looks unassuming but once you step in, your jaw will drop. The entire interior of the church is covered in stunning artwork, marble, and gold.

Here’s 5 reasons why Valetta is a must watch

 

Visit the idyllic island of Gozo

Just a 20-minute ferry ride away from the island of Malta is its sister island, Gozo. This beautiful island is blessed with tons of swimming bays where you can go diving. The most popular being the Xlendi Bay. You can also visit the Dwerja Bay for some cliff diving and Ramla Bay for its sandy beach.

In the center of the island lies the city of Victoria. All the roads on the island lead to this city so you’ll never get lost. Walk around the fortified city and explore the magnificent Citadel of Victoria, the Cathedral Museum, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, and the World War II Shelter. Go further north of the island and you’ll notice hundreds of checkered box salt pans right next to the sea. Here, the locals still make salt using the ancient method using ocean water.  

 

Explore the historic city of Mdina

The historic city of Mdina is a perfectly preserved fortified city sitting on top of a hill. Built around 3rd century B.C, this city is also called The Silent City. With just 300 people living there and a no-car policy within the city walls, Mdina is a peaceful getaway. 

The only way to enter the city is through its imposing main gate. Once you enter, you’ll feel as though you’ve walked back into the middle ages. The city hasn’t changed much since its inception with its narrow cobblestoned streets and beautiful, old sandstone buildings. In the middle of the city stands the heart of Mdina, the magnificent 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Paul. The church is said to have been built on the site where St. Paul met a roman governor. The picturesque city was also the setting for many scenes from the first season of the famous Games of Throne series. 

 

Go back in time at Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a prehistoric underground site dating back to around 4,000 BC to 2,500 BC. This complex set of catacombs was discovered by accident and it is now Malta’s pride. There are three levels within the catacombs. The oldest and deepest catacomb is known as the ‘Holy of Holies’.

The UNESCO heritage site was used for religious reasons and as a burial ground. Over 7000 remains of individuals have been discovered around the neolithic site. It is also remarkably well-preserved for such an old site. The carving and red-ochre paintings are still visible on the walls. Walking through the carved caves is like walking back into neolithic times.

 

Dive into the Blue Grotto

Maltais home to many beautiful natural wonders but the one that stands out the most is the Blue Grotto. Located south of the island, this natural wonder with its bright blue water and sea caves are a spectacular sight. 

Take a boat tour to explore the multiple sea caves. There are over 6 sea caverns including the beautiful Honeymoon Cave, the Cat’s Cave, and the Reflection Cave, to explore. On a sunny day, you’ll get to see the varied hues of the calm blue water, almost 55 different shades of blue, will leave you spellbound. 

Here’s 9 Instagram pictures that would take you to beautiful Malta