The Maltese islands are made up of Malta, Gozo, and Comino li at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just 93 km south of Sicily.
This strategic geographical position has translated itself into 7,000 years of vibrant and colorful history. Most of the world’s greatest civilizations that shaped world history have passed through or settled on the Island for a spell, and the country’s culture and heritage bear witness to this in every way. Maltese,e, the principal language is spoken, is essential of Semitic origin, blended in with vocabulary and grammar from the Latin-based languages. Even the people reflect this melting pot of cultures in the myriad of complexions to be seen; The Maltese island boasts one of the highest concentrations of historical and cultural heritage per km2 in the world. Luckily the Islands are compact enough to offer the convenience of easy to reach, enabling you to make the most of your stay.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
- St. Paul Cathedral
Seven thousand years of history are pretty literally etched in stone, from the ancient Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples to the unique underground temple and burial grounds to the Hypogeum. In addition, the many beautiful architectural monuments and the legacy of various schools of architecture bear witness to this. These gems may be seen in the old village cores and palaces and churches around the Islands. St John’s CO-Cathedral is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s monuments. This legacy, left behind by the Kings of St. John, is home to two of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings. The old capital city of Mdina and the new capital Valletta are two must-sees in a veritable open-air showcase of living history.
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINEMENT
- Rabat
The Maltese Islands may not only have a rich and chequered history but are also renowned for being a fun and cosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants, and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets, one is spoiled for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only for the quality and freshness of the food but for the locations of some restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops. Religious feasts in Malta and Gozo are colorful events mixing both the pastoral with the secular to offer the visitor a unique atmosphere to savor the flavors of Malta.
The Islands are not short of entertainment either, with an events calendar jam-packed with events for people of all ages. Festive markets pop up on every corner, from the humble one at the church hall to school set-ups and full-blown Christmas Villages stacked with ornaments, tasty treats, and a whole lot of cheer… but none come close in; scale to Natalis Notabilis! Rabat is a cozy village in the northwestern part of the island and prides itself on great art and heritage for locals and tourists alike to feel Maltese culture. Christmas in Malta is probably one of the most celebrated festivities on the island.
This Christmas wonderland is set up in the narrow streets of Rabat and spreads its magical wings onto the nearby streets within the village. Found a stone’s throw away from Malta’s old capital of Mdina, this Christmas Village is set at delivering its visitors with an authentic taste of seasonal Maltese specialties.
- The beauty of Gozo
To know more…………………
- 5 km away from Malta
- Byzantine, French, Romans, Arabs, and British have lived and ruled here
- Gozo-s 7000-year history
- First inhabitants crossed the sea from Sicily in 5,000 BC
Gozo s charm is apparent when you step off the 25-minute ferry journey which brings you over from Malta. The intimate setting of a minor, island community with a long tradition of warm hospitality will make you feel at home within moments of arriving. Greener, more rural, and just one-third the size of Malta, Gozo moves to a strikingly different, more leisurely, rhythm than its sister Island.
Our Island is steeped in myth. According to legend, this was Homer s Isle of Ogygia, where the nymph Calypso held the Greek hero Odysseus as her companion for seven years. Today, though, visitors willingly surrender to Clayosi s harms as they gaze over the glimmering red sand of Ramla Bay from the vantage point at the cave which legend has it, served as the nymph’s home.
Gozo-s millennial megalithic structures probably inspired seven of the beautiful and monumental churches that dwarf the villages in the center of which they stand. The most impressive of these is perhaps the church of Xewkija, a significant landmark that boasts one of the world-s most giant domes. The Island s administrative capital, Victoria, hosts two of our most magnificent churches, the Cathedral of the Basilica of St George.
The Cathedral, located within the imposing Citadel on a Roman temple dedicated to Juno, is a fine baroque structure built entirely from local limestone. You will be surprised to discover that a 1739 painting of a dome on the church’s interior, a masterpiece in the art of perspective, successfully disguises the fact that the ceiling is flat. The basilica dedicated to St George, on the other hand, lies at the heart of the old town of Victoria. Among its highlights are the paintings on the dome by Battista Conti of Rome.
Another church that is spiritually very important to the Gozitan community is the Basilica Of Ta Pinu. Located in the open countryside, Ta Pinu and its adjacent sanctuary stand as a beacon of religious faith attracting devotees from worldwide.
Discover GOZO
To appreciate our island’s beauty and unique character, you should be prepared to stray from the beaten tourist track and explore its villages, rugged landscape, and spectacular coastline. There s always something to discover on Calypso Isle, whatever the season.
Gozo, in its entirety, is an excellent walking country, and the island is crisis-crossed by tracks and Lanes. Gozo s countryside bursts into life worldwide between autumn and late spring, revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna. The overall greenery quickly subdues the golden yellow summer scenery as early as the first rain showers of September, which quench the dry soil.
Among the most popular areas for walking is T Ddbiegi near San Lawrence, the Ta Gordan Lighthouse near Gharsi, Hondoq in- Rummien near Qala, and the San Blas valley near Nadur. However, make sure not to miss out on a visit to nature s majestic creations, the Dwejra Azure Window, the nearby inland Sea, and the fishing village of Xlendi. Ta Cenc, with its typical Mediterranean scrubland vegetation and imposing cliffs, is a particular favorite with nature lovers.
The sea around the island is warm and clear, and there are dive sites to suit all tastes and levels, The red golden sands of Rambla Bay are perfect for families and swimming, while the spectacular Blue Hole beneath the Azure Window is a must for diving lovers. The coastline and surrounding waters also offer opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
5. Comino
Kemmuna, Comino and its islets, a highly protected area of a bit less than 3km form part of the municipality of Ghajnsielem Gozo.
Historically a preferred hideaway by corsairs, Comino is now a haven for birds and tranquillity, hunting is not allowed, now are vehicles other than those used by the resident population or by hotel staff.
Currently, the main island has a permanent population of three people and a seasonal hotel operates from San Niklaw Bay,. The short walking route described here is a circular one that starts and ends at Bejn il-Kmiememe – Blue Lagoon- in an anticlockwise direction. The trail follows the main pathways but can easily be extended by going off the beaten track to explore the island in more detail especially along the wild cliffs on the east side. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular site among day-trippers -it can get quite people crowded on sunny days as early as May but otherwise few people venture along the coast or into the heart of Comino.