Time is needed to appreciate the vast array of experiences on our small island.
Malta continues to be a top rated destination, offering a unique blend of historical sites, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Having had the privilege of spending a year immersing myself in its vibrant culture, historical sites and stunning landscapes, I can confidently attest that Malta is an absolute gem of a destination. The travel writers are wrong to describe the island as a perfect destination for a short summer holiday, a short visit merely whets the appetite for what you can experience.
Exploring the historic streets of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is but the start of the discovery. A visitor can experience the baroque grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, housing Caravaggio’s masterpiece artworks and tick-off the usual tourist spots of Fort St Elmo and the Archaeology Museum but there is so much more above and below ground. Tour through the tunnels walked by the Knights of St John and where locals lived during the extreme bombing campaigns waged on Malta in World War 2.
A tapestry of history and architecture is woven throughout the island. The cobblestone streets of the Three Cities, where the fortified towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua stand as living testaments to the island’s tumultuous past and harbours the excesses of modern oligarchs. Wander through the narrow alleys of Mdina, “The Silent City” discovering within its medieval walls, hidden palaces, and charming courtyards. The panoramic view from the city’s bastions offers a breathtaking landscape of domes, spires, and the lush Maltese countryside out to the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Off the well worn tourist trail are the tiny chapels and churches along the Dingli cliffs.
Malta’s natural beauty captivates the senses at every turn. Summer calls you to the golden shores of Golden Bay, and the allure of the Blue Lagoon on the small island of Comino is irresistible, inviting you to swim in its crystalline waters and soak up the sun on its limestone cliffs. Visiting outside of the scorching summer heat offers the opportunity to explore the rocky walking trails and visiting little villages and towns that are less popular but offer a rich insight into Malta’s culture.
Malta is an island of year round festivals and cultural events. Aside from the traditional village Festa, complete with fireworks, you can experience music festivals such as the Farson beer festival in Ta’ Qali, the Marsovin Wine and Music festival on the battlements of Valletta. Across the island there are food festivals celebrating the history and culture of local villages, such as the strawberry festival in Mgarr and the bread festival in Qormi. Catch a game of football and watch other sports at venues dotted across the island. There is the lively Malta Jazz Festival, the international Short Film Festival and watching Shakespeare performed in the grounds of the President’s Palace in Attard.
Each event is a celebration of creativity and talent.
My year-long exploration of Malta allowed me to find hidden gems beyond the popular tourist sites. Taking time to explore Gozo, Malta’s sister island, it’s idyllic landscapes and tasting the best agriculture produce. With enough time in Malta, you can explore the sites of World War 2, the Roman and Arabic occupations and marvel at the markings of those who inhabited the island over thousands of years ago, leaving behind stunning monuments. With more time you can find visit the sites of ancient fossils, witness the recent colonial past, and see the modern day locations where block buster films are shot and produced.
No journey to Malta is complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine which itself tells the story of the island being at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The ingredients of pasta, meats, pastry and different spices brought together in mouthwatering meals and snacks.
My year in Malta was an immersive experience that revealed the island’s many treasures. From its rich history and architectural marvels to its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich culture brought to life by energetic and proud local Maltese. This remarkable destination offers an unforgettable journey of discovery, make your way to Malta, and let its magic unfold before you, you will find you can never fully appreciate how vast are the experiences on this small island.
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Updated from the article published in the Malta Journal edition #484
Thanks to Stella Maria Micallef for the photography
