Malta what's interesting. The main attractions of Malta: list, photo and description. Important practical points

Malta - small Island state located in the Mediterranean Sea. You can go around this country in just a few days, and on the way get to know ancient cities Malta and sights that are cultural heritage - monuments of history and culture.

Malta on a map in Russian

Being one of the brightest and interesting directions The Republic of Malta also attracts by the fact that this island can be reached easy and fast from any European capital.

Where is?

Historically, the place where Malta is located has served as an important site at the intersection trade routes between Africa, Asia and.

Malta includes several islands, including Malta (largest), Comino, Cominotto, Gozo and Filflu (uninhabited).

Main island has a length of 27 kilometers and a width of 15 kilometers, Gozo is twice as small. Due to such insignificant dimensions, it is possible to go round both coasts in 1-2 days.

Main tourist areas

Malta popular for many reasons. Most of tourists travel to this country in order to visit all the most striking sights located in large cities and picturesque tourist centers.

On the way, you can discover interesting sights, historical places and natural objects, as well as visit cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and even beaches.

The most popular tourist areas of Malta are its main cities:

• Valetta- the port region, famous for its ancient fortresses and many other equally well-preserved sights;
• Mdina- the former capital of the island and an ideal place for walking tours of the most mysterious monuments of history;
• Gozo- picturesque tourist areas Malta, where you can have a wonderful time walking through the hills and valleys;
• Sliema- an elite area of ​​the island with an impressive array of attractions, including watchtowers, palaces, villas, churches and chapels.

These are the places in Malta that are basis for tourist excursions - bright and rich walks among the ancient streets, ancient megaliths, medieval temples and magnificent natural beauty.

Description of attractions with photos

Due to its favorable location, Malta has remained quite "Tidbit" for different conquerors. Initially, the island was inhabited by tribes, which are reminiscent of megalithic temples and fortifications.

Later, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs and Spaniards settled on these lands. Every nation left your footprint, therefore, an impressive baggage of iconic attractions has accumulated for tourists.

The greatness of architectural structures

When planning a trip to the ancient sights of Malta, first of all, you should visit the city of Valletta - the capital of the state. In this part of the island, many architectural monuments are available, among which the most impressive Palace of the Grand Master.

It was built in 1570 at first for the knights, but then they were transferred to another place, and this house was occupied by the head of the order of the Johannites. Nowadays it works Government, and part of the building is open as a museum.

Inside the Palace of the Grand Master, there is an incredibly luxurious design in the style baroque... The walls are decorated with bas-reliefs, the floors are decorated with precious mosaics, the ceilings are painted by the best Italian masters. Life-size statues are installed in the corridors and halls.

Here you can find a portrait of Catherine II - a painting donated by the empress herself.

In the 17th century, another colorful building appeared on the territory of Valletta - Rocca's house... This building was designed by Don Pietro la Rocca of the de Piro family. Each new generation brought new elements to housing, expanding the property along the way.

In the 18th century, the house was sold for two families, but two centuries later, it was returned and restored. Inside is about 50 rooms with original items and furniture accumulated over the centuries.

There are other architectural objects not far from these structures:

1. Palace Auberge Castilla;
2. palace parisio;
3. Arsenal of the Order of Malta;
4. Castilian inn;
5. Chaplainerry.

One of the most important architectural landmarks of Valletta - Fort Saint Elmo- the gate from which the Maltese capital began.

There are at least beautiful houses with a rich past and interesting legends such as the Palace of the Inquisitor, Fort St. Michael, the University Palace and the Provencal Gate.

No less beautiful and rich in architectural monuments Mdina- the former capital of Malta and its spiritual center. The city is located on a high hill, and it is surrounded by impregnable ancient walls. Walking here is a journey through the beautiful streets and ancient houses where the aristocracy of Malta once lived.

The architectural monuments of Mdina begin from the Main, Greek and New gates - entrance to the city... From here, the routes begin, along which numerous palaces of the nobility come across. Among them, the most famous are:

• Palazzo Falson;
• Cashier Inguanets;
• Casa Viani;
• Cashier Testaferrata;
• Palazzo Constanzo.

Each of them delights its external grandeur and interior decoration. In total, the city has about 20 luxurious buildings that were once in the possession of wealthy people.

Several important architectural sites are located in Gozo - on the island where Citadel fortress... You can spend the whole day exploring the local attraction, as there are several museums, ancient temples, the Palace of Justice and other historical monuments inside.

Noteworthy are the watchtowers located along the island - Mgarr-ish-Shini, Xlendi, Dweira, San Blas. Their main purpose was to protect against pirates.

But the greatest interest on the island of Gozo is dolmens- ancient megalithic temples, the mystery of which has not yet been solved. They were built about 3500-4000 years ago and they are considered the oldest buildings in Malta. For such a long period, the traces of the stay of ancient people have been well preserved, and they can be found in the settlement of Dzhgantiya - near Shara.

One of the most fashionable areas of Malta - Sliema boasts an impressive number of attractions. Among them, a fairly bright object - Palazzo Capua Is a historic palace turned into an elite hotel. Many architectural monuments in the form of palaces and estates suffered the same fate.

In February, the weather in Malta is great, so this period is great for travel. Find out how many degrees are in February in this country.

In addition, Sliema attracts attention military architecture:

1. Fortizza;
2. watch tower St. Julian;
3. fort Tigne;
4. fort Manoel.

In total, about 30 towers located at a visible distance from each other. If the sentinel saw a threat, he lit a signal fire, alerting the rest of the guards.

Atmospheric religious buildings

Malta boasts an impressive number of religious buildings, as this island has long been inhabited by representatives of the Christian order. The Turks wanted to capture them several times, but their attempts were unsuccessful.

The number of Catholic churches in Malta is equal to the number of days in a year, but the most important of them is - Cathedral St john... It was built in 1573 and has never been rebuilt since then. Outwardly, this building resembles a fort, decorated with modest borders.

All its luxury is hidden inside, so the building looks more like a museum with big amount graceful exhibits.

V suburb of Valletta you can visit:

• church St. Lorenzo;
• church Immaculate Conception;
• Temple Virgin mary;
• the cathedral Maria Bambina.

V Mdine no less concentration of churches - inside the city there is a cathedral museum, as well as the Carmelite Church and the Cathedral of St. Paul. All these structures were built in the 16th-18th centuries.

The unique underground temple of the Hypogeum in Paola - the only structure built underground. The ancient sanctuary consists of halls, chambers and passages carved directly into the rock. In total, the temple has three levels, the deepest of which goes 10 meters deep.

Small but cozy Gozo adorn the ancient monuments of religious architecture. Here are located:

1. the cathedral Exaltation of the Virgin Mary;
2. chapel Saint Giuseppe;
3. church St. Francis.

And those who prefer to relax in the fall, Malta will truly delight. Weather ideal for exploring the country. Read in what the weather is on the island in November.

Even despite the modest size of the buildings, they have a very rich story... They were built during the time of the knights. These warriors with all their might held back the army of the Ottoman Empire, and beautiful buildings in the Baroque style were erected in honor of the victories.

Museum complexes

Malta has several botanical gardens:

• Lower Baracca Gardens- an ideal place for walking and admiring the sea;
• Upper Baracca Gardens- a storehouse of all kinds of trees and flowers growing in tiers;
• Botanical Garden of St. Anthony- a shady park decorated with plants, including orange trees, the harvest from which is presented to tourists.

Among the abundance impressive places worth noting the most beautiful diving spots- Bay of Mellieha and Golden Bay, as well as anchorage of white yachts - Spinola Bay.

Independent routes

Walking in Malta on your own is a journey through beautiful bays, historical and cultural places, as well as acquaintance with mysterious story islands.

All the most architectural places are in the north-east of the country, and in the south-west and west there are natural sites.

It is not difficult to make a route in Malta - the cities are of modest size. You can travel between them by buses, and between the islands - by ferry. Between these land areas there is ferry service- the journey will take only 20 minutes.

First of all, worth seeing the Palace of the Grand Master, visit National Museum Archeology and St. John's Cathedral. Then you should get to such significant places like Mdina and Rabat, megalithic temples, Azure Window and catacombs. If you have time, you can go diving or visit one of the many resorts on the island.

An overview of the most beautiful sights of Malta - in this video:

Among all resorts Mediterranean Sea the small island state of Malta stands apart for me.

The idea to visit the Maltese archipelago came to me after a vacation in Greek, which in the XIV-XVI centuries was the headquarters and naval base of the Order of the Knights Hospitallers.

You ask, what does Malta have to do with it? At least despite the fact that the famous Knightly Order of Malta is the very same Hospitallers who managed to participate in Crusades, and shortly before settling in Malta, they successfully fought North African pirates who were fishing in the Mediterranean. Here is such a journey "in the footsteps of the knights" happened.

In fact, Malta is not only knightly fortifications. The territory of this dwarf state keeps traces of a number of different cultures, the oldest of which existed even when there was a bare desert on the site of the Egyptian pyramids. At the same time, due to the dwarfism, all the sights are located very compactly.

Moreover, the Republic of Malta is a full-fledged seaside resort with good service, developed infrastructure and excellent weather during the season. However, the rest on this island has its own characteristics, which I will try to highlight below.

History of Malta

The Maltese archipelago owes its appearance to the continuous movement of lithospheric plates, as a result of which the islands were literally pushed to the surface of the sea. Prior to this, present-day Malta was part of the seabed, on which chitinous skeletons settled for millennia. marine life forming a limestone rock. It is she who is the basis of the islands today, which explains the absence of fresh water sources in Malta, as well as natural sandy beaches, and an abundance of limestone buildings that arose when people inhabited the archipelago.

At the same time, in the period between the Neolithic culture and the era of the knights, the islands were ruled first by the Phoenicians, then by the Romans, and after the collapse of the empire into Western and Eastern they were ruled by Byzantium. For some time the archipelago was ruled by the Arabs and then by the Spaniards.

After the Hospitallers surrendered Malta to Napoleon's troops in 1798, the French stayed there for only two years, and in 1800 began the English period, which ended only in 1964, when the islands gained independence.

As a result, the Republic of Malta, whose attractions are concentrated mainly on two largest islands archipelago, keeps traces of many cultures. Temples, fortresses and palaces of Malta are of interest to tourists from all over the world.

Visa and border crossing

Since 2007 Malta is a member of the Schengen area. List required documents you can find, for example, on the website visa center in Russia, and, in my opinion, there is nothing unusual about it in comparison with other Schengen members. In the same place, by the way, you will find a questionnaire, which must be filled in at English language.

Another thing is that the Maltese are not so willing to give multivisa for a period of six months or more, as the Greeks, Italians, French or our closest neighbors from Finland and the Baltic States, and the likelihood of an unexpected refusal is present. In general, if you decide to visit Malta, in my opinion, it is better to do it with a visa issued by another state. In general, it is a little strange that Malta, for which tourism is one of the main sources of income, is so disloyal when issuing visas - at least in relation to citizens of the Russian Federation.

There are no specific requirements for applying for a Maltese visa, which stand out sharply against the background of other Schengen states. The border crossing process is extremely simple and includes passport control, during which they may ask for what purpose you are traveling, especially if your visa is about to expire. In any case, it is best to have a printout of your hotel reservation with you and e-tickets on the return flight.

As for the restrictions on the carriage of baggage and items to be declared, their list. In general, compared to other European countries, I did not notice a particular difference.

How to get there

Tourist regions

The first thing to consider before flying to Malta in the summer is that there are almost no sandy beaches. Personally, I was surprised that the coast of the islands is almost completely stone.

The answer lies in the fact that the Maltese archipelago was originally part of seabed, on which a limestone rock has been forming for millions of years. The islands appeared above the sea surface as a result of the movement of lithospheric plates.

The second is compactness. Total length coastline the largest of the islands, after which the Maltese state is named, - 137 kilometers. This means that wherever you are in your hotel, Malta will be fully accessible to you. In addition, for the same reason, speaking about some regions, I will name several settlements at once, since cities literally flow into one another.

And at the same time, the resorts of Malta differ from each other and sometimes significantly.

Island of Malta

Here, the main resort life is concentrated on the northern coast, and tourist cities Malta is located, as a rule, near the bays.

• Aura, Bugibba- a relatively inexpensive fairly crowded resort located in the western part of the northern coast. It is characterized by a great distance from the capital and from the bulk of cultural sites. Most of the food outlets are reminiscent of English pubs, the main dishes of which are steaks and fish & chips or, more simply, grilled fish + French fries. The cost of living is on average 20-30 percent lower than in the area of ​​Sliema and St. Julian. It is worth visiting the museum of vintage cars and the Maltese Aquarium in Qawra. There is a small artificial sandy beach. It is in this region that you should look for the most budgetary hotels in Malta. Usually I look for hotels on, before that you can check if there are better prices somewhere.

• (Sliema), St. Julian's- a more expensive region due to its proximity to the capital. Sliema has its own port, from where, if you wish, you can sail to other islands, although, looking ahead, it is wiser and more economical to do this from Chirkeva. There are practically no own attractions, but the vast majority of noteworthy objects of the island can be reached directly. Italian restaurants prevail among the restaurants, and there are also many establishments where you can taste Maltese cuisine.

• (Valletta), Floriana (Floriana)- the capital region. There is also the main bus station in Malta, from where the most of buses. Despite the fact that both of these cities are surrounded by stone bastions, people also swim and sunbathe at their foot. Nevertheless, going to Valletta for a beach vacation, in my opinion, is not very reasonable, and the cost of living there is higher than anywhere else.

• (Mdina), (Rabat)- this option is suitable for those wishing to get acquainted with the sights of Malta. These cities are not located on the coast, but also at a sufficient distance from the airport. There is no fuss like beach resorts Malta, but it is a magnificently preserved medieval city with many museums. And thanks to the developed bus network from there you can easily get to the rest of the island's attractions.

• Golden bay- this bay located on west coast, notable for the fact that it is there that one of the largest sandy beaches of the island is located. The main drawback is the poorly developed tourist infrastructure, so that many tourists, and even locals, prefer to come there on weekends as savages and spend the night in tents or their own cars.

• Mellieha- a city located near the bay of the same name in the western part of the island. Among other things, it is famous for its sandy beach with a gentle entrance to the sea, making this place perfect for families with small children. Of the sights, it is worth highlighting the red mini-fortress of St. Agatha.

Gozo island

This second largest island in the archipelago is also inhabited and looks a lot like its “big brother” Malta. Holidays, the prices for which are commensurate with the prices that take place on the main island of the archipelago, are comparable in terms of the quality of services provided. Interesting places by, however, less:

• Citadel fortress in the main city of Victoria,
• neolithic temple Ggantija,
• The azure window is the main natural attraction of the island, which is a natural limestone arch.

Comino island

The third and smallest inhabited island is suitable for those who love solitude and peace. There is only one hotel in Comino, run by a family of four. Only these people have a permanent residence permit on the island. Of the man-made sights, one can only single out the watchtower of the knight's period. The island is famous for its picturesque Blue Lagoon, where a small sandy beach is organized.

You can see how much tours to different regions of Malta cost by.

Top cities

Despite the fact that Malta is a dwarf state, its cities, which are inferior in scale to other Moscow districts, are sometimes very different from each other. Below I will give the top 5 of the most colorful of them.

• . A magnificently preserved medieval city, the first capital of the archipelago and also the most small city in Malta - a rare opportunity to see traces of the Spanish presence on the islands. Among other things, the city is famous for its torture museum. I have visited a lot of such institutions and I confirm: the exposition of the Mdina Dungeons Museum is by many orders of magnitude more spectacular than anything I have seen before.

• . The capital of Malta, a walled city, while walking through which I involuntarily remembered that I had once been within the Kremlin. Despite the small size of the city, modern administrative buildings literally dissolve into the historical buildings.

• Paola. The city, which is represented by the football team "Hibernians", which has won the national championship more often than others (11 times). This is a typical example of non-tourist Malta with its measured rhythm of life, as well as the opportunity to see the unique Neolithic temple-burial ground of Hal-Saflieni, completely cut out in limestone.

• . I remember this larger suburb of Mdina for the abundance of early Christian catacombs. In addition, the Villa Romana Museum contains monuments from the Roman period in the history of Malta.

• Birgu (the Italian name for Vittoriosa is also common). This city seemed to me a miniature copy of Valletta. It is the first capital of the island of the Hospitaller era. Like Valletta, it is surrounded by limestone bastions, and the Inquisitor's Palace deserves attention.

Islands

Honestly, when I studied as a child political map the world, it seemed to me that Malta is one island. When I learned a few years ago that in fact we are talking about a full-fledged archipelago, I was surprised a lot.

About three inhabited islands- Malta, and Comino - I have already mentioned above. All the rest are significantly inferior to them in size and are not inhabited. Accordingly, the regular transport links they do not have an inhabited part of the archipelago, and in order to get to them, you will have to negotiate with the owners of the water transport in private.

• Cominotto. Together with Comino, it forms the Blue Lagoon, which is the main attraction of the third largest island in the Maltese archipelago.

• Filfla. This picturesque island is home to the straight-tailed storm petrel, Mediterranean petrel and Mediterranean gull, and has been a protected area since 1988. For this reason, fishing in the nearby waters is prohibited.

• St. Pauls Islands. Two islands located in St. Paul's Bay. This place is especially attractive for divers, because it is in this area that right on seabed installed a statue of Jesus Christ.

Top attractions

Despite the fact that the Maltese archipelago is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, in my opinion, it is more suitable for sightseeing and educational, and not beach holiday... Rocky shores noticeably lose to the sandy and even pebble beaches of other Mediterranean resorts, but the concentration of attractions per square kilometer in this dwarf state literally rolls over. And some of them are really unique.

• Valletta city- Founded by the Knights Hospitallers in the 16th century, it still does not go beyond the boundaries of the powerful fortress walls made of local limestone. Despite the fact that the city is fully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a monument of medieval architecture, it is still the administrative center of the Republic of Malta. The houses, which have a history spanning several centuries, are home to numerous museums, restaurants and shops.

• Hal-Saflieni Temple- a unique Neolithic sanctuary, the history of which began 4 thousand years before our era. It is a system of three levels in height, each of which has several rooms. Previously, I have not seen anything with which this limestone temple could be compared. Malta is no stranger to changing owners, but this majestic structure has outlived almost all of them. The sanctuary is located on the territory of the city of Paola.

• Museum "Mdina Dungeons"- a torture museum in the city. It would seem that there are such attractions in almost every city where tourists often go, but this museum is special. Inside its walls, not only are the instruments of torture demonstrated, but you can see in all details how they work on mannequins, while looking very realistic and natural. The museum is located in the city. Of course, this place is not for everybody, and I would not recommend it for the faint of heart.

• Rotunda of the Assumption of the Virgin- this cathedral is famous for its dome, which is the largest in Malta and claims to be the third in Europe (in fairness, it is not alone). The Rotunda really amazed me with its size.

• Coastal cliffs of Malta and are already natural attractions of the archipelago. Perhaps, nowhere else have I seen nature create masterpieces from limestone, if they are not capable of becoming on a par with the creations of human hands in the subtlety of execution, then they are very close to this.

Weather

As with most Mediterranean resorts, Malta has a subtropical climate. At the same time, although it is believed that the swimming season there lasts from May to October, even in the spring and winter months, the water temperature rarely drops below 15 ° C.

The warmest sea water is from July to September, when its temperature is not lower than 25 ° С.

As for the air temperature, even in winter it is in the region of 15-20 ° C. The hottest months are July and August, when the thermometer crosses the 30 ° C mark.

Rainfall in Malta usually occurs during the winter months. It is sunny on the islands during the season, but I also saw the period of summer bad weather. It looks like this: in the morning the sky is covered with clouds, then in the middle of the day it rains quite heavily for 10-30 minutes, after which there is not a cloud in the sky until evening.

In general, the climate in Malta is typical for an island resort, that is, hot sunny summers and mild winters.

Money

Malta has been a member of the European Union since May 1, 2004, and since January 2008, the euro is the official currency. At the same time, the Maltese euros will certainly be of interest to collectors.

If you are going to pay in cash, it is best to buy euros in Russian exchange offices, because if you can exchange Russian rubles somewhere in Malta, you will have to spend a lot of time searching and the exchange rate is unlikely to please you.

As for bank cards, they are accepted almost everywhere, with the exception of some souvenir shops and street fruit vendors.

Moving around the country

Before talking about transport in Malta, I would like to note that, despite the fact that there are, of course, taxis there, I personally do not see any point in using it. You will soon see why. For the same reasons, by the way, there is no point in renting a car, especially since the traffic on the islands is organized according to the English left-hand traffic scheme.

If you do decide to rent a car, for this you will need a driver's license, a credit card, on which about 100 euros will be blocked as a deposit, as well as a passport. There are rental points at the airport, at many hotels and just in areas where the bulk of tourists are. The cost of car rental can be viewed.

As for the taxi rates, to get from the airport to Valletta, you will have to pay about 15 euros. It is a lot or a little, decide for yourself, but it is worth taking into account that the distance is about 8 km. You can call a taxi in almost any hotel or restaurant, and there is also a counter at the airport.

In general, there are two types of public transport in Malta: buses and ferries. Let's start with the first ones.

Buses in Malta

In some outdated guidebooks, the Maltese buses are referred to as one of the local attractions, as there are still models from 50 years ago.

In fact, this has not been the case for a long time, and I personally saw the same retro bus only once: on the Sliema embankment it was adapted as a souvenir kiosk.

For the carriage of passengers, modern models are used with air conditioning, electronic displays with the names of stops and the ability to send an electronic signal to the driver if you want to leave.

As for the routes, they are built in such a way that between any two settlements there was a maximum of one transplant. More often they do not exist at all.

Buses with numbers like X1, X2, X3, etc. deserve special attention. They depart from the airport, and their routes are built in such a way that if you decide to stay at a hotel on the first or second line, there will almost certainly be bus station.

WITH current schedule and routes you can find on the official Malta Public Transport website.

The cost of one trip is 2 euros, but if you plan to travel frequently, I recommend choosing one of two alternative options:

• a card worth 21 euros, which gives the right to an unlimited number of trips for 7 days,
• a card worth 15 euros for 12 trips with no time limit.

You can buy them at the Malta Public Transport counter in the arrivals hall of Malta airport, and at bus stations in Valletta or Victoria if you are staying on the island. Moreover, if you need a change, and less than two hours have passed since the last boarding of the bus, it will be counted as one trip.

Ferries to Malta

In terms of ferry services, there are four domestic routes in the Maltese archipelago.

• Malta -.
• Malta - Comino.
• - Comino.

Ferries to Gozo and Comino leave from the port of Chirkeva, located on the west coast of Malta. The ticket price starts from 3-4 euros and depends on the season, so it is best to find out the specific numbers on the spot.

The ferry from Sliema to Valletta and back runs 2 times an hour, and the cost of the trip is 1.5 euros per person one way, or, if you plan to return back and forth by water, the price of a round-trip ticket will be 2.8 euros.

Connection

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, but, as is often the case in beach hotels, in the rooms it is paid almost everywhere, and the cost can go up to several tens of euros per week. If you need internet but don't want to pay for it, I advise you to look for a hotel that has a free public area with Wi-Fi.

Also wireless Internet is available in almost all restaurants.

As for mobile communication, there are no problems with it in Malta, however, before going to the counter of one of the local operators right at the airport in order to purchase a travel SIM card, think about whether you plan to use it so often. The fact is that the cost of a SIM card alone is about 10 euros.

In the end, I got along just fine with the Auchan Teletie travel card, which costs about 45 American cents per minute. As for the card itself, in Moscow Auchan it cost me about 200 rubles, despite the fact that the account already had $ 5. This was before the sad events of the fall of 2014, that is, the dollar was worth 30-33 rubles.

Language and communication

There are two official languages ​​in Malta: Maltese proper and English. This is due to the fact that from 1800 to 1964 the islands were ruled by the British Crown, and it is for this reason that teaching English in Malta is so popular. If you want to study a language in a native country, it will be much cheaper here than in Foggy Albion.

I spoke in English, because, in principle, I see no reason to try to speak with the natives in their language, no matter what country we are talking about.

At the same time, the Maltese language is notable for being very similar to Arabic. The fact is that at the end of the 1st millennium AD, the island was ruled by the Moors. To date, alcazars and mosques have not survived since those times, and the only monument of that historical period is the native language of the Maltese. For example, "hello" would sound like "merhba".

If you are doing very badly with foreign languages ​​(my level of English is Pre-Intermediate), it is hardly worth hoping that you will be understood in Russian in a country like Malta. You will not find descriptions of most attractions in your native language, as well as menus in restaurants.

But here, too, I have good news for you: excursions in Malta for Russian tourists during the season are carried out with enviable regularity. You can purchase them either through your tour operator or directly.

For example, immediately upon arrival I took a booklet at the airport, where the contact phone number was indicated. As a result, a representative of the tour desk came directly to my hotel to issue vouchers, and even managed to bargain for a 10% discount, since I took five excursions at once. By the way, they were built in such a way as to cover several significant objects at once in one trip.

Features of the mentality

Like most of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean region, the Maltese seemed to me to be unhurried and slightly inattentive people. Do not be surprised if a meal is delivered to you in a restaurant more than an hour after ordering, even if it is a simple grilled fish, or the bus driver does not respond to pressing the "Stop" button.

In addition, the population of Malta in its mass did not seem very clean to me. This translates into a huge amount of garbage on the streets, among which cat feces are abundant, since cats are loved here, as in other Mediterranean countries.

With all this, the Maltese are generally positive and responsive people. They were always happy to help and give directions, even if I didn't ask them to.

Food and drink

Now is the time to go to the restaurants, because if you search for "Malta all inclusive", then make sure that only a few hotels work on this system. Most hotels offer BB (breakfast only) and HB (breakfast + dinner) options.

As for the Maltese cuisine, it combines typically English and Mediterranean traditions, and mostly with a minus sign. From the British, the Maltese borrowed an unhealthy cravings for fried potatoes as a side dish, and cooking school The Mediterranean manifests itself in their abuse of olive oil. As a result, Malta is fighting with Ireland for the right to be called the second country in Europe after Great Britain in terms of the share of obese people.

On the positive side, I note that fish and seafood are popular in Malta, and when I asked to replace french fries with boiled ones, my request was almost always satisfied, even if it was not stated on the menu.

As for drinks, the local wine is very similar in taste to the products of Italian winemakers. If you do not go into details, interesting exclusively to professional tasters and sommeliers, Maltese dry wines are distinguished by a mild refreshing taste with a minimum of astringency.

If you prefer an amber drink, try the local "Cisk", which was brewed on the island of Malta back in 1928. The best beer, in my opinion, of course, is brewed in the Czech Republic, but Cisk is, as they say, a strong middle peasant, and I drank it with pleasure as an accompaniment to fish and seafood.

Apart from Cisk, Irish Guinness is also popular.

Concerning drinking water, then due to the lack of freshwater reservoirs in Malta, it is sold either imported or specially desalinated. Nevertheless, the prices for it are not off scale: a block of 6 1.5 liter bottles in a supermarket will cost about 2 euros.

I conventionally divide Maltese restaurants into three groups.

• Restaurants of the English type. The cheapest and at the same time the most harmful option. The main dishes are "fish & chips" (grilled fish with French fries) or steaks with the same fries as a side dish. The cost of the second with a side dish is 8-12 euros. Basically, such establishments are concentrated in the Qawra and Bugibba area.

• Italian trattorias. Oddly enough, Italians keep them most often. In addition to traditional pasta and pizza, the choice of dishes is quite large there, but the portions are usually small, and the cost of the second can be 20-30 euros. At the same time, when I was walking around Mdina one day, I had to have lunch in the trattoria, since all other food outlets were closed.
• Maltese restaurants proper. In relation to the rest of the groups, this is the golden mean. On the one hand, the assortment of dishes is quite rich, but the cost of the second will be from 12 to 25 euros. At the same time, in such establishments, very often the cost of the main course includes bonuses like a bottle of wine (or water, if you do not drink alcohol) or unlimited access to a salad bar. And it is in such restaurants that you can taste dishes. national cuisine, which will be discussed below.

Shopping

The largest shopping center in the archipelago is The Point complex, located in the city. Since the peak tourist season(July-August) coincides with the sales period, lovers of quality clothing and accessories have a chance to make bargain purchases... Brands represented at The Point include Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant and others.

In addition, you can find clothing stores of famous brands on the central streets of Sliema, as well as on Republic Street in Valletta.

Well, if you are interested in souvenirs, you can easily find them in the numerous shops of any of the more or less touristy cities.

Vacation with children

Unfortunately, Malta is not very suitable for families with children. The cramped beaches of Malta, where sun loungers and umbrellas are not available everywhere, a steep descent into the sea, when you go down a vertical staircase immediately to the depth, and the predominance of fatty heavy food - all this can easily be tolerated by adults, but children are unlikely to be comfortable.

In addition, from the attractions, I can single out, perhaps, a 5D show like "Throne of Helios", which takes place in the capital Greek island... Otherwise, there are no large zoos or, moreover, no amusement parks in Malta.

Security

In general, the Maltese are law-abiding people, so petty theft on the islands is a rare phenomenon, and this can only be expected from a few immigrants from third world countries.

But swimming and sunbathing topless in Malta is strictly prohibited.

In general, in terms of the strength of Catholic morality among European states, this island republic is second only to the Vatican.

In addition, all churches of Malta are active, so the fair sex, who prefer shorts or mini in the season, need to take special skirts that cover the knees at the entrance. However, I have repeatedly seen that not everyone observes this rule, but I don’t remember any serious scandals on this basis. Still, the islanders are a good-natured and non-conflict people.

5 things to do in this country

Visit one of the local holidays

The Maltese are zealous Catholics and are very fond of organizing magnificent celebrations on the occasion of the saints' birthdays. Moreover, each town has its own patrons, who are regularly honored there.

A few days before the holiday, colorful pedestals are erected in the city, on which statues of biblical heroes are later erected.

A day before the main celebration, a divine service is held in the main cathedral of the city, and the next day a colorful procession passes through the streets, at the head of which they carry a statue of the hero of the occasion installed on a special pedestal. Anyone can join the procession and help carry the sculpture, but it is worth remembering that the weight of the statue and the pedestal is up to several tons. The procession is also attended by musicians who, during stops in the squares, are responsible for the soundtrack.

The holiday usually ends with fireworks, and the next day the city's pavements are completely covered with confetti and colored ribbons.

Try the signature rabbit stew

This is the hallmark of Maltese cuisine. Of course, you don't have to go to this country to enjoy rabbit meat, but thanks to the unique combination of spices, the Maltese rabbit really differs from similar dishes that are served in restaurants in other countries.

Scuba dive in St Paul's Bay

It is there that the statue of Jesus Christ is installed right on the seabed. Looks, I tell you, mysterious and slightly creepy.

Take a selfie with the Azure Window

It is a unique natural landmark of Malta located in the western part of the island. It is a limestone rock in the shape of an arch, and tourists love to be photographed in such a way as to appear in the photo as if inside the Azure Window.

Visit at least one of the megalithic temples

These unique monuments of architecture of the Stone Age, which are complex structures of limestone slabs, held together only by their own weight. In the temples sacrifices were made, in addition, it is believed that they, like the famous Stonehenge, were used for calendar and astronomical purposes.

Anything to add?

Malta is the dot on the map under the Italian boot. From the outside, it seems that the size of the island is a couple of football fields. In fact, it turns out that this "pebble" in the Mediterranean Sea is 27 km long and 15 km wide. Well, that is still very, very little.

If you are going to Malta, the main thing is not to trust those who write “a couple of days is enough!”. Guys, not enough, I speak as a person who has lived there for several months. Ideally, you need to go to the island for at least a week - great stay among nearly half a million local residents(yes, the density there is crazy) and, probably, the same number of tourists is provided for you. There are a lot of people, little space, but it seems to be the first place on my personal travel map, where crowds of tourists did not enrage, because I simply did not find them.

1. Valetta


It is better to go to the capital of Malta in the morning, so that for dinner, stroking your stomach after eating a baked fish or rabbit in a local street restaurant, you realize that you have examined everything. Literally. It takes a couple of hours to walk right through the city - from the city gates to the sea's edge. And in a straight line (along the main street of the Republic), a walk in general will take no more than an hour. I still recommend that you take a guidebook (or arm yourself with a smartphone) and wander along the parallel streets. Valletta is home to only 6,000 people, but there are many beautiful churches and cathedrals, the Barrakka Gardens (near the main gate), which offer stunning views of neighboring cities, and of course the military fort of Saint Elmo. And also great streets, the famous Maltese balconies on every house and an atmosphere of total tranquility - the Maltese are never in a hurry.

2. St. Julian's


If you are an active tourist, then you definitely need to book a room or rent an apartment in St. Julian's (or neighboring Sliema). There is not only one of the most beautiful bays and an excellent promenade overlooking the sea and a bunch of restaurants for every taste and budget: St. Julian's is the center of all the entertainment in Malta, from discos to casinos. One of them - Dragonara Palace - can be found in the Portomaso tower. Against the background of old sandstone houses, this skyscraper looks very strange, but it is a good reference point where to move to get to the center of the party. There is also a Hilton hotel complex, a bowling alley, a cinema, shopping center, Hard Rock Cafe, beach (rare not stone). By the way, in Portomaso there is also one of the most famous restaurants in Malta - Thai "Blue Elephant", and on the 22nd floor there is a club of the same name.

3. Paceville


Say "Paceville" to someone and get a meaningful smile in return. In fact, Paceville is a narrow street leading from the city to the beach. In fact, it is the most popular piece of the island among young people. All bars, nightclubs are here, all the most active parties and dances until the morning are here, most of the acquaintances are here. In the summer, Paceville lights up every night - the laws of weekdays and weekends do not apply here. If in the evening, walking or sitting in a restaurant, you see crowds of dressed up people walking somewhere, you should know that they all go to Paceville. And by the way, alcohol is cheap in Malta, at least compared to Russian prices. And almost every club gives out flyers for free drinks at the entrance, especially to girls.

4. Marsaxlokk


If night is the time of Paceville and St. Julian's, then Sunday morning is definitely the time to visit the village of Marsaxlokk (11 km from Valletta) - the fishing center of the island. There is a very beautiful bay - one of the largest on the island, as well as a bunch of famous Maltese blue-red-yellow boats with "the eyes of Osiris" - the painted eyes of the Egyptian god of the underworld, which, according to legend, protect sailors from dangers. Souvenirs are easy to find at the local bazaar, and a fish market is open on Sundays. You can buy something or stare at the vendors, and then dine at one of the many fish restaurants overlooking the bay.

5. Mdina


Every Maltese will tell you that you should definitely go to Mdina. And again, this is a very small town. And again - a day is enough for you to go around it all along and across. Mdina is the former capital of the island with a modern population (attention!) Of 400 people and only one hotel. Living here is boring, but arming yourself with a map of attractions and going through them all is exciting. Monasteries, churches, museums, squares, palaces and complexes - everything here breathes antiquity.

6. Golden Bay


You can swim in Malta almost everywhere. Each hotel on the coast has its own beach, a lot of public and just as wild in different parts islands. The water is clean even in crowded places, the Mediterranean Sea is quite calm. The problem will arise only for those who love sandy places recreation. 99% of Maltese beaches are rock cliffs that go into the water. Therefore, almost all swimming areas are equipped with special steps with handrails. St. Julian's has a public beach in a cove between hotels with small pebbles, but swim in still water next to carriageway not too exciting. For a sandy beach, you need to go to the north-west of the island - to the beaches of Mellieha, Paradise, Jneina and Golden Bay. I recommend the latter.

7. Blue Grotto


If you want adventure and big waves, you should definitely see the Blue Grotto complex. This is a chain of grottoes with truly sparkling blue water. They will take you for a ride on one of the boats with great pleasure. And then you can swim in the bay. But you should not do this for those who do not float well or who definitely need to feel the bottom with their feet. It will not work here. For the rest, pleasure is guaranteed. And, by the way, the film "Troy" with Brad Pitt was filmed in these places, and someone will tell you about it.

8. Gozo (Gozo)


Malta is not really one island. These are three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Gozo is incomparably smaller than Malta itself, but no less interesting. From Malta, it can be easily reached by ferry from the port in the north. Gozo has its own capital - Victoria, several cities, a bunch of attractions. It's funny that the Maltese claim that the inhabitants of Gozo are completely different, more conservative. Half of them have never left their native island (despite the fact that it is really small), and the other half are wealthy Spaniards, Portuguese and Italians who made their fortune on the mainland and moved here on retirement. Jacques Yves Cousteau considered the bays around this island to be one of the best places for diving. There are beautiful reefs, caves and holes in the rocks.

9. Comino


If Gozo is small, then Comino is tiny. Its difference from Malta and Gozo is that the island is uninhabited. Well, that is, one small hotel was built on it for lovers of total solitude, but in general it is just a piece of rock with rare vegetation, towering over the sea. However, during the season, Comino is teeming with tourists every day. The fact is that famous beaches with white sand and azure water are located here. The most popular - Blue Lagoon- located right next to the pier. You can get to Comino both from Malta and from Gozo.

10. Fish-rabbit-sweets (about food)


I have already mentioned the food in passing. The largest concentration of restaurants of all cuisines of the world is in St. Julian's and Sliema, especially Italian - pizza and pasta are here at every turn. And by the way, there is also a wonderful English pub The Blackbull Pab. Mdina is famous for the best pastry shop on the island - Fontanella. The sweets here are really excellent, it is impossible to pass by. As for the traditional cuisine, in Malta it is not pronounced, but there is something. First, don't eat salmon, salmon, or trout steaks all the time. For fun, order a lamp, a local grilled white fish with vegetables. It is easy to find in Marsaxlokk and elsewhere. But the Maltese's signature dish - a stewed rabbit with vegetables and garlic - can be tasted in every other establishment.

PS


And to be honest, when you realize that all the towns in Malta are full of ancient beauties, wondrous views and excellent institutions, and besides, it takes a couple of hours to get around each one, you start, like an abnormal one, to burn with the desire to go around them all to the maximum. There are two ways to do this: rent a car or the very convenient network of Maltese buses. Moreover, they have no difference between intracity and intercity communications, and standing in one city, you can easily see the houses of another nearby. So a vacation in Malta may be delayed ...

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This small island state in the Mediterranean Sea, whose name translates as "refuge" or "harbor", is indeed becoming a haven for numerous tourists. Malta's modest size is not at all a disadvantage. On the contrary, it is very convenient when the whole country can literally go around in one day, and, after spending a week, get acquainted with all its main advantages.

The pleasant climate of Malta allows you to relax here all year round, although, of course, you will not be able to swim and sunbathe in winter. However, the well-developed infrastructure, including entertainment, an abundance of historical sites and the highest level of service make your stay in Malta comfortable and unforgettable at any time of the year.

What should you definitely do when you arrive in Malta? Of course, take a walk along the embankments of Valletta and Sliema, visit the historic center of Mdina, go to one of the neighboring islets, ride a boat or yacht, visit a nightclub, taste famous Mediterranean cuisine. Crime in Malta is an unfamiliar phenomenon, it is very quiet and safe here, so tourists are not threatened with hooligans, scammers or robbers.

To see all the most beautiful corners of Malta, it is advisable to rent a car in order to travel in comfort. Public transport also walks regularly. The best Maltese souvenirs are local copper, glass, clay and ceramics. There are many shops offering such crafts. By the way, the so-called "language tourism" is well developed in Malta, there are many centers for the study of English and other languages. So you can see one of the most beautiful countries on our planet and learn at the same time.

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What to see in Malta?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.

It is one of the most photographed landmarks in Malta, located on the island of Gozo. The massive rock arch was created by the waves of the sea and looks very majestic and beautiful. You can also admire the Azure Window up close, sailing between the supports of the arch on a boat or speedboat. Experienced swimmers can cross the Azure Window and swim.

This is a real oasis in which not only numerous tourists like to rest, but also the inhabitants of Malta themselves. V Botanical Garden Saint Antonio can be found with many exotic plants, beautiful flowers and sculptures. The garden is open to anyone who wants to walk along its shady sidewalks. Most of the oranges harvested here are distributed to guests as gifts for Christmas.

Today Mdina has turned into a real city-museum, which has managed to preserve its medieval appearance. Once it was the capital of Malta and its former grandeur is perfectly visible on its streets, squares and embankments. There is something to see in Mdina, which is only the famous and gloomy Museum of Torture, as well as the Cathedral.

If the Upper Barrak Gardens are the most visited attraction in Valletta, then in the gardens themselves, tourists primarily tend to visit the observation deck. In addition to exotic trees and flowers that grow in tiers, you can admire ancient cannons and all kinds of statues in the garden. And herself observation deck is famous for its wonderful view of the bay and three cities of Malta at once.

First of all, this cave attracts archaeologists and historians. Still, numerous bones of prehistoric animals were found here, as well as traces of the stay of ancient people who lived here more than 7.4 thousand years ago. Tourists are allowed only to the first few levels, so as not to damage the valuable exhibits. There is also a museum in the Ghar-Dalam cave.

The site for the construction of this basilica was not chosen by chance. It was here that one of the inhabitants of the island of Gozo heard the voice of the Mother of God, and then various miracles happened repeatedly. The basilica turned out to be very beautiful, despite its solid size - visually light and very light. The miraculous image of the Virgin Mary is kept here.

This historical landmark is located in the city of Valleta, under the bastions of the same name. On the roof of the bunker, by the way, are the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Tunnels in the thickness of the rock were cut back in the Middle Ages, but they were actively used during the Second World War, turning into the headquarters of General Dwight Eisenhower.

Of course, megalithic structures cannot boast of such grace and subtlety of decoration as modern or medieval ones. But there is something unimaginably majestic and powerful in their gross forms. Probably, it is the plaque of centuries and millennia that gives the megalithic temple complex of Mnajdra, which is quite well preserved, such a unique look.

One of the oldest palaces in Malta. Rather, not the oldest, but the best preserved. Throughout its history, they have never been radically rebuilt and have not changed their historical appearance. A family of aristocrats still lives in Casa Rossa Piccola, and thousands of tourists come to see what a real palace looks like with an elegant finish.

What could be more beautiful than a classic car with its elegant "appearance" and special charm! Modern powerful Jeeps cannot be compared with such retro cars. The Museum of Classic Cars in Malta has a chic collection of such cars that delight the eye. The museum is private, entrance costs 7 euros per adult visitor.

It's really impregnable fortress which guarded Malta in the 11th century. The powerful, brutal, rude, but in its own way attractive Fort Sant'Angelo is perfectly preserved and attracts millions of tourists. Built so many centuries ago, the fort withstood many direct blows during World War II, again fulfilling its main function.

The Lower Baracca Gardens are located in the town of Valletta, at the very tip of the peninsula. It is much calmer and quieter here than in the Upper Gardens, where there are more tourists and locals. In addition, the very atmosphere of this place is perfect for meditations, reflections on life, calm admiration of the seascape.

This Catholic cathedral in its size and grandeur, perhaps, cannot be compared with others, more famous. And yet, this is the main temple of the ancient city of Mdina, which has preserved its frescoes and remarkable works of art created many centuries ago. In the Cathedral of St. Paul, you can not only pray, but also admire the numerous items of decoration.

This relatively small village in the northwest of Malta is famous for its vineyards and farms. Tourists are attracted here not only by the pastoral rural landscapes and delicious local products, but also by two prehistoric attractions - the megalithic temple complex and Skroba, a Neolithic complex with numerous archaeological finds.

15. Cannon "Armstrong"

This artillery piece may well compete with the famous Tsar Cannon in size and power. What can I say! Unlike its "Moscow colleague", the Armstrong cannon does fire in Valletta. This huge weapon weighs over 90 tons and is capable of hitting 6.5 kilometers. Impressive, isn't it?

There are very few pebble beaches in Malta. In general, the beaches of this island country cannot be compared with the endless expanses of, for example, the Dominican Republic. However, all the beaches of Malta are very beautiful, each in its own way, and are usually located within the city limits, that is, nearby. Golden Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Malta, charming and well equipped.

It is the pearl of central Malta, one of the most beautiful corners of the island. There is a huge number of ducks, which are used to feeding from the hands of tourists. Spinola Bay is also famous as a great place for yachting, so you can come here just to admire the snow-white beauties. And the sea view here is just wonderful.

One more megalithic structure for which Malta is so famous. However, this temple is unique - it is the oldest in the world. Imagine - the Khal-Saflieni Hypogeum was built over 6 thousand years ago and is well preserved. Now, no more than 80 tourists are allowed here a day, so sign up for a tour in advance!

Like the Azure Window, the Blue Grotto is a rock formation created by sea waves over the years. It is private, secluded, very romantic and majestic. You can go down to the Blue Grotto itself and ride a boat on its waters only in good weather otherwise there is a great danger of crashing on the harsh rocks.

Do you think that the palace with that name is just another historical monument? We hasten to reassure you - the Grand Master's Palace is still used as the official residence of the President of Malta and the country's parliament. Large, luxurious, as befits the residence of those in power, the palace is ready to receive tourists on days when official events are not held.

Malta landmarks

1. Valletta

The capital of Malta, Valletta, with an area of ​​less than one square kilometer, is filled with history, magnificent Baroque architecture, squares and alleys, traditional wooden balconies, monuments, museums, palaces, churches and fortresses. Valletta was founded in 1566 after Ottoman Empire unsuccessfully invaded the island.

The main attractions of the capital of Malta are - the Cathedral of St. John of the 16th century, the National Archaeological Museum, the Manuel Theater, a panoramic view of the Grand Harbor and of course the central street of Valletta, Republic Street.

2. Teatru Manoel

The Teatro Manuel, built in 1732 by Grand Master Antonio Manuel de Vilena, for the "Private Entertainment of the Knights" is probably Malta's main cultural attraction. Teatro Manuel is considered one of the oldest operating theaters in Europe. It is located in the historic center of Valletta. Teatro Manuel, the country's national theater and home to the Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra.

3. St. John's Co-Cathedral

St John's Cathedral is one of the most magnificent Baroque churches in the world and the most impressive in Malta. It was built between 1573 and 1578. The simple facade of the church reflects the military pragmatism of the Knights of the Order of St. John, but inside there is a riot of richness and sophistication of the interior. The main attraction of the temple is one of the greatest treasures of the world cultural heritage, a huge painting of John the Baptist by Caravaggio, depicting the beheading of John. And another attraction is the vault of the temple, skillfully painted by Mattia Preti.

4. Mdina

Mdina, known as a noble city, was the first capital of Malta before the arrival of the Knights of St. John in the Middle Ages. It was originally a Phoenician city, but there were also periods of Roman, Arab and Norman rule. Mdina is located on a rocky base about nine miles (15 km) west of Valletta. In the center of Mdina there is the main attraction of the city, St. Paul's Cathedral, built in the baroque style. Mdina is one of the most beautiful ancient walled cities in the world and one of the main attractions of Malta. The city is located on one of the highest capes in Malta, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the island. It is believed that Mdina was founded over 4,000 years ago.

5. Inquisitor's Palace

The Inquisitor's Palace is a palace in Birgu, built in the 16th century as a courthouse, in the following years it was mainly used as the inquisitor's house. Currently, the palace houses the National Museum of Ethnography.

6. Archeology Museum in Gozo

The Museum of Archeology in Gozo seeks to illustrate the island's rich cultural history from prehistoric times to the early modern period. The museum includes topics such as burial, religion, art and daily life, using material from various archaeological site islands.

7. Malta Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum depicts the history and tradition of Malta's maritime art through displays of various artifacts. They highlight the importance and impact that navigation has had on the development of Malta.

8. Hypogeum (Hal Saflieni Hypogeum)

The Hypogeum is another unique landmark of Malta, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The hypogeum consists of halls, chambers and passages carved into the rock. Rock chambers have varied form and sizes. The complex is grouped into three levels - the upper level (3600-3300 BC), the middle level (3300-3000 BC), and the lower level (3150-2500 BC).

9.Presidential Palace (Palace State Rooms)

In the center of Malta's capital, Valletta, is Presidential palace and its magnificent state rooms. The city, founded by Grandmaster Jean Parisot de La Valletta in 1566, received its first palace a few years after its founding, and the palace immediately became the seat of the governor, now the seat of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic and the House of Parliament.

10. Ghar Dalam Cave

The Gar Dalam Cave is a very important find for humanity and is one of the earliest evidence of human settlement in Malta. Gar Dalam Cave consists of a cave and a museum. The lowest layers of the cave are dated back to 500,000 BC. and contain fossil bones of pygmy elephants, hippos, micro-mammals and birds. Today, the cave maintains a unique ecosystem for different types animals. Gar Dalam is home to over forty different species of life forms, including unique endemic creatures.

11.Mnajdra Temples

Mnajdra is probably the most memorable of the series of megalithic temples found in the Maltese islands. The Meindra temples are a complex of three clusters of temples in the form of ovals. The Mnajdra temples were built almost 6,000 years ago. The most striking is the third temple, built around 3000 BC. in the early Tarshin phase with the main façade and bench intact. The temples of Mainra are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

12. Azure Window

One of the most scenic spots in Malta and the unique natural attractions of Malta, it is without a doubt the Azure Window. The azure window forms a large arch above the shining blue waters Mediterranean Sea. The arch is 28 meters high and consists of limestone. Located in Gozo, near the tourist village, the Azure Window is popular place scuba diving in Malta.

13. Three Cities

Malta's major maritime cities have merged into a fortified conglomerate known as the Three Cities. Three cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospikua. Vittoriosa is the oldest city in Malta. It has many buildings of historical architecture, including several houses of the Knights of St. John, a hospital built in 1672, a Benedictine monastery inhabited by pious nuns, and Fort St. Angelo, the oldest fortified part of Vittoriosa, it is believed that it began to be built in the distant 1274 year. The youngest of the three cities, Cospicua, dates from 1717, and the third city, Senglea, was founded by Grandmaster De La Sengle in 1551, on this moment it is an important pilgrimage site. Senglea Parish Church contains a statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is said to have miraculous powers.

14. Temple complex of Ggantija (Ggantija Temples)

Temple complex Gzhantiya is the oldest man-made structure in the world, about which there is a corresponding entry in the Guinness Book of Records. Two massive megaliths were carved into temples somewhere between 4,100 and 2500 BC, and now stand on the island as mysterious monuments of a bygone era. Legend has it that they were taken to an island by a giantess called Sansuna, hence the name of the place, Ggantija, which means "giant". Large stone balls in this area, however, have led archaeologists to conclude that massive blocks were rolled into place on top of them. The two temples share a common façade, but each has a separate entrance; one is larger than the other.