(Newswire.net — March 20, 2018) — Malta has everything you need for a perfect holiday: history, culture, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. The island is laid back yet dynamic, so whether you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, or you want to fill your days with sightseeing adventures, Malta is sure to tick every box.
The rocky cliffs, busy marinas, and imposing hilltop fortresses have inspired visitors for centuries. The island is popular with water sports enthusiasts – there are some world-class dive sites in Malta – but with thousands of years of history evident all over the Malta, you will find plenty of temples and historical artefacts to keep you entertained during your visit. You should also take a boat tour during your stay, as a sightseeing boat trip offers a new perspective on this fascinating island.
Nearly two million people visit the small Mediterranean Island of Malta each year. To find out what they come for, check out the following list of the top ten attractions on the island.
1. Mdina
Most visitors make a beeline for the ancient capital of Malta, Mdina. There has been a fortified settlement on the site since the Bronze Age, but Mdina grew in importance during the Roman era, continuing through the medieval period and beyond. Many Maltese noblemen and women lived in Mdina and the city has become a living museum. During the day, the ancient winding streets are packed with visitors, horse and carriages, but at night it is surprisingly peaceful. Check out the excellent restaurants and amazing views from Bastion Square.
2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta
St John’s Co-Cathedral is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The church was built by the Knights of Malta in the 1500s. From the outside, it looks rather nondescript, but when you step inside, you will be dazzled by the sumptuous decoration. The level of decorative detailing is staggering. Virtually every inch of the interior is covered in paint or gold. The cathedral is also home to a famous piece of artwork: Caravaggio’s Beheading of St John.
3. Fort Rinella
Historic Fort Rinella and its 100-ton gun are a popular attraction for military history buffs. Visit the fort to learn more about 19th-century military history. There are guided tours, swordsmanship displays, historical re-enactments, and military signalling displays. There is a free bus from the Saluting Battery to Fort Rinella each day.
4. Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens commands superb views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The gardens are exquisite and the perfect place to take some panoramic shots of the island. There are several famous statues within the gardens, including a small bronze statue of Les Gavroches, which was presented to Her Majesty the Queen, before she ascended the Throne. The saluting battery can be found below the top garden. Visitors can access the gardens via a lift from Valletta.
5. Lascaris War Rooms
You will find the Lascaris War Rooms deep inside the walls of Valletta. They are accessed via the Upper Barracca Gardens. Their original purpose was to house the slaves working for the Knights of the Order of St John, but during WW2, the tunnels became an important headquarters for the Allied command. It was from inside these tunnels that Eisenhower planned the invasion of Sicily. Take an audio tour to find out more about “Operation Husky” and the role Malta played during the war. It’s really interesting, and something that most people are unaware of.
6. Malta Classic Car Collection Museum
Classic car enthusiasts will love the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum. There is a wonderful collection of vehicles from the 50s and 60s, including a Bugatti, E-Type Jags, Vespa scooters, and other interesting memorabilia. It’s the only museum of its kind in Malta, and one of the most popular classic car museums in the whole of Europe!
7. Mnajdra and Hagar Qim
Mnajdra and Hagar Qim are the oldest stone buildings in the world – even older than Stone Henge in the UK – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complexes are all on the same site and incredibly sophisticated considering they date back as far as 3600BC. Check out the visitor centre and pick up an audio guide as you wander through the various rooms.
8. Valletta Waterfront
Valletta, Malta’s capital city, was built by the Knights of St John. It sits on an attractive peninsula and still retains its 16th-century atmosphere. The waterfront is a popular attraction for visitors. The warehouses that line the waterfront were all constructed during the Baroque period and stretch as far as the Quay Wall. It’s the perfect place to wander on a sunny day; visit the historic Forni Stores and explore the delicious mix of shops, bars, and restaurants.
9. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Hypogeum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an important burial complex carved out into solid rock. For conservation reasons, access to Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is strictly limited to 10 visitors at a time, so you must plan your trip well in advance. The Holy of Holies room is remarkable and incredibly well preserved, but there are multiple rooms to explore.
10. Malta at War Museum
Malta played a strategic part in the Second World War, so there are several museums on the island devoted to this pivotal period in history, but the Malta at War Museum is the only one where visitors can explore the vast underground bomb shelter. There are dozens of tunnels hewn out of solid rock. During bombing raids on the dockyards, hundreds of people sheltered down there with only oil lamps to provide illumination. It’s a fascinating glimpse back through the mists of time. And on a hot day, it is deliciously cool down there.
You can save money visiting some of the historical attractions on Malta by buying a Multi-site Heritage Pass. This gives you discounted entry to Fort Rinella, Lascaris War rooms, and the Malta at War Museum.
Final Thought
There has never been a better time to Relocate to Malta. With the boom in iGaming, the services industry and tourism industry, Malta has the second largest economic growth in Europe. Property prices are going up at an alarming rate, BUT, there’s still bargain properties you can purchase or rent a few minutes’ drive by car from the centre of Malta.
About the Author:
Having a strong conviction that getting lost is just another adventure in itself, Elena takes particular delight in wandering stranger lands. Aside from travelling, she also loves to cook and try different cuisines around the world. Follow the newest chapter of her life as a blogger at http://elenatahora.com/