Want to visit Malta on a future vacation? Excellent idea, this Mediterranean archipelago member of the European Union is full of wonders. There are historic cities with a rich heritage, fishing villages next to a sea of translucent waters and a natural beauty that will make hiking enthusiasts shudder. Fine sandy beaches, natural swimming pools, breathtaking cliffs, wilderness populated with Mediterranean vegetation, the disconnection and the change of scenery are guaranteed. A mixture of particularly well-preserved nature and ancestral heritage, Malta and its two little sisters Comino and Gozo attract not only travelers but also artists and filmmakers, fascinated by the landscapes, the architectural diversity, the multiple influences, the history and everything that makes the Maltese archipelago special. Destination at less than 2h45 flight from France, discover Malta through 5 unusual anecdotes and, above all, enjoy!
1- The Phoenician eye of Osiris watches over every Maltese fishing boat
A fishing village located in the south of Malta, Marsaxlokk is the essence of the island. It is a historic town that has managed to preserve its authenticity and where it is pleasant to stroll through its narrow streets, where treasures such as the 19th century façade of the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, topped by a reddish dome, can be seen. It is also the ideal destination for gourmets, who like to stop in its restaurants to taste the local recipes, in which fish occupies a prominent place. Fish that can also be found in the market and on the seafront, when the fishermen are back and release their nets. And then there is the postcard landscape of Marsaxlokk: the luzzus that decorate the picturesque harbor. These traditional boats must be scrutinized in detail, as they are so beautiful and loaded with symbols. The colors yellow, blue and red refer respectively to the sun, the sea and the courage of those who leave daily to reach the open sea. We also note the presence of the eye of Osiris which, placed like a work of art at the front of the boats, is supposed to protect the fishermen from the dangers of the sea
2- In Gozo, myths are legends!
Located only 5 km from Malta, theisland of Gozo is a must-see during a stay in the archipelago. And it has no reason to be ashamed of its big sister when it comes to heritage. The citadel of Victoria or the churches scattered all over the island are a delight for lovers of beautiful stones. Gozo is also known for taking its visitors far into history and into the heart of legends, with the presence of priceless sites! Thus, the temples of Ġgantija, dedicated to the goddess of fertility and classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, date back for the oldest of them to about 3,000 years BC. The largest megalithic complex in the region, these temples are older than the pyramids of Egypt! If in Gozo, myths are legends, it is also because the island shelters the cave where the nymph Calypso kept Ulysses for 7 years. If, contrary to the Homeric story, there are no poplars, cypresses and vines rich with their bunches of grapes, the ascent to the large cavity is worth the detour for the legend that surrounds it and the incredible view offered on Ramla Bay and its beach
3- The French consonance of the name "Valletta" will have escaped no one!
Valletta is a name that sounds very French compared to the other towns of the Maltese archipelago. The capital of Malta, which was built in 1566 by the Knights of the Order of Malta, takes its name from one of the Grand Masters of the Order, the Frenchman Jean de Valette. A statue of the man can be seen at the entrance to the city. Valletta is a fortified city surrounded by the sea, and Fort St. Elmo is the symbol of the Maltese will to protect their port during different periods of history. Although it is one of the smallest European capitals, this has not prevented it from being designated European Capital of Culture in 2018 and from being home to a remarkable heritage, with more than 300 buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The St. John's Co-Cathedral, a jewel of Baroque art, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Manoel Theater and the Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace still inhabited, are not to be missed. Valletta is also a maze of squared and paved streets where it is good to stroll to observe the honey-colored buildings with colorful balconies, then enjoy the stores, cafes and restaurants. It is impossible not to mention the dynamic Republic Street and Merchant Street
4- A touch of England in the heart of the Mediterranean
If we find various foreign influences in Malta, those concerningEngland are omnipresent. Indeed, Malta was part of the English Empire for more than 150 years, which has left visible traces in the streets of the cities and through the habits of the locals. While walking around the capital, Valletta, you will come across the famous red phone booths and mailboxes. Many stores also have English names. In Gozo, the town of Ir-Rabat is also named Victoria, in honor of the golden jubilee of the former Queen of England. A statue of the monarch is also present in Republic Square in Valletta. Other signs of the British influence, the Maltese drive on the left. They also offer some English culinary specialties in restaurants such as fish and chips, tea-time and Sunday brunches, which are part of the habits; without forgetting the pubs, haunts of those who come to relax around a good beer. In fact, Malta is one of the top destinations for many students wishing to learn or improve their English, which is one of Malta's official languages.
5- The Hollywood of the Mediterranean!
Malta has a privileged relationship with the cinema and film makers flock here, attracted by its year-round sunny climate, its breathtaking landscapes and its rich heritage. Malta has places with the perfect setting to plunge into history and believe you are in Antiquity or the Middle Ages, but also cities that are reminiscent of major European capitals or Middle Eastern cities. This is how Valletta was transformed into Jerusalem in World War-Z. The capital of Malta has moreover been the setting for many films such as Crime on the Orient Express, Midnight Express and Troy at Fort St. Elmo and more recently Jurassic World, The World After, many scenes of which were shot in Valletta, as well as in Vittoriosa, Mellieħa and Pembroke. Maltese landscapes are recognizable when watching movies such as Popeye, shot in Anchor Bay, and the series Game of Thrones, with among others the bay of Dwejra on the island of Gozo, setting of the famous wedding scene between Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo. We recognize the typical cliffs of Malta, and the Azure Window now collapsed. A trip to Malta is an opportunity to discover these landscapes that are the delight of film directors. An original way to discover the great diversity and beauty of the archipelago.
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Learn more: Malta Tourism Office: www.voyage-malte.fr
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When is it? With pleasant weather all year round, Malta can be visited in any season. Spring, summer and fall for swimming. Winter for walking. Spring for mild temperatures and low prices.
Getting there. From France, Malta is served by several airlines, operating direct flights from many cities. It will not take you more than 2h45 of flight to reach the archipelago.
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