Malta Travel Guide

Malta is a small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea situated 95km south of Sicily and around 250km north of Libya. There are three inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino), and a number of smaller, uninhabited islands. Malta’s total area is only 317 sq km and the islands are predominantly low-lying, rocky terrain with rugged coastlines and numerous bays and inlets providing good harbours. Malta is known for its sparkling, pristine waters that provide picture-perfect backdrops for stunning white cliffs, gorgeous bays and unspoilt beaches.

Archaeological finds from the islands confirm over 7000 years of human habitation and some of the world’s oldest buildings still stand in Malta. It's strategic position in the Mediterranean has meant a succession of invaders and occupiers throughout history, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the Aragonese. The Jerusalem based ‘Knights of St John’ took over the islands from 1530 to 1798, leaving a distinct religious and artistic mark still evident today. A short French occupation was followed by British rule from 1800 to 1964 when Malta became independent. Ten years later, Malta became a republic and joined the European Union in 2004.

Malta blends mysterious pre-3000BC Neolithic ruins together with the modern conveniences and unspoilt natural beauty of one of Europe’s most alluring tourist destinations. The compact size ensures that visitors on a short break can see the major sites while enjoying the delightful diversity of cuisine, architecture and culture. Those tourists with more time will find plenty of less-visited sites to explore plus a smorgasbord of museums, churches, fiestas, watersports, bays and beaches, and a concentration of history and culture all nearby and easily accessible. As one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, Malta is perfect for those who love to socialise and party when they travel, but probably not the place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere to get away from everything and everyone.

The capital, Valletta is located on the central eastern coast of the main island and is renowned for its Baroque architectural style and countless World Heritage Listed historical sites. The Mellieha area in the north is heaven for beach lovers, while bays like Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha on the northwest coast are must-see destinations. The northern island of Gozo is less-populated but still loaded with museums, churches and ancient ruins. The tiny island of Comino, between Malta and Gozo, is best known for its Blue Lagoon and amazing diving and snorkelling sites.