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Travel Logs December 2016

Compulsive Traveler

Malta: Europe’s Best Kept Secret

By Sandra Scott

For such a small island there are an amazing number of historical sites dating back to Neolithic times.  The islands are home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites including the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.  Several other sites are on the UNESCO Tentative List awaiting inclusion.

The archipelago of Malta has two main islands located in the Mediterranean south of Sicily and blessed with a Mediterranean climate. English and Maltese are the official languages. For such a small island there are an amazing number of historical sites dating back to Neolithic times.  The islands are home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites including the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.  Several other sites are on the UNESCO Tentative List awaiting inclusion.

  1. Tours: The best way to get an overview of the city is on a hop on-hop-off double-decker bus tour. Check out Rolling Geeks, little electric cars pre-programmed with GPS complete with a narration. For a more personalized view of Malta, book one of the several excellent travel guides. 

  2. Museums: There are numerous museums in Valletta including the National Museum of Archeology, Museum of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the National War Museum.  Not to miss is Casa Rocca Piccola, a unique 1850's house/museum where the friendly owners are still in residence. Check out the bomb shelter where the family sought safety during WWII.

  3. Gardens: The Upper Barrakka Gardens have a panoramic view of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbor, and across the harbor to the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicu.  Be on time for the Noon Day Gun. The San Anton Palace Park, adjacent to the Maltese president’s residence, has walkways that take visitors past flower beds, fountains, and a maze. 

  4. Art and Architecture: The interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral with its intricately carved stone walls covered in gold leaf, plus the painted vaulted ceilings and Caravaggio’s painting depicting the head of St. John are astounding. The National Museum of Fine Arts is located in a 1760's palace displaying Maltese art through the centuries. Visit a glass blowing workshop in Mdina. The streets are lined with architecture in several styles. Take note of the colorful balconies.

  5. Food: The fishing village of Marsaxlokk is the perfect place to dine on the “catch of the day.” Maltese Lampuki Pie is the island’s favorite. Don’t leave without trying the national dish of Malta – Stuffat tal-Fenek (rabbit stew). End the meal with Imqaret (Maltese deep-fried date pastries) served warm with homemade ice cream.

  6. Water fun: Malta is a favorite of European beach lovers. There will never be enough time to enjoy all the beaches and lagoons and to go diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. At the Mediterraneo Marine Park visitors can interact with dolphins and sea lions.

  7. Events: There are many varied events from road racing to religious festivities. The harvest festival of Mnarja at the end of June is steeped in folklore. Christmas and Easter see religious celebrations in many locations. The Mediterrana Festival celebrates 7000 years of Gozo culture.

  8. Gozo: The less populated island of Gozo is where, according to legend, Ulysses was shipwrecked and fell under the spell of Calypso. Calypso’s cave-home overlooks Ramla Bay. The ruins of Neolithic Ggantija Temple is a testament to the skill and engineering expertise of these early builders. The visitor center at the Citadel in Victoria has an excellent do-not-miss multi-media presentation detailing the Ottoman invasion of 1551. 

  9. Unique: Visit Sicily on a day trip. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is currently closed due a conservation project but is scheduled to reopen in 2017. Tickets should be booked online well in advance as the number of visitors is limited in order to protect the site. 

  10. If you go: Accommodations run the gamut from the 5-star Corinthia Hotel & Spa to the 4-star Ramla Bay Resort, to rental apartments, to hostels. Self-catering farmhouses are popular on Gozo.  Americans need only a valid passport. Major credit cards are widely accepted and there are many ATMs. The Maltese are welcoming, plus the island is extremely safe. Malta is an all-season destination with something for everyone. For more information log on to www.visitmalta.com.

 

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

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