By Sandra Scott
Most visitors to Europe skip Malta, but they don't know what they're missing. The archipelago of Malta has two main islands located in the Mediterranean between the Italian island of Sicily and Africa. The islands are blessed with a Mediterranean climate, and English and Maltese are the official languages.
At just 17 miles long and nine miles wide, the main island is home to an amazing number of historical sites dating back to Neolithic times: UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the city of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, which 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. Several other sites are on the UNESCO tentative list awaiting inclusion.
Even though more bombs fell on Malta during World War II than any other country, the reconstruction maintained the island's architectural integrity. If fact, Malta has an unspoiled look — some say it looks biblical — making it the setting of many movies, including "Game of Thrones," "Conan the Barbarian" and "Popeye," the set of which is now a theme park.
The sister island of Gozo is less developed, making it ideal for those who want to get away from it all. It is 20 minutes away by ferryboat.
According to UNESCO, Valletta, the walled capital of Malta is "one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world." It was established in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. The interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque art with dazzling gilded pillars and elaborately painted ceilings. Services are still held on Sunday. In the Oratory is Caravaggio's "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist," the only painting he signed. Upper Barrakka Gardens provide a panoramic view of the world's largest and deepest natural harbor and a view beyond the harbor to the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicu, best known as the Three Cities. Be on time for the Noon Day Gun, a reminder of when Malta was an English colony. Museum buffs will want to visit the National Museum of Archeology, the National War Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Don't miss the historic Casa Rocca Piccola, a unique 1850 house/museum where the friendly owners are still in residence and often can be seen taking tickets or acting as guides. Check out the bomb shelter where the family sought safety during World War II.
The hilltop fortified walled city of Mdina, called "the Silent City," was the first capital of Malta and is still home to some palatial mansions. Wander the narrow streets or take a traditional Karozzin ride around Mdina and Rabat.
Fishing has always been an integral part of Maltese life. The fishing village of Marsaxlokk is one of the most picturesque with colorful small fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. It is the perfect place to dine on the catch of the day. The less-visited Three Cities sit on promontories jutting into the bay. There are palaces, churches and forts older than those in Valletta. Take a boat tour of the harbor. There are several casinos for those who want to try their luck.
The smaller, greener and less-populated island of Gozo is where, according to legend, Ulysses was shipwrecked and spent seven years under the spell of the sea nymph Calypso. Calypso's cave-home overlooks Ramla Bay. Not to be missed is the Neolithic Ggantija temple ruins. They are a testament to the skill and engineering expertise of these early builders. The labor involved to move and assemble the massive stones is impressive.
Wander the streets of the capital city of Victoria and tour the Citadel that dominates the hill. The visitor center has an excellent do-not-miss multimedia presentation detailing the Ottoman invasion of 1551 and the tragic story of Bernardo Dupuo, who killed his family to prevent them from becoming slaves (3,000 people were enslaved). He then fought to his death defending the fortification.
Malta is a favorite of European beach-lovers. One visit doesn't provide 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. Fish-lovers will enjoy dining at the waterfront restaurants on the variety of fresh fish. 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. The quintessential souvenirs are silver filigree Maltese crosses or glassware from one of the studios on Gozo.
WHEN YOU GO
Exploring the large island is easy. There are taxis, car rentals, hop-on bus tours, a great public transport system and a variety of adventure tours, including a day tour to Sicily. Accommodations run the gamut from the five-star Corinthia Hotel and Spa with a nice park across the street to the four-star Ramla Bay Resort with its own private beach, from rental apartments to hostels. Self-catering farmhouses are popular on Gozo. Malta is an all-season destination. Americans need only a valid passport. Major credit cards are widely accepted and there many ATMs. The Maltese are welcoming, plus the island is extremely safe.
For more information visit www.visitmalta.com.
Sandra Scott is a freelance travel writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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