Malta-Mellihea Bay

The small islands of Malta have seen all the main civilisations of the Mediterranean go past them. The result, like their history, is mythical: cobbled streets, monumental cathedrals, massive Neolithic temples and a coast with unique beauty spots.
With the arrival of tourism, the deep tradition of Catholicism has helped the island maintain its marked identity and carefully protect its architectural, cultural and natural heritage. On this privileged archipelago, where few things are out of place, you can combine days of relaxation with trips to places steeped in history and beautiful natural areas.

Mellihea Bay beach

This is an ideal place for small children to play in, because of its soft, golden sand and shallow, transparent waters that are no more than a few centimetres deep until over 100m out to sea.
This beach is also the most famous in Malta for practising a wide range of aquatic activities. Windsurfing, water skiing and sailing are very popular sports in this area. The Hotel Riu Seabank is located on the beach front, offering a gorgeous view of the surroundings and direct access to the sea.

Mgiebah beach

This totally unspoilt cove lies very close to Mellihea Bay. Although you do have to walk a long way to reach it, the beautiful views of the coast and the surrounding area and the turquoise-coloured water you will find make the effort worthwhile.

Sailing

It is no coincidence that the owners of the country's best sailing school chose Mellihea Bay to base their business in. The fact is, there is nowhere better in all Malta than the calm waters of this area for becoming initiated into this enjoyable activity.

Walking

If you like birds, you simply cannot miss the Ghadira reserve. This wetland close to Mellihea is the refuge of several highly interesting species such as the golden plover, the kingfisher and the osprey. There are also swans and herons. The best way of appreciating this jewel of nature in all its splendour is from one of the two specially-prepared observation towers, where you will even find binoculars.

Boattrip to Comino

A short boat trip will take you to this small paradise with no cars or worries, without doubt one of the most special places in Malta. Between Comino and the island of Cominetto, the Blue Lagoon, a shallow inlet with turquoise waters, lies hidden. Protected from the currents, this, the most beautiful of the many coves in the area, is an unforgettable place in which to bathe or dive.

Celebrations

Catholicism is still very present in local culture and this becomes manifest in the numerous processions and commemorations held throughout most of the year. Every village has its local festivals, livened up with bands and congregations of people throwing confetti and dancing in the streets. Don't miss it, and join in with the spectacle of this island that combines tradition and fun.

Shopping

Malta's craft products are as delicate and opulent as its churches and palaces. The quality of the laces, hand-woven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigrees has been passed down from generation to generation, inspired by the profound relationship the inhabitants have with their surroundings

Specialities

Prepare yourself because in Malta you are going to eat very, very well. Its cuisine, like its culture and heritage, is a combination of influences resulting in simple yet delicious dishes in the purest Mediterranean style:

Ftira: A kind of local pizza which can easily stand alongside the Italian version.

Fish: Depending on the season you will find sea bass, grouper, red mullet, gilthead bream and swordfish.

Gozo Antipasto: The local cheeses and sausages are combined with olives, tomatoes and capers. The result is an unpretentious but delicious dish.

Fenek: Fried or roast rabbit is a highly-prized delicacy on the island.

La Valletta

On one of his trips to the Mediterranean, Scottish poet and writer Walter Scott described it as "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen", in reference to the Order of Saint John that erected the walled city after the Ottoman siege in 1565. Small enough to explore on foot, thiscity is a jewel of Baroque art. The elegant palaces, gardens and churches form part of what is an authentic open-air museum. The population, who combine deeply-entrenched traditions with cultural dynamism, lend a human touch to this special place:

St. John's Co-Cathedral and Museum: Considered by many to be the most opulent Catholic church after the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican. Its austere façade contrasts with the spectacularly beautiful Baroque interior. A large part of the floor is decorated with a juxtaposition of marble gravestones evoking the Knights of Saint John. The museum contains the "Beheading of Saint John the Baptist", the masterpiece by the great Caravaggio.

Auberge de Castille: The Baroque exuberance of this building is striking. Although it is not open to the public, because it is the office of the prime minister, the most impressive of the many palaces in the town deserves a look from the outside at least.

Upper Barraka: This is the most spectacular of the many gardens here. Populated by palm trees, pines, flowers and sculptures, it is an oasis of tranquillity set amidst the lively city streets. From here you can enjoy incomparable views of the Grand Harbour.

La Valletta quays: What was until recently a depressed area has gradually recovered the splendour of bygone times. Tourists and locals fill the streets, drawn by the shops and restaurants that have opened here in recent years.

Mdina

Also known as "the silent city", the walls of this quiet town of 400 inhabitants have always been a bastion and refuge for the island's noble families. Its narrow streets are a faithful reflection of this, with numerous palatial buildings and churches in a mixture of medieval and Baroque styles.

In the beautiful main square lies Saint Paul's Cathedral the imposing structure of which dominates the town and the surrounding area. It replaced an original Norman church that was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake and in turn stood on the site of the house of Publius, the Roman governor of the islands. The Museum of Roman Antiquities in the town of Rabat, overlooked by the walls of Mdina, contains a large variety of objects from the period of Roman rule in Malta.

The elegant Normal-style Palazzo Falzon, which was built in 1495, is one of the oldest structures in the town and a good example of the palaces constructed by the noble Sicilians and Spaniards in that era.
 
Do not hesitate to visit Mdina by night, when its streets turn into romantic labyrinths that the old streetlights only manage to light up partially. It is at times like this that one can best appreciate the historical weight of its palaces and monumental residences.

Mosta Dome

The name of this town comes from the Arabic "musta", meaning centre, and perfectly describes its geographical situation. The monumental church of Mosta rises up over the picturesque houses, with an enormous round dome based on the design of the Pantheon in Rome. Visible from the outskirts and measuring 40 metres in diameter, it is the third-largest church dome in Europe.

During the Second World War a bomb pierced it during mass. The artefact failed to explode and the event was seen as a miracle. A replica of the explosive device was installed in the sacristy of the church in commemoration of this incredible episode.

The Tarxien Temples and the Hypogeum

Tarxien: As one wanders amongst the massive blocks of stone in this magical enclosure, it is difficult to believe they were built over 5000 years ago. Whilst archaeologists agree that the Neolithic civilisation of Malta was the most advanced in the world, all consensus stops here, as the theories regarding the design and construction of the numerous temples on the island abound and are contradictory. The fact is that structures as large and artefacts as sophisticated as these are to be found nowhere else.

Hypogeum: Another prehistoric marvel is the Hypogeum, an extensive subterranean temple that was still under construction when the settlers of the time disappeared mysteriously. It is widely believed that religious ceremonies were held here. It is enough to penetrate these wonders to feel the full weight of the magic and mystery that surrounds them.
The famous sculpture of the "sleeping lady", now in the La Valletta archaeology museum, was found in one of its chambers. Creations such as this surprise with their detail and refinement, and can easily stand alongside the works of contemporary artists.

These are just two examples of the numerous Neolithic remains that have been found in Malta. The temples of Mnajdra, Hagar Qim and Ggantija are also very interesting and in a good state of conservation.

The inland sea

Set amidst cliffs is one of the most beautiful - and unusual - coves in the Mediterranean. It is an isolated natural lagoon, connected to the sea by nothing more than a small tunnel that runs through steep crags and fills it with crystalline waters. The little cube-shaped houses and their jetties add further charm to this incredible place.
On calm days you can go through the rock tunnel by boat and see the Azure Window, a gigantic rock arch carved out of the cliffs. You can also choose to see this majestic geological formation from dry land.