Malta

If there is anything unique about Malta, it is that for its rather small size, it packs in history and culture that could rival many a big nation. The country basically a group of many islands, only 3 of which (namely, Comino, Gonzo, and Malta) are inhabited. As mentioned before, the country is very small – at an area of just 316 square kilometers in total, it is almost as big as the city of Munich. 

Malta’s popularity, however, knows no bounds – the country is a magnet to tourists – most of whom decidedly visit the place due to its year-long refreshingly gentle and calming weather. Malta is, in fact, one of the few countries in Europe to have over 300 days of early summer-like weather. Those who end up here, however, realize that there is much more to the country than its weather. Malta is filled with exhilarating beaches – these include the red sand-laden Ramla Bay, the cornerstone Fomm ir-Rih, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and of course, the super-popular Mellieha Bay. All of the 3 islands in the country double as excellent diving locations and are dotted with conservations areas to marvel at.

Those looking for a piece of culture will also not be disappointed, for Malta packs in over 7,000 years of historical activities. Given its location in the central Mediterranean, the archipelago has always been a navigationally strategic position, visited by a variety of settlers over the centuries. It is no wonder that tourists can find a variety of artifacts here – which have originated from civilizations as diverse as the Romans, the Arabs, the Byzantines, the Phoenicians, the French, and of course, the British. In fact, the country has so many impressions, many visitors often end up calling the entire space as “one large open museum.

Some facts about Malta:

• The Maltese make no secret of the fact that they are Catholic. In fact, they have more churches than there are days in the year! Yes, this means that you could visit a church for each day of the year.
• For a country that is so splendidly beautiful, Malta has a distinct lack of forest. The closest natural feature available is a miniature forest-like vegetation called Buskett. Interestingly, the name ‘Buskett,” has its origins in the ‘Boschetto,’ an Italian word that means little forest.
• Much like their other southern European neighbors, the Maltese are known to be very loud. They would rather shout a little louder than go closer to someone to talk to them.