Discover Malta’s 7,000 year old history
IAN STALKER
Malta is inviting tourists to step back in time in a major way.
The Mediterranean archipelago has a particularly long past, having what Michelle Buttigieg, who oversees the Malta Tourism Authority’s North American office, labels a “remarkable 7,000 years of history,” with visitors able to literally experience some of that history by simply overnighting there, taking in a comfortable and often long-standing accommodations scene.
“Malta and its sister island of Gozo offer a diverse range of luxury accommodations from five-star properties, luxury boutique hotels, to historic palazzos and historic farmhouses,” she says. “Stay in a restored 16th- or 17th-century palazzo, delight in luxury accommodation built into fortifications of the ancient city of Valletta, Malta’s capital, with views across the Grand Harbour, or seek out the character of the many beautiful boutique hotels dotted throughout the city, as well as throughout Malta and Gozo. All this luxury can be found for less in Malta compared to similar accommodations and exclusive tours in mainland Europe.
“The main island, Malta, specifically the city of Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the European Capital Culture 2018,” Buttigieg reports. “Travellers will find themselves engulfed in the rich history and religious attractions that make up this Maltese capital. Built by the Knights of St. John, the city that is bustling by day, and now also by night, will transport the visitor back in time with its historic architecture and Old World atmosphere. Exploring the narrow streets will lead you to an eclectic mix of historical landmarks, quaint coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants with local specialities as well as elaborate churches.
“A trip to Malta isn’t complete without a visit to Malta’s two sister islands, Gozo and Comino,” she continues. “Access to Gozo is by ferry only, a car ferry or a speed ferry direct from Valletta. Gozo is the more rural island, and is a perfect change of pace for those looking for authenticity and a more relaxed and quaint stay. The island also comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas, hidden beaches as well as one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Comino, situated between Malta and Gozo, is a water-lover’s paradise. Home to the most spectacular diving, snorkeling and boating experiences, the car-less island is home to the famous Blue Lagoon and the one single hotel on the island offers guests the most tranquil getaway.”
Malta’s having been invaded by many nations has led to it having European and Mediterranean influences, with the language of Maltese being a semi semitic language, and the only one written in Latin letters.
More than 360 churches and chapels are scattered across Malta and Gozo, with religious sites forming an integral part of the country’s history, landscape and skyline. “They are at the heart of Maltese social and cultural life,” Buttigieg reports. “St. Paul brought the Christian faith to Malta when he shipwrecked in A.D. 60, and his steps can be retraced through the shrines, grottos, catacombs, and more. Jewish travellers will also find a fascinating Jewish history and heritage on the Maltese Islands. Malta is home to religious experiences far beyond the ordinary.”
Buttigieg is also quick to praise Malta’s diverse culinary scene that includes “the traditional plate of eclectic Mediterranean food curated by a relationship between the Maltese and the countless civilizations that occupied the island, to the never-ending vineyards delivering the finest wine. Malta has been put on the gourmet cuisine map, with five Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning chefs with a total of 31 restaurants listed in the Michelin 2021 guide, including 3 Bib Gourmand and 23 Michelin Plates. Not to be missed, the local street foods including the famous Maltese Pastizzi (cheese- or pea-filled pastries).”
She labels Malta a safe destination, and much less crowded than mainland Europe.
An “endless calendar of events” that tourists can experience include the Malta Arts Festival, Classic Car Races, the Rolex Middle Sea Sailing Race, and the annual Malta Jazz Festival. “Malta offers something for everyone, and an opportunity to have a unique, culturally immersive experience. Valletta, the capital, itself is like an open-air museum,” Buttigieg adds.
Buttigieg labels Canadians sophisticated, well-traveled individuals who often do their part in research before exploring Malta. Canadian visitations are on the rise, with the January-July period seeing inbound tourism from Canada reach 71% of total inbound figures in pre-Covid 2019.
Malta can be reached through major European hubs.
Among luxury hotels that await visitors are ones bearing the Melia, Iniala, Westin, Kempinski,Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Intercontinental Malta, The Xara Palace and Marriott names.
