Just three hours by plane from the Portuguese capital, hidden in the Mediterranean, is the small Maltese paradise. Known for mild temperatures and sunny winter days, history and culture blend uniquely in this place that is perfect for escaping the cold during the winter months.
Valleta
Despite being one of the smallest European capitals in the world, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has around 300 monuments and points of interest. From the City Gate to St. Telmo Fort, through the Grand Master’s Palace to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the heyday of the Baroque in Malta. Discovering on foot or by bike, Valleta is home to an immersive environment of unique experiences.
The Three Cities
Who crosses the port from the capital, enters the less visited area of the archipelago. Through winding alleys, the Three Cities meander among numerous historical monuments, such as the historic center of Copiscua (also known as Bormla), which holds several points of interest built by the Knights of the Order of Malta, St. Angelo’s Fort in Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu) or Gardjola Gardens in Senglea (or L-Island).
Megalithic Temples
Seven is the number of megalithic temples scattered between the islands of Malta and Gozo. The two temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo are of utmost importance as they are the oldest temples in the world that remain standing without any human intervention after their construction. On the island of Malta, the temples of Hagar Qim, Mndajdra, Tarxien and the Ta’Hagrat and Skorba complexes, unique architectural works that stand out in the Templar tradition in the archipelago. These monuments represent the architecture of the islands between 300 and 2500 BC.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Located 10 meters below ground, is this 500 square meter wax cave also considered a World Heritage Site. Discovered over 4,000 years ago, in 1902. The cave is divided into three levels and houses several burial chambers with different finishes. The Hypogeum is considered one of the most important prehistoric monuments in the world due to its unique character.
Diving, for the more adventurous
In addition to treasures on land, Malta has a multitude of secrets kept deep in the sea. From the great ships and planes sunk during the two World Wars, historical remains, marine fauna and flora, make the country an essential destination for diving lovers. Gozo welcomes visitors from all over the world to explore the seabed during the year. Some of the most famous areas among divers are located in Dwejra, where there is an impressive underwater cave and the well-known Blue Hole, or Lantern Point, where divers can explore a tunnel more than 50 meters deep.
