Why this less well -known Mediterranean country is increasing in popularity

As much as the traditional media want to believe you, Mediterranean vacations are not just about life La Dolce Vita in Italy, island hopping around Greece, or presenting itself as Brigitte Bardot while you have the French Rivièra in a vintage transition Peugeot.

We are Travel Off Path, a travel news website known for Go deeper than surface levelAnd exposing places off-the-beeten-track Most tourists still have to go, and in our book Maltese summers can be just as idyllic:

According to the Times of maltatourism in The less well -known Mediterranean Nation has risen by almost 11% in June and it does not seem to be slowly slowing down:

Americans slept before Malta Far Over -long

Although it is not the first pick of the average American in planning a trip on the pond, Malta is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, Both literally and figuratively, with temperatures of 80-89 ° F in the summer, beautiful historic cities that look frozen over time, and turquoise seas.

Oh, and in case you have never heard of Malta – which would not be surprising, note – it is one of the smallest states in the world.

Consisting of 3 main islands, the largest of which is only 95 square miles, Malta is a collection of Small dots in the Mediterranean SeaSomewhere south of Sicily (the most trigger is island in Italy) and the coast of North Africa.

Despite its less than impressive size and equally small population of around 545,405 people, Malta has a rich history of different millennia, with the material (and immaterial) cultural heritage to support it, and that is exactly what makes it so fascinating:

A capital stated by the UNESCO

The gemstone in the crown of Malta, the capital La Valletta both are distinguished because they are one UNESCO World HeritageIn recognition of the well -preserved coastal sensations and baroque architecture, And The smallest capital in the European Union per area.

It is approximately 0.24 square miles, with a population of 6,000 inhabitants within the city walls. Despite its compactness, the cultural value is not emphasized enough:

In the heart of the old city, the co-cathedral of St. John is a lush cathedral Built in the 1570SWith extensive, golden chapels and beautiful frescoes and for the art lovers there are, here you will find the now iconic caravaggio Decapitation of St. John the Baptist.

Only a few steps from the co-cathedral, the Palace of the Grandmaster was built by the legendary knights of St. John, and a simple walk through Republic Street, the most important through road with laid with More historic buildings and traditional eateriesWill have the feeling that the clock is being washed back for a few centuries.

Don’t miss the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a rare green oasis in what is a rather drunk landscape. From there you have a view of the historic port of La Valletta and the ‘Three Cities’:

All of Malta feels like a big small city

Malta is a great equality, and you can hardly tell where one municipality starts, and the other starts, and there is nowhere better to see this phenomenon than visiting the Three cities:

Located opposite Valletta, over the bay, Vittoriosa (known in Maltese as Il-Birgu), Senlea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Il-Bormla) are all within walking distance of each other.

Of Vittoriosa’s maze -like historic center, dominated by the Medieval Fort St. AngeloIt is a 10 -minute walk across the waterfront to Senglea, best known for its colorful harbor seg buildings and a relaxed atmosphere.

From Senglea it takes another 20 minutes to reach Cospicua, characterized by the coastal fort, abundance of seafood and historic churches.

Another example of Malta’s fascinating equivalent phenomenon is easily noticed in Mdina: This old city on a hill is only separated from the neighboring Rabat Through the walls, migratory bridges and a canal. Walking between the two takes about 5 minutes.

In reality, Rabat feels like the bustling, modern part of the city, while Mdina serves as the ‘historic center’, but they are two separate entities!

Beautiful beaches in abundance

Malta may be small, but it is absolutely Packed paradisaical beachesAnd whether you are the reserved species, or from parties and beach clubs, it will not disappoint.

For the lively nightlife, the long promenade and pebble beaches go to St. Julian’s. For Golden sand, crystal clear waterAnd a wide range of facilities, Mellieħa Bay, is in the north where you have to go.

If you are now curious about the local life in a sleepy Maltese city on the coast, away from the bustle of the busy capital, view Marsaxlokk:

With its colorful boats, impressive church umbrella and weekly market, strewn with street food stables – you really can’t beat the seafood and dates here – it’s one Authentic fishing village Still largely visited by the locals.

Now, if you don’t mind that the Tourist Traps in Disney style, Popeye Village is a film set that is specially built for the Hollywood film from the 80s that has been converted into one Small nice park. The rustic wooden buildings are only decorative, but the beach club adjacent is not.

The registration fee in the high season is € 25.00 or around $ 29.

Eilandhop in Malta

Of course there is no Malta without its smaller sisters, Comino & Gozo.

Comino is approximately 1.3 square miles, without permanent residents, and it is mainly visited by day trotters on private boats or guided cruise tours, who feel attracted to his attracted Green blue colored blue lagoon. Gozo, on the other hand, has much more to offer.

Just like the island of Malta, it has its own walled capital, Victoria (or Rabat, in Maltese), consisting of narrow, winding paths Covered with ocher -colored mansions and the coastline of 56 miles is ringed with undeveloped, sleepy villages.

In the middle of the island, the ġgantija tamples are some of the oldest detached pagan temples in the worlddate from 5,500 years. A stunning megalithic ensemble, it is no wonder that it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Malta again.

When it comes to swimming spots, Gozo has a long sandy beach in Ramla BaySupported by nearby facilities, although it can be quite busy in the summer months. If you prefer a more remote option, San Blas has more of that reddish sand, warm seas and half of the crowds.

Overview

• Malta can one Off-path destination for most AmericansBut it is certainly not for Europeans: do not expect abandoned beaches, or quiet cities in high season
• The two official languages are Maltese, which is closely related to Arabic (with Italian bends) and English (because of the British colonial period)
• Most Maltese people speak perfect English, especially when they are younger and grew up with both speaking, but Learning a word or two of Maltese here is going a long way here!
• Prices in Malta are comparable to those of Italy or Croatia, so this is Not a budget destination: The average overnight percentage is $ 161While the average costs of meals per day are $ 63
• Valletta (and the wider metropolitan area including St. Julian’s, Sliema and the three cities) is usually more expensive to stay in it
• There are No direct flights from the United States To Malta, but you can fly directly to Malta International Airport (MLA) from numerous European hubs, especially in the summer and autumn seizions

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior leader at Travel Off Path, has more than 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving stories from Paris!), And a talent for converting the images-path experiences into informative stories with which you can pack your bags.