Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

The post Soak up all that Cyprus has to Offer appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Commission was first established in 1952 with the purpose of helping emigrants leaving the country during the post-World War 2 era. All preparations and departures were carefully documented and kept on file. Now, these documents have been made available at the Commission’s library and digital archives. The idea for this historic presentation was first conceived in 2000, and following approval from the Convention of Leaders of Associations of Maltese Abroad and of Maltese Origin, it was finally inaugurated on December 4th 2012. The project is sponsored by the Vodafone Malta Foundation and APS Bank.

Valletta at night, Malta by Joshua Zader

Malta’s Migration Phenomenon

Emigration has played a significant role in the history of Malta; the process served as a safety measure against a population explosion on the small Mediterranean island following World War 2, and it’s been revealed that between 1948 and 1967, a stunning 30% of the nation’s population emigrated. According to the Emigration Commission’s history, approximately 28% of people who left Malta went to Australia, 10.5% went to the United Kingdom and 6.5% moved to Canada. The United States was also a popular destination. Through the assisted passage scheme provided by the Emigration Commission, these immigrants received help with the costs of their journey, and many were taught to speak and read English. Emigration rates dropped again in the 1970’s.

History and Heritage

The aim of this newly inaugurated museum is to preserve this part of Maltese history, showing a record of how the emigration phenomenon developed, and what Maltese emigrants contributed to their newly adopted countries. It is also hoped that Maltese communities around the world will come to understand this part of their history and culture a bit better, and that their sense of connection to their Maltese roots will grow.

Hagar Qim Neolithic Temple; Qendri, Malta by John Haslam

Modern-Day Malta

Today, Malta’s population density is one of the highest in the EU, standing at 1.282 per square kilometre. Local Maltese people make up the majority of the population, with the most prevalent minority group being British people who have retired to the sunny island nation.

Crowds of students, school groups and researchers will be visiting the Emigration Commission’s archives in the coming months; this close look at Malta’s history should also prove fascinating to those residents who immigrated to Malta from countries around the world.

Nicky Warner is a London-based blogger who occasionally travels to Malta; these journeys have taught her a great deal about Malta companies and a keen interest in the history of Malta.

The post Malta’s History of Emigration in the Spotlight appeared first on Europe Explored.