Europe Explored » mediterranean https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Two Malta Destinations to Visit on Your Historic Holiday https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/08/two-malta-destinations-to-visit-on-your-historic-holiday/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/08/two-malta-destinations-to-visit-on-your-historic-holiday/#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:33:59 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=10484 If you’re a bit of a history buff and looking for a perfect tourist spot, consider that Malta destinations are among the most ancient and architecturally significant in the world. One would not expect to find the oldest freestanding man-made structures in the world on an island in the Mediterranean, but that’s exactly what you’ll […]

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If you’re a bit of a history buff and looking for a perfect tourist spot, consider that Malta destinations are among the most ancient and architecturally significant in the world. One would not expect to find the oldest freestanding man-made structures in the world on an island in the Mediterranean, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Megalithic Temples of Malta. Aside from that though, the city of Valletta is known worldwide and often rated highly in reviews of Malta destinations. Even one of these destinations is worth taking flights to Malta, but as a treat we’re going to look at a few of them in this article.

St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta
St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta

St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta

The first destination you’ll want to beeline for out of a Malta hotel is St Johns Co-Cathedral, an ancient wonder over 500 years old. The history of Malta and Catholicism in Europe is intrinsically linked to Valetta with St Johns Co-Cathedral marking one of the most important destinations or piece of property in Malta’s rich history. It was the noblemen of Europe charged with defending their faith against invading forces that led to Malta being a strategic centre in the Mediterranean and after the Great Siege of 1565, Valetta was established, fortified and made a holy place. A mere 12 years later St Johns Co-Cathedral was completed as a destination; no doubt the perfect Malta weather aided this rapid completion. Today St Johns Co-Cathedral acts as a cultural centre for Valetta with many traditional events taking place here which makes it a must-see site in Malta.

The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta

The most important modern spot in Valetta also happens to be one of the most important in its history. Travel to this Malta destination if you want to experience the definition of opulence in architecture, because The Grandmaster’s Palace fits many roles. As a tourist destination there is more than enough to awe at, as is houses the House of Representatives and the Office of the President of Malta it is the most important governmental structure in Malta and as a historical building it was once simply the home of Eustachio del Monte built in 1571. Antique weapons and halls of empty knights line the corridors and it’s not uncommon to see a chandelier more elegant and opulent than the last. The Grandmaster’s Palace is amazing to behold and should be a priority to visit in Malta.

It’s clear from these two very good examples, that Malta is more than enough to sate the curiosity of the historic enthusiast. Malta destinations are among the most important in existence with numerous World Heritage Sites dotting the island; it truly is a place of unique importance.

Eugene Calvini has been on enough Malta holidays to know the island is a special tourist spot and enjoys exposing the best the country has to offer.

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The Blue Grotto – the sea caverns on the southern coast of Malta https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/26/the-blue-grotto-the-sea-caverns-on-the-southern-coast-of-malta/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/26/the-blue-grotto-the-sea-caverns-on-the-southern-coast-of-malta/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:28:41 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=1326 The Blue Grotto is the name that has been given to a cave which is part of a series of sea caverns which are located on the southern coast of Malta, close to the Żurrieq harbor. These sea caves offer locals and tourists a truly unique one-of-a-kind sight around 1 o’clock in the afternoon when […]

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The Blue Grotto is the name that has been given to a cave which is part of a series of sea caverns which are located on the southern coast of Malta, close to the Żurrieq harbor. These sea caves offer locals and tourists a truly unique one-of-a-kind sight around 1 o’clock in the afternoon when the combination of caves and sunlight reflecting off the water create many different shades of blue which can only be observed around this time of the day.

Blue Grotto, Malta
Blue Grotto, Malta by Chris Brown

Those who travel to the Blue Grotto will also be able to see Filfla, which is a small island inhabited by numerous types of exotic lizards. There is no doubt that these sea caves are a very popular travel destination for tourists who like to go scuba diving or just want to admire the breathtaking beauty and idyllic scenery that the Blue Grotto has to offer.

In this area there are a number of amazing sights to see, including the tall cliffs which tower above the Mediterranean Sea, the waves below hitting against them. The unique emerald lighting and exotic landscape of this entire area is what draws so many people to it year after year. Late in the day it is not uncommon to see visitors swimming in the caves, as well as traffic jams of rowboats just outside the grotto.

It is also considered as being one of the most picturesque places in all of Malta so if your next way is waving through Malta do not leave this place unexplored.

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Penyal D’ifac – the smallest protected area in Europe | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/05/penyal-difac-in-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/05/penyal-difac-in-spain/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 02:38:37 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=337 Peñón de Ifach is a rock formation and protected Natural Park situated above the bay of Calpe, in Valencia region. It is also a symbol of this seaside town and also of the whole Costa Blanca. In earlier times, this rock was, thanks to the excellent strategic location, used as a watchtower. Currently, the Peñón […]

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Peñón de Ifach is a rock formation and protected Natural Park situated above the bay of Calpe, in Valencia region. It is also a symbol of this seaside town and also of the whole Costa Blanca. In earlier times, this rock was, thanks to the excellent strategic location, used as a watchtower. Currently, the Peñón de Ifach is a great refuge for many plants and bird species. Unfortunately, due to the large number of tourists an access to this exceptional rock is limited. There is a marked trail leading to the top of the mountain, where you can get in 40 minutes. Peñón de Ifach in offering magnificent views of the surroundings, so it is worth visiting. During nice weather it is even possible to see the island of Ibiza from here.

Peñón de Ifach, Spain
Photo by admin

In 1987, the rock was declared a nature reserve and the smallest protected area in Europe, because it covers an area of ​​4,5 square kilometers. There is a number of endemic species of plant and animals such as sea gulls and falcons.

Peñón de Ifach is a distinct visual attraction on the Mediterranean coast, reaching a height of 332 metres.


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Malta – diving paradise https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/malta-diving-paradise/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/04/27/malta-diving-paradise/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:53:10 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=56 Malta is an island located in the Mediterranean sea, south of Sicily. This archipelago consists of islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, which are inhabited. Then there can also be found uninhabited islets as Cominotto, Filfla Island or St. Paul’s Island. The capital and largest city is Valletta. Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is […]

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Malta is an island located in the Mediterranean sea, south of Sicily. This archipelago consists of islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, which are inhabited. Then there can also be found uninhabited islets as Cominotto, Filfla Island or St. Paul’s Island. The capital and largest city is Valletta.

Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a Mediterranean nation, which for centuries was influenced by Roman, Arab and British culture. We can find a large minority of foreigners, most of which are represented by the British. Most inhabitants live on Malta‘s main island in the cities. Almost all the people belong to the Roman Catholic Church. On the island there are over 360 churches and at every step you can meet monks or nuns. Catholicism plays an important part of Maltese life.

The most important source of income in Malta is tourism, which also employs a third of the population. Malta and nearby islands to visit for over a million tourists a year. Tourism is therefore 35% of the gross domestic product. Malta has no own sources of raw materials, and is dependent on imports. Agriculture is concentrated on the island of Gozo, where we find more greenery and better conditions for growing wheat, barley, potatoes, legumes, vegetables, citrus fruit and grapes. In the summer season, vegetables need to be imported, because there is a very dry climate. Industrial production is focused on engineering products, electronics, shipbuilding and ship repair and textiles.

Malta is known for its numerous and well-preserved monuments from the times of megalithic culture. This leads to the assertion that this developed culture lived on the island already between 4000 to 2500 BC. Then the island had many different cultures: the Phoenicians, Carthage, Rome, Byzantium, Arabs, Normans, kings of Castile, Johannes and Napoleon. During the world wars, Malta became an important base for the British forces in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, became a republic in 1974 and in 2004 became a member of the European Union.

The Maltese archipelago acts on the map as the small grains in the Mediterranean Sea, and yet form an important bridge between Europe and Africa. The Maltese archipelago is essentially a remnant of the connection between Sicily and North Africa coast, which was aborted in the late Tertiary. Malta is only 90 km away from Sicily and 200 km from Tunisia.

The islands are almost without vegetation, but Malta is interesting anyway. Indeed, the mythical Odysseus reportedly stuck here for seven long years. It is a paradise for divers and water sports enthusiasts, history and art lovers and you can enjoy here good food, drink and social life as well.


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