These are the bare essentials you’ll need to see when you go there!

The Blue Lagoon!

Set on the uninhabited island of Comino under the guarding watch of St. Mary’s Tower a fort built by knights of times gone by you’ll find the Blue Lagoon… Comino is Malta’s 3rd largest island and the Lagoon area lies in its north westerly tip. Its crystal clear blue waters are excellent for snorkelling and boat tours of the rest of the island and its famous caves are visible there. If you decide to go on land you should consider venturing around the island a bit. There are some hidden beaches as well as abandoned fortifications to find and explore!

The Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta by Yulia K

The Megalithic Temples of Malta

Considered to be the oldest freestanding temples in the world the megalithic temples are world heritage sites. They date back to 3600 B.C It is unknown who built the temples or how the massive rocks used in its construction were ever used/ No burial sites where ever found, however the remains of animal used for sacrifices were discovered.

Tarxien temples, Malta by Berthold Werner

Valletta

Valletta was built for defence. It is one massive fortress with towering interlocking bastions over mazes of defences. It too has the honour of being a world heritage site. Inside you will find a cultural hub with intricate churches, theatres, galleries, museums, historic palazzi, piazzas and auberges. Its underground is steeped in history too with many passages, shelters and secret spots, some of which have now become open to the public. Valletta has even got good shopping for the ladies and cafes or bars for the men (P.s try the local beer ‘Cisk’ while you’re at it). If you’re really up for doing things differently then try catch one of the traditional boats coming across the harbour from one of the surrounding towns like Sliema instead of catching the bus but be warned Valletta is set on a hill so it’s a good walk up from the dock!

Valletta, Malta by Briangotts

I found Malta to be a great place to stay.  The island has got something for everyone! I stayed at Hostel Jones. It’s central, inexpensive and run by two easy going locals who’ve decked out with unique art a traditional townhouse into what’s can easily be Malta’s best hostel slash modern gallery that you get to live in too!

About the author: Dieter Bulten is an avid writer/traveller or better still an avid traveller/writer with a passion for History, Beaches and Life

The post Top Three things to see in Malta – the jewel of the Mediterranean appeared first on Europe Explored.

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.

The post Two Malta Destinations to Visit on Your Historic Holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.