Europe Explored » Tarxien temples 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 Top Three things to see in Malta – the jewel of the Mediterranean https://europeexplored.com/2013/06/02/top-three-things-to-see-in-malta-the-jewel-of-the-mediterranean/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/06/02/top-three-things-to-see-in-malta-the-jewel-of-the-mediterranean/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2013 11:20:50 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14986 Malta the jewel of the Mediterranean is tiny, just some 120 square miles. Surprisingly in this tiny area you can find everything from prehistoric temples to incredible beaches, nightclubs to fortified medieval cities and everything in between! It’s been conquered by nearly every power which ever ruled the Mediterranean and each civilization has left its mark on its shores. […]

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Malta the jewel of the Mediterranean is tiny, just some 120 square miles. Surprisingly in this tiny area you can find everything from prehistoric temples to incredible beaches, nightclubs to fortified medieval cities and everything in between! It’s been conquered by nearly every power which ever ruled the Mediterranean and each civilization has left its mark on its shores.

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
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
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
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

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