Malta as a tourist destination is unparalleled. This fine resort is historic and tourists love visiting the island nation for its calm and relaxed beaches to sunbathe, swim, dive, and snorkel among other things. Malta has a history of over 7,00o years.
Sights and To-Dos
For historians, Malta has a rather large number of museums depicting the various aspects of the seven thousand years of history. National Archaeological Museum in Auberge de Province houses a wonderful collection of ancient gemstones and books from Tarxien Temple. The museum also has a scaled down model of the Hypogeum, the fat ladies of the Neolithic temples, and the Venus of Malta along with the Sleeping Lady.
National Museum of Fine Arts has an excellent collection of furniture and paintings dating back to the 14th century. The National War Museum houses the George Cross conferred on Malta in 1942 and a gladiator warplane from the WWII.
Africa may be famous for wildlife safaris that are the best in the world, but there is no better underwater safari than Malta. Tourists are taken through the sea in boats having glass bottoms through which they can see the underwater life, and also marvel at the clear waters with a beautiful shade of blue.
The megalith, Spinola Bay, Qawra Tower, and the fishing harbour are among other prominent tourist spots. Wignacourt Tower was constructed in 1610 to defend the island and is another tourist attraction. The Grand Harbour is also the largest European harbour.
The Seige Bell Monument is a huge bell that is the largest bell on the island and was setup in 1992 when George Cross was awarded to Malta. Grand Master’s Palace was from where the Knights ruled over the land for over 200 years. Attraction in the palace is the armoury where tourists can see a variety of weapons and armour.
With its 7,000 years of history, Malta must definitely have its share of World Heritage Sights. The Seven Megalithic Temples in Malta and Gozo are a must see. The temples of Ggantija in Gozo are a spectacle and tourists marvel at the Bronze Age structures. There are 365 churches and chapels sprinkled throughout the island.
The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a pretty impressive underground sanctuary discovered in 1902. There are several layers of burial chambers and to preserve them, only 10 people an hour are allowed inside.
Scuba diving, sailing, yachting, paragliding, water skiing, and windsurfing are highly popular activities to try out. Watching horse racing is also a popular pastime with the people. Golf, bowling, and tennis are popular too, so tourists can enjoy a variety of sports at their convenience and leisure.
Food
Helwa tat-Tork is a must try item. This is made with crushed almonds in sugary syrup and highly relished. For some strange eating, try octopus stew, rabbit stew with wine, or some dish made from squids.
Crisp bread rubbed with tomatoes and served with onion, cheese, and anchovies, dipped in olive oil is a true Maltese traditional delight. Bigilla, hot pastizzi, and zalzett are other food items relished by the people of Malta and savoured by tourists.
Shopping
Shopping options are plentiful in Malta, and probably the best Maltese souvenir one can take home is Gozo glass. Tourists can also head to Valletta for a wider selection of gift shops and fashion stores. Leather goods, palm work, cane work, and Maltese wine are among other highly popular take home items.
Facts
