Malta, often referred to as The Hidden Gem of the Mediterranean, is just now being discovered by North American tourists. In fact, this past year the island has experienced a dramatic increase in tourism from the US. Perhaps it’s the promise of idyllic shores or maybe it’s due to the diverse range of attractions, whatever the reason Malta has appeared on more than 20 top “Places to Go” lists.
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, part of an archipelago alongside the islands of Gozo and Comino, Malta truly is a destination unlike any other. Part of Malta’s appeal to Americans is that English is one of the official languages. The island also is a safe, peaceful, and stable EU democracy and offers better value than many other European countries.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure…or something in between, Malta is bound to pique your interest. Spend your days basking in the sunny weather, taking romantic strolls along the coast, experiencing the thriving nightlife, taking part in the rich calendar of events, visiting famous film locations from Game of Thrones and Gladiator, and exploring Popeye’s Village.
Foodies from near and far also come to savor the island’s unique culinary offerings — the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many civilizations who occupied the Maltese Islands over the centuries. This fusion of flavors has given Malta an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking, which can be enjoyed in the island’s many restaurants. History buffs are also in their element as they can delve back 7000 years into the past. Malta is home to a remarkable concentration of intact heritage sites — including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Perhaps one of the most impressive is the city of Valletta, Malta’s capital. The City, which just finished a year-long celebration as the European Capital of Culture for 2018, was built by the proud Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565. Home to hundreds of monuments, all within a relatively small space, Valletta boasts one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Discover the oldest free-standing stone architecture on the planet, one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and a rich mix of domestic, religious, and military architecture from the ancient, medieval, and early modern periods.
Find out for yourself why Malta is considered the Hidden Gem of the Mediterranean.
Plan your island getaway at visitmalta.com.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MALTA’S 2019 FESTIVALS AND ANNUAL EVENTS
- Valletta International Baroque Festival -Jan 11-25
- Malta International Fireworks Festival- April 27
- Valletta Film Festival- June 14-23
- Malta International Arts Festival- June 29- July 13
- Isle of MTV- July 9 Malta Jazz Festival- July 15-20
- Summer Carnival- August 16-18
- Notte Bianca- October 5
- Birgufest- October 11-13
For a full calendar of all Maltese events and festivals, please visit visitmalta.com/en/featured-events.
