Malta is a south European archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 80 kilometers from Sicily, Italy, it consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers.
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture. Comino, the smallest of the trio, has one hotel and is largely uninhabited.
It’s just a few hours’ flying time from most mainland European cities to Malta, for the traveler from Sicily, its a nice option to catch the ferry.
Local Transport
The small size of the Maltese Islands makes getting around easy and hassle-free. The public bus service on Malta and Gozo is a good way to get around as buses serve the major tourist areas, go practically everywhere and are inexpensive and efficient.
Renting a car can help the traveler to get to the farther reaches of the island, all the road signs are in English and driving is on the left. A regular service links Malta to Gozo, taking about 20 minutes each way, there are also regular boat services between each island and Comino.
Weather
The weather in Malta is one of the major reasons for a million tourist visit the Maltese islands, and for good reason.
Summer weather is great for those looking for a beach and sun holiday and winters are mild, with relatively high temperatures and still a relatively high amount of daily sunshine hours for those looking to escape the dark, sub-zero winter months back home.
Gozo
The Ggantija Temples are two prehistoric temples on Gozo, the second-largest island in Malta. One of them is the oldest stone structure in the world, it is estimated to be 5,800 years old (built between 3600 and 3000 BC), and predating Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids by hundreds of years. Round in shape and containing statues of full-figured goddesses, the Ggantija temples were dedicated to the Great Earth Mother and probably included an oracle. The site was a place of pilgrimage for the ancient inhabitants of Malta.
Comino
Situated between Malta and Gozo, the smaller island of Comino is a paradise for snorkelers, divers, windsurfers and ramblers.
Only 3.5 square kilometers, Comino is car-free and apart from one hotel, is virtually uninhabited.
The island’s main attraction is the Blue Lagoon. In summer, this sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water over white sand is very popular with day-trippers. Other beaches on the island include Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.
Comino is also worth a visit in winter and is ideal for walkers and photographers. With no urban areas or cars on the island, one can easily smell the scent of wild thyme and other herbs.
Maltese Food
Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many civilizations who occupied the Maltese Islands over the centuries. This marriage of tastes has given Malta an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking. Although the restaurant scene is a mix of specialty restaurants, there are many eateries that offer or specialize in local fare, serving their own versions of specialties.
Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons. Look out for Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew, Bragioli (beef olives), Kapunata, (Maltese version of ratatouille), and widow’s soup, which includes a small round of Gbejniet (sheep or goat’s cheese).
・The Official Tourism Site for Malta, Gozo and Comino: Visit Malta
・Triplisher.com recommend trip: Explore Malta
Article: Visitmalta, Sacred Destinations