Feel nurtured in nature
Nature lovers will find plenty to swoon over in Malta. Only one-fifth of the archipelago’s three islands is urbanised, so there is plenty of wild beauty to explore. Among the most memorable hikes is the Xemxija Heritage Trail, which follows a Roman road past dozens of ancient sites including Neolithic temples, Punic tombs and Roman baths — not to mention a 1000-year-old carob tree.
Or hop on a ferry to the tranquil island of Gozo, where life unfolds at a leisurely pace and where hilltop villages such as Xewkija, Xaghra and Xlendi look like they have been lifted straight out of North Africa.
Feed your soul
Malta’s food is an attraction of its own. Maltese cuisine is a blend of Italian and Arabic flavours, with fresh seafood naturally featuring heavily. Other local favourites include rabbit (yes, it’s delicious) and dishes such as bragioli, or beef in red wine.
Twenty restaurants are listed in the local Michelin guide, including the two-starred ION Harbour, helmed by acclaimed British chef Simon Rogan, and half-a-dozen one-stars including Rosami, De Mondion and Under Grain.
And don’t forget to try the local wines. The Phoenicians were the first to plant vines here 3000 years ago, and today’s winemakers are rediscovering native varieties. Girgentina, a delicate, fruity white, is often blended with chardonnay; Gellewza is used to make light reds, including sparkling wines.
Go whenever suits you
Getting to Malta is surprisingly simple, with Emirates offering one-stop flights. Another bonus for Australian travellers: English, along with Malti (Maltese), is the official language of Malta. The British were the last foreign power to rule the country before independence in 1964, and Malta is still a member of the British Commonwealth.
So just one question remains: what is the best time to go? And the answer is, whenever you like. With 300 days of sunshine a year, warm summers and mild winters, Malta is a true year-round destination. Smart travellers skip the bustling summer and choose either a shoulder season — the masses of wildflowers make spring particularly inviting — or head here for an end-of-year break, when comfortable temperatures in the high teens are perfect for exploring.
Fly to Malta with Emirates and plan the Mediterranean trip of your dreams at VisitMalta.com.
Source Agencies
