Valletta, Malta - If a holiday in Malta hasn’t already made it onto your bucket list, it may well soon, considering all that this tiny gem in the middle of the Mediterranean has to offer.
The area has long been a holiday hotspot for the British, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year; but what really sets it apart from other sun-and-sea destinations is the fusion of past and present that provides visitors with a fascinating juxtaposition of its ancient legacy and modern lifestyle.
“The appealing climate, incredible beauty and fascinating culture of Malta make this European archipelago interesting both for tourists and for those looking to establish an offshore residence with a view to gaining EU rights that allow for easier travel anywhere in the world,” explains Sandra Woest, the Senior Manager of Henley & Partners South Africa, which ranks Malta as one of the most appealing countries to acquire residence or citizenship rights.
Malta has visa-free access to 168 countries out of a possible 218, and is ranked 9th on the 2016 Index.
“The property market in Malta is buoyant, showing steady growth at an average five percent per annum over the past few years,” Woest continues. “It’s a trend not seen in all countries in Europe.” In addition, Malta was named one of the world’s top 10.
Made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino, the Maltese islands are located in the central Mediterranean south of Sicily, and have since as far back as 5000 BC been home to, among others, the Romans, Sicilians, French and most recently the British, with a kaleidoscope of cultural influences evident throughout the islands.
Only 316 km2, this tiny archipelago is packed with treasures – magnificent ancient sites, palaces, medieval hilltop cities and pristine beaches.
If you’re in Malta strictly for the sun, sea, food and nightlife, you won’t be disappointed as all are plentiful. Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay and St George’s Bay are just three of the myriad of beaches on offer and Blue Lagoon on the smaller island of Comino is perfect for a day trip. It’s especially great for diving, snorkelling and windsurfing – it’s also a former hideout for pirates!
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If you want to take in some shopping, walking and sampling of the local cuisine in the many eateries, then head to the harbour town of Sliema, where you can also enjoy a cruise around the Grand Harbour. Make sure you visit Mdina, the medieval walled city in the centre of the island, and take a trip to Marsaxlokk, a beautiful fishing resort.
History lovers will be hard-pressed when it comes to deciding what to see first as the islands have been likened to an ‘open-air museum.’ A good place to start is the Megalithic Temples of Malta, 11 prehistoric monuments said to be among the oldest free-standing structures on earth - seven of the monuments are World Heritage sites.
Another one to try is the Hypogeum (also a World Heritage site), which is believed to be the oldest prehistoric underground temple in the world. Don’t miss St John’s Cathedral, Malta’s most impressive church, which dates back to the 16th century.
Adapted from a press release for IOL