Malta - Offbeat in Europe

Tripoto

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily, Italy and the North African coast. It's an island known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C.

The Maltese language is derived from Arabic mixed with Italian. Under the scorching sunshine, Malta's palm-tree fringed landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports, and old fishing villages.

Valletta

Photo of Malta - Offbeat in Europe 1/3 by Prahlad Raj

Valletta is the capital of the island nation of Malta. A harbour city, Valletta preserves much of its 16th century architectural heritage built under the Hospitallers. The small city is bounded by two harbours.

Sights in Valletta include St. John's Co-Cathedral, Grand Master Palace, Upper Barracca Gardens, Museum of Archeology.

Explore the Three Cities - Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua.

Island of Gozo

Gozo Island is the most idyllic destination of the Maltese Islands. With its quaint pastoral landscape, quiet towns, and pristine beaches, this little island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation while still discovering cultural attractions.

Take a 30 minute ferry from Cirkewwa Ferry terminal in the north to reach this island.

Island of Comino

Photo of Malta - Offbeat in Europe 2/3 by Prahlad Raj

An amazing nature site, the Blue Lagoon is a mesmerizing scene of crystal-clear turquoise waters. It has a South Pacific quality with the waters lapping over a white-sand seabed. This expansive lagoon gives the impression of being a giant swimming pool because its waters are so calm.

Hypogeum

This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is an underground Neolithic cult site that was discovered in 1902. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a complex of catacombs that were carved out of rock with stone tools. The interconnected chambers include passages and stairways on three levels. In this underground labyrinth, prehistoric man performed religious burial rituals and consulted oracles.

Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples is the largest and best-preserved prehistoric cult site in Malta, consisting of four megalithic structures. It displays the artistic achievements of Malta's mysterious prehistoric culture during the "Temple Period" (Late Neolithic Period) between 3600 BC and 2500 BC.

Mdina

Mdina offers an escape to an enchanting fairy-tale city. This captivating medieval hilltop town is steeped in history. You must pass through the dramatic Main Gate to enter the city, giving the impression of walking back in time.

Explore Cathedral of St. Paul, Palazzo Santa Sofia, Palazzo Vilhena, Palazzo Falson.

Dingli Cliffs

Photo of Malta - Offbeat in Europe 3/3 by Prahlad Raj

The sheer 250-meter Dingli Cliffs drop off dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea, and the sloping hillsides are fertile land used by small farms. The highlight of Dingli Cliffs is the viewpoint that offers breathtaking seaside panoramas.

Best Time to Visit Malta

April - October

Malta is just a few hours' flying time from most mainland European cities and has excellent intercontinental connections. The national airline, Air Malta, operates flights to and from all the major airports in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

To customize your Malta trip, connect with Astral Trips on

+91 98333 74563.

Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-

Europe tour packages for couples, best Europe packages, European tour packages with airfare, European cruise packages, guided tours of Europe, Europe group tour packages, holiday destinations Europe