Things to do around Malta

The island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea has been an enduringly popular holiday destination for many years now. Combining the sun, sea and sand of other summer destinations with a rich historic heritage and a generally slower pace of life, Malta is a compelling alternative for holidaymakers weary of the noise and bustle of some of the larger resorts in Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Although the island is only a little over 121 square miles in area, it is packed full of spectacular scenery and interesting diversions for those looking for something a little different.



The beach is the first port of call for many first-time visitors to Malta. Although the island is blessed with stretches of sandy beaches, for the most part it is cliffs and rocky shores that dominate its coastline. Thankfully for the sun worshippers, the island’s northern coast is home to a number of fine sandy beaches including Ghadira Bay. This sizeable beach is ideal for sunbathing as well as swimming, with shallow waters extending out for quite a way into the sea. Ghadira Bay is also dotted with restaurants, bars and cafes making it possible to stay constantly refreshed.

Ghadira Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha and the Golden Sands at Mgarr on the island’s west coast are also the best places to partake in many of the activity sports that Malta is becoming increasingly popular for. Pedalos are a common sight in the shallows and are ideal for those who aren’t out to do anything too strenuous. More adventurous holiday makers can go parasailing for a somewhat more high-octane experience, as well as bodyboarding, scuba diving and a variety of other watersports.



Malta has had a long and eventful history which has left its mark on the look and feel of the modern nation. For hundreds of years, it was a maritime crossroads between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and the island today shows clear traces of all these influences. From Roman ruins to medieval fortresses and Ottoman mosques, Malta is a history of the rest of the continent in microcosm.



The island is also home to historical sites that predate even the Romans; Malta boasts dozens of prehistoric sites dating back to the Neolithic period over five thousand years ago. The temples at Tarxien are a large megalithic complex dating back to 3,000 BC where hundreds of prehistoric artefacts have been found. Going even further back, the Ghar Dalam Cave near Birzebbugia contains a wealth of remains form prehistoric animals and is well worth a visit.



Because of the island’s tiny size, all sites of interest tend to be easy to reach – sometimes just a short walk from your hotel in Malta, as in the case of the Golden Sands beach, meaning that you can spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the delights Malta has to offer.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.