You will find this archipelago about a hundred clicks south of Sicily. It makes up for its diminutive size by boasting an unusually high population density. Slap bang in the middle of the sea, the little land has been ruled by all and sundry over time.
In fact, this goes back at least 5,500 years, judging by the ‘Ġgantija’ or Neolithic temples on the island, some of the oldest manmade structures on the globe.
Not quite as old but certainly classic, the busses in Malta and Gozo are an attraction in their own right. The bright colours, customisations and even on board shrines make them unique. A ride on the Melita Train is perfect for sightseeing.
Some towns have horse drawn carts for a taste of old school transport. Malta is an archipelago after all, hop on a cruise boat and explore the inlays while stopping for the odd snorkel. Scuba diving schools will gear you up and get you in the water for a proper underwater visit. If you prefer to be above the water, try your hand at windsurfing.
Getting on with the locals is easy. Mix some Sicilian dialect, a little Italian, a bit of French and you get Maltese, the official language of the country. That said, nearly every citizen can speak English.
When your tummy starts grumbling, rabbit, called ‘fenkata’ is a dish worth trying and the vegetarians can sample ‘pastizzi’ filled with ricotta or peas.
Warm up that elbow, you will be throwing some Euros around.
