Atkinson - Lonely Planet Malta & Gozo

Malta is staunchly Roman Catholic but is also home to a beguiling mix of cultures. Traditional Maltese food mixes Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavours, while making use of local ingredients such as rabbit and honey. The Maltese people are warm and welcoming: if you ask for directions, its likely a local will walk with you to help you find the way. Plenty of 21st-century sophistication can be found, but there are also pockets where you feel like youve gone back in time, especially on Gozo, where huge churches tower over quiet villages.

Mysterious Ancients

Malta and Gozos astounding prehistoric sites were constructed by sophisticated-seeming temple builders, who also left miniature figurines and mammoth sculptures of fat ladies, which have survived millennia and are housed in Maltas fascinating museums. Gigantic temples and towers from many different eras stand proud. The most extraordinary site of all lies underground: Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 5000-year-old necropolis carved from the living rock. Elsewhere throughout the islands, smaller prehistoric sites are more subtle in their impact across the centuries, but still provide profound insight into civilisations legacy.

| KAVALENKAVA / SHUTTERSTOCK

By Brett Atkinson, Writer

Malta is the Mediterraneans most surprising destination. I love exploring the Knights of St Johns improbable historic fortress of Valletta, but also discovering the citys cosmopolitan restaurants, bars and galleries. Maltas coastline conceals coves perfect for swimming, and after an afternoon at the beach I look forward to meals packed with the influence of Maltas history and geography. Across on Gozo, massive churches rise from sun-caressed landscapes, and I like hiking clifftop paths past historical monuments to concealed bays. All this and more, an easy day trip from anywhere in the country.

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is a remarkable place. Only 1km by 600m, with every street leading to the sea, the walled fortress city contains a harmonious ensemble of 16th- and 17th-century townhouses fronted by traditional Maltese balconies. The last few years have seen Valletta bloom, with exciting restaurants, renovated buildings and an emerging nightlife scene. New galleries, museums and art spaces have boosted Vallettas cultural credibility, and youll sense the excitement immediately as you walk through Renzo Pianos striking City Gate and view his cutting-edge Parliament Building and Opera House just beyond.