KNIGHTLY ROMANCE AND TOP-CLASS RESTAURANTS. MALTA IS A LITTLE GEM WHEN
IT COMES TO HISTORY, CULTURE AND FOOD. THE SUN AND THE SEA ARE OF COURSE A BONUS.

MALTA IS A small country – which offers its many experiences. Nowhere else will you find so many cultural gems in one place. The food culture is also as colorful as the country's history, it is a melting pot of cuisines from different countries that has resulted in exciting taste experiences. And of course, it doesn't matter that you wake up every morning to a new day with sun and an inviting morning swim in the azure blue sea.
Malta has a dramatic history. Located in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, this small island kingdom has been subjected to constant attacks and has been ruled by countless lords: Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French, English… No other country is as associated with knights as Malta – the imagination is tickled when you try to imagine what it was like when the Order of Malta ruled here.

The famous Grandmaster's Palace in the capital Valletta is therefore a must-see, as it was here that the Knights of Malta once resided. Otherwise, St. John's Co-Cathedral one of Valletta's most popular attractions. The cathedral is a superb example of Baroque architecture and is dedicated to the prophet John the Baptist. This is a real gem for art lovers, here you can see Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of John the Baptist", which the artist painted here in Malta. An absolute must outside Valletta's city limits is the underground temple Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, at Paola, which is located in eastern Malta. The temple is considered one of the world's best preserved buildings from prehistoric times and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The palace was discovered by chance in 1902, and when archaeologists gained access to the area, a three-story temple and various labyrinths were revealed. If you can't make it there, you can see many of the objects found in the temple at the National Museum in Valletta, including here ”"The Sleeping Lady"”, as one
means represents a fertility goddess. Malta's well-preserved buildings and environments from different time periods have made Malta a filming location for blockbuster films and television series such as Gladiator, Troy and Game of Thrones. A good way to experience Malta is with guided walking tours on the theme of food and drink.

MALTA IN BRIEF
Malta consists of several islands, the three largest of which are Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Currency: Euro.
Language Maltese and English, almost everyone speaks English.
Electricity: The electrical sockets are British type with three pins, so an adapter is required.
Best time to go: You can travel to Malta all year round and the high season is long, it is usually summer heat from April to November.
Number of sunny days per year: 300.

This way, you can immerse yourself in local history and culture while sampling delicious regional specialties: lamb puki pie with fish, the national dish fenkata made with rabbit, the stew stuffed tal qarnit with squid, bragioli which is a kind of meat roulade and pastizzih – the delicious deep-fried dough dumplings with various fillings. Other Maltese specialties are goat cheese, Maltese honey and bigilla – a thick mixture of broad beans and garlic. Another surefire tip for the culinary enthusiast is to visit a winery. And if you are in Malta on a Sunday – don’t miss the fish market in Marsaxlokk. Or the amazing cakes at the Fontanella Tea Garden in Mdina, Malta’s old capital. Here you will also enjoy a fantastic view of the city. Don’t forget to wander around the city’s beautiful alleys – this is a city with a history that can be traced back more than 4,000 years.

ONE OF MALTA'S SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS IS ITS
FESTIVALS
During the summer months, the towns are filled with music, food and fireworks at the so-called Village Festas. There are also wine festivals and various music festivals. If you visit Malta in the autumn, you should take
Take advantage of the opportunity and visit the Birgu Light Festival. The entire city is lit up and filled with candles, music and delicious food.

FINALLY: Malta consists of several islands, of which Malta, Gozo and Comino are the three largest. A scenic tip is the Blue Lagoon on Camino, which is famous for its both turquoise and crystal clear waters.

EVENTS IN MALTA IN AUTUMN & WINTER
The Three Palaces
Various unique performances that reflect Malta's identity – in some of Malta's finest palaces. October 31 – November 5.

Opera: Apollo et Hyacinthus is an opera by Mozart – written when he was only 11 years old. November 10 – 11.

Concert: The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra presents the Christmas concert "Joseph Calleja Christmas Special" with Andrea Bocelli as special guest. November 25.

Fairyland - Santa's City is a Mediterranean-style Christmas market that takes place in Piazza Tritoni in Valletta.

Valletta International Baroque Festival is a unique event featuring some of the best baroque ensembles the world has to offer. It also takes place in one of the world's oldest theaters: the Teatru Manoel. January 11 – 28, 2024.