Experience and Enjoy Malta Travel Malta has been dubbed the jewel of the Mediterranean with its location making it a real microcosm of cultures. There is no doubt that Malta’s heritage is derived from hints of African, European, and Middle Eastern cultural influences. Such fusion of cultures is what makes Malta unique, together with its geographical location and stunning landscapes. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of Malta and everything that is Maltese. If you want to really discover Malta, you have to go and experience it, to bask in the Maltese atmosphere and make a judgment for yourself. About Malta There are quite a few differing explanations as to where the word “Malta” originated. A number of linguistic scholars explained that old Greeks called the islands “Meli” meaning honey, mainly because of the endemic species of honeybees that thrive in the region. Other experts said that the country’s name is derived from the word “Maleth”, the Phoenician word for “haven” in reference for the islands’ beautiful coves and bays. Malta is an archipelago nation consisting of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. Although it covers only 300 square kilometers of land, Malta is one of the world’s smallest countries but as an archipelago is also one of the most densely populated. The nation’s location in the Mediterranean made Malta strategically important and as such, triggered the advent of a culture cascade. Quests for supremacy in the Mediterranean and subsequently in Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East prompted powerful civilizations to conquer Malta. Such powers include the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Fatimids, Sicilians, Knights of St John, French and the British Empire. Each of the islands has it’s own trove of hidden nooks and crannies that greatly appeal to the wandering soul. Each island boasts of stories past that are well documented and preserved in its stones and centuries-old architecture. The very arid and unassuming Maltese terrains of each island offer the wild and young at heart a true haven, a place to roam and really enjoy life’s simplicities, an idyll where one can just leave the complexities of modern life behind. Things to Do in Malta Malta experienced a constant change of rulers and influx of cultures and beliefs, making it a boiling pot of different heritages. This is never more evident than in the islands prevailing architecture. The Megalithic Temples, which are declared as some of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, are a present reminder of the long evolution process the human race went through to become what it has become today. The Megalithic Temples are scattered throughout the islands exploring them is a must for all those who choose Malta as their holiday destination. Legends have it that giants built the temples to serve as their towers and despite being built on different locations, all Megalithic Temples share common architectural traits. Malta is also blessed with beautiful coves, beaches and dive sites around its coasts making it a difficult choice for a visitor to chose just one. The Maltese shoreline is generally safe for experienced scuba divers, snorkeling and boating enthusiasts. There are hundreds of scuba and boating shops located on the beaches of Malta and all of which are certified to provide quality and reliable services guaranteed to make you fall in love with the Maltese waters. Malta also offers inland adventure. The parched and rocky Maltese terrain provides visitors with a chance to experience off road driving at its finest. The thrill of navigating and conquering the dirt roads, gravel paths and lush grasslands aboard a 4x4 vehicle, especially one that does not belong to you, should certainly not be missed. Dining and Wining in Malta Maltese cuisine is generally influenced by the Sicilian culture, meaning dining in Maltese style equates to feasting on seasonally available produce and seafood. Owing to its mixed history influences, of Spanish, Moorish and British cuisines are present in the modern Maltese cooking. Here are some the best of what Maltese cuisine has to offer: Soppa (soup) • Thick Vegetable soup (Minestra) • Broad Bean & Pasta Soup (Kusksu) • Kawlata (Pork and cabbage soup) Ghagin u Ross (Pasta and rice) • Mqarrun il-Forn (Baked macaroni) • Ross il-Forn (Baked rice) • Ghagin bl-Incova (Pasta with Anchovy Sauce) Laham (Meat) • Fenek (Rabbit) • Laham taz-ziemel (Horse or stallion meat) • Laham fuq il-fwar (Steamed Meat) • Ghagin Grieg (Pasta "beads" with minced pork and cheese) Beverages (Xorb) • Gulepp tal-Harrub (Carob Syrup) • Mbuljuta (Chestnut and Cocoa Drink) • Ruggata (Orzata) There are various world-class restaurants in Malta. Some of the best places to try the gastronomical offerings of Malta include Gozitan Traditional Food, The Avenue, and Surf Side. Where to Stay In Malta Hotel & Spa Le Meridien St. Julians The highly renowned Le Meridien St. Julians boasts an impressive 276 well-appointed rooms and suites with balconies, treating guests to the stunning vista over Mediterranean fields in a terraced schemes. The provision of world class service and amenities means it comes as no surprise that this establishment is largely considered as one of, if not the, best of all Malta hotels. Visit the Scirocco Restaurant offering the best of local as well as international cuisine. Selmun Palace Hotel The Selmum Palace Hotel, one of the highly rated Malta hotels, flaunts an 18th century castle as its main feature. An iconic landmark of the northern island, this hotel is set within extensively designed gardens covering three hectares. All rooms have a balcony which providing guests with amazing sceneries during day light and a romantic setting for couples and lovers at night. The amenities and service are topnotch whilst the staff are very friendly and always willing to provide their guests with everything they might need or want. The very beautiful village of Mellieha is just three kilometers from the hotel and guests can go there for a fun-filled day. There is a shuttle that travels between the hotel and village but to get the most from the beautiful views walking is highly recommended. Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay Easily one of the most well known Maltese hotels, the Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay is a marvel of architecture that sits well with the beauty of Malta. Sitting on virtually its own island, surrounded by the Mediterranean, Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay parades a radical approach in terms of design - the whole hotel is built around a network of cascading pools. They say one must not judge the book by it cover but one look at its magnificent exterior can only conjure up images of how wonderful it must be from the inside.