Relive Mediterranean magic in Malta!

Though tiny, with a total area of just 300 sq km and having a population of less than half a million, Malta has held high importance for strategists from ages, from the Phoenicians to the Romans to Napoleon to the British. In fact, its location has been a topic since the mythical times, because it is to this place that the lost island of Atlantis is attributed.

Being located at the tip of Italy, it is within arm’s length of Africa. This is what has made it such a tempting proposition to invaders and travelers alike since the early ages. It is also very closely located to Alexandria in Egypt, which was an important location in the Middle Ages, and to Gibraltar, which made it easy for English to spread here.

All these cultures have left behind a great legacy. Malta is today home to many world heritage sites. Perhaps the most important of these is the Ggantija, believed to be the world’s oldest existing man-made freestanding structure. Another one is the Mnajadra Temple complex.

Coming to the present, Malta has many attractions for the tourist. Among them, the prime ones are Valletta Waterfront; St. John’s Co-Cathedral; Mosta Dome; many catacombs; the famous cave church of Mellieha, in which it is believed St. Luke left behind a picture of Madonna; Zejtun City Centre; St. Paul’s Cathedral and several government structures.

Malta is also famous for its rich art heritage. If one artist is credited with placing art in Malta on a high pedestal, it is Caravaggio, one of the greatest painters of the medieval times. This Italian painter stayed in Malta for a while during his escape from Italian authorities on charge of murder. It was here that he came up with some of his most famous paintings.

Malta is also a preferred medical tourism centre for people from places nearby and afar. Most people seeking healthcare are from Europe and South and North America. Its salubrious Mediterranean climate and sound healthcare infrastructure are some of the reasons cited for this popularity.