DISCOVER MALTA
Enjoying 300 days of sunshine a year, Malta packs glorious variety into its small archipelago. You’ll find prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, thrilling scuba diving and a history of remarkable intensity. The deep blue sea and traditional sandstone buildings provide a colourful setting for your stay. Yet it is so rich in culture and beaches that it makes amongst one of the favourite holiday destinations. Officially the Republic of Malta, consists of the main island of Malta and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino.
History of the Island
Since Neolithic times, for around eight thousand years, Malta has been habited and remains from that time can still be found on the island. Malta was later ruled by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs. The Normans then seized Malta in 1091. For a period, the Maltese islands also made part of the Kingdom of Sicily.
The Order of Knights of St John ruled the islands from 1530 -1798. In the time they were in Malta, they built what is still the capital city of Malta – Valletta. Of interest, is that the knights erected strong fortifications as a protective measure to the main cities around the Valletta region and the three cities. These fortifications can still be seen standing today, in all their glory. The Maltese gained their independence from the British in 1964. In May 2004, Malta became a member of the European Union.
These vast array of cultures and civilisations, together with the strategic point Malta has always held, has left the island as a preserved historical gem echoing times past with a historical site at every corner!
History of the Island
Since Neolithic times, for around eight thousand years, Malta has been habited and remains from that time can still be found on the island. Malta was later ruled by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs. The Normans then seized Malta in 1091. For a period, the Maltese islands also made part of the Kingdom of Sicily.
The Order of Knights of St John ruled the islands from 1530 -1798. In the time they were in Malta, they built what is still the capital city of Malta – Valletta. Of interest, is that the knights erected strong fortifications as a protective measure to the main cities around the Valletta region and the three cities. These fortifications can still be seen standing today, in all their glory. The Maltese gained their independence from the British in 1964. In May 2004, Malta became a member of the European Union.
These vast array of cultures and civilisations, together with the strategic point Malta has always held, has left the island as a preserved historical gem echoing times past with a historical site at every corner!
Experience a unique UNESCO World Heritage site
Founded in the 16th century by the Order of Saint John, Valletta, the capital city of Malta remains largely unchanged and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy the unique flare of the 2018 European Capital of Culture. Valletta has breathtaking cultural treasures on offer, including the St. John Co-Cathedral with the masterpiece “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio, the many museums and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John.
One can take the ferry from Cugó Gran Macina Isla to Valletta with regular trips every half an hour; it takes just 5 minutes and the ferry crossing offers fantastic scenery of the harbour.
You can then take a walking tour around the sights. We feel there is not better way to get to know Valletta than through an informative tour with licensed guides.
Take a step back in time at one of the Archaeological sites
The Maltese Islands are fortunate enough to have plenty of different temples and archaeological sites from various eras, including 7 unique megalithic temples! Malta boasts the one-of-a-kind, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground maze of chambers and has a choice of museums and sites that can arouse the curiosity of any history aficionado.
GASTRONOMY
Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons and the agricultural definition of the islands. Just to mention some of the dishes – Rabbit Stew, Bragioli, thin beef fillet wraps with various stuffings, and Widow’s soup, which includes a Gbejna; a type of goat cheese are in very high demand. Suggested snacks are Hobz biz–zejt, Maltese bread dipped in olive oil and rubbed with tomatoes and in some cases with a mix of tuna, onion and capers and also Pastizzi, which are flaky pockets of pastry filled with ricotta or peas. Aljotta is also a popular dish and can be described best as a fish soup, of which content can vary depending on the catch of the day. Octopus and squid are also very typical of Maltese gastronomy and are very often used to make stews and pasta dishes.
Wıne is part of the Maltese culture. International grape varieties grown on the Islands include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato. The indigenous varieties are Gellewza and Ghirghentina, which are producing some great wines that are rich and full of flavour.
If you are interested in Maltese gastronomy, we definitely recommend experiencing our in-house restaurant The Little Bastion. Our gastronomical concept takes on the vast history of the Maltese Islands and takes you on a culinary journey across the world.
WINE TASTING TOUR
The main wineries on the Maltese Islands organise guided tours and tastings. Depending on the season, tours cover the entire production from the initial fermentation through to the aging process. Some of the wineries also include wine history museums and opportunities to taste and buy a variety of vintages. Immerse yourself in the encompassing culture of Malta and enjoy the scrumptious luxuries that the country has to offer. The authenticity of the Maltese wines and the appetizing food are all within arms reach in the beautiful island of Malta. We suggest checking out tours organised by specialised local agents such as Merill Eco Tours.
Experience some of the best diving destinations in the world
Malta has been consistently voted one of the best diving destinations in the World. This is no surprise that divers flock to the islands from afar to explore the crystal clear water and array of underwater sites. With the possibility for anyone over the age of 10 to get a diving qualification, Malta is the ideal destination if you are looking to become a diver. Our suggestion is to look for a recognised diving school, such as Gozo Diving on the island of Gozo. And if you just want to take an easy dive or snorkel around the islands, there is an endless choice of areas, with depths ranging from 5 to 60 metres.
Embark on an unforgettable charter in crystal clear waters
A luxury boat day trip in the beautiful Maltese waters is like a journey through time, beautifully combining historical architecture, spectacular landscapes and cosmopolitan café culture.
The Riva Aquariva speedboat represents the pinnacle of Italian luxury and sophisticated design. Tailored charters are available for up to five guests, ranging from luxurious harbour cruises to unforgettable corporate, wedding, and engagement events. With convenient boarding from the pontoon in the Grand Harbour, accessible from Cugó Gran Macina you can explore the sister islands of Gozo and Comino on a full-day charter, taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the blue lagoon and venturing into the captivating caves of Comino Island before enjoying a delightful lunch on the shore.
The charters are run by our sister company, Von der Heyden Yachting and if you want to book the Riva speedboat or for further details you contact our concierge.
NATURE & BEACHES
Malta may be small, but it will never cease to amaze you! Sheer cliffs made of layer upon layer of sedimentary rock rise majestically from the seas, especially on the western side of both Malta and Gozo. The latter is characterised by flat-topped hills and green valleys, which are covered in multi-coloured wild flowers in spring.
In Malta there are many natural attractions to visit. The Fungus rock and Inland Sea are two natural wonders located within a few metres from each other in Dwejra on Gozo and they are definitely to be added on your must-see list. These were created by gushing torrential waters flowing down the valley to form a powerful whirlpool, which finally met the sea through a weakness in the rock that formed a cave tunnel and ended up being a place of spectacular beauty. There are also caves and grottos with interesting rock formations to discover.
The natural attractions on the Maltese Islands are not found only above ground but also continue underwater. Snorkelers and divers can find some of the most bizarre landscapes of the Mediterranean in the sea surrounding Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Malta is surrounded by the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea and most areas on the island are safe for swimming. Sandy beaches are in the North and are extremely popular, especially on the weekends when Maltese families go down early in the morning and stay till after sunset. Kiosks on the beach sell cold drinks, snacks and ice cream and there are water sports on offer like sailing, waterskiing, canoeing and paragliding.
With sparkling light blue seas clear as crystal rippling gently on a bed of thick white sand and surrounded by a scattering of islands on all sides, the Blue Lagoon in Comino is also extraordinary in its beauty and a highly recommended site to visit!
CUGÓ GRAN MACINA MALTA
