Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast.
It’s a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British.
It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples, and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C. As well as being famous for its diving, architectural sites, and festivals, Malta is also a popular film location in its own right.
Malta’s dramatic cliffs, stunning landscapes, and ancient buildings make it the perfect backdrop for many feature films and TV shows, particularly those aiming for an antiquated feel. Let’s take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in Malta;
1. Mellieha Bay
Mellieha Bay is Malta’s largest, and most popularly visited beach, and is located in the North of the main island, on the outskirts of the village of Mellieħa. The beach is also known as Għadira Bay roughly 800m long and was awarded Blue Flag status. The area around the bay is the location of some of the best Mellieha Hotels and is known as a prime holiday location in Malta. With a gentle slope towards deeper waters, Mellieħa Bay is a great beach for swimming with the family. Plenty of facilities are available around the edge of the beach and various water sports.
2. The Citadella
The Cittadella, also known as the Castello, is the citadel of Victoria on the island of Gozo, Malta. The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and the site now occupied by the Cittadella is believed to have been the acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos or Glauconis Civitas. Built-in medieval times, this grand hilltop fortress features a museum, cathedral & scenic views.
3. Hypogeum
The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is a Neolithic subterranean structure dating to the Saflieni phase in Maltese prehistory, located in Paola, Malta. It is often simply referred to as the Hypogeum, literally meaning “underground” in Greek. Derived from the two Greek terms of hypo and Gaia, it literally means “under the earth.” It was added to the Colosseum some years after its initial construction, by Emperor Domitian. Its primary function was as a holding area for slaves and animals used in the gladiatorial games.
4. Blue Lagoon Bay
The Blue Lagoon, Malta, located on the island of Comino, is one of Malta’s not-so-hidden gems. It is a bucket-list location known for its crystal clear turquoise blue waters and jagged cliffs, and it is a perfect location not only for swimming but also for heavenly photography hikes. The location is so beautiful and it is Malta’s smallest inhabited island. Its small number of mostly farmer inhabitants make it a perfectly peaceful destination and a beautiful place to explore or enjoy a sunny beach day away from the crowds.
5. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a small, traditional fishing village in the South Eastern Region of Malta. It has a harbor and is a tourist attraction known for its views, fishermen, and history. As of March
2014, the village had a population of 3,534. It is home to one of Malta’s football teams, Marsaxlokk Football Club.
