Malta Our Home Country | The Mediterranean Diamond
Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Wandering Beyond
Merħba Malta! – Welcome to Malta!
Malta, the Mediterranean Diamond, is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea under Sicily. Since both of us are locals on this tiny Island, we’ll take you through the Maltese Islands through our eyes.
Malta is well known for its popular tourist destination and its warm climate. Even though this is a small island with a population of around 500,000, it has served as a location for major film productions and is home to the oldest temples in the world.
One should visit Malta for many reasons.
6 Interesting facts about Malta
1. The National Language Of Malta Is Maltese
It’s a Semitic origin language written in the Latin script. Don’t worry; if you visit Malta, you’ll find it very easy to communicate as most people are trilingual and can speak English and Italian fluently.
2. As Locals, A Lot Of Foreigners Ask Us Question Over and Over
Do you know all the other Maltese people on the island? In reality, this question is exaggerated. No, we don’t know everyone on the island. However, gossip for Maltese people is very common, so words do spread too quickly.
3. In Malta, You’ll Find Over 350 Churches
You can say there’s a church in every town and every village on the island, with some having more than one.
4. Every Maltese Village Has At Least One Patron Saint
This means there are about 60 annual festas in Malta, primarily celebrated in the Summer. Some of these feasts have even become national holidays. And yes, if you’re wondering, most Maltese people love the festas so much that they’ll be eagerly waiting for their town feast from a lot before.
5. Malta Is Densely Populated
Malta is the most densely populated country in the EU and one of the most densely populated countries globally, with about 1,265 inhabitants per square kilometre.
6. In Malta, There Are No Mountains, Lakes, Rivers Or Forests
Sadly enough, on this island, you only find the Mediterranean Sea. Lack of nature is one of the main reasons we choose the travel lifestyle.
Unfortunately, Malta is the most concreted-over country in Europe, with buildings covering more than a quarter of the surface area. However, there are still places worth visiting on this island.
Places you can’t miss while in Malta
Malta’s Capital City – Valletta
Malta’s Old Capital City – Mdina, Also Called The Silent City
The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea And Cospicua (Birgu, Isla And Bormla)
The Highest Point In Malta – Ta’ Dmejrek, Located On Dingli Cliffs In Ħad-Dingli With An elevation Of 253 Metres
Film Set In The 1980 – Popeye’s Village, In Mellieha. It’s A Theme Park Village With Boat Rides And Food Outlets
The Most Touristy Localities – Sliema, St. Julian’s, Gzira, Bugibba, St. Paul’s Bay And Qawra
Malta is also known for its large amount of traditional food.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular
- Pastizzi – Curried pea and ricotta stuffed pastries
- Ħobż/Ftira biż-Żejt – Bread with oil – but there’s much more to it than just that
- Ftira Għawdxija – Gozitan Pizza
- Timpana – Baked Pasta Pie
- Bigilla – Maltese broad bean dip
- Stuffat tal-Fenek – Rabbit Stew
- Torta tal-Lampuki – Lampuki Pie
- Aljotta – Maltese Fish Soup
- Bebbux – Snails
- Pudina tal-Ħobż – Bread Pudding
- Imqaret – Maltese dates filled pastry
- Kwareżimal – Maltese Lenten Cookies
No wonder why we LOVE eating!
Have you heard about Gozo (Għawdex), Malta’s sister Island?
We highly suggest reading our Gozo blog to learn more about this charming tiny island!
Where To Stay In Malta
A great thing about Malta being a small island is that nowhere is too far. You can find accommodations in every town and city at great value. We suggest searching on Booking.com for various hotels, hostels, apartments and all other options.
If you plan to visit Malta and spend some days in Gozo, 5 to 7 days to see the main attractions.
If Malta isn’t on your travel list yet, hopefully, you’ll add it after reading this blog. For sure, you won’t be disappointed.
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