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A JEWEL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
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MALTA?! Where's That?
Let me tell you about Malta, an island surrounded by crystal clear, blue waters, where people are as warm as the climate. Since moving from Europe to the United States, I realised just how many people have never heard of Malta, let alone know where it is located. I know it's only a small island, literally just a dot on the map, but given its' vast and rich history, all 7000 years of it, it certainly does not merit the blank stares and comments.
The Maltese Islands
A European country often called "the mouse that roars," Malta is also referred to as "the island of sunshine and history." Malta covers 122 square miles in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and is comprised of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta, 17 miles long and about nine miles across, is the largest of the three islands. Gozo, the northern island, is 35 square miles and is known for its grottos, copper beaches, and the third-largest church dome in the world. Comino, at one square mile, has a small population and is located between Malta and Gozo. The uninhabited islands in the archipelago are Filfla and St. Paul's. Malta lacks mountains and rivers, but the island is characterized by a series of low hills with terraced fields. Climate & Lifestyle
The weather, more than any other feature, has made Malta a key tourist resort in the center of the Mediterranean. It never snows, and the total average rainfall is 20 inches annually. The summers are warm and breezy and the winters are mild, with an average winter temperature of 54 degrees. About 606,000 tourists from all over the world, including the United States and Europe, arrive annually. Tourists boost the economy significantly by spending approximately $3.6 million each year on the island. The Maltese weather and lifestyle also call for afternoon breaks, when shop owners close and the island people rest. Everything resumes again later in the day, when the sun is not as tiring. The climate, sea, and terrain also provide perfect backdrops for movies. Where & Who?
Malta is located 58 miles south of Sicily and 180 miles north of North Africa. The total population is 350,000, which places it among the most densely populated countries in the world. Ninetysix percent of the population is of Maltese descent, two percent are British, and the remaining people are of various other heritages. The chief languages are Maltese, English, and Italian. Ninety-seven percent of the population is Roman Catholic. Pictures Of Malta
These flawless pictures were taken by Joseph Grixti, a very talented Maltese photographer.
Here Comes The Bride..............
...........and The Groom!
Along with Italy, Turkey and Jamaica, Malta has been named one of the hottest spots for weddings abroad. That comes to no surprise to me, with all the historical chapels, churches and cathedrals to choose from to exchange wedding vows in. Lavish receptions are commonly held in manors or palaces, like Palazzo Parisio, located in Naxxar, an ancient village, in the centre of Malta. It is predominantly one of my favorite places to visit on such occasions. It's grandeur and opulance, makes one feel they have been taken back in time, a few hundred years. It's large and lush gardens are full of nooks and crannies with benches where one can sit still and reminisce about times past. Getting Married?
- Palazzo Parisio
- Take a peek inside this beautiful Palace and its magnificent gardens and read about its' history.
- Weddings in Malta
- Planning a wedding in Malta? Here, you will find absolutely everything you need to do just that.
Maltese Cuisine
A Fusion Of Europe And Beyond.
This is a typical dish you will delight in, at Riccardo's in Gozo, Malta's sister island. Fresh peppered goats cheese, tomatoes, capers, olives, sundried tomatoes, served with a basket overflowing with the most amazing crusty bread. Home made wine is also an option to compliment this delicious snack.Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many foreigners who made Malta their home over the centuries. This marriage of tastes has given Malta an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking. Many popular Maltese specialities are Italian/Sicilian or Moorish in origin.
Maltese cuisine is, nowadays, still popular in households and restaurants in Malta, but is by no means the main gastronomical form present on the island. Rather, it is a traditional form of cuisine, which was prepared more exclusively in the past centuries, and which has now become a part of a much more varied diet followed by the Maltese people. Indeed, the Maltese enjoy a Mediterrannean diet, with heavy Italian influences. However, Maltese cuisine is seen to be the more traditional form of Maltese cooking, which is still present in the island, but which has now been joined by other different types of cuisine and influences, which are also an integral part of the Maltese diet.
Made In Malta
- Maltaproducts.com
- This is a great website for anyone wanting a taste of Malta. I personally recommend the peppered cheeselets and the honey ring. Mmmmmm!
Pastizzi
My favorite Maltese food
Pastizzi are small, diamond shaped parcels of flaky pastry stuffed with fresh ricotta or peas. They are the most popular snack in the Maltese Islands, found at pastizzerias and most village bars, pizzerias, some restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops. They are delicious, cheap, filling and if you asked me what I miss most in Malta, pastizzi come to mind, without any hesitation at all. Maybe it's because I haven't eaten them in over a year, maybe it's simply because they are delicious or maybe it's because they evoke some deeply ingrained memories....... 
When I was a kid, and got sent to my room without supper, I used to sneak out of my bedroom balcony, which thankfully, was not too far above the ground. I ran all the way downhill for a mile to the closest pastizzeria, where I would get a paperbag full of hot pastizzi. I would immediately start my uphill trip home again, with a bottle of Kinnie under one arm, the bag of pastizzi cradled in one hand, while I fed myself with the other.This happened on a regular basis, but as I got older, I got more brazen about the whole affair, and would sit across the road from the pizzeria, eating my pastizzi while I sat by the sea watching the fishing boats. I did this for quite a few years, until my mother got this brilliant idea of organising all our shoes in a closet. But, I never got caught, and my mother still doesn't know!
Islands In The Sun
Visit Malta without leaving your chair!
Take a quick tour of the Maltese Islands to view the worlds' oldest temples, forts, grottos, the ancient towns and villages, the charming landscape, Baroque churches and cathedrals, and marvel at her history and culture.
Movies Filmed In Malta
Think you've never seen Malta? Think again!
Here is a list of just some of the movies which have been filmed in Malta. There are many others, including various TV shows, significant or otherwise. More information about these movies can be found on IMDB.comTHE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
ORCA KILLER WHALE (1976)
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977)
MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (1978)
RAISE THE TITANIC (1980)
POPEYE (1980)
NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (1983)
CUTTHROAT ISLAND (1995)
WHITE SQUALL (1996)
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES (2001)
U-571 (2000)
GLADIATOR (2002)
PINOCCHIO (2002)
SWEPT AWAY (2002)
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (2002)
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN (2003)
HELEN OF TROY (2003)
TROY (2004)
ALEXANDER (2004)
MUNICH (2005)
THE DAVINCI CODE (2006)
OPEN WATER 2:ADRIFT (2006)
Seen These Movies?
Troy (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)
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Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $12.98
The Count of Monte Cristo
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Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $14.99
The Count Of Monte Cristo
It is a beautifully made film with gorgeous scenery and photography all throughout. The last part of the movie clip was a scene filmed in Ireland.
The count of Monte Cristo
More About Malta
History & Culture
- visitmalta.com
- Great info here including an interactive map.
- malteseislands.com
- Everything you need to know about Malta and more.
Which pictures are your favorite?
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Recommended Guidebooks
Top 10 Malta and Gozo (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
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Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 10/12/2008)
Used Price: $6.61
Malta & Gozo (Country Guide)
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Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 10/12/2008)
Used Price: $11.24
Historical Guide to Malta and Gozo
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Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
Used Price: $15.95
Have YOU ever heard of Malta? BEEN there?! LIVE there?
Do you like the lens? Rate it! What would you like to see here?
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RickBasset
What a gorgeous place! Add to the list of "Places Posted March 20, 2008 |
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NAIZA
What an amazing view! Malta is truly a jewel in the Mediterranean. Hope I could visit someday. Definitely, a 5 star! Posted November 07, 2007 |
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Alberta
Thank you for all your feedback. Very much appreciated. Posted September 13, 2007 |
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LisaJesse
Wow! Beautiful lens! Need to add Malta to my Sweet Honeymoons! lens. Stop by and show me how much you love me! your friend, ~LISA~ Posted September 12, 2007 |
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Aika
Popeye's place..Love to go to this place and experience a new thrill of adventure. 5 stars! Posted September 12, 2007 |
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Classic
Beautiful lens! Thanks for submitting this to Faraway Places! If you like, please visit my new lens about Rumpelstilzchen Posted September 12, 2007 |
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ShortSaleRealtor
I hope I can go there one day Posted September 11, 2007 |
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rms
Lovely 5* lens full of good information! Posted September 03, 2007 |
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jasmineann
I knew of Malta but have never been there, its not too far away from me. Its on my list of places to visit :) Thank you. Posted September 02, 2007 |
Malta is a beautiful tiny island. The weather is great, the people are friendly and it's history is unbelievable. Thanks for the great info.
Posted August 25, 2007
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Piksychick
I love these remote European islands. They're beautiful. I just went to the Canary islands and had agreat time there. Thanks for sharing. Posted August 25, 2007 |
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VicM
I love the Maltese Islands, as sailing can be done all year round. From Malta sailing is great, one can get so easy all the way around the Med and withing 4-5 days one can cross all the way east or west. Posted August 24, 2007 |
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surfsusan
I learned about Malta (WWII) at school. I have visited the islands twice. Next to Popeye there is a Danish Holiday Center - which is also close to the ferry to Gozo. The visits were at winter time, Malta would be too hot for me during the summer time. Posted August 24, 2007 |
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Alberta
Posted August 17, 2007 |
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Look who made this lens!
Alberta
Hello there! My name is Alberta and this is my first lens.
I have lived in Malta for many years and know everything there is to know about this beautiful islan...
moreWhat's here
- The Maltese Islands
- Climate & Lifestyle
- Where & Who?
- Pictures Of Malta
- Here Comes The Bride..............
- More...
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