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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.
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.
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.
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. These flawless pictures were taken by Joseph Grixti, a very talented Maltese photographer.
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.
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.
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....... 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.
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.com
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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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |