Visit Malta - A Mediterranean Getaway

May 26, 2016

The Maltese Islands in the middle of the warm Mediterranean, are not just beautiful to look at but have a diverse history and culture, friendly people and are part of the Schengen Area, so if you are visiting Europe from India, it can be added to your travel itinerary as the Schengen Visa allows holidaymakers from India and other countries to visit the countries in the area for up to three months. We, at Visa Magazine, have researched this stunning gem of an island, to give you some insider tips before you visit this cultural gem. The Maltese Archipelago is actually comprised of a group of small islands, in the waters between Europe and Africa, with the three largest being inhabited, namely Gozo, Comino and Malta. Malta is the commercial and cultural centre but Gozo and Comino are popular with tourists planning scenic day trips. The Maltese Islands enjoy sizzling hot summers and very mild winters, which can be enjoyed on their wide range of gorgeous beaches but it also has 7,000 years of exciting history and an exciting nightlife. 

The currency in Malta is the Euro, the languages spoken are Maltese and English and the religion is Roman Catholicism, and this laid back island attracts visitors from all over the world looking for a relaxing time combined with a buzzing nightlife.

Man first arrived on the islands some 7,000 years ago and it has seen such historically important things such as St Paul’s shipwreck in 60AD and the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Turks in 1565, which was beaten off by the Knights of St John lead by Grand Master Jean de la Valette, who has the town of Valletta named after him.  Popular historical sites to visit are Palazzo Falson, The Museum of Fine Arts, The Grandmaster’s Palace and The Hypogeum, the Temples and Ghar Dalam. But if something more modern strikes your fancy visit Caffe Cordina in Valletta and drink coffee and eat the local speciality, a pastizza, a small pastry filled with peas or cheese.

If nightclubbing in sophisticated surroundings is more your thing then try Twenty Two in the tall Portomaso Tower for panoramic views with your drinks, and there is a resident DJ to get you dancing. When travelling from India to Europe, be sure and remember magnificent Malta.