There are some advantages to being cultured, beautiful and … small.
Malta may be small, but being small can have its advantages. Malta is no less cultured, beautiful and varied than any other nation… its just all compact and proportional. The proximity of everything can make some marvellous things ordinary. Such as these.
1. Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites in a day
Visit the prehistoric Hypogeum subterranean sanctuary and necropolis (pre-booking with ample advance required). Next, step outside to the Tarxien Temples, which are among the oldest man-made structures in the world. On the way home, visit the 16th century capital city of Valletta and you’ve got a sample of all. Only because there are several more megalithic temples if you wished to see more. Tarxien and Valletta are 6.8 km apart.
2. Have breakfast, lunch and dinner, each on a different island
Malta and Gozo are less than 6km apart, and Comino lies between them. Ferries operate regularly between all three islands. You could technically take a ferry from Malta and have breakfast in Gozo, take a boat to Comino and have a snack there, and ride back to Malta in time for dinner, with ample time to enjoy each location.
3. Watch sunrise and sunset over the horizon on the same day
Malta is just 27km long by 14.5km wide. The area of Malta is 246km², Gozo 67km², and Comino 2.7km², making a total area of 316km². In few words, you are never far away from the coast and watching sunrise or sunset on the horizon only requires that you are at the east or west of the island at the right time, which is not difficult to do.
4. Climb to the highest point and look down at the sea
Ta' Dmejrek, on Dingli Cliffs, is the highest point of Malta. It stands at an elevation of 253 metres and drops gently down to sea level. It is pretty breathtaking. The exact coordinates are 35°50′45″N 14°23′47″E.
5. Lose count of how many historic features you spot in a day
A British Military battery here, a medieval city there, archaeological remains everywhere. Malta is one of the most historically dense areas in the world, with the capital Valletta earning UNESCO status for just that.
6. Visit six sandy beaches within a five kilometre radius
Mellieha boasts being the home of Paradise Bay, Armier Bay, Little Armier Bay, Slugs Bay, Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay. Add the rocky Anchor Bay and you have seven. The furthest two beaches (Slugs Bay and Golden Bay) are just 10 kilometres apart. Riviera Bay, Gnejna Bay and Mistra Bay are also in the region, placing nine beaches within a seven-and-a-half kilometre radius.
So you see, there’s a lot you can do with your time in Malta. Now there’s a good bet for an enriching weekend break to a rich and fulfilling lifestyle!