Discover these off-the-beaten-track places in Malta that are nonetheless exceptionally wonderful.
Il-Blata Tal-Melh by Samuel Scicluna Photography
You’d think that the Maltese Islands are so small that locals must know every inch. Actually, the islands possess such a wealth of places of interest and attractions, that in a lifetime living in Malta, one keeps discovering new things. For example, here are some of those off-the-beaten-track places that one might not normally hear about or stumble upon, but which are nonetheless exceptionally wonderful.
1. Ras ir-Raheb, Bahrija
Ras ir-Raħeb, also known as Ras il-Knejjes, is located near Fomm ir-Riħ Bay. The promontory rises to 45 metres above sea level and therein lie the lesser-known ruins of a megalithic temple and Punic-Roman remains thought to be a villa. A marine protected area, it is also a popular diving site and includes a cave.
2. Il-Blata tal-Melh, Bahrija, Malta
Il-Blata tal-Melh is a stretch of coastline where the cliffs drop down between one and 15 storeys. In this seeming moonscape, smooth limestone gives way to a gnarled layer of rock which naturally captures salt as the sea dries out of puddles, giving the place its name and a number of man-made salt pans.
3. Miġra l-Ferħa, Mtahleb, Malta
Miġra l-Ferħa is located along the coast beneath the Mtahleb chapel. The area is landscaped with smooth weathered limestone covered in pioneer vegetation and ending in steep cliffs. A crevice in the rock takes you right down from the top of the high cliff to the sea.
4. Wied il-Mielah Window, Gozo
To the north of the village of Għarb in Gozo, directly at the end of the valley known as Wied il-Mielah, is a remarkable rock feature. The huge natural window is no less magnificent than the fallen Azure Window. It lies parallel to the old river bed and a narrow staircase takes you almost to the water.
5. Wied il-Bassasa, Zurrieq, Malta
An unknown little bit of lush greenery outdone by the neighbouring Wied Babu, Wied il-Bassasa is a hidden secret. The beautiful stretch of south-western coast offers an intriguing topology that’s home to pristine nature. It is enjoyed by climbers and is also a not-so-frequented diving site.
6. Slugs Bay, Mellieha, Malta
Imagine a tiny little beach with just enough space for two towels, at the edge of a natural pool tucked away amid the rubble at the foot of cliffs. This place exists at the foot of the rdum at L-Ahrax tal-Mellieha and can be reached via a short and easy trek.
7. Il-Hofra tal-Mellieha, Malta
No, this is not the Coral Lagoon, which is a collapsed sea-cave that left a gaping hole in the ground that leads to the sea. Il-Hofra tal-Mellieha is also a collapsed cave, but it is located somewhere between Saint Agatha’s Tower and Paradise Bay. A huge hole in the ground that’s invisible until you literally stumble upon it gives way to a much bigger cave below. It can be accessed via a small pathway, and there’s vegetation inside the underground cave.
8. Il-Hagra l-Wieqfa, Gozo
The Modern Antiquarian
Situated conspicuously on a plot of land between residential houses on an ordinary street, this Standing Monolith would have interesting stories to tell from times beyond known history. Il-Hagra L-Wieqfa in the village of Qala, Gozo, is 3.9 metres high.
9. Santa Marija Caves, Comino
Well known to divers all over the world yet rarely frequented by locals, the Santa Marija Caves in Comino are naturally carved right through the cliffs from one side to the other, both above and below sea level. A ledge leads you around a magical indoor pool to the other side of the headland. More caves on the other side are popular with DWS enthusiasts.
Have you visited these places? Had you even heard of them before? Let us know if there's a hidden place in Malta you simply adored.