Have you seen Malta and Gozo's EDEN? Sure, these places are also a little paradise on earth, but it's not what we mean.
Have you ever considered what it might be like to go to Eden? Malta has its own seven little pieces of paradise, each bearing the badge of European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) awarded by the European Union. The badge draws attention to the values, diversity and features of less prominent European tourist destinations that nonetheless deserve the attention. Discover the EDEN destinations of the Maltese Islands.
1. Nadur, Gozo
European Destination of Excellence 2007
Most renowned for its eclectic spontaneous carnival and its bakeries making delicious Gozo ftira, Nadur is a traditional Gozitan village perched upon a plateau affording breathtaking views of land and sea.
Visit the Maritime Museum, the baroque Parish Church, the beautiful red sand beaches of San Blas and Ramla, il-Mixta Cave overlooking Ramla, the quaint boathouses at Daħlet Qorrot, Ta’ Isopu Tower from the period of the Knights of Malta, and the botanical garden surrounding Ta’ Kenuna Tower, built by the British in 1848 as a telegraph link. And when visiting a village which name means ‘look out’, take your camera.
2. Santa Lucija, Gozo
European Destination of Excellence 2008
Santa Lucija is situated right in the heart of the fabled ‘three hills’ of Gozo, each of their natural water springs making the area lush and green. In this tiny hamlet consisting of a scattering of houses around a small chapel, the people carry on a traditional way of life. Shepherds are a common sight in this timeless and fertile place.
The quiet peaceful charm and country views make this an ideal getaway. Although quite distinct, the hamlet of Santa Lucija is officially part of Ta’ Kercem.
3. Mellieha, Malta
European Destination of Excellence 2009
Mellieha makes up most of the northern region of the island of Malta. It is a large traditional village and also a tourist resort for visitors attracted by its abundant scattering of sandy beaches and extensive natural environment. Mellieha’s natural beauty coupled with abundant cultural charm make it quite unique.
Visit the Għadira Nature Reserve by Mellieha Bay. Soak in the sea and sunshine at the captivating Paradise Bay, Armier Bay and Golden Bay. Explore the Majjistral Nature and History Park, the old movie set of Popeye Village, or authentic World War II shelters. Travel through time from the megalithic remains of Għajn Żejtuna, to Roman troglodyte caves, to the fifth century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha, to Saint Agatha’s Tower and Selmun Palace from the era of the Knights. Discover Mellieha.
4. Senglea (Isla), Malta
European Destination of Excellence 2010
One of the Three Cities, along with Vittoriosa (Birgu) and Cospicua (Bormla), Senglea (Isla) has a story that is closely tied to the Knights of Malta and the Great Siege of 1565. The city gets its name from Grand Master Claude de la Sengle and is also known as Citta Invicta or the city that was never conquered. Previously known as L'Isola di San Giuliano - the island of St Julian - it is likely that the peninsula was previously an island in the Grand Harbour.
Visit the very first building erected, the St Julians chapel that was founded in 1311. Visit the Isla Waterfront for local culture and magnificent views of Birgu’s Fort St Angelo and the fortifications of Valletta across the harbour. Senglea’s own Fort St Michael was built in 1553 but little of it remains, having made way for a school. Senglea also suffered heavy bombardment during World War II, yet its iconic Gardjola still sentinels from Gardjola Gardens.
5. Gharb, Gozo
European Destination of Excellence 2011
One of Gozo’s oldest villages, the rural and traditional Gharb is inhabited by fishermen, shepherds, farmers and a variety of skilled craftsmen, including blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers and lace makers. Gharb is known for its fertile fields, Gozo cheese, good catch of fish and a particular blade known as Is-Sikkina tal-Gharb manufactured here. The people of Gharb are credited with having retained the original, old Maltese dialect, with a rich vocabulary of old words that have already been forgotten by the rest of the population.
The village of Gharb is where time has stood still and it is the appropriate home of the Gharb Folklore Museum and Dbiegi Crafts Village with its blown glass, Gozo lace, pottery and filigree. Visit the homes of two of its most famous inhabitants: the famous wise healer Frenc ta’ l-Għarb and the saintly Karmni Grima, who reputedly heard the voice of Our Lady at the famous Ta’ Pinu Church. Finally, venture through Wied il-Mielah to the end of the valley where you'll find a dramatic rock window akin to the iconic but lost Azure Window.
6. Xaghra, Gozo
European Destination of Excellence 2015
Xaghra is not only picturesque, it also has a particularly rich historical heritage. The fertile valleys have attracted settlers here since prehistoric times, with the Neolithic Temples of Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered the oldest freestanding structure in the world.
See also the restored Ta’ Kola Windmill, the curious Pomskizillious Museum of Toys, the stalagmites and stalactites at Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave and the mythological Calypso’s Cave with its breathtaking views of Ramla.
7. Qrendi, Malta
European Destination of Excellence 2016
A small village in the southern region of Malta, Qrendi is home to the mysterious megalithic temples of Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim dating from 3,600 BC, as well as the legendary il-Maqluba sinkhole and the island of Filfla.
Curiously, Wied iz-Zurrieq and the Blue Grotto, known for their extraordinary beauty, are also within the confines of Qrendi, following a legal dispute with Zurrieq in 1910. Less known, perhaps, are the ancient fossil remains of hippopotami, dwarf elephants and many other animals at Ħalq is-Siġar at Magħlaq, as well as other tombs and dolmens around Qrendi. Despite its ancient origins, in 1417, Qrendi consisted of just 26 households, and although it became a parish in 1618, it still only has a population of 3,000 people today.
Would you have imagined that these little Mediterranean villages could have such a big character?