🇲🇹 Holiday in Malta: The Must-See in 5 Days
Malta, a captivating Mediterranean archipelago known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Comprising three main islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—this small yet diverse nation offers something for every traveler.
With an area of 316 km² and a population of about 519,000, Malta ranks as the tenth smallest country by size and the fifth most densely populated sovereign state. The entire island is classified as a Functional Urban Area and metropolitan region often described as a city-state.
Its strategic location has made Malta a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, leaving behind a fascinating tapestry of cultural influences. As you explore, you'll find remnants of the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St. John, and more, each contributing to the island's unique heritage dated to 5900 BC. During the early Middle Ages, Malta was primarily a Muslim country under Arab rule. This period ended in 1091 with the Norman invasion led by Roger I. Malta later became a British colony in 1813. The British Parliament passed the Malta Independence Act in 1964, the country became a republic in 1974. Since independence, Malta has been a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations, joining the European Union in 2004 and the eurozone in 2008.
The capital city, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dazzles with its Baroque architecture and historic landmarks, while the quieter island of Gozo offers a more laid-back, rural charm.
The name "Malta" originates from the ancient Greek "Melítē" that translates to "place of honey" or "sweetness," and it is believed that the ancient Greeks may have named the island after Malta's native bee subspecies. Another theory suggests that the Greek name "Melítē" was derived from the Phoenician or Punic word "Maleth", meaning "haven" or "port," referring to the Grand Harbour and its main settlement at Cospicua, which became prominent after rising sea levels in the 10th century BC.
