Malta: Insider tip for sun worshipers and culture lovers!

Malta: Insider tip for sun worshipers and culture lovers!

The Canary Islands are considered a popular winter travel destination, but high prices and crowded beaches could reduce their appeal. An increasingly recommended alternative is Malta, an island nation with a mild climate, rich culture and unique atmosphere. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and temperatures that rarely drop below 10 degrees, Malta offers ideal conditions for travelers looking to escape the winter. In 2024, around 3.56 million tourists were attracted to the island, which is mainly due to the pleasant climate.

Malta boasts spectacular coastal scenery, historic cities and a fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the Phoenicians. Valletta, the smallest capital in Europe with just 5,800 inhabitants, is not only the seat of government but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, whose history is closely linked to the Order of Malta, was founded in 1566 and is sheltered on a peninsula. It was laid out with a checkerboard-shaped network of streets and powerful bastions to protect it against attacks.

Cultural highlights and leisure activities

Malta is often referred to as the “mini-Hollywood of Europe” as it has been the setting for many famous films such as “Gladiator”, “Troy” and “Game of Thrones”. Popular film locations are not only Valletta, but also the old capital Mdina and the Blue Caves, which are not only a cinematic feast for the eyes, but also offer opportunities for a variety of leisure activities.

The advantages of Malta compared to the Canary Islands are many. With a journey of only around 2.5 hours from Germany, the route is shorter than to the Canary Islands, where it takes at least 4.5 hours. You can also find cheaper accommodation and restaurants in Malta, while cultural influences from Italy, Great Britain and North Africa enrich local life.

UNESCO World Heritage and Historical Heritage

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malta covers the entire Monte Sciberras peninsula, which extends northeast of the landward fortress walls. This fortress was expanded several times over the centuries, including during the siege of Malte by the Ottoman Empire in 1565. This siege was unsuccessful, and Malta subsequently remained under the influence of the Order of Malta, who settled on the island in 1530.

Further evidence of the island's fascinating history is the Royal Opera House, whose ruins from the Second World War are still visible today. It has served as an outdoor stage since 2013 and was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano. The air raids that Malta suffered between 1940 and 1942 were part of the highest bombing density of the Second World War.

The Order of Malta, which still exists today as the Catholic Sovereign Order of Malta, has its headquarters in two buildings in Rome with extraterritorial status. Its historical roots date back to 1099, when it was founded in Jerusalem. In 1538, a Protestant branch of the order emerged, known as the Order of St. John.

With all of these unique features, Malta offers an exciting travel alternative to the Canary Islands and remains a sought-after insider tip for holidaymakers who want to experience culture and nature in a pleasantly mild climate.