Latest news with #HMSStubborn
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
6 ways to explore Malta
With its Neolithic history and distinctive limestone landscapes, Malta may seem a destination drawn from the past. But if this resilient archipelago has learnt anything from its numerous occupations, it's to adapt. On the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, centuries-old forts and grand historic palaces now sit side-by-side with modern fine dining restaurants and sleek waterfront promenades. Travellers today are beckoned to explore Malta's varied dive sites, hike through otherworldly landscapes or observe the host of international talent set to take the stage at the islands' assorted year-round festivals. With so many experiences to choose from, here are six not to miss. Malta's 300 days of sunshine a year mean the islands are ideal for outdoor activity — even in the winter, crisp, bright days make hiking the craggy coastlines rewarding. Traverse the historic Victoria Lines, a 7.5-mile path spanning the width of Malta and marked by 100-year-old artillery, trenches and forts. More industrious walkers should trek the 27-mile circumference of Gozo, where a coastal path winds through the pretty towns of Xlendi and Marsalforn, as well as the deep gorge of Wied il-Għasri and the limestone arch of Wied il-Mielaħ. Gozo's cliffs also offer climbing routes for all levels, from the novice-friendly slabs of Mġarr ix-Xini to the challenging Wall of Wonders in Zurrieq. Meanwhile, horse-riding, zip-lining and alpaca walking are equally entertaining ways to explore the islands' landscapes. Malta has become one of Europe's most celebrated diving destinations thanks to its fantastic underwater visibility, easily accessible dive sites and numerous shipwrecks. With crystal clear, warm waters almost all year, the islands are just as suited to learners as they are to technical divers looking to explore deep-lying treasures such as HMS Stubborn, a British submarine sunk in 1946. Gozo, in particular, draws divers with its stunning underwater topography and vast caverns — seek out deep caves like Billinghurst Cave on the north coast, the marine life of the famous Blue Hole in Dwejra and the long tunnel through cobalt ocean at the Inland Sea. All divers should add the striking swim-throughs of Comino's Santa Maria Caves to their 'must-dive' list, too. With over 7,000 years of human habitation, Malta, Gozo and Comino are home to some of the world's oldest freestanding man-made structures. Start at the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Gozo, a 5,500-year-old Neolithic temple complex, before heading to Ħaġar Qim, a smaller megalithic site in Malta. Early settlers also created hidden treasures like the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean sanctuary built around 3000 BCE. For more modern history, go to Malta's capital, Valletta, where you can explore the country's military past at the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort St Elmo and the Malta at War Museum, which features an immersive tour of the Second World War bunkers. Film fans will have spotted the honey-coloured streets, soaring cliffs and sparkling lagoons of Malta in numerous big-screen blockbusters. From the still-standing seaside village of Popeye to the Roman streets of Ridley Scott's Gladiator and the globe-trotting action of Munich, Malta's diverse landscapes make it a cinematic chameleon. Embark on a set-jetting road trip to take in the streets of Mdina (Game of Thrones), the robust fortifications of Fort Ricasoli (Troy and Assassin's Creed) and the honeymoon-worthy waters of Mġarr ix-Xini (By the Sea). And keep an eye out for more of Malta in Jurassic Park: Rebirth later this year. Maltese cuisine is packed with global influences. Over the centuries, a fusion of Arabic, Mediterranean and African flavours have combined here to produce dishes like braġjoli (stuffed beef rolls), bigilla (herb-infused bean paste) and pastizzi (pea- or cheese-filled pastries). Naturally, fish and other seafood feature prominently, too, particularly in the coastal village of Marsaxlokk, where visitors can tuck into crunchy, fried calamari and succulent lamuki, a seasonal white fish. Journey through the specialities by taking a cooking class, wine-tasting or food tour — or at restaurants ranging from hole-in-the-wall pastizzi shops to fine dining institutions. Recently, Le GV in Sliema was awarded its first Michelin star, joining a distinguished line-up of Michelin-starred restaurants in Malta. Simon Rogan's ION Harbour also retained its two Michelin stars. Few weekends go by in Malta without a town square being filled with live performances, dancing or music — and 2025 looks set to be no different. In April, athletic travellers should lace up their trainers for Run Gozo's fun series of races, while families can head to Springtime Fest at the National Park of Malta, for food trucks, market stalls and free children's activities. May provides an opportunity to get glammed up for Nabucco at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on Gozo, while in the summer, festival-lovers can enjoy house music at Abode on the Rock and electronic beats at Glitch. Elsewhere, an International Arts Festival, Carnival, fireworks festival and kite flying festival fill the calendar. This is paid content for Visit Malta. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here.(Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
24-03-2025
- National Geographic
From scuba diving to set-jetting—6 ways to explore Malta in 2025
With its Neolithic history and distinctive limestone landscapes, Malta may seem a destination drawn from the past. But if this resilient archipelago has learnt anything from its numerous occupations, it's to adapt. On the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, centuries-old forts and grand historic palaces now sit side-by-side with modern fine dining restaurants and sleek waterfront promenades. Travellers today are beckoned to explore Malta's varied dive sites, hike through otherworldly landscapes or observe the host of international talent set to take the stage at the islands' assorted year-round festivals. With so many experiences to choose from, here are six not to miss. Hike the winding trails in Gozo for spectacular views across the island and out to sea. Photograph by Daniel Cilia 1. Get active in the great outdoors Malta's 300 days of sunshine a year mean the islands are ideal for outdoor activity — even in the winter, crisp, bright days make hiking the craggy coastlines rewarding. Traverse the historic Victoria Lines, a 7.5-mile path spanning the width of Malta and marked by 100-year-old artillery, trenches and forts. More industrious walkers should trek the 27-mile circumference of Gozo, where a coastal path winds through the pretty towns of Xlendi and Marsalforn, as well as the deep gorge of Wied il-Għasri and the limestone arch of Wied il-Mielaħ. Gozo's cliffs also offer climbing routes for all levels, from the novice-friendly slabs of Mġarr ix-Xini to the challenging Wall of Wonders in Zurrieq. Meanwhile, horse-riding, zip-lining and alpaca walking are equally entertaining ways to explore the islands' landscapes. 2. Dive beneath the waves Malta has become one of Europe's most celebrated diving destinations thanks to its fantastic underwater visibility, easily accessible dive sites and numerous shipwrecks. With crystal clear, warm waters almost all year, the islands are just as suited to learners as they are to technical divers looking to explore deep-lying treasures such as HMS Stubborn, a British submarine sunk in 1946. Gozo, in particular, draws divers with its stunning underwater topography and vast caverns — seek out deep caves like Billinghurst Cave on the north coast, the marine life of the famous Blue Hole in Dwejra and the long tunnel through cobalt ocean at the Inland Sea. All divers should add the striking swim-throughs of Comino's Santa Maria Caves to their 'must-dive' list, too. With easily accessible dive sites including numerous shipwrecks, Malta is popular with both beginner and expert divers. Photograph by Visit Malta The streets of Mdina are a must-visit for set-jetters looking for Game of Thrones filming locations. Photograph by Visit Malta 3. Step into history With over 7,000 years of human habitation, Malta, Gozo and Comino are home to some of the world's oldest freestanding man-made structures. Start at the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Gozo, a 5,500-year-old Neolithic temple complex, before heading to Ħaġar Qim, a smaller megalithic site in Malta. Early settlers also created hidden treasures like the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean sanctuary built around 3000 BCE. For more modern history, go to Malta's capital, Valletta, where you can explore the country's military past at the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort St Elmo and the Malta at War Museum, which features an immersive tour of the Second World War bunkers. 4. Discover Hollywood hotspots Film fans will have spotted the honey-coloured streets, soaring cliffs and sparkling lagoons of Malta in numerous big-screen blockbusters. From the still-standing seaside village of Popeye to the Roman streets of Ridley Scott's Gladiator and the globe-trotting action of Munich, Malta's diverse landscapes make it a cinematic chameleon. Embark on a set-jetting road trip to take in the streets of Mdina (Game of Thrones), the robust fortifications of Fort Ricasoli (Troy and Assassin's Creed) and the honeymoon-worthy waters of Mġarr ix-Xini (By the Sea). And keep an eye out for more of Malta in Jurassic Park: Rebirth later this year. Also known as 'The Silent City', Mdina was once Malta's capital and this well-preserved, walled city has history dating back more than 4,000 years. Photograph by Visit Malta 5. Sample Maltese specialities Maltese cuisine is packed with global influences. Over the centuries, a fusion of Arabic, Mediterranean and African flavours have combined here to produce dishes like braġjoli (stuffed beef rolls), bigilla (herb-infused bean paste) and pastizzi (pea- or cheese-filled pastries). Naturally, fish and other seafood feature prominently, too, particularly in the coastal village of Marsaxlokk, where visitors can tuck into crunchy, fried calamari and succulent lamuki, a seasonal white fish. Journey through the specialities by taking a cooking class, wine-tasting or food tour — or at restaurants ranging from hole-in-the-wall pastizzi shops to fine dining institutions. Recently, Le GV in Sliema was awarded its first Michelin star, joining a distinguished line-up of Michelin-starred restaurants in Malta. Simon Rogan's ION Harbour also retained its two Michelin stars. 6. Enjoy one-of-a-kind events Few weekends go by in Malta without a town square being filled with live performances, dancing or music — and 2025 looks set to be no different. In April, athletic travellers should lace up their trainers for Run Gozo's fun series of races, while families can head to Springtime Fest at the National Park of Malta, for food trucks, market stalls and free children's activities. May provides an opportunity to get glammed up for Nabucco at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on Gozo, while in the summer, festival-lovers can enjoy house music at Abode on the Rock and electronic beats at Glitch. Elsewhere, an International Arts Festival, Carnival, fireworks festival and kite flying festival fill the calendar. Flights to Malta International Airport operate from a number of UK cities. It's easy to hire a car at the airport, but a comprehensive bus system and plenty of affordable taxi options are available, too, as well as efficient ferry services between the islands. For more information, go to This is paid content for Visit Malta. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
