Malta; Taking Holidays Again

A rocky pillar jutting out of the middle of the southern Mediterranean, Malta is small.  Just 246km² small.  Even calling it the Maltese archipelago, adding the islands of Gozo and Comino (the best named islands I ever heard) only brings it to 316 km², …. and we did …..add them that is!

Malta is a place shaped by an amazing history, the perils of the sea, and the baking heat.  Yes it’s hot, being more southern than parts of Africa.  Hot that is unless you go in April when the sea breeze is quite bracing.  Bracing enough John to dispense with the sunscreen and burn his face quite badly.  But the tomato look didn’t stop the fun, so on we went.

Malta is a place shaped by an amazing history, the perils of the sea, and the baking heat.  Yes it’s hot, being more southern than parts of Africa.  Hot that is unless you go in April when the sea breeze is quite bracing.  Bracing enough John to dispense with the sunscreen and burn his face quite badly.  But the tomato look didn’t stop the fun, so on we went.

We completely embraced the sea element, travelling on boats for four days in the week long holiday.  Including a full day sailing trip in turbulent, high seas, where we were fine, but some passengers were worse for wear (land lubers!)  Using a water taxi in Valetta harbour also reminded me of Venice.

Malta has a staggering history, resulting in its capital, its ancient capital and Gozo’s capital (Valetta, Mdina and Victoria’s citadel) being protected as UNESCO sites.  The country has taken influence from a string of conquer who sailed to its rocky shores throughout history.  Most notable influences were the Italians and the British (although Saint Paul could arguable claim that distinguished distinction).  The Italian influence coming directly from its location, just 63 miles south of Sicily.  But the British, who took the islands off Napoleon after the battle of the Nile, only granted it independence in 1964 and the islands stood as the base for the British Mediterranean fleet throughout their time there.

The history of Malta taught us one important thing …. That size is no indication of importance in the world.  The tiny island of Malta may be difficult to find on a map, but its history places is at the centre of European and indeed world history for longer than there has been history.