Prehistoric Temples

There are about 45 prehistoric temples that dot the island of Malta and Gozo and they are as mysterious as the people who built them. For thousands of years these monuments have stood as reminders of early man once living on the Maltese Islands.

On the south side of the island is the Hagar Qim, built to worship a fertility god or goddess. Legend is that infertile couples could not enter the temple because they were thought to be possessed with an evil spirit.

As I walked among the prehistoric temple in the late evening I imagined the sights and sound of an earlier time, a lifestyle forever forgotten, vanished with the first settlers.

The Hypogeum, dating back 5,000 years, is the largest underground religious site in the world. It covers about 5,000 square feet and descends over 36 feet underground, even dating back before the Egyptian pyramids of Giza. Another world heritage site, visit the Hypogeum and enjoy a trip back in time.

Gozo

From the island of Malta, it's a must to take the ferry to the smaller island of Gozo for at least one night.

The island of Gozo offers a different flavor and experience than the sister island of Malta. In part, this is due to the lush green hills and spectacular coastline. You don't want to miss the Azure Window in Dwejra, Fungus Rock and the world's oldest free-standing stone construction in Xaghra, the temples of Ggantija, built around 3500 BC and for shopping it's the capital of Victoria.

Greek legend insists that it was Gozo where the nymph Calypso lured Odysseus keeping him there for seven years as her prisoner of love. You can see the cave where she was said to have lured him, and sun yourself below on the red sands of Ramla Bay.

The Knights of Malta

No trip to Malta would be complete without a glimpse into the history of the Knights of Malta. While they are known to the world as the Knights of Malta, they are actually the Knights of St. John and their story begins in the 11th century. 

Both romantic and dangerous, the knights fought the Turkish invaders, improved trade and commerce on the island and brought hope to the sick and the poor living there.

It was finally Napoleon who ended the rule of the Knights of Malta after 268 years, but nevertheless the knight's rich history on the island still exists today and will lure the romantic at heart into the victories and defeats during their rule of this land.

Getting There

Start with Virgin Atlantic from your originating destination and fly into London. From London you can transfer to Air Malta.

Enough can't be said about the services that Virgin Atlantic offers. With a friendly staff, good food as you fly to your destination and even an in-air massage in upper class there's no other way to begin your trip.

Places to Stay

Malta:
Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort Malta
St. George's Bay
St. Julians, STJ 02 Malta
(+356) 21374894
www.islandshotel.com

Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa
Triq Ir-Rokon
San Lawrenz
GRB 104 Gozo - Malta
(+356)2211 000
www.Kempinski-gozo.com

Places to Eat

Grabiel Restaurant
1 Mifsud Bonnici Street,
Marsascala, Malta
(+356) 21616368

In Gozo don't miss:

Ta'Frenc
Marsalforn Road
Gozo, Malta
(+356) 553888

Return to
Malta