TRAVELLERS ALSO CHOOSE THE MALTESE ISLANDS AS A LEISURE AND SPORTS DESTINATION AS THEY BOAST NUMEROUS NATURAL ESCAPES AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean where only the three largest islands Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited. It is believed that the word Malta derives from the Greek word ‘meli’ which means honey, or land of honey, as it was known since at the time locals produced a remarkable amount of honey there, while it was also home to a unique beehive.

According to Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), travellers mainly choose the islands for their sun and leisure activities with the islands’ long history and natural beauties also playing a significant part. After the hot summer period, the first rains bring the landscape to life with a variety of wild flowers and plants, which offer a pleasant view for its visitors. Its cliffs plunging into waves, lush valleys, prehistoric sites, medieval chapels, secluded places of the Knights, along with the plethora of sports and outdoor activities available, play a crucial role in the islands’ overall tourism offering.

Michael Zammit Marmara, manager, sales and marketing, be.HOTEL, enthused, “Malta is only a small island, but its small size only adds to its potential as the perfect spot for adventure lovers and history buffs. It is easy to dig into the corners of this ancient archipelago – finding charming cafés on winding streets, diving into caves full of marine life, or wandering through ancient temples.”

The country’s National Statistics Office revealed that during February, Malta welcomed 103,555 leisure visitors, with 30,600 of them being repeat tourists. At the same time, MTA reported that the peak months April to October saw tourists increase by 14.1 percent, coinciding with the time of the year when the weather gives even more life to nature, making it irresistible for walkers and photographers.

Thorsten Sander, general manager, Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, commented, “Malta has had 7,000 years of history, however, still lives in the present. When you visit Malta, you will span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. Wherever you go, the islands' scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking: honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues.”

Away from the hustle and stressful environments, the Maltese Islands offer various natural spots to be explored.