A Personal View of Malta

Created by doina. Last modified on 2003-02-01 17:23:10
Contributors: Michael Frankel
Countries: Malta

I was more interested in Malta's history than its sights. The islands are very rocky with no trees and sandy beaches to speak of. There are lots of forts and churches made out of yellowish limestone blocks, the only construction material on the islands. The same blocks are used for all the flat-roofed buildings giving the cities and villages an undistinguished look.

The most interesting structures were stone age temples built about 5,000 years ago and reputed to be man's oldest surviving structures -- predating the pyramids.

Surprisingly, with all the invasions from Arab lands, Malta has few signs of Arab or Islamic culture. No minarets, almost no veiled women, and lots and lots of Christian churches.

Newspaper editorials about the upcoming EU referendum noted Maltese concern over having to abide by European requirements for pollution control, waste management, and wildlife conservation. They seem to like their life the way it is.

There are plenty of crowded marinas but they have the look and feel of a convenient stopover rather than a destination. Many bays are filled with colorful fishing boats and plenty of anchoring room. Provisions and repairs are more readily available in Valletta, however, the marina at Mgarr, on the smaller island of Gozo, looks less crowded and manageable with only a short bus ride into Victoria. Personnel at the large Msida Marina in Marsamxett Harbor, near Valletta, are friendly and helpful in spite of the marina being very busy at all times.

Michael Frankel