Malta Luxury Yachting Guide

Located south of the Italian island of Sicily, the Republic of Malta consists of seven islands, of which only three – Malta, Gozo, and Comino – are inhabited. Malta is the largest and the cultural centre of the trio, whilst Gozo and Comino are more rural, secluded and undeveloped.

With a history dating back 7,000 years, Malta is unsurprisingly steeped in culture. Prehistoric ruins, stunning Baroque palaces and Renaissance cathedrals, and one of Europe’s most picturesque capital cities combine to link the small island back to its fascinating past. But Malta is also a place of natural beauty, with a craggy coastline, sandy beaches and a perfect Mediterranean climate.

Malta is also the product of centuries of foreign rule, having been occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and latterly France and Britain. Its legacy as a former British colony (it gained independence in 1964) is still evidenced by British pubs and phone boxes dotted across the island, as well as a vast ex-pat community. English remains the official language along with Maltese, although Italian is also widely spoken.

Maltese cuisine also reflects its history, showing strong English and Sicilian influences. The restaurant scene on the island is vibrant and diverse, with a mix of speciality eateries and those serving up local fare, with pork and stewed rabbit present on most menus.

Despite the imposing reputations of its larger Mediterranean neighbours, Malta also manages to hold its own when it comes to wine making, and has won several accolades in France, Italy and further afield for its grape harvesting talents.

Malta is also a shopping lover’s paradise, with everything from flea markets up to luxury boutiques on offer. Whether you’re looking for international high-end brands, beautiful art works or antiques, visitors will find themselves with plenty to choose from.