Tri Malta for a change

A signboard that reads Merhaba and “Welcome'' greets visitors to the Mediterranean island state of Malta.

Once out of Malta International Airport, the beauty of this small island seems to greet you with open arms, making you feel at home. No wonder it is a tourist haven.

Ancient design

The landscape is dotted with low-rise, mustard-hued buildings, which reflect the prevalence of stone-based architecture.

A glimpse of the skyline tells you that the Maltese are in love with nature and heritage. The place is full of ancient buildings on rocky territory.

The Maltese archipelago comprises three islands —Malta, Gozo and Comino. It covers 320 square kilometres and is home to 420,000 people — one of the most densely populated places in the world.

However, there is an unusual quietness about Malta, which makes it a perfect getaway.

Unlike other tourist destinations, you will hardly have a problem communicating with the locals. The Maltese speak good English — even the cab drivers. They are well versed in the language and are so familiar with every nook and cranny of the country that they can even pass for tour guides.

With more than 5,200 years of history, a wonderful Mediterranean climate, sound tourism infrastructure and loads of attractions, Malta stands out as a perfect holiday destination. It is a charming country full of surprises and the more you walk around, the more you discover.

Although the island is blessed with plenty of sunshine and crystal-clear waters, it is not famous for beaches. Although there are only small sandy beaches, the island attracted more than 1.3 million visitors the previous year.

One island, many rulers

Because of its strategic location, this small island has always been targeted by powerful countries.

In the past, Malta has seen many rulers — the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, French and the British — after which it was declared a republic in 1974. The country became a member of the European Union in 2004.

Greeting visitors with an Arabic word at the airport's arrival lounge is a pleasant surprise for tourists to the Mediterranean island — especially those from the Arab world.

Perfect blend

The presence of Arabic words in Western language, however, is not uncommon. About 60 per cent of the Maltese language consists of Arabic words.

“Arabs gave us the language, Europeans gave us religion and the British gave us the legal and administrative system, and the modern culture,'' says Anthony Tabone, Malta's consul-general in Dubai.

Present-day Malta is a healthy mix of various cultures, languages, religious traditions and heritage. Though a part of Europe, Malta's society and culture reflect strong filial bonds and family values.

Little wonder

“The Phoenicians and Arabs ruled Malta for centuries. They left an indelible mark on our culture and language,'' Tabone says. Listening to a conversation between two Maltese leaves you wondering about the Arabic influence on the language.

“Arab visitors can easily understand the conversation between the Maltese. But the Lebanese can understand it better, as their accent of Arabic is more similar to the language we speak,'' Tabone says.

In AD870, the Arabs conquered Malta and ruled for more than 220 years. The Arabs introduced new crops such as cotton and citrus fruits — and new irrigation systems. They even created a new capital, Mdina (Medina), which still exists.

“They divided the Roman city, Melita, in two parts. Mdina, the centre, and Rabat, the suburb,'' says Peter Vella, my tour guide, as he takes me around the former capital where Muslim rulers used to be in charge of a closely guarded administration.

Great leaders

“The Arabs were great leaders and ruled the country efficiently. That's why, even after so many centuries, the names of their cities have remained the same. The Arab rulers closely guarded the city and maintained a strong defence system to protect it.''

During the medieval age Mdina was the seat of the municipal government and an important centre, Vella says.

The city is full of rich architecture that is characterised by a diverse heritage chiefly dominated by the Arabs and later, a Baroque influence. Despite such close cultural ties, Malta remains a faraway destination for many in the Arabian Gulf.

After Arab rule, Normans took over the islands. They were followed by the Knights of the Order of St John — who are said to have built the foundation of present-day Malta.

“The Knights gave Malta its foundation and the basis for what we see in modern days. They established proper administration, developed roads and communication systems and a strong army that was small in number but efficient,'' Vella says.

Grand capital

Later, Malta's administration shifted to Valletta, the country's present-day capital, which is named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valletta, who is credited with defeating the Ottomans who invaded the island.

“The fortification of Valletta and the bastions are a shining example of how strong their defence mechanism was,'' he adds.

Perhaps due to the rule of the Knights, influence of the religion remains strong.

Feast fest

“We have 365 churches across the islands — a church for every day of the year,'' Vella says.

“Every week, each village organises feasts and it is a festival open to all. It is a nationwide competition, which is led by the churches. These festivals turn the island into a year-round festive destination besides reflecting our rich cultural heritage. Tourists love them,'' he adds.

Malta is a perfect destination if you are planning a three-day trip, including a day in Gozo — which is a smaller version of Malta — where you can rent a farmhouse full of modern amenities in a perfect rural setting.

Those who want to take a break from the busy city life or want to travel off the beaten track should check out Gozo.

Go there ... Malta ... From the UAE ... From Dubai

Emirates flies daily.
Fare from Dh3,355

Lufthansa flies six days a week via Frankfurt.
Fare from Dh3,495

From Abu Dhabi

Lufthansa flies six days a week via Frankfurt.
Fare from Dh3,495

— Information courtesy: The Holiday Lounge by Dnata.
Ph: 04 4380454

Travel package

Emirates is planning to offer a three-night package to Malta for just Dh2,000 in the coming weeks. If you are planning for a longer stay, take a trip to Sicily. Daily ferry services are available between the two islands.