Nomadic African

 by Simon Barnett 

 The island of Malta, nestled within the waters of the Mediterranean, has a rich history. The island has been the home to many different civilisations over the years and has often been a target for invaders. Within the last century, the people of Malta were called upon to show bravery, in order to protect their land.

Today, this is a place that is fortunately associated with more gentle times. The economy is heavily reliant on the tourist trade, which helps to attract visitors from elsewhere in Europe, as well as from other locations. Why are all of these people drawn to this relatively small island?

In order to answer that question, it's necessary to delve a little deeper into what makes life here so special. As soon as you arrive, it's likely that you'll notice the warm climate and beautiful scenery. For those of us from the UK, for instance, there's certainly great pleasure to be found in spending time in a place where sunshine can be guaranteed throughout most of the summer months.

But climate doesn't explain all that is great about this place. There are plenty of warm locations throughout the world, yet they don't all attract visitors in such large numbers. The welcoming approach of local people is also important and there is a genuine interest in finding out more about the lives and interests of overseas visitors.

The food here is, of course, varied and cooked to a high standard. For those wishing to eat a range of European dishes, there is no shortage of options. All of the main resorts have significant hotels, with associated restaurants that are used to dealing with the demands of travellers. My own view is that there's much to be gained from visiting smaller, local restaurants.

Although choosing to visit such a restaurant may at first appear to be more daunting, you'll soon discover that the experience is enriching. The food is usually authentic and delicious. This is about experiencing the real Malta, making the most of the delightful seafood dishes that are often available.

During your days, you may decide to spend time on the beach, or relaxing by the side of the swimming pool. Although I am certainly in favour of relaxation, I would also encourage you to explore the rich heritage of the island. There's so much more to see once you escape from some of the coastal resorts.

There's one final area that I believe that you simply cannot afford to overlook: the surrounding waters. As is typical of this region, the clear, blue waters inevitably look welcoming. You may think about swimming, or simply going for a paddle. I would, however, suggest that you'll get an enormous amount back from exploring more deeply.

Beneath the waves, you will discover that Malta is host to an incredible amount of marine life. Such experiences simply aren't available for those who are unwilling to explore. Diving around Malta is a real pleasure. 

Discover Maltese life on a visit to this region, as discussed by Simon Barnett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.