Mnajdra

The temple of Mnajdra was created 3400 years before Jesus Christ, and 800 years before the great pyramid and Stonehenge. Mnajdra and the other Maltese temples can be considered the most ancient stone temples in the world. Almost nothing is known about the civilisation that built these temples. Having come from Sicily about 3500 BC, this population mysteriously "disappeared" around 2500BC. They did not know iron. The size of the stone blocks and the beautiful decorations with simple tools in flint make it all the more remarkable.

general information

Malta and its islands (Gozo and Comino), just south of Sicily, are home to heavenly landscapes and quiet corners.

Republic

capital: Valette

surface area: 316km2

population: 0,4 millions

population density/km2: 1291

member of the EU since 2004

national day: 21 September

• Malta was used as an English base during the Second World War (it was heavily bombarded)

• The Maltese language has Semitic and Latin origins.

• Between 1580 and 1798, Malta was given to the knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the "Knights of Malta". There are still some French expressions left over from this era, such as Bongu (bonjour=hello) and bonswa (bonsoir=good evening)

• Malta has been subject to a strong Arabic influence (language and architecture)

• The name Malta appears to come from the word "melitta" meaning honey, referring to the pale yellow. golden appearance of the stone with which its palaces and churches have been built.

• Malta's megalithic temples date from about 3200BC.

• Malta has the highest density of churches (400 in total)

• Founded in 1592, the University of Malta is one the oldest in the world.

From the airport

Bus: bus number 8 takes about 30 minutes to Valletta.

Marsascala is not a prime tourist area, so you can take advantage of the fantastic value markets with street vendors selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, homemade preserves and wine.

There is no tourist office in Marsascala but if you need to know anything about the local area or attractions, you can pop into the local council building at Ann Triq Il-Qaliet.

Marsascala Bay is awash with bars and restaurants and very popular in the summer months.

Marsaxlokk. In the past, the southern coastal towns and villages were fishing villages. Today, Malta's prime fishing village is Marsaxlokk, beside Marsascala. Apart from the occasional fish stall, numerous restaurants specialise in seafood, mostly serving the catch of the day.

Malta's idyllic climate, spectacular coastline and warm blue waters have attracted visitors for millennia, leaving a rich and varied history. Beyond the beaches you will find a feast of ancient temples, medieval fortresses and baroque treasures.

Malta has sunshine all year. The most popular beach is Mellieha Bay and there are two beautiful sandy stretches right next to each other at Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay. The crystal-clear waters make Malta ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Built 1000 years before the Pyramids, the island's 25 Neolithic temples are as mysterious and awe-inspiring as Stonehenge. Hypogeum, with its underground tomb, is one of the best sites, but you will need to book ahead. Find out more at the Archaeology Museum in Valetta