Sustainable Holidays On Malta

With a range of culture and history to be explored, as well as some great beaches and sporting activities, Malta is a place to be explored but at the same time protected so that many generations in the future can enjoy its unique attributes.

Malta has been a strategic location through the ages. Malta the country consists of an archipelago situated centrally in the Mediterranean. Inhabited since 5200 BC, Malta's location has made it a strategic island throughout history, with the Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans all settling on this valued territory. During the Middle Ages Malta was a focal point of the Byzantine - Arab wars, while even the British were able to take advantage of its rule on Malta, especially during the Second World War. Malta became an independent country in the 1960's. All of this history and culture can be experienced on Malta holidays with the emphasis firmly on high levels of service, luxury but with minimal impact on the environment.

To genuinely experience the true style of Malta, culture, and great outdoors, it's worth taking the time to take an eco-friendly, educational approach. This way you can enjoy the variety of scenery, the regional traditions and culture, and explore the diverse history of the island. For those keen on adventure and the coast, there is a range of eco tours of the island available. With knowledgeable and qualified local guides, you can discover some of the most beautiful parts of the island, and look at the various flora and fauna and range of eco-systems on the island.

Sailing also has a big part in Maltese tradition and current sporting schedules. Various yacht races either finish at Malta or use the island as a stopover point. For snorkelling and swimming, the smaller island of Gozo is a tranquil and ambient setting to engage in a range of water sports. Whether it's Mellieha Bay or Bahar ic-Caghaq, windsurfing is one of the most popular year round activities on Malta, with beginners to experts finding that the beaches and bays are ideal for all levels of the sport. One of the best places for learners is Mellieha Bay, with its soft golden sand and regularly ideal conditions. Many windsurfers bring their own equipment but boards can also be hired on site.

Getting to know the real Malta involves visiting different parts of the island and involving your visit with some of the local events and festivities. Other eco-friendly sports include mountain biking, pony trekking, surfing, canoeing and walking. There are a range of beaches, designated nature reserves and bays that are ideal for a variety of activities that will let you both enjoy the adventure of outdoor sports and get to know the fascinating wildlife and natural environment of Malta.

There is a range of Sicilian, Italian, and Moorish influences on local dishes. The many unique Maltese foods such as ftiria biz-zejt - unleavened bread with tomatoes and olive oil - are popular throughout the Island's restaurants. Maltese cooking tends to lean towards simple, uncomplicated styles rather than anything too involved, and with responsibly and locally sourced ingredients, you can be sure that food miles and environmental impact are kept to a minimum.

With an emphasis on green facilities and amenities combined with style and luxury, Malta villas offer tourists the opportunity to be based in the heart of the island's culture and areas of natural beauty. Although an island Malta is served by good transport links, with regular flights to and from the UK. Also, with its range of beaches, things to do, arts galleries and museums and great weather, you can discover Malta at any time of the year.

With so many inspiring and unique memories of the past holidays in Malta are different to most other places in Europe. Hotels or villas on Malta come in many different styles. Mark has written about the island from a travel perspective on many occasions.