Nature Reserves
Birdlife Malta currently manages two nature reserves, Ghadira and Is Simar and also joint manages a forestation project known as Foresta (located adjacent to Ghadira). The two nature reserves are both wetland areas and represent the largest free-standing sources of water in Malta. Both sites are also designated as Ramsar sites, an international designation that recognises their international importance as wetland areas. They are vital to migrating waders, waterfowl, herons and other water birds which use the reserves as a resting refuge during their long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. Both reserves are also key breeding sites for several species that breed nowhere else in Malta. Ghadira and Is Simar, with their rare habitats, migrant and breeding birds, varied biodiversity and peaceful surroundings, truly are rare gems in Malta. They are open to the public and also serve an important educational function. From November to May, Ghadira and Is Simar reserves are open to the public. BirdLife volunteers lead guide walks along the nature trail.
Ancient Temples
The New Stone Age (or Neolithic) era is synonymous with the magnificent and awe-inspiring temples that the Neolithic people built. Malta was blessed by the fact that to this day, a good number of these temples are virtually intact and standing, even though they were erected around the year 3600 B.C. The structures made by the Neolithic people were like nothing else and they are by far the oldest megalithic structures in the world. Some of these temples predate the Pyramids of Egypt. Archaeologists of the New Stone Age period, are still somewhat bewildered as to how these temple builders managed to erect these structures with enormous blocks of stones (each one weighing approx 1 ton) in a time where they did not have modern machinery.
Towns & Villages
It is quite remarkable how different the towns and villages are from each other across the Maltese Islands. These small towns are charming with their daytime activity and nightlife varying, while villages enjoy the uniqueness and tranquillity which is rare in city life. Malta's capital, the World Heritage City Valletta, and the medieval fortified towns of Mdina and Cittadella, Gozo, are the Islands' historical highlights. Sliema, Bugibba and St Julian's in Malta and Marsalforn and Xlendi in Gozo are the main resorts. These towns bustle with activity, and not just in summer.
With little effort and just a desire to explore, you'll find inland towns and villages with character and treasures of their own. Churches reveal masterpieces by the artists to the Knights, whilst each village square is a slice of history, its café-bar the hub of rural life.
Beaches
The summer months on the Maltese islands, when temperatures reach an average of 35°C, the clear, Mediterranean Sea is, to say the least inviting. Luckily on small islands such as Malta, Gozo and Comino no place is very far from the beach. On many of the beaches it is possible to rent deck-chairs and umbrellas or the equipment for different types of water sports such as skiing, pedal boats, Para kiting, windsurfing, surfing, jet skiing and diving. There are bars and food places dotted around the beaches too. However, for those who are not so active in lethargy-inducing temperatures a towel and sun-tan lotion is all they need to spend some time relaxing by the sea.
Comino
The tiny Island of Comino is situated right in the middle of the channel that separates mainland Malta from the island of Gozo. The unspoilt island is a haven for all those who love swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind surfing and other water sports. The so called Blue Lagoon, with its crystal clear blue sea, provides one of the most spectacular sights of the Maltese archipelago. Comino has an area of 1.5 sq. kms. and there are only about eight residents living on the Island. Traffic is non-existent and noise is the exception rather than the rule. The island does however boast a modern hotel which caters for those who want to escape from it all. There is also a watch tower built by the Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt in the 17th century.
Gozo
Gozo is the second largest Island of the Maltese islands, with a population of approximately 30,000. Though separated from mainland Malta by a 5km stretch of sea, Gozo is distinctly different from Malta. The Island is a third the size of Malta, more rural and simple, its culture and way of life rooted in fishing, as well as in primitive pastoral and agricultural activity. Gozitans have their own distinct character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, accents and dialect. Gozitans are known for their friendliness and welcome to visitors, going out of their way to indicate a direction or help a visitor find their destination.
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