Category: Malta

Hagar Qim Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage temple older than the pyramids. Discover ancient history, sea views, and nearby Mnajdra Temples.

Discover Ghar Hasan in Malta—where history, legend, and breathtaking cliffs tell a timeless story of love, tragedy, and resilience.

Ghar Dalam: Exploring Malta’s Prehistoric Treasure Hidden in the quiet town of Birzebbuga in southern Malta lies one of the island’s most fascinating archaeological and natural wonders: Ghar Dalam. This prehistoric cave, whose name translates to “Cave of Darkness” in Maltese, is far more than just a cavern. It is a time capsule, preserving within its layers the story of Malta’s earliest human settlers and the animals that once roamed the island thousands of years ago. For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Malta’s ancient past beyond its beautiful beaches and lively towns, Ghar Dalam is a destination that blends history, geology, and archaeology in one remarkable site. A Journey Back in Time Stepping into Ghar Dalam feels like traveling back through millennia. The cave stretches for about 145 meters, although visitors can explore roughly the first 50 meters. What makes it extraordinary are the layers of sediment within the cave walls. These layers hold fossils, bones, and artifacts that together create a timeline of Malta’s distant past, dating back over 500,000 years. Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed a treasure trove of prehistoric animal remains. Among the most notable are dwarf elephants, hippopotamuses, and giant swans. These species once lived on the Maltese Islands during the Ice Age, when Malta was connected to mainland Europe via land bridges. As sea levels rose, these animals became isolated, and many species eventually shrank in size due to limited resources—a fascinating example of island dwarfism. The bones and fossils found here are not just random discoveries; they are meticulously layered, with each stratum representing a different period in natural history. Walking along the cave, visitors can see the way archaeologists have carefully marked these layers, turning the walls into a textbook of Earth’s history. Malta’s First Inhabitants While Ghar Dalam is famous for its Ice Age animals, it is equally significant for its human history. Archaeologists discovered pottery shards and tools dating back to around 7,400 years ago, making this site the earliest evidence of human settlement on the Maltese Islands. These Neolithic settlers are believed to have arrived from Sicily, bringing with them rudimentary farming techniques, livestock, and a new way of life. They sought shelter in and around the cave, which provided a safe haven as they began to establish their communities. This marked the beginning of Malta’s long and rich prehistory, which would later give rise to the awe-inspiring megalithic temples scattered across the islands. The discovery of these artifacts at Ghar Dalam gives visitors a unique glimpse into the resilience and resourcefulness of Malta’s first inhabitants, who transformed a barren landscape into a thriving home. The Cave Museum Before entering the cave itself, visitors can explore the Ghar Dalam Museum, which offers an excellent introduction to the site. Opened in 1933, the museum houses a vast collection of fossils, bones, and artifacts unearthed from the cave. One of its most captivating displays is the skeleton of a dwarf elephant, a reminder of the extraordinary creatures that once walked on CONTINUE READING

Filfla: Malta’s Mysterious Islet of Legends and Nature ust 5 kilometers off the southern coast of Malta lies a tiny, rugged islet that has intrigued locals, historians, and nature lovers for centuries—Filfla. Despite its small size, only about 0.06 km², Filfla carries a big story. Steeped in myths, layered with history, and brimming with ecological importance, this uninhabited limestone rock remains one of the most mysterious parts of the Maltese archipelago. The Origins of Filfla Geologically, Filfla is part of the same limestone composition that forms much of the Maltese Islands. It is believed that the islet was once much larger, but centuries of erosion, earthquakes, and natural forces reduced it to its present size. Surrounding it are two smaller rocks—Filfoletta and another unnamed rock—making the site all the more dramatic against the deep blue Mediterranean backdrop. The name “Filfla” comes from the Arabic word for peppercorn, a nod to the island’s round, pebble-like shape. This etymology also points to Malta’s long history as a cultural crossroads between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Legends and Folklore Filfla has inspired countless legends among the Maltese people. One popular folk tale says that the islet was thrown into the sea by a giant who was angered at the Maltese villagers. Another story claims that witches used to live on Filfla, holding midnight gatherings that frightened sailors passing by. Perhaps the most striking legend is that Filfla was once home to a chapel, which sank beneath the sea after a great storm—a symbolic tale often used in local storytelling to highlight divine power and human fragility. While there is no evidence of a chapel on Filfla itself, these myths have helped cement the islet’s reputation as a place of mystery and awe. A Military Past Though uninhabited, Filfla was not always left in peace. During the British colonial period, the Royal Navy used the islet for target practice. From the late 19th century up until 1971, Filfla was regularly bombarded as part of military training exercises. This left the islet scarred and littered with unexploded ordnance. In 1980, the Maltese government officially declared Filfla a nature reserve, banning all forms of human activity—including fishing within one nautical mile of the islet. The law was passed not only to protect the unique ecosystem but also to safeguard visitors from potential dangers caused by the old military shells. Filfla’s Unique Wildlife Today, Filfla is recognized for its ecological value. Despite its barren and inhospitable appearance, the islet is home to species that thrive only in this isolated environment. The most famous is the Filfla lizard (Podarcis filfolensis filfolensis), a subspecies found nowhere else on Earth. These small reptiles have adapted to the harsh, rocky terrain and are a symbol of Malta’s natural resilience. Filfla is also a vital seabird sanctuary. Large colonies of European storm petrels, yellow-legged gulls, and Cory’s shearwaters use its cliffs as breeding grounds. The surrounding waters are equally rich, supporting diverse marine life, making the area a hotspot for CONTINUE READING

Malta’s weather, monthly averages, historic storms, record heatwaves, rainfall, sunshine, and Mediterranean weather insights

Sea turtles in Malta: hatching, diet, dangers & rescue. From history to conservation, learn how we protect them at Bluewaves Watersports.

L-Ahrax in Mellieħa is a serene natural escape with pine groves, rich history, and stunning views—just minutes from the beautiful Marfa Bay.

Everything you need to know before visiting Malta—travel tips, top sights, beaches, and sea adventures with Bluewaves Watersports.

Grand Master Jean de Valette led Malta to victory in the 1565 siege, founded Valletta & left a legacy symbolized by his sword, held in the Louvre.