Discover Malta's Eden

The EDEN Project is co-financed by the European Commission.

Cover Photo by MTA/ Paolo Meitre Liberatini.

Other photos by Jean Louis Wertz, Mario Galea, J端rgen Scicluna, George Saguna.

Published by the Malta Tourism Authority.

The Maltese Islands In Malta, you'll explore 7000 years of history yet live passionately in the present. You'll span the Millennia and discover astonishing attractions.

And wherever you go, the Islands' scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking, honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blue skies and seas.

The Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum. What makes them unique is that so much of their past is visible today. Delve into the Islands' mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John defended Christendom.

Malta is holidaying as the mood takes you. And with near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best.

In just hours and a kilometre or two,

Dwejra, Gozo

you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic sites, plus still have time to join in the nightlife, have a good meal whenever it takes your fancy. That's the real advantage of a stay here.

The Islands offer plenty of specialist holidays for those seeking to learn a new skill, discover history, appreciate the arts or get fit. If you're interested in sports, Malta is guaranteed to cater as much for the seasoned enthusiast as for the casual first-timer. Malta has wellness and spa facilities at the luxury hotels and club resorts whilst sea and land lend themselves to activities from rock-climbing to gentle rambling.

For a tempo and scene change from Malta itself, hop on to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Here you'll holiday within a holiday and at the most relaxed of Mediterranean paces.

The European Destinations of Excellence Ghadira Bay, Mellieha

The European Commission launched the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) project a few years ago with the aim of selecting special places "off the beaten track" that value economic, environmental and social sustainability. Each of these places was selected for a particular theme and according to specific criteria. The project is cofinanced by the European Commission and managed together with the Malta Tourism Authority.

The EDEN project aims to bring out Europe's richness and diversity. The continent's mystique draws tourists from around the world in search of adventure, paradise and culture.

While there are many wonderful

destinations in Europe, the truth is, many of them have lost their allure due to expansive tourism and a lack of regard for the environment.

Sustainable tourism is a practice that must run deep in the values of the local people. Whenever new accommodation is built and manmade changes are made to the landscape, eco-friendly and environmental measures must be followed. A constant respect for nature is needed to ensure that today's creatures and eco-systems are still around in the distant future.

More information about the EDEN project can be found at www.edenineurope.eu.

Ta’ Sopu Tower

A rugged coastline off San Blas Bay

Nadur (Gozo)

Fast Facts Won the EDEN Award as an Emerging Rural Destination What to do Take a seat at Ta' Kenuna garden and simply enjoy the view. Don't forget your camera!

Famous for the Nadur Carnival and their baked ftira.

When to go The 29th June is an appointment to witness an old tradition during the Mnarja feast.

Website www.nadur.gov.mt

Set on the easternmost hill on the island of Gozo and surrounded by agricultural land, Nadur is one rural treasure adorned with a rich culture.

Nadur has been proactive in leveraging its bounty and offers agri-tourism packages where tourists have the opportunity to work alongside farmers, cultivating and picking fruit, as well as preparing local dishes.

Nature and cultural heritage walking routes have been created, enabling visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings in the knowledge that the paths are safe, strategically positioned and don't exploit the landscape.

Though very small, the village has a strong cultural identity which makes it a distinctive

place. Its heritage is rich and includes several towers, a Maritime Museum and a beautiful baroque church. Events such as the popular Nadur spontaneous Carnival with its macabre theme surely give it a character of its own, drawing thousands of people in costume every year. Held in June, the village feast of St Peter and St Paul- the Mnarja, is a celebration rooted in Maltese seasonal traditions. If visiting during December, don't miss the Christmas market, which offers an opportunity to take crafts and traditional delicacies home. The village is blessed with scenic beauty which is unique and rather rare, setting a charming backdrop to any activity.

Hamlet of Santa Lucija (Gozo) Fast Facts Won the EDEN Award for Local Intangible Heritage What to do Meet the locals and their culture during one of the traditional events proudly organised by the locals themselves.

Famous for the feeling of tranquility that lies around both the built and unbuilt areas When to go Any time of the year during one of the local events especially in summer during the Ikla tan-Nanna.

Website www.santalucija.com

Countryside in the limits of Ghar Ilma

The old hamlet of Santa Lucija lies near the village of Kercem nestled between three hills, each having a natural water spring, thus making its surroundings one of the most fertile areas of Gozo.

The hamlet claims to be the oldest inhabited place on the Islands, with the first settlements dating back to around 5000 B.C. The local community has proudly preserved old cultural and historical monuments including the site of a 3rd or 4th century Christian catacomb, four chapels, remains of a Medieval settlement and a working aqueduct. In addition to its natural beauty, the hamlet has a cultural spirit that conveys the island of Gozo perfectly with its feasts and festivals that its locals proudly

organise to entertain their guests.

One of these is the Ikla tan-Nanna (Grandma's Dinner), a sevencourse homemade traditional meal, mostly made from produce of the local fields and served in a traditional background with live folk music. Wine lovers should visit the Bis-Sahha wine festival, held in June. It is an opportunity to taste the genuine local wine and food, and buy crafts at very affordable prices.

If you want to have a glimpse of the hamlet in a magical setting, visit in December during the light festival when inhabitants dim their external electric lighting of their houses and revert back to the old traditional oil lamps and candles.

Mellieha and the Hamlet of Manikata An inlet off Mellieha coast

Fast Facts Won the EDEN Award for Tourism and Protected Areas What to do Walk, ride a bicycle or a horse along natural paths in the Majjistral Nature and History Park, and the areas of Selmun and Imhiebah.

Famous for the sandy Ghadira Bay. When to go In summer if you're after the sun and sea; in the shoulder months if you're after the history and countryside. Mellieha is a destination for all seasons!

Website www.mellieha.gov.mt

Sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of Mellieha

Mellieha, an idyllic Northern seaside town is a popular summer destination capable of attracting a varied audience all year round.

Mellieha is rich in historical heritage, particularly known for the beautiful Marian Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Mellieha which is reputed to have been visited by St. Paul. The area also has a number of fortifications dating back to the 16th Century. Beyond the bustling village, the countryside areas of Selmun, Manikata and the Majjistral Nature Park offer an amazing natural environment and spectacular vista points, guaranteed to make you relax and unwind.

This rural town has it all - including a good number of restaurants and high standard hotels to make you feel at home. With its typical village square, the old monastery, quaint village houses and picturesque views over the famous Ghadira Bay and ridges, Mellieha is truly charming.

Having 13 beaches and diving sites of crystal clear waters, intriguing archaeological sites, a warm and vibrant culture, and a unique countryside which offers stunning landscapes ideal for photography and trekking enthusiasts, Mellieha surely has a lot to offer the discerning visitor.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

Isla

Fast Facts Won the EDEN Award for Aquatic Tourism What to do Get on a boat tour of the Grand Harbour in one of the traditional boats.

Famous for the view from Gardjola Garden When to go In September there's the annual Cultural Expressions - The International Festival of Maritime Senglea - a festival celebrating maritime culture and history.

Website www.islalocalcouncil.com

Going southwards to the Three CitiesIsla- or Senglea as named by the Knights of St John stands proudly on a peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbour. This is a mariner's city, having a promontory surrounded by water, with views of the commercial harbour, Valletta's skyline and the yacht marina. Having had life as a Royal Navy base, relics still exist and the best way to see them is with a watertaxi. These are small boats restored lovingly and replicating the original colour ways of orange and yellow with the symbol of an eye to ward off evil spirits. These boats are skippered by skilled oarsmen who guide them in and out of the various stops in the area, some sea dogs telling tales and others giving tours for those who have time to spare.

Isla boasts of a rich historical and religious heritage. Roaming about its streets one can get lost in its narrow passageways and old stairways that lead to its sheltered waterfront. The enchanting city comes to life during its annual International Festival of Maritime Senglea and during the Regatta - the yearly traditional boat races held on the 8th September. It is also the best place to see the start of the Rolex Middle Sea race in October, when over 70 world class yachts start their journey around Sicily. Isla is truly one of the growing jewels of the Islands- standing behind spectacular bastions with commanding views still guarding the Grand Harbour as it did centuries ago.

Gardjola overlooking the Grand Harbour

Natural Rock Formation at Wied il-Mielah

Gharb

Gharb is a picture postcard pretty village nestled in valleys of outstanding natural beauty, which is best appreciated at sunset due to its position on the Western side of the island of Gozo. With original and cared-for buildings, it is one of the most intact places you will see. The village hosts a fascinating museum-

Fast Facts Won the EDEN Award for Tourism and Regeneration of Physical Sites What to do Contact one of the diving schools in Gozo and go for a diving session at Wied il-Mielah.

Famous for the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary When to go Spring is the best time to wander around enjoying the village and its views.

Website www.gharbnet.com ; http://wiedilmielah.gharbnet.com

Frenc ta' l-Gharb- which is actually the same house where Frenc used to live, showcasing natural remedies and methods used by the man himself in olden days using local ingredients.

The Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village offers visitors the chance to witness traditional crafts such as pottery,

lace, blown glass and leather items being made and also offers the opportunity to take unique gifts and reminders home.

The naturally-formed Azure window at Wied il-Mielah valley is a beautiful view one should not miss. The natural beauty of the surrounding area calls people to its wild,

rambling meadows while the flora and fauna make this valley a truly special place. In recent months access to the valley has been improved. Walking paths and bike tracks have been created, giving safe and eco-friendly direction for a trek down towards the cliffs and to the sea for diving aficionados.