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, Jürgen Scicluna, George Saguna.

Published by the Malta Tourism Authority.

In Malta, you'll explore 7000 years of you can try a new sport, laze on an history yet live passionately in the island cruise and tour the most present. You'll span the Millennia important historic sites, plus still and discover astonishing attractions. have time to join in the nightlife, And wherever you go, the Islands' have a good meal whenever it takes scenery and architecture provide a your fancy. That's the real advantage spectacular backdrop. The colours of a stay here.are striking, honey-coloured stone against the deepest of The Islands offer plenty of specialist Mediterranean blue skies and seas. holidays for those seeking to learn a

new skill, discover history, The Maltese Islands have been appreciate the arts or get fit. If described as one big open-air you're interested in sports, Malta is museum. What makes them unique guaranteed to cater as much for the is that so much of their past is visible seasoned enthusiast as for the today. Delve into the Islands' casual first-timer. Malta has wellness mysterious prehistory, retrace the and spa facilities at the luxury hotels footsteps of St. Paul or see where and club resorts whilst sea and land the Knights of St. John defended lend themselves to activities from Christendom. rock-climbing to gentle rambling.

Malta is holidaying as the mood For a tempo and scene change from takes you. And with near year-round Malta itself, hop on to the sister sun, you can indulge in outdoor islands of Gozo and Comino. Here living at its best. you'll holiday within a holiday and at

the most relaxed of Mediterranean In just hours and a kilometre or two, paces.

The Maltese Islands

Dwejra, Gozo

The European Destinations of Excellence

The European Commission destinations in Europe, the truth is, launched the European Destinations many of them have lost their allure of Excellence (EDEN) project a few due to expansive tourism and a lack years ago with the aim of selecting of regard for the environment. special places "off the beaten track" Sustainable tourism is a practice that that value economic, environmental must run deep in the values of the and social sustainability. Each of local people. Whenever new these places was selected for a accommodation is built and man-particular theme and according to made changes are made to the specific criteria. The project is co- landscape, eco-friendly and financed by the European environmental measures must be Commission and managed together followed. A constant respect for with the Malta Tourism Authority. nature is needed to ensure that

today's creatures and eco-systems The EDEN project aims to bring out are still around in the distant future.Europe's richness and diversity. The continent's mystique draws tourists More information about the EDEN from around the world in search of project can be found at adventure, paradise and culture. www.edenineurope.eu. While there are many wonderful

Ghadira Bay, Mellieha

Set on the easternmost hill on place. Its heritage is rich and the island of Gozo and includes several towers, a surrounded by agricultural land, Maritime Museum and a Nadur is one rural treasure beautiful baroque church. Events adorned with a rich culture. such as the popular Nadur Nadur has been proactive in spontaneous Carnival with its leveraging its bounty and offers macabre theme surely give it a agri-tourism packages where character of its own, drawing tourists have the opportunity to thousands of people in costume work alongside farmers, every year. Held in June, the cultivating and picking fruit, as village feast of St Peter and St well as preparing local dishes. Paul- the Mnarja, is a celebration Nature and cultural heritage rooted in Maltese seasonal walking routes have been traditions. If visiting during created, enabling visitors to December, don't miss the enjoy the natural surroundings in Christmas market, which offers the knowledge that the paths are an opportunity to take crafts and safe, strategically positioned traditional delicacies home. The and don't exploit the landscape. village is blessed with scenic Though very small, the village beauty which is unique and rather has a strong cultural identity rare, setting a charming which makes it a distinctive backdrop to any activity.

Fast Facts

Won the EDEN Award as an Emerging Rural DestinationWhat 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

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The old hamlet of Santa Lucija lies organise to entertain their near the village of Kercem nestled guests.between three hills, each having a One of these is the Ikla tan-Nanna natural water spring, thus making (Grandma's Dinner), a seven-its surroundings one of the most course homemade traditional fertile areas of Gozo. meal, mostly made from produce The hamlet claims to be the of the local fields and served in a oldest inhabited place on the traditional background with live Islands, with the first settlements folk music. Wine lovers should dating back to around 5000 B.C. visit the Bis-Sahha wine festival, The local community has proudly held in June. It is an opportunity preserved old cultural and to taste the genuine local wine historical monuments including and food, and buy crafts at very the site of a 3rd or 4th century affordable prices.Christian catacomb, four chapels, If you want to have a glimpse of remains of a Medieval settlement the hamlet in a magical setting, and a working aqueduct. In visit in December during the light addition to its natural beauty, the festival when inhabitants dim hamlet has a cultural spirit that their external electric lighting of conveys the island of Gozo their houses and revert back to perfectly with its feasts and the old traditional oil lamps and festivals that its locals proudly candles.

Fast Facts

Won the EDEN Award for Local Intangible HeritageWhat 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 areasWhen 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

Hamlet of Santa Lucija (Gozo)

Countryside in the limits of Ghar Ilma

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.

Mellieha and the Hamlet of Manikata

Fast Facts

Won the EDEN Award for Tourism and Protected AreasWhat 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

An inlet off Mellieha coast

Sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of Mellieha

Isla

Going southwards to the Three Cities- Isla- 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.

Fast Facts

Won the EDEN Award for Aquatic TourismWhat to do Get on a boat tour of the Grand Harbour in one of the traditional boats.Famous for the view from Gardjola GardenWhen 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

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Gardjola overlooking the Grand Harbour

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lace, blown glass and leather items rambling meadows while the flora

being made and also offers the and fauna make this valley a truly

opportunity to take unique gifts and special place. In recent months

reminders home. access to the valley has been The naturally-formed Azure window improved. Walking paths and bike at Wied il-Mielah valley is a beautiful tracks have been created, giving safe view one should not miss. The and eco-friendly direction for a trek natural beauty of the surrounding down towards the cliffs and to the area calls people to its wild, sea for diving aficionados.

Gharb is a picture postcard pretty Frenc ta' l-Gharb- which is actually

village nestled in valleys of the same house where Frenc used to

outstanding natural beauty, which is live, showcasing natural remedies

best appreciated at sunset due to its and methods used by the man

position on the Western side of the himself in olden days using local

island of Gozo. With original and ingredients.The Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village offers cared-for buildings, it is one of the visitors the chance to witness most intact places you will see. The traditional crafts such as pottery,village hosts a fascinating museum-

Fast Facts

Won the EDEN Award for Tourism and Regeneration of Physical SitesWhat 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 SanctuaryWhen to go Spring is the best time to wander around enjoying the village and its views.Website www.gharbnet.com ; http://wiedilmielah.gharbnet.com

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