Rural Malta by Stephanie Attard Grech

Discover Rural Malta

The Maltese Islands

A Memorable Experience

The Maltese islands, one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean, offer the traveller an extraordinary range of historical and cultural sites, together with a rich rural landscape and heritage that make it a truly unique and year-round holiday destination. With the Maltese Islands just a couple of hours flying time from major European airports, and with scheduled and chartered flights linking Malta to a host of European countries, not to mention the excellent sea connections to the mainland, getting here could not be easier!

Blessed with sun throughout the year and set in crystal waters, Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino can offer you a memorable experience, where complete relaxation can easily give way to one’s urge to discover the islands’ many cultural, artistic and natural treasures. And you will find that we are a product of the Mediterranean’s history and its geography. We speak Maltese, a language of Semitic origin with a heavy Latin influence, and English, while many of us also speak Italian and some are fluent in French and German as well.

With the toils of everyday life behind you, you will be looking forward to a few days of utter relaxation, soaking up the Mediterranean pace of life. It will, however, be difficult to resist the temptation to explore the spectacular seascapes, ranging from quiet coves and alluring sandy beaches to sheer cliffs. Inland, the horizon is dominated by the baroque spires of Malta’s myriad churches and cathedrals. You can opt to put on walking shoes and head out to discover tranquil village squares, traditional farmhouses, wayside chapels and ancient ruins.

The islands’ architectural heritage, spanning seven millennia, will act as an impressive backdrop to all your activities, while a stroll through our towns and villages is bound to give you that particular ‘lost in time’ feeling. A visit to Malta’s baroque capital, Valletta, and the walled medieval city of Mdina, are a must, while the islands’ megalithic temples are the source of an age-old enigma.

Rural Malta Malta’s rural villages possess a wealth of cultural and archaeological heritage which give the sense of authenticity so much sought after by visitors. With the bustle of their markets and shops and with their relaxed atmosphere, village cores are a great place to watch people go about their day, especially when the market comes to life. Browse around the various stands and you’ll find everything from local crafts to delicious fresh produce and cheeses, wines, and honey.

The Maltese are among the friendliest and warmest people you will find in the Mediterranean. With their desire to enjoy life, especially when participating

Rural Villages in the local ‘festa’ commemorating their villages’ patron saints, they will be more than happy to have you share in their fun and joy. Agricultural fairs are an opportunity to celebrate Malta’s rural legacy and offer an interesting insight into age-old traditions. Animal-blessing events also hark back to a time when a family’s animals were their most prized possession. The past years have witnessed the widespread popularity of visits to producers of local wine, olive oil, honey and other agricultural products. These visits provide a unique opportunity to taste these products on site.

These are just a few of the many villages you can visit: Mellieћa is poised on a ridge overlooking Mellieћa Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino. Rabat is the cradle of Malta’s historical and cultural heritage, boasting various sites of archaeological significance. Dominated by the church of St. Nicholas, the ancient farming village of Siġġiewi is situated in extensive and scenic countryside which includes the hilly hamlet of Fawwara, the green valley of Gћajn ilKbira and Girgenti. Qrendi, on the other hand, is a small typical Maltese village in the southwest of the island. On its outskirts lie the megalithic temple complexes of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. Meanwhile,

clustered around the parish church of Żurrieq one finds many 16th century houses. A visit to the Xarolla Windmill is worthwhile. The Blue Grotto and Wied iż-Żurrieq are only 2 km west of this village. Safi is a small village in the southeast of the island, close to Żurrieq. Farming is still an important activity for its inhabitants. Marsaxlokk is Malta’s foremost fishing village and one of the most picturesque seaside localities on the island, while the resort of Marsaskala has grown around a narrow sea inlet on the southern coast of Malta.

Gastronomy Fish naturally features very prominently in Maltese cuisine, with the dorado, or lampuka, being a particular favourite. For meat lovers there are specialities such as beef olives, called braġoli, and rabbit cooked in wine and garlic. Local gastronomy also includes various soups, such as the minestra, a thick vegetable soup and the aljotta, a fish soup.

No mention of Maltese food is complete without reference to local bread. Being very crusty on the outside, yet soft on the inside, the combination of its taste and texture is irresistible. Try it the traditional way, with tomato paste, olive oil, capers, and basil! Another favourite with the Maltese are the pastizzi,

Tas-Silg Walk

Marsaskala to Marsaxlokk

small, diamond-shaped ‘packets’ of flaky pastry stuffed with either fresh ricotta or a slightly spicy, mushy pea mixture. You’ll be amazed with the quality and variety of local produce: tomatoes, pumpkin, marrows, aubergine and artichokes are important ingredients in local cuisine, while grapes, strawberries, peaches, plums, melon and watermelon are typical desserts. Being a Mediterranean island, Malta’s citrus fruits, carob, figs and olives rank among the best in the region. You can also buy local products such as sun dried tomatoes, pickles, jams, honey and goat milk cheeselets from market stalls.

This walk starts at Marsaskala and ends in Marsaxlokk, and you can choose one of two paths to follow, both of which are interesting culturally and naturally. It is a challenging and rewarding itinerary which will take you to two fishing villages and beautiful seascapes, while admiring military architecture and exploring archaeological remains. The countryside offers its share of interesting features as well. The walk passes by the important archaeological site of Tas-Silġ, the Marsaskala saltpans, Fort Delimara, St. Paul’s Battery, Xrobb l-Gћaġin, Munxar and St. Thomas Bay, among others.

Fawwara Walk Dingli to Zurrieq

This walk starts at Dingli Cliffs and ends at Wied iż-Żurrieq (just outside Qrendi). The route meanders past Wardija ta’ San Ġorġ, followed by Fawwara, the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, and ending at Wied iż-Żurrieq, from where you can take a boat ride to the renowned Blue Grotto, or enjoy a traditional meal in one of the many local restaurants nearby.

Girgenti Walk Buskett to Siggiewi

This walk starts at the entrance to the woodland area of Buskett on the outskirts of Dingli, and ends in Siġġiewi’s main square, from where you can take a bus back to your hotel. This itinerary takes you along prehistoric cart ruts, past Gћar il-Kbir, the 18th Century Inquisitor’s Palace at Girgenti and Providenza Chapel. Along the way you will see the Laferla Cross. The Lunzjata promontory tends to be a favourite spot for local and foreign ramblers seeking a visual vantage point. The walk ends at the village of Siġġiewi, with its numerous chapels and imposing parish church.

Bahrija Walk Rabat

This walk starts and ends in Fiddien, Rabat (Malta), and offers countryside views of fertile valleys surrounded by hills. The itinerary passes through dry farmed land as well as maquis. Beyond the hamlet of Baћrija, a detour takes you to Miġra l-Ferћa where, legend has it, the Normans under Count Roger of Sicily landed in the 11th Century to bring an end to Arab rule in Malta. The walk meanders along coastal cliffs offering stunning views and a glimpse of the islet of Filfla. Mtaћleb’s chapel, built during the mid 17th Century, stands high above the terraced fields and overlooks the fertile valley.

Maqluba Walk Siggiewi to Qrendi

This easy 6 km walk opens up the opportunity to explore the villages of Qrendi and Siġġiewi, with their typical narrow, winding streets, as well as the surrounding countryside. Take in the fascinating beauty of the various wayside chapels which are typical of rural Malta. Each of these is dedicated to a particular saint and though they appear unassuming, they performed an important role for the rural communities who frequented them for their religious needs. Walking along the countryside lanes gives you the opportunity to appreciate the care and intensive work that local farmers put into their fields. You can also observe the rubble walls that divide our fields into the typical small plots that characterise Maltese agriculture.

The Windmills Walk Zurrieq to Safi

This walk starts and ends at Żurrieq’s village square, passing through the rural villages of Żurrieq and Safi and the surrounding countryside. The itinerary explores important sites found in these villages, such as the Ta’ Marmara, Tas-Salib and Ta’ Qaret Windmills, Ġibjun Gardens, the Wardija Watchtower, the Ħamlet of Bubaqra, the Tal-Bakkari remains, Ħlantun, Safi Parish Church and the Xarolla Windmill. In the proximity of the windmill one can also admire the ancient Roman tombs which are thought to date as far back as 700 BC. The walk ends in Żurrieq.

Marfa Walk Mellieha

This walk starts and ends at Gћadira Bay. Setting off from close to the Gћadira Nature Reserve, the walk reaches the top of Marfa Ridge just beneath the austere Red Tower. Offering breathtaking views to the sea on either side, the walk takes you through dry farmed land, garigue, wooded areas and amazing cliffs. Before arriving at the White Tower, a short detour reveals a spectacular geological formation. Along the shoreline, the walk passes by a number of fortified structures dating back to the time of the Knights of St. John, and others built during World War II. The walk turns uphill again towards Paradise Bay. The route eventually makes its way past the Red Tower and the Gћadira Nature Reserve, and back to the starting point.

Hal Millieri Walk Qrendi to Zurrieq

This walk spans three villages located in the southwest of the Island. Starting from the picturesque village of Qrendi, famous for its prehistoric monuments, you will pass through the neighbouring village of Mqabba, with its traditional core and rural lifestyle. Passing by the Tal-Mentna catacombs you will come across the ancient hamlet of Ħal Millieri, where you will find two small churches, one of which boasts unique medieval frescoes. Upon reaching Żurrieq, you can visit the Xarolla windmill and adjoining catacombs. The walk ends in Żurrieq’s village square, where you can visit the parish church, which houses works of art by Mattia Preti.

Mdina Walk Rabat to Dingli

This walk starts off with a visit to Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina, where you can appreciate narrow streets, myriad medieval buildings and baroque churches. Walk along the imposing bastions and admire the sweeping views. Once out of Mdina’s gates, you take to the outskirts of Rabat, the suburb of the old city, and follow the road that is still the venue of a centuries-old horse racing event held in June. Pass by fertile fields and take in the everchanging scenery of the Maltese countryside. You will eventually arrive at the 17th Century summer palace used by the Inquisitors, which today serves as an official residence of the Prime Minister, the Inquisitor's Palace in Girgenti Your walk will take you by hard rock quarries, an important resource for the local building industry. As you trek along the cliffs of Dingli, you will have the opportunity to admire some exhilarating coastal scenery.

Outdoor Activities To really appreciate the islands’ unique character, you should be prepared to stray from the beaten tourist track and explore our villages, rugged landscape and spectacular coastline. Malta and Gozo are excellent for outdoor activities such as trekking, offroad biking, rock climbing and kayaking. Trekking through our countryside will give you a unique opportunity to discover our diverse flora and fauna, tranquil village squares, ancient fortifications and wayside chapels. The Maltese countryside is also ideal for exploring by bike. And why not try rock climbing? The Maltese Islands have some challenging and spectacular rock faces with superb sea views to tempt the climber. Malta's excellent climate also makes diving possible all year round.

Our crystal-clear waters are ideal for kayaking enthusiasts who take to the sea to explore the many inlets and coves that dot the shoreline.

Text and images ÂŠ Malta Tourism Authority

www.maltagoesrural.com

Rural Development Programme for Malta 2007-2013 Axis 3 - Improving the Quality of Life in Rural Areas Project part-financed by the European Union The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Co-financing Rate: 75% European Union, 25% Government of Malta Europe Investing in Rural Areas