The Republic of Malta is a nation on an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea in South Europe. The Blue Lagoon in Malta is a not-so-hidden gem and is a popular tourist destination located on the island of Comino.
Malta’s cultural attraction reflects upon its long and rich history. With several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Malta is a destination worth exploring.
This post explores the Blue Lagoon and tells you everything you need to know, from getting there to the best month to visit Malta, and the best food to eat in Malta. As a bonus, we tell you the biggest lagoon in the world. Do you know where it is?
- Where is Malta?
- How do I get from Malta to the Blue Lagoon?
- How deep is the Blue Lagoon in Malta?
- What is the best food to eat in Malta?
- What language do they speak in Malta?
- Where are the most beautiful lagoons in the world?
- Which is the biggest lagoon in the world?
- Is Malta worth visiting?
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Where is Malta?
Malta is to the East of Tunisia and South of Italy. Three island groups make up The Republic of Malta. The islands are the main island of Malta and the islands of Gozo and Comino. The Blue Lagoon in Malta is on Comino.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate which means hot summers and mild winters. In 2019, Malta attracted 2.7 million visitors.
Malta plans to pay tourists €200 ($235) to revive tourism if they stay at least three days while those who stay at four-star hotels will receive €150 ($176). Those who book three-star hotels will receive €100 ($117).
Malta’s culture is a reflection of the cultures, from Phoenicians to the British who have come into contact with the Maltese Islands.
Maltese cuisine has strong Sicilian, English, Spanish, and Provencal influences. The traditional dish of stuffat-tal-tenek began as a symbolic resistance to the hunting restrictions imposed by the Knights of St John.
Origin of Name
No one knows how the name Malta came about. Malta is from the Greek word Meli which means honey. The Greeks referred to the island as Melitē which means honey-sweet.
This could be because Malta is home to a sub-species of bees that produces honey unique to Malta.
Another version claims that the name came from the word Maleth which means either a port or a haven. This is about the many bays and coves of Malta.
Brief History
Researchers discovered that the islands of Malta may have been inhabited since 5900 BC. A burial site revealed that settlers may have come from Sicily. The earliest inhabitants were believed to be robust, healthy, and hardy.
By 870 BC, Phonecians arrived in Malta. They began to settle here as Malta was along their trade route from Eastern Mediterranean to Cornwall. By 600 BC, the Carthaginians rule Malta, an exclusive trade post between Africa and Sicily.
In 255 BC, Romans take over Malta and Roman Catholicism is introduced to the island. The Romans use Malta as an administrative base and Malta flourishes under Roman rule.
Arabs and Byzantine Rule
Malta was part of the Arab-Byzantine Wars that resulted in looting, pillaging, and destroying buildings by the Arabs. However, the Arab Agricultural Revolution introduced new methods of irrigation, fruits, and cotton.
The Siculo-Arabic language that was used eventually evolved to the Maltese language we know today.
Norman Conquest and The Rule of the Knights
Roger I of Sicily attacked Malta in 1091 as part of his conquest of Sicily. Malta was part of the Kingdom of Sicily. It was Roger I who brought Christianity to Malta. There was a mass expulsion of Arabs in 1224 and by 1249, remaining Muslims were compelled to leave or to convert.
By 1530, Malta was given to the Knights of St John. The knights had been driven out by the Ottoman Empire and were given Malta as their permanent headquarters after moving across Europe after seven years.
Although the Knights ruled Malta for 268 years, they were loathed by the locals as they were excluded from important positions and serving within the Knights Order.
The Knights are credited with building hospitals, fortresses, watchtowers, and churches. Their presence on the island boosted Malta’s economy and protected Malta against new Muslim invasions.
The French Invasion
The French invaded Malta in 1798 led by Napoleon Bonaparte and occupied Malta for 2 years. During the six days that Napolean stayed in Malta, he dismantled the Knight’s Order, limited the Bishop’s influence, and granted free education and freedom of the press to all.
The Maltese turned against the French soldiers placed by Napolean once he sailed for Egypt. French rule in Malta lasted three months as the French began meddling in Maltese churches and looting them of their silver.
The 1800s to Modern Malta
The French troops surrendered to the British in the 1800s. Maltese leaders asked that the islands fall under British rule. In 1814, the Treaty of Paris was signed whereby Malta officially became part of the British Empire.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 brought prosperity to Malta. During the First World War, Malta was known as the Nurse of the Mediterranean as almost 18,000 wounded soldiers were brought to Malta for treatment.
Malta achieved independence on 21st September 1964. Queen Elizabeth II was retained as the head of state and the Queen of Malta until 1964. Ten years later, Malta declared itself a republic with the President as the head of state.
In 2004, Malta entered the European Union and in 2008, Malta joined the eurozone. Malta is considered an advanced economy according to the International Monetary Fund. Malta has pursued a policy of gradual liberalization and privatization to allow for greater market mechanisms.
Visa Requirements
According to Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Visa Unit is responsible for facilitating the issuance of visas to all those who wish to visit the nation. The two types of visas that are issued in Malta are Schengen Visa and the National Visa for long stays.
If your sole visit is to Malta, then the Maltese authorities would examine your visa requirements.
The visa application process has to be in person at the Consulate where the applicant resides. In nations where Malta does not have any Diplomatic or Consular post, visitors are required to apply at the EU Diplomatic Missions and Consulars that represent Malta.
Click this page to know more about Where To Apply.
Who requires a visa?
To determine if you require a visa to enter Malta, check out the Malta Passport Dashboard Index which gives the latest real-time information on passport policies across the globe.
Schengen Visa
Malta became a part of the Schengen Area in 2003 and in 2007, began implementing the Schengen Visa to visitors who wished to visit other nations within the Schengen Area. This area represents freedom of movement within the designated nations.
Before applying for the Harmonised Schengen Visa Application Form, you will need to have 2 passport-sized photos per the Maltese requirements and travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 ($35,603) to cover your stay in Malta and/or other Schengen nations.
Applicants would also need to provide a visa cover letter stating the purpose of entry together with itineraries, proof of accommodation, and means of subsistence throughout their stay in Malta.
The Schengen Visa is for a period not exceeding 90 days and is regulated by European Union’s harmonized rules.
European Travel Information And Authorization System
Beginning late 2022, ETIAS would become mandatory for non-EU citizens visiting Malta for tourism, business, or transit purposes. An ETIAS Visa Waiver is given to citizens from the 26 Schengen countries.
Those who do not qualify for ETIAS would need to apply for a Schengen Visa to enter Malta. To determine if you need an ETIAS or not, check out the full list of countries that require an ETIAS to enter Malta.
How do I get from Malta to the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon in Malta is located on the island of Comino. The island got its name from the cumin seed that once flourished on the island. On the Mediterranean Sea, Comino is located between the islands of Malta and Gozo.
The Knights of Malta used this lagoon as their hunting and recreational grounds with the local game being wild boars and hares. Other than the Blue Lagoon in Malta, there are a few historical sites on Comino that is worth visiting.
The main tourist attraction here is St Mary’s Church. The church used to be an early warning system to deter invasions. However, Comino Chapel is the oldest structure on the island. The chapel dates back to 1296 and gave the Bay of St Mary its name. The last structure worth visiting is Comino Battery or St Mary’s Battery.
Valetta or Floriana
To get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta from Valetta, two buses will take you from Valetta to Cirkewwa. The buses are number 41 and 42. There are 73 stops for bus route 41 and 71 stops for bus route 42. The journey takes at least 90 minutes.
The timetable for bus route 41 and timetable for bus route 42 shows the start time and last bus time.
Sliema and St Julian’s
To get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta from Sliema there is only one bus route from Sliema and St Julian’s, it is bus route 222. This route is a direct route that takes about 80 minutes. The buses leave every 15 to 30 minutes. The timetable from Sliema to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal has about 56 stops.
Bugibba, Qawra, and Xemxija
To get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta from Bugibba, Qawra, and Xemxija, take the bus route 221 that drives for about 30 minutes. This route has about 41 stops and is the closest to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.
Ferries to the Blue Lagoon
There are four ferry lines to get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta. These ferries ply the route between Malta to Comino. The ferries are Ebsons Comino Ferries, Comino Ferries Co-op, Comino Hotel Ferry, and Bella Comino Ferry. You can read about the ferry schedule, ticket price, and contact details at Ferry Malta Comino.
How deep is the Blue Lagoon in Malta?
The Blue Lagoon in Malta is shallow at the beach area with depths of about 1.5 meters. However, the depth increases to about 10 meters at some places.
When is the best month to visit Malta?
The summer months of June till August are the best months to visit Malta. During these months, temperatures remain pleasant. The sea breeze cools Malta down and there is minimal rainfall. The peak months are between July and August.
Autumn months are between September to November. The rainy season begins in September, leaving you with the colorful countryside and a quiet holiday as the summer crowds disperse.
The low season begins during the winter months, with November, December, and January being the rainiest months. You can expect strong winds, high waves, and intense rain during these months.
More sunshine and less rain mean spring has arrived. Spring months are between March till May. These months are excellent for a relaxing holiday as the tourist crowds have not arrived.
Check out The Must-Visit Attractions in Malta, The Best Restaurants in Malta, and Off The Beaten Track: The Best Free Things To Do In Malta to know more.
What is the best food to eat in Malta?
Maltese cuisine is heavily influenced by Spanish, French, and Mediterranean cuisines as the nation was at the crossroads of important trade routes that allowed its cuisine to absorb foreign tastes.
Malta’s national dish, the stuffat-tal-fenek or rabbit stew is a symbolic resistance to hunting restrictions imposed by the Knights of St John. Next, we explore the best food to eat in Malta, from soups to desserts.
Minestra
Minestra is the Maltese version of Minestrone which is popular in Italian cuisine. Minestra has vegetables, rice, and pasta and other common ingredients include beans, celery, onions, carrots, and tomatoes.
The difference between minestrone and minestra is that minestra is made with a thick tomato base. Variations to this include adding potatoes, cauliflower, and spaghetti. Minestra is a traditional dish during the winter months.
Check out the recipe on Air Malta’s page on How To Make Traditional Maltese Minestra.
Kusksu
This soup is using broad beans, small pasta beads, and Ġbejna. Ġbejna means “cheeselets”. The pasta beads are kusksu due to its similarity with couscous.
There are many variations to this dish include adding fish, bacon, cabbage, and pumpkin. The cheeselets are added at the end of the cooking process, just before serving.
If you want to try this dish, check out Julian’s kusksu recipe on National Geographic Traveller Food.
Imqarrun-il-forn
The next dish in our best foods to eat in Malta is Malta’s version of Macaroni casserole. The Maltese version is made with macaroni, bolognese sauce, and eggs. The variation includes adding chicken livers, boiled eggs, peas, and bacon. Bechamel or grated cheese is added to give it a cheesy texture.
Check out the recipe for this dish at Food.com.
Timpana
The next of our best foods to eat in Malta is Timpana. This dish is not to be confused with imqarrun-il-forn as they appear alike in preparation and ingredients. The difference between timpana and imqarrun is that timpana has a layer of pastry above it.
Timpana may have been derived from timballo, an Italian baked dish made from pasta, potatoes, and macaroni. This dish is Malta’s answer to the shepherd’s pie, only with pasta in it.
The recipe for this dish is on SBS Food.
Imqaret
The last of our best foods to eat in Malta is imqaret. Imqaret in Maltese means diamond-shaped and is symbolic of the traditional shape of this sweet. These sweets are sold in a rectangular shape.
Imqaret was brought by the Arabs in 870AD where a similarly named dish can be found in Tunisia and Morrocco and goes by the name of makrout or mqaret. The filling is made from dates flavored with bay leaf and aniseed.
The recipe for this Maltese deep-fried date pastry is on Food.com.
What language do they speak in Malta?
There are two official languages in Malta which are Maltese and English. According to the Eurobarometer poll conducted in 2012, 98% of the population speak Maltese with 88% of the population speaking English.
In terms of foreign languages, French and Italian are common among its citizens. There are six foreign language options available in schools in Malta. The languages are Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Russian.
Maltese
This language is the official and national language of Malta. The Maltese language traces its origins to the Semitic languages of Siculo-Arab. A large portion of the vocabulary comes from Sicilian and Italian. It was the Phonecians that brought the basis of this language. The Arabic left their legacy in the Maltese language after ruling Malta for 400 years.
How do you say hello in Maltese?
Hello is Hello in Maltese. Bonġu is good morning while grazzi is thank you. If you are introducing yourself, it’s jiena jisimni while hawn xi ħadd jitkellem bil-Ingliż? Means does anyone here speak English?
Check out the Useful Maltese Phrases and the Maltese Culture to know more.
Where are the most beautiful lagoons in the world?
There are many beautiful lagoons around the world. Lagoons are defined as a shallow body of water separated by a narrow landform such as barrier islands, reefs, and peninsulas. There are two types of lagoons which are atoll lagoons and coastal lagoons.
Atoll lagoons are formed when coral reefs grow upwards while the islands that surround the reefs subside. The main characteristic of atoll lagoons is that they are deep with some being more than 20 meters in depth.
A coastal lagoon is connected to the ocean through barrier islands. Coastal lagoons are defined by gentle slopes and do not form around rocky cliffs. Due to this nature, coastal lagoons are shallow. However, the depths may increase towards the open sea.
Next, we look at the seven most beautiful lagoons around the world, from New Zealand to Greece.
Aitutaki Lagoon, New Zealand
Other than the beautiful blue lagoon in Malta, the first of our most beautiful lagoon is Aitutaki on Cook Islands, New Zealand. This almost atoll has 15 islets around the main island.
Who discovered Aitutaki Islands?
Although Polynesians arrived on the islands around 1225 to 1430 AD, the first European to discover the islands was Captain Bligh. He discovered these islands 17 days before the infamous mutiny on HMS Bounty.
This was Captain Bligh’s second visit to the islands as he had previously sailed with Captain Cook on his third voyage to these islands on HMS Resolution.
Why is it the One Foot Island?
The island known as the one-foot island is Tapuaetai. This island is located at the southeastern perimeter of the Aitutaki Lagoon. This is a story of a father and son who escape to this island after their tribe is attacked. The father carried his son across the beach and hid him among the coconut trees to save his son.
He then paddled to Rarotonga for help. When the attackers arrived on the unnamed islet, they saw only one set of footprints. They left the islands and the boy remained hidden until his father arrived with help.
Aitutaki is heaven on earth and this article explains why you’ll never want to leave. Check out the 10 Things To Do At Aitutaki to know more.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The second of our most beautiful lagoons in the world is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. This man-made lagoon doubles as a geothermal spa and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Iceland. The color is due to the high silica content that forms soft white mud at the bottom of the lake.
Is the Blue Lagoon deep?
The deepest area of the lagoon is 1.4 meters or 4.7 feet while the shallow areas are less than 0.8 meters or 2.6 feet.
Check out the Blue Lagoon Entrance Package inclusive of towel and drink or this Day Trip From Reykjavik that covers the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, and the Blue Lagoon.
Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia
The third of our most beautiful lagoons in the world is the Chuuk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia. Chuuk Lagoon or Truk Atoll was Japan’s main naval base during World War II.
What is Chuuk famous for?
Chuuk is famous for shipwreck diving. For three days in 1944, the United States through Operation Hailstone destroyed Japan’s Imperial fleet based at Truk Lagoon. There are nine Japanese and one American World War II shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon.
The wrecks are visible through the shallow waters which makes it an accessible dive site. Read the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon and World War II Shipwrecks In Truk Lagoon to know more.
How do you say hello in Chuukese?
“Hello” in Chuukese in ran annim and “how are you?” is ifa usum?. “Good morning” is neesor annim, “good afternoon” is neekkunuion annim while “good evening” is neepwong annim.
Check out the Chuukese to English Language Card and Useful Phrases In Chuukese to know more.
Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
The fourth of our most beautiful lagoons in the world is Laguna Colorada in Bolivia. Laguna Colorada or the Red Lagoon is a shallow salt lake in Bolivia and is located close to the Chilean border.
The lagoon has red algae that contrast with the white borax deposits which give it an otherworldly appearance. This lagoon is home to a near-extinct flamingo population. These flamingoes are Puna Flamingo and are native to the Andes and the Altiplano area.
How safe is Bolivia?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Bolivia has a medium safety rating. This means that Bolivia is somewhat safe. The high risks areas are pickpocketing and the “non-uniformed policemen” scam.
The dangers to be aware of when planning a trip here are that petty crime and violent crimes are on the rise. Always remain vigilant as tourists may be prone to kidnappings. Do not carry a large amount of cash and never carry all your money with you.
Read Is This Bolivia’s Most Incredible Natural Wonder? Or see a photograph of this lake take from the International Space Station on the NASA Earth Observatory page.
Olüdeniz, Turkey
The fifth of our most beautiful lagoons in the world is Olüdeniz in Turkey. The Dead Sea is famous for its calm waters and is on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.
Fethiye connects to Olüdeniz via a paved road. The road is in good condition which makes this lagoon easily accessible. The Lycian Way Ultramarathon begins at Olüdeniz and ends in Antalya. The are several trails to choose from with the shortest trail being 12 miles while the longest is 62 miles long.
Does Olüdeniz have a nightlife?
Yes, Olüdeniz does have a vibrant nightlife that centers around bars and restaurants that turn into dancing spots after 10.30 pm. However, Hisaronu is the place to be for late-night drinking and dancing.
Why is it the Turquoise Coast?
Turquoise Coast probably got its name from the crystal clear bluish-green waters that stretch over 600 miles. Read Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Turquoise Coast of Turkey, The Next Seaside Hotspot, and the 8 Reasons To Visit Turkey’s Turquoise Coast to know more.
For views of the coast, check out the 44 Incredible Views You’ll Only Find on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
The sixth of our most beautiful lagoons in the world is Lençóis Maranhenses in Brazil. These beautiful dunes are within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in northeast Brazil. It is during the rainy season that the valleys among the dunes fill with freshwater lagoons.
The rocks beneath the dunes prevent the water from draining. Unlike other national parks which are full of greenery, this park appears to be desert-like. Interestingly, this area is not classified as a desert as it has one of the highest rainfalls in Brazil in a year.
If you are lucky, you can spot a lunar rainbow here. Some of the things to do here include observing the night sky, surfing, bicycle touring, adventure tourism, and horseback riding.
Read Lençóis Maranhenses: Meet Visitors Who Have Decided To Stay, The Ultimate Guide To Discovering Lençóis Maranhenses, and A Sea of Dunes to know more.
Porto Katsiki, Lefkada Island, Greece
The seventh and last of our most beautiful lagoons in the world is Porto Katsiki in Greece. Porto Katsiki or “goat port” is on Lefkada, Ionion Island. The meaning of Porto Katsiki is goat port as only goats could access this area in the past.
However, there are now ample parking lots, food stalls, and a stairway to the beach below. Read A Little Slice of Heaven on Earth and How To Spend A Week On The Beautiful Greek Island of Lefkada to know more.
Which is the biggest lagoon in the world?
There is only one lagoon that carries the title of the biggest lagoon in the world. It is the New Caledonian Barrier Reef Lagoon. This lagoon is located on the South Pacific island of New Caledonia.
This reef is the longest continuous barrier reef and third-largest after the Great Barrier Reef and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
New Caledonia
The biggest lagoon in the world is the New Caledonian Lagoons. These islands are part of the French territory are home to the second-largest marine park in the world.
Whales, turtles, dugongs, and sharks call these lagoons their home. The lagoons are part of the Natural Park of the Coral Sea. The ecosystems here are essential to the people, the biodiversity, and the climate resistance of the Southwest Pacific Island groups.
Which is the second largest lagoon in the world?
The second-largest lagoon is Lake Chilika in India. This brackish water lagoon spreads over three districts in the state of Odisha and is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds. Similar to New Caledonia, this lake is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Is Malta worth visiting?
Absolutely! Why?
Because it has cities that make you feel as if you have time-traveled to the 16th century. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so, the buildings built by the Knights of St John are still standing today.
Check out the Top 10 Things To See And Do In Valletta and The 10 Places Locals Love To Eat In Valletta to know more.
If soaking in history isn’t your thing and you want something more adventurous, fret not! Malta has that covered too. With a Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and lagoons, the hiking trails of rugged coastlines and scenic countryside would leave you breathless.
Check out the 10 Best Hiking Trails In Malta and the 10 Beautiful Walks In Malta to know more.
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