Malta packs glorious variety into its small archipelago. You’ll find prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, thrilling scuba diving and a history of remarkable intensity.” – Lonely Planet

Few places in the world pack as much beauty, history and sophistication into a relatively small space as the Maltese Islands. World renowned for its beaches, great dining and warm smiles (just for starters) – our latest entry in our ‘Buying Abroad‘ series takes us to Mediterranean island of Malta.

Here’s an on-the-ground perspective on what makes this intoxicating country so appealing and such a joy to call home.

——-

With just 316 square kilometres of land in the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese archipelago is well known for its quiet, casual style of living. Malta is home to some of the oldest megalithic temple complexes still standing, and can provide a level of experience unparalleled by other countries.

The Maltese Islands are well admired for their mild and gentle weather conditions, except for a couple of severe wintry days. The proximity between its most distant shores makes the whole country easily accessible in just a matter of minutes, and the golden sandy beaches are a pleasantly seductive attraction all year round. Waves lapping gently against the shore, bring forth a mild anesthetic that soothes the mind. Same goes for the lashing waves, crushing against the colossal cliffs during a pleasantly cool autumn sunset.

The gentle symphony of the Mediterranean breeze complements the good character of the Maltese. Known for making everyone feel welcome, the Maltese are often described as a tightly-knit community with many of its members taking care of each other. The increasing number of foreign employees contributing to the thriving gaming, financial and IT industries are constantly revitalizing the island with the latest ideas and innovation. The recently launched Citizenship by Investment Scheme is also attracting hundreds of non-Europeans who would like to opt for a second citizenship within a country that champions strong democratic values, a pro-business attitude, state-of-the-art health care and an education system of high calibre whilst gaining free movement across all the European Union.

Geographical and political circumstances have together produced an incredibly extraordinary heritage that keeps on attracting hordes of visitors each year. Following a long course of occupation and colonization, the Island is home to an exceptionally rich collection of towers, fortifications, castles and cathedrals. Inside the fortified walls of Mdina and Ċittadella, behind the warm coloured wooden doors and balconies, and on top of the medallions decorating the cornices, there still lurks an authentic age-old aura. The horse cabs going round Mdina travel through a serene and undisturbed life, whilst the narrow cobble panelled streets of Birgu, Bormla and Isla echo that genuine Maltese feel with each and every thud.

More than 7,000 years of history, which co-occurred with successive terms of colonizations, are bunched in numerous Megalithic temples, underground catacombs, churches, forts, museums, towers, and batteries, the majority of which host walkthroughs and multimedia attractions that rekindle a way of life otherwise long forgotten.

Looking for Malta on the world map might require the use of a microscope, but the opportunities within it are boundless. Recent growth in the financial services, IT and gaming industries have all fueled foreign and local large-scale investments in real estate. State-of-the-art, designer finished and exclusive properties completed with the latest home technologies are widening the choice within the property market. Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta (Malta’s capital city), have now become a one stop hub of work and play, with several offices standing side by side to clubs and bars, just minutes away from a considerable number of blue flag beaches. On top of all this, frequent low cost flights connect the Maltese Islands to the major European countries, making them an easily reachable esteemed destination.

Russell Schembri, Coldwell Banker Malta

——

If the Maltese lifestyle sounds like music to your ears, be sure to visit coldwellbanker.com.mt for a look at some stunning potential vacation or primary homes.

Do you love to travel? Be sure to click here to see our other ‘Buying Abroad’ stories that feature looks at places like Berlin, Paris and Italy.