Malta - These 7 islands form the sunny archipelago of the Mediterranean
Malta is not just a single island, but an archipelago of at least 7 islands and rocks in the heart of the Mediterranean. Characterised by crystal-clear waters, historical sites and impressive rock formations, this island kingdom offers a unique blend of culture, nature and history. But which islands belong to it and which are inhabited?
7 islands – a brief overview for quick readers
✔ 3 of Malta’s islands are inhabited.
✔ Filfla served as a bombing target for the Royal Air Force.
✔ Some islands and rocks are protected.
Why is Malta an archipelago?
Various geological formations on our planet have unique characteristics depending on their origin, morphology and soil type. One of these is the archipelago. Geographically, a group of islands, reefs and bays in a relatively small area is called an archipelago. Tectonic shifts or erosion may have caused parts of the land mass to drift away or become separated over thousands of years. It is still unclear why some cart ruts on Malta end directly at a cliff and appear to lead into the sea.
Malta’s 3 inhabited islands
In addition to the main islands of Malta and Gozo, Comino – surprise! – Comino, known for the Blue Lagoon, is also inhabited by two to four people.
Main island Malta
Malta is the largest and namesake island of the archipelago. It lies around 90 kilometres south of Sicily and 290 kilometres north of Africa. Around 80 to 85 per cent of the population live on the main island. It is up to 9 km wide and 27 km long.
What awaits you in Malta:
✔ All important authorities
✔ Capital Valletta
Luqa International Airport ✔ Luqa Airport
✔ Party districts of St Julian’s and Paceville
✔ Important places of interest
✔ Famous sandy beaches: Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay
Gozo – From independence back to Malta
Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago. It lies about 5 kilometres northwest of Malta and is up to 23 kilometres long and 7 kilometres wide. Characterised by agriculture, fields and greenhouses, Gozo offers an idyllic alternative to the busy main island with its picturesque coastline. Many Maltese like the tranquillity and traditional farmhouses and flock to Gozo every weekend to relax. The island is much quieter than Malta and is a popular destination for day trips. From Valletta and ÄŠirkewwa, you can reach the harbour of MÄ¡arr on Gozo around the clock.
What awaits you in Gozo:
✔ Gozo’s capital Victoria
✔ The citadel (Citadella)
✔ Mġarr harbour
✔ The golden sandy beach of Ramla Bay
✔ Famous sights: the 7,000-year-old Ä gantija temples, the Tal Mixta cave and the Blue Hole
Comino – A huge island for a handful of inhabitants
At just 3.5 square kilometres, Comino is the third largest island and lies between Gozo and Malta. Scenes from the film Troy with Brad Pitt and Maltese rowers were filmed in the Blue Lagoon. St Mary’s Tower – also known as Comino Tower – served as the backdrop for The Count of Monte Cristo and is the island’s most important attraction. Comino is one of the most visited excursion destinations in the region and can be reached all year round by small ferries from ÄŠirkewwa, Valletta, BuÄ¡ibba or the harbour of MÄ¡arr on Gozo.
What awaits you on Comino:
✔ Blue Lagoon
St Mary’s Tower
Santa Marija Battery
✔ Former buildings of the leper colony
✔ Former pig farm
✔ The Chapel of Comino
✔ Campsite
The uninhabited islands and rocks
In addition to the three inhabited islands, numerous smaller islands and rocks are jutting out of the sea. The five largest are
Saint Paul’s Island led to Christianity in Malta
St. Paul’s is famous for the shipwreck of the Roman galley that brought the Apostle Paul to Rome in 56 AD. The island is located in the north near Mellieħa. The two uninhabited island rocks are often visited by excursion boats to see the statue of St. Paul, which is over 8 metres high. Until the Second World War, St. Paul’s Island was inhabited by a farmer.
Cominotto – The breakwater for Comino
The 0.25 km² island is located between Ċirkewwa and the Blue Lagoon. It can be reached by swimming.
Filfla & Filfoletta or Popeye’s Island Scab
These island rocks are located around 5 kilometres south of Malta and were used by the British Royal Navy as a target practice area for a long time. From the air, Filfla had the shape of an aircraft carrier. After protests by the Maltese population, the bombing was stopped in 1971. Filfla consists of a plateau around 60 metres high and 6 hectares in size. Right next to it is the tiny neighbouring island of Filfoletta, which is only 0.25 hectares in size. The area is a bird sanctuary and nature reserve with an exclusion zone of one nautical mile and may not be entered. Divers regard it as a potential observation area for white sharks. There are also reports of angel sharks and sand tiger sharks. You can see the islands from the cliffs of the Blue Grotto and Dingli Cliffs.
Fungus Rock and the Maltese Sponge
The General’s Rock, Il-Ä ebla tal-Ä eneral or ĦaÄ¡ret il-Ä eneral is a rock off the coast of Dwejra Bay on Gozo. Il-Ä ebla tal-Ä eneral, also known as the General’s Rock, is a 60 metre high rock off the coast of Gozo in Dwejra Bay. It is a nature reserve as the rare Maltese sponge grows there.
The rock is only permitted for educational and research purposes. You can see the rock from Dwejra Bay. It is the same bay where the famous Azure Window once stood.
Manoel Island – the island in the city
Manoel Island is located in Marsamxett Harbour between Valletta, Gżira and Sliema. Is it really an island with a distance of 8-10 metres? Then Manuel Island would be the 8th island. You can reach the island via a short bridge. In addition to the historic Fort Manoel, there are the ruins of an old military hospital, a bathing bay, a marina and a boatyard.
Conclusion: Malta is much more than a single island
The fascinating archipelago has unique geological, historical and natural attractions. The lively main island, the relaxed Gozo or the secluded Comino – all 7 – 8 Maltese islands have their own charm and history.
