Malta, Sicily and Sardinia: three islands, a thousand incredible discoveries

Tre Fontane has something for every beach lover! This long sandy beach is lined with sun loungers, bars and restaurants on one side, forming a supervised area that is ideal for families. The other side is much wilder, letting you feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. Whichever area you choose, the shallow and clear waters are perfect for swimming.

In the southwest of the island of Malta, St. Peter’s Pool is a natural seawater swimming pool known for its turquoise water. It is surrounded by flat rocks, which are an ideal spot to lay out your towel.

Bahar ic-Caghaq is home to a small isolated cove with beautiful transparent water and diverse reefs. It is an ideal place for snorkelling and just relaxing in the sea.

The archaeological site of Nora stretches out over the sea towards the horizon. Built by the Phoenicians between the 9th and 8th centuries BC before passing into the hands of the Carthaginians and Romans, the townhouses many remnants of the past, including a near-intact theatre, a port, a temple, baths and superb mosaics.

The traditional blue and yellow boats known as luzzu bob gently in the harbour, their bows decorated with eyes to protect sailors from bad luck. Around the harbour, pale stone houses and palm trees look out over the water. Welcome to Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC.

See the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, the criss-crossing streets of the old city, the catacombs, and Piazza Vigliena—also known as Quattro Canti—with its fountains representing the four seasons. Set apart by its Moorish and Norman influences, Palermo has been the place to be since the 9th century!

Accessed via the 660 steps of the Escala del Cabirol staircase or from the sea, Neptune’s Grotto in Alghero is a true natural wonder. Constantly evolving for the past two million years, these caves are full of surprises, including Lake Lamarmora, one of the largest salt lakes in Europe. Hidden within the grotto, its surface reflects many stalactites and stalagmites.

No guide to Sicily would be complete without at least a mention of Etna. At 3,300 metres above sea level, it Europe’s highest active volcano and one of the most active in the world. Over the course of the twentieth century, it erupted more than 80 times.

Stuffat tal-fenek is the national dish of Malta, consisting of rabbit cooked in tomato sauce and red wine, garnished with cloves of garlic, onions, bay leaves, olive oil, cinnamon and peas. The stew is simmered for several hours and served with potatoes or spaghetti.

The Sardinian landscape is home to a wide variety of game, which led to the creation of one of the island’s typical dishes: porceddu allo spiedo, a spit-roasted suckling pig.