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

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Amazing panorama at the Tonnara di Scopello, province of Trapani, Sicily.

What is your perfect island destination?

If you had to choose between Malta, Sicily and Sardinia, where would you go? Here is some key information to help you decide between these Mediterranean jewels… or convince you to visit all three!

Must-see sights

Sicily

From its time as the jewel of the Greek Empire, Syracuse has embraced its glorious past, showcasing its Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish roots for all the world to see.

Sardinia

With its ancient amphitheatre, created to hold over 10,000 spectators, its mediaeval towers and its baroque cathedral, today’s Cagliari reflects the city’s importance throughout history. Over the years, Cagliari has served as the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia and a symbol of Habsburg Spain’s presence in the Mediterranean.

Malta

Located across the water from Valletta, the Three Cities are a unique yet often overlooked Maltese destination. Despite their proximity, Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea each have their own distinct identities. The former is often seen as the cradle of Maltese history, settled by the Knights of the Order of Malta during their campaign to Rhodes, while Cospicua is known for its beautiful marina and Senglea is one of the oldest cities in the country.

The most beautiful beaches

Sardinia

In Baja Sardinia, in the northeast of the island, Cala dei Ginepri is a small, quiet, family beach, which is much less crowded than the other bays on the island.

Sicily

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.

Malta

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.

Secret spots

Sicily

Perched on Mount San Giuliano, 756 metres above sea level, the medieval town of Erice overlooks the sea and the city of Trapani. Its fortress and watchtowers showcase the history of the area, which has been inhabited since antiquity, when the village was dedicated to Venus Ericina.

Malta

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.

Sardinia

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.

Authentic walks

Sardinia

A few kilometres from Cagliari, the village of San Sperate is one of Sardinia’s most important agricultural centres. However, most visitors actually come here to admire the frescoes that adorn the walls of the houses and the artistic installations scattered along its streets, a local tradition that began in 1966.

Malta

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.

Sicily

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!

Nature in all its glory

Malta

Between the islands of Comino and Cominotto in the Maltese archipelago, the famous Blue Lagoon is straight out of the Caribbean or Polynesia! From cyan to turquoise to emerald green, the clear waters and sandy seabed make this the perfect spot for swimming or diving.

Sardinia

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.

Sicily

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.

The most delicious specialities

Sicily

One cannolo, two cannoli. We recommend learning the plural, because once you’ve had one cannolo you’ll probably want another. Cannoli are small rolls of crispy fried dough, flavoured with Marsala and cinnamon and filled with a sweet mixture of cream and ricotta. These pastries are typically decorated with icing sugar, chocolate chips or orange peel. Their crunchy yet creamy texture is irresistible!

Malta

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.

Sardinia

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.