Get to know Malta:

James Shillinglaw (Editor in Chief and founder of InsiderTravelReport.com): Let's talk about some of the places that travelers absolutely must visit that are both sustainable, historic, and cultural.

Michelle Buttigieg (Representative – North America, Visit Malta): First, let's discuss the underground archaeological park. It's pretty amazing because it's the first of its kind. It's technical for divers to explore what's under the water in Malta. The diving experience is just as exciting as it is when you are on the ground; there's so much to see. You have shipwrecks dating back from the Phoenicians all the way to World War II. Of course with some beautiful colors, caves and fish. Everything. Even the diving experience is pretty amazing and they do a good job in showcasing it.

Alongside that, Malta has one of the vastest documented libraries in the world. We were very lucky; we never experienced any floods or fires in our history so we still have all our documentation today. I’ve learned something interesting recently, that there's an American University who has taken over documenting digitalizing the Knights of Malta history. Can you imagine? So everything’s pretty much digital, which is good! In case something happens, we don’t lose these documents dating back to the 1500s.

Then of course you have the wineries, the olive groves. It's something really special, talking about gastronomy, you could experience dining like the Knights of Malta used to. It's called Taste History, it's organized by The Maritime Museum with Heritage Malta … Also, there's an amazing Winery. Absolutely stunning. It is a great culinary destination. I know that there is a ten course tasting menu in Mdina alongside a few other things I was lucky enough to do.

James Shillinglaw: What are some of the dining options available? I know you have some Michelin starred restaurants and things like that, right?

Michelle Buttigieg: We do indeed. With a rich history and culture comes a very rich gastronomy as well. You can taste a little bit from all the civilizations that were here before you.  When people ask: “What is the typical Maltese Cuisine” I say, “well, it’s really a mix of Mediterranean Cuisine, of course, as we are surrounded by water. So we have great fish dishes. But, you know, we have a little bit of North African descent, so there’s some spice to taste.” We have very intricate taste.

We do have Michelin star restaurants, you (James) dined at the De Mondion which is located in Mdina with a wonderful view. There's so many other experiences like that.. Another Michelin starred restaurant is the ION, which is found at the Iniala Hotel in Valletta, overlooking the top of the St. Barbara Bastions and the city – with an incredible menu. Besides that, Malta is also really a destination for festivals and events.

James Shillinglaw: I don't think a week goes by when I’m not getting a press release from you on something that's going to come up. Can you talk a little bit about some of the upcoming festivals and events this winter?

Michelle Buttigieg: Well, you know, we’re an all year round destination. People like to be outside and we are blessed with good weather, so I think all those components contribute. We're always celebrating something, as you said, we actually have many fall and winter village fiestas.

We have the Rolex Middle Sea Race coming up that starts in the Grand Harbor, that’s in October. We have the Three Palaces Festival, it’s focused around Opera and Music, which happens in November. We have Fairyland, which is a Christmas oriented fair which goes all throughout January, of course.  Then comes February, we have the big carnival leading us into the religious season of Easter and Lent. We have the La Valette Marathon in March and we have a lot of runners globally attending these marathons too.

There's a little bit for everyone. It’s great for solo Travelers, great for family, and, you know, multi-generational travel. If you come to Malta, you're going to make a friend. You're going to meet an interesting character. You're taking in a picture, you're taking in an experience. This is what's special about Malta.