Nature of Malta - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Malta is a small state located on the islands of the Maltese archipelago. The largest island is the Malta island (with the same name), the total area of which is about 250 square kilometers. On the island is the capital of the country, where most of its inhabitants live. The surface of the island is mainly represented by limestone plateaus. In cities there is a minimum amount of vegetation. In this regard, many tourists pay attention to the fact that the cities are incredibly dusty. The second largest island, Gozo, has an area of only 67 square kilometers. On its coast was one of the most beautiful rock arches - "Azure window". In March 2017, as a result of the storm, the rock arch, which was very popular among tourists, collapsed into the sea.

The rest of the islands are archipelago or sparsely populated (Comino), or are uninhabited. Uninhabited islands are a protected by government. One of the most picturesque islands of the archipelago is the Cominotto, located near the island of Comino. Between the islands, there is a lagoon with water of bright, azure color, which became one of the symbols of the country and its beach rest. Another important island is Fylla, which is a rock with a height of 60 meters and a flat top. The territory of the island is for nature conservation. On the rocks, nest rare and endangered species of birds, among them the Mediterranean petrel and the straight-tailed petrel. Also on the island are endemic species of lizards and snails. The area around the island is also a reserve; fishing in this area is prohibited.

Another protected area is the islet Mushroom Rock, located off the coast of Gozo. This name was given to the island by one of the generals of the Order of Malta, who mixed up the plant growing on the rocks with mushrooms. Despite the nature protection status, the coast of the cliff is available for swimming, which is enjoyed by lovers of yachting, sailing here in search of a secluded beach. The highest point of the archipelago is Ta-Dmejrek, a hill on the island of Malta. Its height is 253 meters, with its top offering a breathtaking view of the sea coast and its vast expanses. There is not a single lake or river on the territory of the country, the sea is the only source of water. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Malta has been recognized on several occasions as the country with the best climate in the world. The most arid and hot period is August. The temperature in the daytime can reach 35 degrees in this month. In winter it is somewhat cooler, on the average +22 degrees in the afternoon. Tourists go to relax in Malta throughout the year, except for the relatively cold January and too hot August. Most of the territory of the islands of the state is cities. The distances between them are so small that you can even walk between them. In this regard, the natural and plant world of the country is rather meager. Most animals live on uninhabited islands and are endemic.

One of the most famous natural parks of the country is Buskett Park - one of the few places in Malta where you can enjoy a "forest" relaxation and enjoy the shade of exotic trees. The park was founded by Grand Master Valletta, who ordered the building of a hunting lodge in it. Later another Master built a residence in the garden. In Buskett grows olives, orange trees, and various wild flowers blossom. This is a great place to walk in the fresh forest air in silence and tranquility, away from noisy cities. Another natural park is located on the Shara Al Hamra plateau between the beaches of Golden Bay and Anchor Bay. In 2007, the Mistral Park was declared a national park and more than 3000 different plant species were planted, among them the Maltese orchid, carob, lavender, and myrtle.

Malta's signature place is the Blue Grotto, which is a complex of caves in the south of the country. The place enjoys incredible popularity due to the bizarre forms of arched rocks and bright blue sea shining in the sun in dozens of different shades. At the Blue Grotto, the film "Troy" was shot. Today, diving takes place on its shores or simply bathing in the water of incredible color. One of the last remaining forests of Malta is Il-Mizieb. It was planted in 1970 and consists of carob trees, pine and olive trees. During the hunting period, being in the forest is unsafe because, the Maltese are passionate hunters, and use the forest for hunting.