luzzijiet, Marsaxlokk

National GeographicJul 25

Witches, vampires, ancient aliens—you'll find them all in Malta

Sleepy and conservative on the surface, the island nation of Malta is filled with archaeological mysteries that have seeped into local folklore — and can still be explored today.

Wooden fishing boats painted with eyes to ward off evil.

18 things in this story

luzzijietSightWooden fishing boats painted with eyes to ward off evil.
Elsewhere
Blue GrottoAttractionMaltaWater is a startling sapphire hue; said to harbor mythical creatures.
Calypso's CaveSightGozo, MaltaOdysseus was held captive here for seven years.
National Museum of ArchaeologyMuseumValletta, MaltaHeritage Malta seeks to provide its various audiences with an enhanced experience during visits to our various sites…
Misrah Ghar il-KbirAttractionMaltaSite of strange, deep grooves known as cart ruts.
Ġebel ġol-BaħarAttractionSt Julian's, MaltaRuins of a supposed sunken temple off the coast.
Ħal Saflieni HypogeumSightValletta, MaltaA 5,000-year-old underground burial chamber.
Il-BelliegħaSightMaltaA serpentine monster said to live in dark, dank places.
Il-ĦaresSightMaltaA mercurial, shapeshifting ghost.
Church of St MatthewSightQrendi, MaltaOld men sit in its shade watching the world go by.
Fata MorganaMarketMaltaMagic shop with a stall at a gothic music festival.
Il-MaqlubaSightQrendi, MaltaA giant sinkhole where land was swallowed by God.
FilflaSightMaltaA strikingly flat-topped island beyond the Blue Grotto.
Wied SperanzaSightMosta, MaltaA cave where a girl hid from pirates, protected by a spider web.
ĠgantijaAttractionGozo, MaltaThe oldest of Malta's ancient temples, built in 3600 BCE.
Ta’ Cicivetta FarmPlaceRabat, MaltaAn agrotourism project offering countryside dinners.
Gothic music festivalFestivalMaltaA forthcoming event where Rosalind Dougall will have a stall.
Ta’ Verna Folk BandPlaceMalta

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Witches, vampires, ancient aliens—you'll find them all in Malta