Maltese Mythos – A Treasure Trove of Tall Tales

When you touch down for the first time in Malta or as you take a pre-booked Malta Airport transfer to your holiday accommodation, you may only notice how stunning the island is. But look a little deeper and you will find that beyond its natural beauty, it is also a place of rich, historic myths, as worthwhile to explore as its gorgeous coastline and picturesque towns and villages.

There are so many legends connected to the island that discovering them all might take you more than one visit. Here are two of my favourite tales about the island, each linked to beautiful locations you can visit during your trip.

See Where Mythical Hero Ulysses Was Held Captive

According to ancient Greek storyteller Homer, Ulysses (the hero of the Trojan Wars) was held captive for seven years by Calypso, a powerful witch who had fallen in love with him and didn’t want him to leave. She was said to have lived with Ulysses in a cave on the island of Ogygia, which Homer describes as being in the Mediterranean Sea.

Many scholars and historians believe that the island Homer mentions is actually modern-day Gozo, and that the cave in the story is one which perches above the beautiful Ramla Bay. Today, visitors can visit the mythical cave. Locals say that, if you’re lucky, you may even hear the moaning of Calypso as she pines for her lost love.

Could Malta Be Part of the Lost City of Atlantis?

The legend of a great civilisation which was lost to the sea has captured the imagination of many people over the years – and none more so than the Maltese who believe that the islands of Malta and Gozo are all that remain of the mythical city of Atlantis. When asked for evidence, locals, historians and scholars point to the fact that the two islands house seven of the oldest Megalithic Temples in the world.

Visitors can see what they think of the claim for themselves by visiting the Neolithic temple Ggantija in Gozo. Whether it belongs to the ancient city of Atlantis or not, this temple is a fascinating glimpse into human history and a lost civilisation.

How to Get There

Getting to Malta couldn’t be easier with a multitude of direct flights offered by a range of budget and premium airlines (which take around three hours from the UK). No matter where you are staying on the island, it’s worth arranging a pre-booked Malta Airport transfer to avoid the hassle of trying to negotiate transport when you land. Some companies will even allow you to do this online, making the process quick and easy, and allowing you to relax knowing all your transportation needs are taken care of.