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Natural Attractions

Various, Malta

 

Natural Attractions 
 
Although the Maltese Islands may lack certain features such as mountains, rivers and forests which prevail in other countries, topographically speaking, the islands have much to offer.
 
Sheer cliffs made of layer upon layer of sedimentary rock rise sharply from the water, especially on the western side of both Malta and Gozo. The latter is characterised by flat-topped hills and lush green valleys, which are covered in multi-coloured wild flowers in spring before turning golden brown in the hot summer months.
 
In Malta you'll find here are plenty of natural attractions to view or visit. The Azure Window, the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock - a trio of natural wonders located within a few meters from each other in Dwejra on Gozo - are absolute must-sees. There are also caves and grottos with interesting rock formations to discover.
 
The natural attractions on the Maltese Islands are not found only above ground but also continue underwater. So snorkelers and divers can find some of the most bizarre landscapes of the Mediterranean in the sea surrounding Malta, Gozo and Comino.
 
AZURE WINDOW
Dwerja, limits of San Lawrenz, Gozo
 
The Azure Window is another spectacular natural landmark in Dwejra, along with The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. The Azure Window at the end of the cliff, is a giant doorway, through which one can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff.
 
t must be one of the most photographed vistas of the Islands, and is particularly spectacular during the winter, when waves crash high inside the arch. The sea around is very deep and of a dark blue hue, which explains why it is called the Azure Window. The rocks in this area are encrusted with fossilized crustaceans, evidence that most of the island was once covered by water. In front of the Azure Window is the Blue Hole, and The Chimney, two of the most popular dive sites in Gozo.
 
BLUE GROTTO
Limits of Qrendi, Malta
 
This natural picturesque grotto and its neighbouring system of caverns mirrors the brilliant phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora.
 
The Blue Grotto is located near "Wied iz-Zurrieq" south of the town of Zurrieq. A number of caves, including the Blue Grotto, which is the biggest one, can be reached by boat from Wied iz-Zurrieq. From Wied iz-Zurrieq one can also see the small island of Filfa. Filfla is uninhabited except for a unique species of lizards that live there. When Malta was a British colony, the island of Filfla was used for target practice by the British Armed Forces. The island is now protected under Maltese law. 
 
The scenery around this area of the island is breathtaking. The cliffs rise out of the blue Mediterranean and the froth of the waves as they hit the rock face can make for some excellent shots.
 
CALYPSO'S CAVE
Overlooking Ramla Bay, limits of Xagħra, Gozo
 
This cave is situated in a cliff face, a short distance from Xaghra and overlooks the red sands of Ramla Bay.
 
This cave is assumed to be the cave referred to by Homer in `The Odyssey' where Calypso, the beautiful nymph kept Odysseus as a `prisoner of love' for seven years.
 
The cave's interior and exterior are not too impressive but the magnificent views are worth it.
 
DINGLI CLIFFS
Ħad-Dingli, Malta
 
Dingli Cliffs are an impressive sight, especially if view them from sea level on an island cruise.
 
They are the Island's natural fortress, one bastion the Knights did not have to build to protect themselves. From the cliff tops, one of the most striking views and sheerest drops is just west of Dingli village. Another atmospheric view is over to the uninhabited isle of Filfla. The tiny chapel of St. Mary Madgalene perched on the edge marks the highest point on the Maltese Islands, some 250 metres above sea level. Below the cliffs, where the land slopes before plummeting again, farmers have managed over the centuries to cultivate tiny terraced fields.
 
The cliffs extend well beyond Dingli village. The south-westerly stretch takes in the evocative heights of Buxih, Fawwara, Ghar Lapsi and Munqar, above the sea at Blue Grotto. Dingli Cliffs seem to exude a mysterious charm especially late evening on calm summer days when the sunsets here can be dramatic.
 
FUNGUS ROCK
Dwerja, limits of San Lawrenz, Gozo
 
Fungus Rock is one of a trio of spectacular natural landmarks in Dwejra, along with the famous Azure Window and The Inland Sea. 
 
The Rock - known in Maltese as Il-Gebla Tal-General (or General's Rock) is a small islet in the form of a 60 metres high massive lump of limestone situated right at the entrance to an almost circular lagoon.
 
During the times of the Knights, it was thought that a particular tuber which grows on this little island had medicinal properties and could cure various ailments.  So much so that the Grandmaster declared it illegal for anyone other than authorised knights to climb onto the rock and pick the plant, Today, tests are being conducted to verify whether these medical claims have any foundation,
 
INLAND SEA
Dwerja, limits of San Lawrenz, Gozo
 
The Inland Sea is an inland lagoon in Dwejra, and is perhaps the archipelago's most spectacular natural landmark.
 
The Inland Sea, and Dwejra Bay itself, were created millions of years ago when two limestone caves collapsed. The shallow inland lagoon is linked to the sea via a 100 metre cave in the cliff. On calm days, small fishing boats carry visitors out to sea through this tunnel, in order to see Fungus Rock and the Azure Window. The sea is used by fishermen and bathers, and is also a very popular diving spot.
 
Overlooking the lagoon is the Chapel of St. Anne, built in 1963 on the site of a much older church.

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