"The Maltese display tremendous pride in their country, and take great care to share their history and culture with visitors. Native handicrafts are promoted and encouraged, and archeological sites treated with respect. The area overlooked is the surrounding waters. In Valetta I saw a sudden downpour wash motor oil, plastic debris, and other trash into the Mediterranean, where it sat for days."
"Some 7,000 years of history on 316 square kilometers [122 square miles]is unbeatable—but the islands seem oriented to mass tourism, which is less appreciative of its unique attributes."
"Problems of overdevelopment. Natural environment gone. Society has had many impacts from outside, but remains very Maltese, with own language and Catholic heritage. Valletta is a marvelous walled city with fine limestone buildings, many from 17-18th centuries; Medina is wonderful, too. Some tourism development of low quality, especially Sliema. Gozo is quieter and less dense."
