Malta gives visitors a chance to create their own swashbuckling adventure.
Maritime feuds, enslavement, and mercenary raids were just a normal part of life in Malta in the late 18th century during its period of piracy—although the historically accurate term for Maltese pirates, in this case, would be corsairs. As Liam Gauci, curator of the Malta Maritime Museum notes, corsairs differ from pirates in that they have an official, legal title. While pirates conjure images of lawless scoundrels, privateering was considered an honorable profession. Corsairs were renegades, yes, but they were also once an important part of the Maltese economy. In the late 1700s, the wealthy knights of Malta even financed their ships.
For holiday-goers who want to experience Malta’s maritime history and the spirit of swashbuckling adventure (minus the slaves and pillaging), here are 10 suggestions for your Maltese exploration.