Ten Fascinating Facts About Filfla, Malta’s Forbidden Islet
If you’re visiting Malta, you may notice a tiny, uninhabited island just off the southern coast. This is Filfla, one of Malta’s most mysterious and least accessible landmarks. Though small, this rocky outcrop has a rich history, unique ecology, and fascinating stories tied to it. Here are ten incredible facts about Filfla that every visitor should know:
- A Forbidden Island
Filfla is not open to the public. Due to its status as a nature reserve and its past use as a military target, access is highly restricted, and landing on the island is prohibited without special permission. - It Was Once Larger
Before a massive earthquake in 1856, Filfla was significantly larger. The tremor caused large sections of the island to collapse into the sea, leaving it in its current, much smaller form. - A Former Religious Landmark
Historical records suggest that Filfla once housed a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Maltese fishermen and sailors used to visit for blessings before setting out to sea. - A Bombing Range in the 20th Century
The British Royal Navy used Filfla for target practice from the late 19th century until 1971. The bombings left unexploded ordnance scattered around the island, making it dangerous to visit.
5. Home to Endemic Wildlife
Despite its barren appearance, Filfla is an important habitat for wildlife, including the Filfla Wall Lizard (Podarcis filfolensis filfolensis), a subspecies found nowhere else in the world.
6. A Haven for Seabirds
The island serves as a crucial breeding site for several seabird species, such as the European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus). Thousands of these birds nest in Filfla’s rocky crevices.
7. A Marine Protected Zone
The waters around Filfla are a designated marine reserve, protecting a diverse range of marine life. Fishing and diving are heavily regulated to maintain the ecosystem’s delicate balance.
8. Inspiration for Legends and Myths
Like many Maltese landmarks, Filfla has its share of myths. Some say that pirates once used it as a hideout, while others claim it was home to mysterious sea creatures.
9. It Appears on Malta’s Coat of Arms
If you look closely at Malta’s coat of arms, you’ll notice Filfla depicted in the background, symbolising its importance to the Maltese archipelago.
10. It Has a Unique Name
The name “Filfla” is believed to originate from the Arabic word filfel, meaning pepper. This could refer to the island’s small size or shape when viewed from certain angles. Old maps of Malta even refer to it as pepper island!
