Another memory stands out: a conversation with the woman who owned the summer residence where we stayed. She compared Corsica to Malta, saying, “We are both islands.” That thought stayed with me, and now I feel the need to compare these two islands that, in their own ways, shaped my experience.
Size and Identity
Let’s start with the obvious: size and population. Malta is tiny compared to Corsica, both in land and in people. Malta’s area is about 316 km² with over 500,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Corsica, on the other hand, covers about 8,680 km² but has only around 340,000 residents. That difference is enormous.
In Malta, density is visible everywhere—construction cranes dominate the skyline, and foreign workers are part of daily life. In Corsica, I didn’t meet a single foreign worker. The woman we spoke to said, “We like to keep things between us,” and even mentioned that Corsicans often marry Corsicans. That strong sense of identity was evident throughout my stay. Corsica feels like an island that knows who it is. Maybe this comes from its history—being part of France yet retaining a distinct culture and even its own language. It’s like they have an older brother watching over them, but deep down, they long to assert their independence.
Malta, on the other hand, achieved independence from Britain in 1964. We have no “big brother” now. But maybe because of that, we sometimes create smaller battles among ourselves, forming tribes within tribes. It’s strange how unity often comes from having a common challenge, and when that’s gone, divisions appear.
Nature and Cleanliness
Then there’s nature. In Malta, so much of it has been built over. We’ve lost vast stretches of greenery, and even the smallest patches of countryside feel crowded. When I go out to photograph insects, I see fewer and fewer each year. Corsica, by contrast, still breathes. Yes, there are construction sites and traffic in the towns, but nothing compared to Malta. The mountains, forests, and empty roads feel like a luxury I had almost forgotten existed.
Something else surprised me—plastic bottles and bags. In Malta, we’ve grown used to keeping bottles for the deposit refund system. In Corsica, throwing plastic in the bin felt strange, almost like a waste. They do separate waste, but here Malta seems to do better. And in Corsica, many shops still give plastic bags. I was honestly shocked that they still do this, and it didn’t feel right.
However, Corsica is undeniably cleaner than Malta. There is less litter on pavements and public spaces. I saw some street sweepers, but not many, which made me wonder how the streets stay so clean. My answer came when we went to Lotu Beach. Although it’s part of Corsica, we could only access it by boat. After lunch, I looked for a bin to throw away the paper bags—nothing. I looked again—still nothing. Yet the beach was spotless, despite being full of people. That made me ask: is it because people there are more disciplined about litter? Or is it because there are no bins, so people take their rubbish with them? Another question I can’t ignore: could it be that, culturally, we Maltese are more prone to throw rubbish outside than Corsicans?
History and Heritage
Now, history. Here, my heart leans toward Malta. Corsica has a fascinating past—prehistoric sites like Filitosa, old citadels in Bonifacio and Calvi, and those proud Genoese towers along the coast. The sense of cultural identity runs deep and shows in their traditions and architecture.
But Malta feels richer historically, and not just because it’s home. The megalithic temples—Ġgantija, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra—are among the oldest standing structures in the world, older even than the pyramids. The Hypogeum, that underground sanctuary, is unique. Add to that Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities—fortified jewels of history that still pulse with life—and it’s hard not to feel proud. Even my own village of Żebbuġ carries layers of stories that echo through time. There is more character in Malta’s old streets than in the villages I wandered through in Corsica.
Social Observations
Over the past few years in Malta, the discussion about alternative means of transport has become almost a painful subject. We’ve heard it so many times, yet nothing concrete has been done. Corsica, with a much smaller population, has a functioning railway line—the Chemins de fer de la Corse, which connects Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi. That’s something Malta doesn’t have.
In Corsica’s main cities, like Ajaccio and Bastia, I noticed quite a few people begging for money, often in fixed spots with a container for coins. In Malta, I’ve occasionally been approached by people asking for help, but it feels different—less organized, more random. I can’t say which is worse, but it was something I observed.
Final Thoughts
Both islands are beautiful in their own ways. Corsica offers wilderness, mountains, and the perfect spots for solitude and meditation. Malta provides visitors with layers of history and a modern lifestyle. Still, as a small island nation, there are things we can learn if we look at our bigger Mediterranean neighbour, just a few hundred kilometers away.