Tarxien, Malta

Capital City

The population of Tarxien stands at just over 10,000, but the summer heat can drive many residents to the coast, cutting the town's numbers by a third. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the local council oversees a diverse range of cultural institutions, from band clubs to fireworks organizations. Yet the town's historic Neolithic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draw throngs of tourists year-round. For those drawn to Malta's ancient history and willing to brave the island's climate and paperwork, Tarxien may be worth a closer look.