While UNESCO approval of seven proposed World Heritage sites in Malta is still pending, their worth is certainly not negated by bureaucratic delays. In fact, their absence from the official list means that they have been kept just outside the UNESCO spotlight and perhaps a little farther off the tourist trail than the three recognised attractions. Here are the additional sites that Malta thinks deserve an equal shot at UNESCO protection and a place in the sun.

THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND MALTESE. The small but dynamic Mediterranean island nation of Malta is bursting at the seams with things to see and do. Beaches, forts, culture, history, quaint Malta hotels, colourful carnivals and lively performances — Malta has it all.