2024SEPAC 2024 - Main Tourist Attractions - First Day Cover

MaltaPost is a member of the Small European Postal Administrations Cooperation (SEPAC), an association of 13 European postal authorities. Each year, a joint stamp issue bearing a common theme is launched by all member countries. For 2024 the theme chosen is "Main Tourist Attractions". In this regard MaltaPost is launching a set of four stamps depicting popular tourist attractions in Malta and Gozo. The photography of all four images is by Daniel Cilia, one of Malta's foremost photographers.

The 0.45 stamp portrays an aerial view of Mgarr Harbour. This fishing port serves as the gateway to the island of Gozo as it is the first town reached on arriving by ferry from Malta. The harbour area is dominated by a splendid neo-gothic monument, the church of Our Lady of Lourdes, built in 1888. To the southwest lie the powerful bastioned walls of Fort Chambray, built during the rule of the Order of St. John. The aerial view shows luxurious yachts, fishing boats and passenger ferries within a colourful port backed by flat-roofed houses and surrounded by restaurants.


The Mosta Dome, Malta's largest and famous church, is featured on the 0.65 stamp. This neoclassical Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady was built between 1833 and 1860 by architect Giorgio Grognet de Vasse. The church design is based on the famous Pantheon, in Rome, and boasts the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. It narrowly avoided destruction during World War II when a German aerial bomb pierced the dome and fell into the church during Holy Mass. The fact that it failed to explode was interpreted as a miracle.

The 1.91 stamp shows a panoramic view captured from inside Mixta Cave. It bears the SEPAC logo since this stamp is MaltaPost's entry for the 2024 joint issue competition. The Cave is perched high on the rugged cliffs of Nadur, in Gozo, and through its wide crevice one enjoys a breathtaking view of Ramla Bay, the Island's spectacular sandy beach. Mixta Cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty, tranquillity and a touch of mysticism.

The inside of the Blue Grotto sea caverns feature on the 3.85 stamp. These are found on the south east coast of Malta, a short distance from the quaint fishing harbour of Wied iz-Zurrieq. The Blue Grotto is a popular destination for tourists, with boat trips running all throughout the year. Within these caves, the seawater reflects shades of blue and turquoise on the walls and ceilings, mirroring the colours of the underwater flora and fauna.