Malta is known around the world for its sparkling Mediterranean waters, historic cities and postcard-perfect coastlines. But beyond the familiar sights lies another side of the island, one shaped by its streets, communities, history and the people who call it home.Elite Milano talent Charleen Weiss recently stepped away from the hectic pace of the fashion world to experience exactly that, going off duty and off the beaten track to discover the real Malta.The trip forms part of a new series which sees Elite talent take a break from their busy schedules and meet locals in destinations around the world, swapping the typical tourist trail for a more personal look at what gives each place its soul.In Malta, Charleen meets local architect Antonio, who becomes her guide to an island that can be difficult to sum up in just a few words.Together, they explore a Malta defined by contrasts. There’s the gritty, urban character of its streets on one side and the sparkling Mediterranean on the other; centuries-old buildings sit against an ever-changing modern landscape, while densely populated towns give way to rugged stretches of nature and open sea.It’s this constant mix of rough and smooth, urban and natural, old and new that gives Malta much of its distinctive character, with the horizon and the sea rarely far from view.But understanding Malta also means looking at the extraordinary layers of history beneath the surface.From its prehistoric Megalithic Temples to centuries of Mediterranean and European influence, the islands have been shaped by a succession of cultures and powers. Sicilian and wider Italian influences, the Knights of St John, French rule and more than 150 years of British administration have all left their mark on Malta’s architecture, language, food and identity.Rather than encountering that history solely through Malta’s major landmarks, Charleen discovers traces of it in unexpected corners of the island, guided by someone who understands the place from a local perspective.The result is less about ticking destinations off a tourist checklist and more about experiencing Malta as a living, layered place.Hidden gems, local culture and spontaneous encounters reveal an island that rewards curiosity, somewhere that can be discovered and rediscovered throughout the year.For Charleen, going off duty means leaving the familiar behind and allowing Malta and its people to tell the story.No tourist checklist. Just the real soul of a destination.The Malta episode is directed by Al Brading, produced by Studio Union and presented by Elite World Group, in partnership with VisitMalta, Gozo & Comino.You can watch the full episode on YouTube and follow Charleen Weiss as she discovers Malta beyond the tourist trail.Credit: Elite Model World on Instagram•