|
|
|
|
Email | Twitter | Facebook | iPad |
Terms & Conditions | Privacy
|
Powered by inbro
|
Page
Text Content
Your guide to Malta
N
San Dimitri Gharb Point
Gozo
Victoria
Sannat
Marsalforn Ggantija Temples Nadur Qala Point Mgarr Comino
M
ed
it
er
ra
ne
Ahrax Point
an
Se
Mellieha Bay
a
"Malta might be known as the land of honey, but there's more than one string to its bow. The island offers up history, art and a great gastro scene, too."
Mellieha Qawra Bay Salina St Paul's Bay Bugibba St George's Bay Golden Bay St Julian's
Ras ir-Raheb
San VALLETTA Anton Marsa Zabbar Rabat Zonqor Point Luqa Marsascala Dingli 253 Siggiewi Marsaxlokk Birzebbuga Blue Grotto
Benghisa Point
240 Nadur Mdina
Mosta
Sliema
Filfla
Malta MALTA
6 km
© TUI 2005
Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to tourism. It's got a spectacular coastline, great dive sites, and a capital city that's like one giant museum. Valletta was built by the Knights Hospitallier in the 16th century and is bumper-to-bumper with ancient palaces, Baroque churches and knights' hostels. In fact, Malta's entire history is as layered as a trifle. The temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast are cast-offs from prehistoric times. Elsewhere on the island, you can see the legacies left behind by the eight empires that have ruled Malta. You can also retrace the footsteps of knights in Mdina and go in search of Napoleon's ghost in Valletta. Of course, there's more to Malta than its timeline. Island life revolves around having a good time. Throughout the summer, festivals take place at a different village each weekend. The season of celebration kicks off in style with the International Fireworks Festival at the start of May. Then there's Paceville in St Julian's to consider. The nightlife capital of Malta gives Ibiza a run for its record-spinning money. Beaches When it comes to beaches, Malta's got something for everyone. Whether you want to ride the waves on a windsurfer, or simply plonk yourself on the beach and catch some rays, this sun-soaked isle's got it covered. For one of the best sweeps of gently shelving sand, head down to the shores of Mellieha Bay.
For uninterrupted sunbathing, head to the calmer southern shores of Birzebbugia. And for take-yourbreath-away beauty, take a boat trip to Comino's exquisite Blue Lagoon. If you prefer to keep active, you'll find plenty of watersports on Malta's beaches. The rocky inlets are great for snorkellers and scuba divers looking to explore the colourful coral. And for the adrenaline junkies there are plenty of opportunities for para-gliding and water-skiing. With some of the cleanest shores in the Mediterranean, Malta's beaches are a must see. All you need is plenty of suncream, a stack of best-selling reads and a burning desire to kick back, relax and do as little as possible... Shopping When it comes to shopping in Malta, there's real variety. There are colourful markets. Quaint old shops. And bang-up-to-date shopping plazas. So take your time and try to see a bit of everything. The buzzing markets are the heart of the Maltese week and offer a cultural tour of their own. Every village has one and they offer the perfect opportunity for socialising as well as buying local trinkets. The stalls sell everything from gold and silverware to clothing and household goods. Meanwhile, for colour, nothing beats the Marsaxlokk fish market. Here you'll find plenty of weird and wonderful produce that's as tasty as it is interesting. Depending on the season, you can get a taste for dentex fish, dolphin fish and the Maltese favourite, Lampuki. Markets aside, the quaint shops offer plenty of tempting buys.
Nightlife Over the past few years Malta has become a bit of a hotspot for clubbers. St Julians and Paceville have a strong scene with plenty of superstar DJs manning the Technics. It wouldn't be uncommon to hear the latintinged house of Masters at Work alongside Malta's hottest mixer, DJ Ruby. The clubs are open seven days a week and not just in summertime. Regardless of season, you can party until the early hours in a variety of clubs. If you prefer the clink of a cocktail glass to the thump of a beat, there are plenty of bars to relax in. Bursting with energy is the Pioneer Road in Buggiba. During the summer season, drinkers get together on the promenade, turning it into one big party. Of course, clubbing until dawn isn't everyone's cup of tea, so relax and choose something a little less frantic. Sit back and watch other people do the energetic stuff at the beautiful Manoel Theatre in Valetta. This magnificent building plays host to concerts and operas
Average daily maximum temperature
30
80 70 60 50 40
25 20 15 10 5
London Malta
°F
Apr 9 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 10 11 12 11 9 6 7 6 6 5 Oct 7 3
°C
Qawra
TRANSFER TIME 1 hr to 1 hr 30 mins Qawra is part of a string of resorts, stretching for five kilometres along St Paul's Bay, around Qawra Point and into Salina Bay. They share a good climate and a variety of attractions. Only 16 kilometres from Valletta, Qawra is the most recently developed resort and is popular with the locals. Its drawback is that it is still growing, with some building work in evidence.
Bugibba
TRANSFER TIME 1hr-1hr 30 mins If you want to pack as much fun into your holiday as possible, Bugibba delivers. One of several resorts along St. Paul's Bay in Malta's north, it bubbles over with activity. With its high-rise hotels lined along a modern promenade, it's pretty built up, so expect a buzzy rather than dozy atmosphere. Inside from the seafront, you'll find a lively main square crammed with open-air bars and restaurants. Away from here, it's just a short walk to the souvenir shops and cafés along the waterfront. It's here you'll find the flat rocks and platforms that suffice as beaches.
Visit thomson.co.uk or firstchoice.co.uk · Visit your travel shop
108
|
