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Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Malta Weddings
Malta weddings take advantage of one of the most romantic destinations in the Mediterranean, and this little archipelago is becoming more and more popular as a venue both for Malta honeymoons as well as the ceremony itself. Couples have been tying the knot on idyllic Mediterranean islands for many decades—especially the famous Greek Islands like Crete and Rhodes. More than 7,000 years of history, hundreds of beautiful cathedrals and churches, and the entire medieval city of Valletta that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site means that if you plan on getting married in Malta, you will have one of the most magnificent backdrops for your big day.
Malta weddings offer two other advantages over the more famous Mediterranean venues. They are generally less expensive and there are fewer restrictions. Because the islands are relative newcomers as destinations for vacations, prices for almost everything are low, including getting married in Malta and the cost for accommodation for wedding parties and Malta honeymoons. Additionally, you can choose to have your ceremony performed virtually anywhere, including with the backdrop of one of the megalithic temples that comprise another UNESCO World Heritage Site and are the oldest structures in the world.
Finally, Malta weddings are legally recognized by many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Great Britain, and all other countries that are part of the European Union. Marriage requirements here are relatively open, and the documentation (primarily proving you unmarried status) required is fairly simple. This documentation needs to be forwarded to the country’s Marriage Registry within six weeks of the ceremony, which you can do yourself. There are also numerous wedding planners on the islands who will handle all the details from wedding receptions on luxury sailing yachts and the bride’s make-up to the “going away” ceremony in a traditional horse-drawn karrozzin (carriage). There are also specialist travel companies throughout the world that offer wedding vacation packages and who can assist with all the details before you leave home.
Unlike many other countries, it is possible to have only a religious ceremony either in a Roman Catholic or Anglican church; you do not additionally need a civil document for the marriage to be internationally recognized. And you certainly have your choice of churches—hundreds of them. Churches and cathedrals are everywhere on both Malta Island and Gozo Island. Even tiny little Comino Island, with a population of fewer than a dozen people, has a lovely Parish church. Getting married in Malta is also possible as a purely civil ceremony in a Registry office or in one of the many wedding halls.
Some of the wedding halls are magnificently opulent palaces. The Palazzo Parisio was built in 1733, and is still occupied by the aristocratic family that has owned it since 1898. It is called a miniature Versailles, with a grand hall and beautifully landscaped gardens that provide the perfect wedding venue. It is located in the little village of Naxxar less than a mile outside of St Julians. This is not a hotel, but there are many accommodation possibilities for wedding parties and Malta honeymoons in nearby Valletta, St Julians, and Sliema. If you want a palace that can provide rooms as well as a wedding venue, you might try the luxurious Xara Palace in the medieval walled city of Mdina.
A beach wedding in Malta might be the first thing you think of when you think Mediterranean island, and there are a number of wonderful beaches available for your ceremony. Most of the best sandy beaches are on the eastern coast of all three islands. Choose the western coasts if you want dramatic rugged cliffs. Malta is also an excellent scuba diving destination, and there have even been wedding ceremonies performed underwater. You have many other choices for a wedding location. Virtually all hotels, especially the resorts and five star luxury hotels, are equipped to handle all the arrangements with large wedding halls and intimate chapels.
Malta Villas
Malta villas date to well before the advent of the tourism industry. The Golden Age of Malta history dates to the medieval era of the Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitaller), who ruled supreme here from 1530 until 1789, when they and many other similar feudal orders were abolished by the King of France.
The Knights built magnificent cathedrals and opulent palaces. When they discovered the rewards of seaside vacations to escape the summer heat in their capital city of Valletta, they began building summer mansions and cottages in places like Sliema. They also escaped the city to summer residences in the countryside near towns like Mdina and Marsaxlokk. In 1798, Admiral Lord Nelson sailed into Valletta’s Grand Harbour to help the Maltese oust the French, and Malta became a British colony from 1802 to 1974. It was under British rule that villa holidays in Malta became popular with the English ex patriot community. After independence in 1974, the British continued to visit the islands and Malta villa rentals provided their accommodation of choice.
Some of the Malta villas are historic properties, palaces actually, that date back to the early days of the Maltese aristocracy. Some have been turned into boutique luxury hotels and some are used as venues for weddings and other special occasions. But most Malta villa rentals are more modern, and they run the gamut from luxurious mansions with swimming pools to modest cottages and rustic farmhouses that make villa holidays in Malta affordable for most visitors.
You will find Malta villas all over both Malta Island and Gozo Island. There are none on Comino Island, which has only one hotel and a permanent population of a under a dozen people. Even that hotel offers beachside bungalows suitable for families. Most are located in seaside towns and cities, but there are also many in the countryside. Since both islands are small (one coast or another is never more than three miles away), this still makes them easily accessible to all the attractions.
There are not a large number of sandy beaches, and those that are most accessible are public beaches. But you can still find Malta beach villas in several areas. Some of the more remote will be found on the west coast of Malta Island just south of Gnedjna Bay. Around the most popular beach resorts, you’ll find a number of townhouses and apartments available as vacation rentals. Many of these call themselves beach “villas,” but look carefully at the description if you have your heart set on a real villa that is really set on a beach.
Since villa holidays in Malta have been so popular in England since the nineteenth century, you’ll find many companies there offering vacation packages that include Malta villa rentals as part of the package. But this kind of vacation has become increasingly widespread in the United States as well, and most travel agencies can assist you with one. Packages like this normally include other features, most especially flights. Even though Malta villas offer the advantages of fully equipped kitchens, you really need to have a rental car for transportation with most of them. However, the public bus system is quite extensive, and you can get around quite well using only that.
The Knights built magnificent cathedrals and opulent palaces. When they discovered the rewards of seaside vacations to escape the summer heat in their capital city of Valletta, they began building summer mansions and cottages in places like Sliema. They also escaped the city to summer residences in the countryside near towns like Mdina and Marsaxlokk. In 1798, Admiral Lord Nelson sailed into Valletta’s Grand Harbour to help the Maltese oust the French, and Malta became a British colony from 1802 to 1974. It was under British rule that villa holidays in Malta became popular with the English ex patriot community. After independence in 1974, the British continued to visit the islands and Malta villa rentals provided their accommodation of choice.
Some of the Malta villas are historic properties, palaces actually, that date back to the early days of the Maltese aristocracy. Some have been turned into boutique luxury hotels and some are used as venues for weddings and other special occasions. But most Malta villa rentals are more modern, and they run the gamut from luxurious mansions with swimming pools to modest cottages and rustic farmhouses that make villa holidays in Malta affordable for most visitors.
You will find Malta villas all over both Malta Island and Gozo Island. There are none on Comino Island, which has only one hotel and a permanent population of a under a dozen people. Even that hotel offers beachside bungalows suitable for families. Most are located in seaside towns and cities, but there are also many in the countryside. Since both islands are small (one coast or another is never more than three miles away), this still makes them easily accessible to all the attractions.
There are not a large number of sandy beaches, and those that are most accessible are public beaches. But you can still find Malta beach villas in several areas. Some of the more remote will be found on the west coast of Malta Island just south of Gnedjna Bay. Around the most popular beach resorts, you’ll find a number of townhouses and apartments available as vacation rentals. Many of these call themselves beach “villas,” but look carefully at the description if you have your heart set on a real villa that is really set on a beach.
Since villa holidays in Malta have been so popular in England since the nineteenth century, you’ll find many companies there offering vacation packages that include Malta villa rentals as part of the package. But this kind of vacation has become increasingly widespread in the United States as well, and most travel agencies can assist you with one. Packages like this normally include other features, most especially flights. Even though Malta villas offer the advantages of fully equipped kitchens, you really need to have a rental car for transportation with most of them. However, the public bus system is quite extensive, and you can get around quite well using only that.
Malta Vacation Rentals
Malta vacation rentals allow you to save money on dining out costs and can provide sleeping space for entire families and small groups. With a vacation rental, you can more easily choose the specific part of the islands you would like to stay on, as well as choosing which amenities are most important to you and your group.
Malta vacation rentals are actually the only way you can stay in certain areas, including the ancient city of Birgu Vittoriosa, which has no hotels. Staying in this elite small town that has only museums and historic palaces and churches is not cheap, but will give you an unequaled taste of the long and rich history of this city. Perhaps the most prestigious address here is the Torre (Tower) de Cavalieri, a beautifully preserved medieval tower with five bedrooms and three full bathrooms. There are stunning rooms with thick sandstone walls, a huge fully equipped kitchen, and magnificent views of the skyline in Valletta across Grand Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in all of Europe. You can also find a very few Vittoriosa apartments Malta if you search diligently.
If you want your Malta vacations to have even more exclusive style, there is actually a medieval castle available for holidays. It has been beautifully restored inside and out, and boasts a large Romanesque swimming pool in a five acre garden enclosed by the ancient castle walls. Nine bedrooms (three in the castle turrets) sleep as many as fourteen people. It is located in a little village outside of Zurrieq, near the international airport and the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples on the southwest coast of Malta Island. The castle boasts a fully modern kitchen and modern bathrooms.
Since there are virtually no hotels in the countryside and along some of the more remote coastal areas, villas and rental homes in Malta provide the number one option. There are beautiful old farmhouses in the countryside. Some of these are charming little bed and breakfast inns, but some are historic old farmhouses dating to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The largest number of these old farmhouses will be found on Gozo Island.
You can find luxury apartments Malta as well as more basic ones. Many of the luxury apartments are located in the town of Sliema, which has always been the Valetta suburb of choice for the wealthy and aristocracy of the largest island. The most desirable of these are penthouse (or high level) apartments in luxury high-rise buildings that have magnificent views over St Julians Bay.
Malta vacations in Paceville, in the northern part of the town of St Julians, are popular with young people who come here to enjoy the lively nightlife of some of the most famous clubs and discos in Europe. This is where you will find the largest number of apartments Malta in the budget range. Most of these are modest one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments that are fully furnished, provide all the basics you need, and are within walking distance to the beaches and night clubs. Other Malta vacation rentals include villas, bungalows, and cottages, some of which are located on beaches. You can also find a floating vacation rental in the form of sailing and motor yachts that are available for bareboat or crewed charter.
Malta vacation rentals are actually the only way you can stay in certain areas, including the ancient city of Birgu Vittoriosa, which has no hotels. Staying in this elite small town that has only museums and historic palaces and churches is not cheap, but will give you an unequaled taste of the long and rich history of this city. Perhaps the most prestigious address here is the Torre (Tower) de Cavalieri, a beautifully preserved medieval tower with five bedrooms and three full bathrooms. There are stunning rooms with thick sandstone walls, a huge fully equipped kitchen, and magnificent views of the skyline in Valletta across Grand Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in all of Europe. You can also find a very few Vittoriosa apartments Malta if you search diligently.
If you want your Malta vacations to have even more exclusive style, there is actually a medieval castle available for holidays. It has been beautifully restored inside and out, and boasts a large Romanesque swimming pool in a five acre garden enclosed by the ancient castle walls. Nine bedrooms (three in the castle turrets) sleep as many as fourteen people. It is located in a little village outside of Zurrieq, near the international airport and the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples on the southwest coast of Malta Island. The castle boasts a fully modern kitchen and modern bathrooms.
Since there are virtually no hotels in the countryside and along some of the more remote coastal areas, villas and rental homes in Malta provide the number one option. There are beautiful old farmhouses in the countryside. Some of these are charming little bed and breakfast inns, but some are historic old farmhouses dating to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The largest number of these old farmhouses will be found on Gozo Island.
You can find luxury apartments Malta as well as more basic ones. Many of the luxury apartments are located in the town of Sliema, which has always been the Valetta suburb of choice for the wealthy and aristocracy of the largest island. The most desirable of these are penthouse (or high level) apartments in luxury high-rise buildings that have magnificent views over St Julians Bay.
Malta vacations in Paceville, in the northern part of the town of St Julians, are popular with young people who come here to enjoy the lively nightlife of some of the most famous clubs and discos in Europe. This is where you will find the largest number of apartments Malta in the budget range. Most of these are modest one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments that are fully furnished, provide all the basics you need, and are within walking distance to the beaches and night clubs. Other Malta vacation rentals include villas, bungalows, and cottages, some of which are located on beaches. You can also find a floating vacation rental in the form of sailing and motor yachts that are available for bareboat or crewed charter.
Malta Vacation Packages
Malta vacation packages of all sorts are available to suit just about every taste and budget. Sometimes these are offered by local hotels during shoulder seasons and special holidays. These generally include the cost of hotel accommodations and perhaps some meals and airport transfers. Sometimes they might include some tours or admission tickets to museums and other attractions. These kinds of Malta vacations usually offer good discounts on lodging if you’re willing to travel during off or shoulder season or stay a minimum number of nights.
A number of the larger hotels and resorts offer good deals on a beach vacation to Malta throughout the year. However, if you want to hit the beaches during the best summer weather, these kinds of Malta travel deals need to be booked as far in advance as possible because space is limited. Taking a beach vacation to Malta has been popular with British tourists since colonial days, and northern Europeans also come here in large numbers. You will find companies that offer discount Malta vacation packages in most of the capitals of Europe and all over Great Britain. These holidays generally include international round trip flights on one of Europe’s discount airlines, transfers, and meals.
Malta vacations have been discovered by Americans only since about the 1980s, and today there are a number of operators in the United States who offer virtually all inclusive Malta vacation packages that last seven to ten days. These might stay in more than one place, and include all international and internal transportation, most meals, and guided tours every day. However, most of these Malta vacations are part of a larger itinerary that includes other countries in the region, like Italy (Sicily is only about 65 miles away) and Greece. Adventure tours that often include hiking in North Africa and Malta are also available.
Other special interest Malta vacation packages include scuba diving and sailing trips, archaeological tours of the megalithic temples, and weddings. This is an extremely popular wedding and honeymoon destination, and there are many specialist agencies that can arrange everything from a wedding dinner cruise to the going away ritual in a traditional karozzin (horse drawn carriage). Putting your own Malta getaway together is also possible. Rental cars are readily available, and the islands are so small that it’s just about impossible to get lost. If you are traveling during the peak summer season, you need to put the pieces together fairly far in advance as there are few options for accommodation outside of the towns and cities. But you are fairly safe setting out on the open road with few plans if you’re traveling during the off season.
It is a beach vacation to Malta that the vast majority of visitors are seeking. Even though these islands do not have the incredible beaches that are famous in places like Greece and the Riviera in southern France, there are lovely beaches including some that are quite remote and secluded. In fact, it is the remote, unexplored, and relatively undeveloped nature of these islands that draw so many visitors who are beginning to discover its unique charms, fascinating history, and wonderful weather provided by the proximity to Africa.
A number of the larger hotels and resorts offer good deals on a beach vacation to Malta throughout the year. However, if you want to hit the beaches during the best summer weather, these kinds of Malta travel deals need to be booked as far in advance as possible because space is limited. Taking a beach vacation to Malta has been popular with British tourists since colonial days, and northern Europeans also come here in large numbers. You will find companies that offer discount Malta vacation packages in most of the capitals of Europe and all over Great Britain. These holidays generally include international round trip flights on one of Europe’s discount airlines, transfers, and meals.
Malta vacations have been discovered by Americans only since about the 1980s, and today there are a number of operators in the United States who offer virtually all inclusive Malta vacation packages that last seven to ten days. These might stay in more than one place, and include all international and internal transportation, most meals, and guided tours every day. However, most of these Malta vacations are part of a larger itinerary that includes other countries in the region, like Italy (Sicily is only about 65 miles away) and Greece. Adventure tours that often include hiking in North Africa and Malta are also available.
Other special interest Malta vacation packages include scuba diving and sailing trips, archaeological tours of the megalithic temples, and weddings. This is an extremely popular wedding and honeymoon destination, and there are many specialist agencies that can arrange everything from a wedding dinner cruise to the going away ritual in a traditional karozzin (horse drawn carriage). Putting your own Malta getaway together is also possible. Rental cars are readily available, and the islands are so small that it’s just about impossible to get lost. If you are traveling during the peak summer season, you need to put the pieces together fairly far in advance as there are few options for accommodation outside of the towns and cities. But you are fairly safe setting out on the open road with few plans if you’re traveling during the off season.
It is a beach vacation to Malta that the vast majority of visitors are seeking. Even though these islands do not have the incredible beaches that are famous in places like Greece and the Riviera in southern France, there are lovely beaches including some that are quite remote and secluded. In fact, it is the remote, unexplored, and relatively undeveloped nature of these islands that draw so many visitors who are beginning to discover its unique charms, fascinating history, and wonderful weather provided by the proximity to Africa.
Malta Tours
Malta tours are numerous and available to explore the three main islands of this small Mediterranean country, and several kinds of transportation to facilitate them. Malta guided tours are some of the most rewarding to fully enjoy some of the many historic sites, and you can book these yourself in many places when you purchase an admission ticket. It is also possible to simply walk down to the harbor in almost any seaside town and book sightseeing cruises with various operators or even with a fisherman in his traditional luzzu. With the latter, you are apt to discover some very personalized lore as the fishermen are usually happy to share their years of experience as you enjoy sailing along the beautiful coastline.
You can also plan and execute your own self-guided sightseeing tours in Malta with a map, a rental car, or even your own feet. Hiking tours in Malta are made easy for all experience levels by the small size of the islands and by numerous hiking trails that are seldom interrupted by private property and fences. On Comino Island, you can depart the only hotel on the island in the morning, walk a full circumnavigation of the island, and be back in time for lunch. More ambitious Malta tours are available to hikers looking for a bit more adventure. All three islands have dramatic rugged cliffs on their western shores, and there are companies offering rock climbing and rappelling trips in these areas.
Along the twelve miles of the beautiful Dingli Cliffs on Malta Island, you can enjoy Malta guided tours with professionals or self guided tours with detailed maps and lists of hotels and inns along the way. Perhaps the most exciting sightseeing tours in Malta are those you do yourself with a rental car. Doing this allows you to explore at your own pace, stopping where you please, and discovering little hidden gems along the way.
Many sightseeing tours in Malta include activities on the sea. There is excellent scuba diving around all three islands and many PADI certified operators that will take you to popular beaches as well as to secluded coves and lagoons only accessible by boat. Sailing has always been a popular activity in the Mediterranean, and Malta tours aboard a variety of sailing yachts are available. These can be day excursions or trips of several days. There are even sailing tours that include other countries such as nearby Sicily, or Tunisia on the North Africa coast. More ambitious sailing trips might include the Greek Islands.
Many large ocean liners on Mediterranean cruises dock in Valletta—most for only a single overnight stay. Virtually all shore excursions are Malta guided tours offered to the passengers. These generally include tours of Valletta, the ancient walled city of Mdina, and the megalithic temples found on both Gozo and Malta Island. Some of these excursions are also sightseeing flights aboard seaplanes. Tour packages to Malta are offered by companies in other countries as well as by a number of companies in Malta. These are often vacation packages that are apt to include international flights, accommodation in hotels, and tours of select attractions.
You can also plan and execute your own self-guided sightseeing tours in Malta with a map, a rental car, or even your own feet. Hiking tours in Malta are made easy for all experience levels by the small size of the islands and by numerous hiking trails that are seldom interrupted by private property and fences. On Comino Island, you can depart the only hotel on the island in the morning, walk a full circumnavigation of the island, and be back in time for lunch. More ambitious Malta tours are available to hikers looking for a bit more adventure. All three islands have dramatic rugged cliffs on their western shores, and there are companies offering rock climbing and rappelling trips in these areas.
Along the twelve miles of the beautiful Dingli Cliffs on Malta Island, you can enjoy Malta guided tours with professionals or self guided tours with detailed maps and lists of hotels and inns along the way. Perhaps the most exciting sightseeing tours in Malta are those you do yourself with a rental car. Doing this allows you to explore at your own pace, stopping where you please, and discovering little hidden gems along the way.
Many sightseeing tours in Malta include activities on the sea. There is excellent scuba diving around all three islands and many PADI certified operators that will take you to popular beaches as well as to secluded coves and lagoons only accessible by boat. Sailing has always been a popular activity in the Mediterranean, and Malta tours aboard a variety of sailing yachts are available. These can be day excursions or trips of several days. There are even sailing tours that include other countries such as nearby Sicily, or Tunisia on the North Africa coast. More ambitious sailing trips might include the Greek Islands.
Many large ocean liners on Mediterranean cruises dock in Valletta—most for only a single overnight stay. Virtually all shore excursions are Malta guided tours offered to the passengers. These generally include tours of Valletta, the ancient walled city of Mdina, and the megalithic temples found on both Gozo and Malta Island. Some of these excursions are also sightseeing flights aboard seaplanes. Tour packages to Malta are offered by companies in other countries as well as by a number of companies in Malta. These are often vacation packages that are apt to include international flights, accommodation in hotels, and tours of select attractions.
Sailing Holiday Malta
A sailing holiday Malta is one of the easiest things to find. Although this is a tiny country, it has been an important seafaring nation for millennia since prehistoric mariners arrive more than 5,000 years ago and built some of the most important existing megalithic temples in the world. Most of the towns and villages along the coast are still home to traditional fishermen, and modern marinas are full of yachts available for skippered charter Malta travel itineraries or for bareboat cruises. If the latter kind of boat hire in Malta appeals to you, you can expect to pay a fairly sizable security deposit as well as to provide proof of your ability to handle the vessel on your own.
There is a difference between skippered charter Malta travel and fully crewed boating. Skippered means the vessel comes with a professional captain and you provide the labor of the crew, which can include hoisting sails, cooking in the galley, and general boat maintenance. Fully crewed boat hire in Malta is more expensive, and means you have both captain and professional crew. Some yachts are quite large and luxurious, and crews for these can include cabin attendants and wait staff. The most elegant will have gourmet chefs and fine onboard dining.
Some of these ships are mega yachts that can make you feel like an Onassis or a movie star, sailing into other glittering Mediterranean ports such as Nice and the Riviera, idyllic Greek Islands, and even the coast of Turkey. In fact, one of the mega yachts that sometimes makes port in Malta is the Christina O named for the Onassis daughter, and sleeping 36 guests plus a crew of 30. Less ambitious sailing on Malta will often take visitors to nearby Sicily, which is only 65 miles away.
Almost every sailing holiday Malta will begin in the large marinas of Sliema and St Julians, which are northern suburbs of the capital city of Valletta. There are also a few companies offering boat hire in Malta in the developing resorts around Mellieha on the northern tip of Malta Island as well as on nearby Gozo Island.
The best Gozo sailing holiday Malta companies will be found based in the Mgarr harbor, which is the island’s ferry port. It lies less than a mile from little Comino Island and about three miles north of Malta Island. Most of the boats here are used for sailing trips of three to seven days that cruise the coast of all three islands, looking for secluded beaches, the lively nightlife of Pacevile, and tours at various attractions. Some of these will also include scuba diving trips.
It is possible to enjoy a skippered charter Malta for a much shorter period of time during your vacations. Many smaller boats, including the traditional fishing luzzus, and sightseeing boats offer day excursions and short tours of places like Grand Harbour that last only the morning or afternoon. There are some larger party boats that cater sunset dinner and luncheon cruises. These are especially popular for those who come here for weddings and other special occasions. It is often possible to book these on site just by walking down to the harbor and negotiating with a vessel’s captain, but large catered events need to be booked in advance.
Malta Resorts
Malta resorts are mostly located on sandy beaches or elsewhere on the shoreline with large rock shelves suitable for sunbathing. Some entire areas are resorts, and the little island of Comino is an example. It is so small (only about one square mile in area), that the island itself can be said to be the grounds of its only hotel, which is additionally located on a beach. You can have breakfast in this all inclusive hotel, walk completely around the island, and be back in time for lunch.
Most of the Malta resorts are four or five star properties, and virtually every Malta spa resort is one of the country's luxury hotels and rated at least four stars. In the four star category of Malta spa resort is the Riviera in Marfa on the far northern tip of Malta Island. Its Elysium Spa is extensive, with a full range of thelasso therapy treatments, a large indoor heated pool, separate spa pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms and dry sauna, and several hydrotherapy tubs. Marfa is just north of Mellieha Bay, where you will find the longest sandy beach in the country. There are several Mellieha resorts similar to the Riviera, including the Seabank Hotel and Qawra Palace
The five star Kempinski San Lawrenz on Gozo Island is unusual for a Malta spa resort as it is located in the countryside, rather than on the coast. However, the sea and beautiful secluded Dwerja Bay is less than a mile away. It also has an extensive full-service spa as well as tennis and squash courts, several swimming pools, a fitness center, and large landscaped grounds and gardens. This resort can also assist you with scuba diving, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding excursions.
The Westin Dragonara is set on a 74,000-acre private peninsula that juts out into the sea off Paceville. It has a beauty salon that provides massage services, but no full-service spa. Paceville is noted for its lively nightlife with clubs and discos rivaling those in Ibiza. Both Sliema resorts and St Julians resorts are located in this area—Paceville, in fact, is actually a small neighborhood within the town of St Julians.
Sliema is a town on the peninsula that separates St Julians from the capital city of Valletta. One of the Sliema resorts that is also one of Europe's finest spa resorts is the Fortina, which has a total of four distinctive spas. It is set out on Tigne Point, on a relatively secluded stretch of coast with magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valetta. It boasts six restaurants (in addition to bars and lounges) with some of the best gourmet dining in the country. Other Sliema resorts include the Preluna and the Palace, which both have spas. You can even find Malta resorts in the compact city of Valletta at the luxurious Grand Hotel Excelsior. This deluxe spa resort is set on the shore of the bay that separates the city from Sliema, and is set right under the medieval city bastions.
Malta Holidays
Malta holidays have been popular with the English throughout the nation's history as a British colony from 1800 until independence in 1964. It continues to be a popular winter getaway for the English, as well as tourists from northern Europe. These people, who include large numbers of families with children and young people heading to the legendary nightlife of Paceville, find cheap holidays to Malta usually through the many available vacation packages. They also find cheap flights on some of the discount airlines, several of which only fly to the destination during the summer months when the weather is the warmest.
Today, you can find these cheap holidays to Malta through a variety of operators in the United States and Canada. You can also get some of your best Malta holiday info right here by using the tool on the Destination360 site to find car rentals, hotels, and flights.
Malta beach holidays are some of the most popular, even though these small Mediterranean islands do not have the kinds of long stretches of sand that you will find in places like the Greek Islands. Most of the easily accessible beaches will be found on the eastern coasts of all three islands, around Mellieha on Malta Island and Marsalforn on Gozo Island. Comino Island has only one hotel, also located on the east coast.
Malta holidays centered on scuba diving will often stay in these properties, but head to the western coasts where the diving is best. This is because the western coasts are more rugged with dramatic cliffs formed by centuries of wind and high waves that have carved out wonderful grottoes and caves for divers to explore. Diving holidays can be expensive because of the cost of diving gear rental, cost of boats that take you to the best dive sites, and the fact that you must dive with a certified instructor.
You can enjoy cheap holidays to Malta on hiking tours and by staying in small family-run guesthouses in the countryside or using vacation rentals as your base of operations. People of all abilities can enjoy hiking just about everywhere on these small flat islands. Malta holiday info on hiking can be found from the Malta Rambling Association that has worked very hard to keep the walking trails open and accessible to all, with few fences and restricted areas to keep hikers out.
Malta holiday info varies according the kind of tours and vacation you are seeking. If your interest is in archaeology and prehistory, you might want to read about the seven magnificent megalithic temples on Gozo and Malta Island that together comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A substantial percentage of tourists visit at least one of these, even passengers of Mediterranean cruises who rarely dock here for longer than one overnight. There are Malta holidays that concentrate on these ancient sites. These kinds of holidays will generally also spend time exploring the historic cathedrals, palaces, and museums that chronicle the island's time as a possession of the Knights of Malta.
Today, you can find these cheap holidays to Malta through a variety of operators in the United States and Canada. You can also get some of your best Malta holiday info right here by using the tool on the Destination360 site to find car rentals, hotels, and flights.
Malta beach holidays are some of the most popular, even though these small Mediterranean islands do not have the kinds of long stretches of sand that you will find in places like the Greek Islands. Most of the easily accessible beaches will be found on the eastern coasts of all three islands, around Mellieha on Malta Island and Marsalforn on Gozo Island. Comino Island has only one hotel, also located on the east coast.
Malta holidays centered on scuba diving will often stay in these properties, but head to the western coasts where the diving is best. This is because the western coasts are more rugged with dramatic cliffs formed by centuries of wind and high waves that have carved out wonderful grottoes and caves for divers to explore. Diving holidays can be expensive because of the cost of diving gear rental, cost of boats that take you to the best dive sites, and the fact that you must dive with a certified instructor.
You can enjoy cheap holidays to Malta on hiking tours and by staying in small family-run guesthouses in the countryside or using vacation rentals as your base of operations. People of all abilities can enjoy hiking just about everywhere on these small flat islands. Malta holiday info on hiking can be found from the Malta Rambling Association that has worked very hard to keep the walking trails open and accessible to all, with few fences and restricted areas to keep hikers out.
Malta holiday info varies according the kind of tours and vacation you are seeking. If your interest is in archaeology and prehistory, you might want to read about the seven magnificent megalithic temples on Gozo and Malta Island that together comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A substantial percentage of tourists visit at least one of these, even passengers of Mediterranean cruises who rarely dock here for longer than one overnight. There are Malta holidays that concentrate on these ancient sites. These kinds of holidays will generally also spend time exploring the historic cathedrals, palaces, and museums that chronicle the island's time as a possession of the Knights of Malta.
Malta Hiking
The history of the popularity of Malta hiking dates to the 1800s during the time when the country was a British colony, and rambling (as the British call it) was introduced to the British troops to promote their physical well being and prevent them from participating in the unsavory nightlife that surrounded the military bases. At the time, the military compounds were concentrated in the town of Floriana, just outside of the city of Valletta and its Grand Harbour. As found in the United Kingdom and most other countries in Europe, there is an official Rambling Association that continues to promote the preservation of the country’s natural spaces and keep hiking trails in Malta open to those who want to explore on foot.
Malta hiking is suitable for all experience levels. All the islands are relatively flat, and there are no mountains. And, thanks to the Rambling Association, hiking trails in Malta are very accessible with few fences and barriers that keep hikers out. Additionally, the islands are quite small. Hiking on Gozo Island places you on an island that is only about eight miles by four miles in area. It’s possible to disembark at the ferry terminal on the southern tip of the island in the morning, hike less than three miles to Ggantija (the most important of the country’s prehistoric megalithic temples), and be back at the ferry terminal for the early afternoon ferry back. Comino Island hiking is even easier. This little island with a population of less than a dozen residents is only about one square mile in area. There are also only about four cars, so walking or sailing are the only means of transportation for the typical visitor.
Don’t worry if more strenuous Malta hiking is on your agenda. These limestone islands have been battered by centuries of wind and weather, and coastal trekking (especially on the western coast of all three islands) will reveal miles of dramatic cliffs where even rock climbing and rappelling are possible. The Dingli Cliffs (highest spot on Malta Island) provide the best of these activities, and it is possible to rappel down to completely secluded beaches that are otherwise accessible only by boat. One of the best hiking trails in Malta is here, an almost twelve-mile uninterrupted trail along the coast that passes right by two more of the country’s megalithic temples (Hagar Qim and Mnajdra) and the fifteenth-century St. Magdalen’s Chapel. If you’re not up for this kind of strenuous activity, you can book sightseeing cruises to the seas beneath the cliffs.
Hiking on Gozo Island will reveal more rugged cliffs, especially from Dwerja Bay on the northeast coast and around the island’s northern tip, the area that also offers some of the best scuba diving in the country. Hiking on Gozo Island also has its roots in the country’s time as a British colony. This was a training area for the British soldiers, most of whom were based on Malta Island, and hiking in full gear was a standard training practice. Today, you can enjoy self-guided hikes with maps provided by many of the island’s outfitters or book fully guided hiking tours led by professionals. The island offers a surprising variety of landscapes, from the spectacular coastline to gentle country lanes and pastoral valleys. Xendli Bay offers the most challenging routes.
The best time of year for Malta hiking is from October to May when the weather is not too hot. However, the hiking is good all year long, and you can always take a dip in the sea (which is never too far away) to cool off.
Malta hiking is suitable for all experience levels. All the islands are relatively flat, and there are no mountains. And, thanks to the Rambling Association, hiking trails in Malta are very accessible with few fences and barriers that keep hikers out. Additionally, the islands are quite small. Hiking on Gozo Island places you on an island that is only about eight miles by four miles in area. It’s possible to disembark at the ferry terminal on the southern tip of the island in the morning, hike less than three miles to Ggantija (the most important of the country’s prehistoric megalithic temples), and be back at the ferry terminal for the early afternoon ferry back. Comino Island hiking is even easier. This little island with a population of less than a dozen residents is only about one square mile in area. There are also only about four cars, so walking or sailing are the only means of transportation for the typical visitor.
Don’t worry if more strenuous Malta hiking is on your agenda. These limestone islands have been battered by centuries of wind and weather, and coastal trekking (especially on the western coast of all three islands) will reveal miles of dramatic cliffs where even rock climbing and rappelling are possible. The Dingli Cliffs (highest spot on Malta Island) provide the best of these activities, and it is possible to rappel down to completely secluded beaches that are otherwise accessible only by boat. One of the best hiking trails in Malta is here, an almost twelve-mile uninterrupted trail along the coast that passes right by two more of the country’s megalithic temples (Hagar Qim and Mnajdra) and the fifteenth-century St. Magdalen’s Chapel. If you’re not up for this kind of strenuous activity, you can book sightseeing cruises to the seas beneath the cliffs.
Hiking on Gozo Island will reveal more rugged cliffs, especially from Dwerja Bay on the northeast coast and around the island’s northern tip, the area that also offers some of the best scuba diving in the country. Hiking on Gozo Island also has its roots in the country’s time as a British colony. This was a training area for the British soldiers, most of whom were based on Malta Island, and hiking in full gear was a standard training practice. Today, you can enjoy self-guided hikes with maps provided by many of the island’s outfitters or book fully guided hiking tours led by professionals. The island offers a surprising variety of landscapes, from the spectacular coastline to gentle country lanes and pastoral valleys. Xendli Bay offers the most challenging routes.
The best time of year for Malta hiking is from October to May when the weather is not too hot. However, the hiking is good all year long, and you can always take a dip in the sea (which is never too far away) to cool off.
Diving in Malta
Malta diving is good throughout the year, although most visitors prefer the months between April and October when the water and air temperature are warmer. The cooler months from October to April bring the larger pelagic species such as sharks, swordfish, and tuna. The warmer summer weather and water bring colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and seahorses. There are also plenty of schooling fish such as herring and sardines that draw the larger feeders. Water temperature is close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in August, and even in winter it hovers slightly above 50 degrees. A substantial percentage of the Malta dive sites are accessible from the shore and beaches because the mostly rocky coastline shelves away quite rapidly. Scuba diving holidays in Malta are suitable for divers of all abilities, and all of the PADI licensed operators offer dives for different levels as well as instruction for learners.
The Maltese archipelago is a seafaring nation, with one of the largest natural harbors (Grand Harbour) in all of Europe. Ships have been coming (and wrecking) here since the time of the Phoenicians. This means that Malta diving provides many wrecks for divers to explore, in addition to reefs, walls, caves, caverns, and swim throughs. War has also played an important part in the country’s history, and one of the Malta dive sites that showcases this history is the HMS Maori, the destroyer that played a part in cracking the code that made the sinking of the Bismarck possible. She was sunk by German aircraft in Grand Harbour in 1942, and now lies at a depth of only about 45 feet just outside the harbor and the capital city of Valletta. You don’t have to be on scuba diving holidays in Malta to enjoy this wreck, and it is possible dive it in a very short time. This diving excursion is often offered to passengers enjoying Mediterranean cruises as a shore excursion.
Some of the best diving in Malta is found on the western coast, especially off the famous Blue Grotto named for the similar grotto in Capri Italy. This series of caves and grottoes, as high as 140 feet, is located on the southwest coast of Malta Island, not far from the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim megalithic temples. Although you can swim here from shore, it is a long swim and most dives of this wreck are done by boat.
An easy dive suitable for beginners can be found in Anchor Bay, on the northwest coast less than a mile from the resorts of Mellieha. Enjoying Malta diving here will also place you at one of the most unique and quirky attractions in the country, Popeye Village. This is the fictional village of Sweethaven, the film set built for the 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. The entire lopsided village, built with thousands of wooden planks and thousands of gallons of colorful paint, still stands and has been turned into a small theme park that will delight the entire family.
Other great Malta dive sites will be found on Gozo Island, second largest in the archipelago, and on tiny little Comino Island, famed for its beautiful Blue Lagoon. Comino’s Lantern Point on the far southwestern tip of the island boasts a maze of chimneys, tunnels, and swim throughs. You can get to this scenic point, which has a lighthouse, by hiking from the Blue Lagoon where the island’s only hotel is located. However, the dive of this site is best done by boat. You can enjoy scuba diving holidays in Malta just about everywhere on Gozo, but serious divers find that the best spots are on the west coast. Xlendi Bay and Dwerja Bay both have excellent diving. The beaches on the eastern coast have suitable dives for beginners. In general, children under 8 years old are not allowed to dive with tanks (there’s plenty of good snorkeling for them) and those between 8 and 18 require parental permission. Reliable dive operators require people over age 45 and those with certain illnesses to have a physician’s statement. Many dive companies can refer you to a physician for clearance. You must dive with a government licensed diver/instructor unless you have documented PADI Advanced Open Water Dive Certification.
Malta Cruises
Malta cruises are available in many varieties to suit the tastes of all kinds of visitors. There are Grand Harbour cruises on luxurious yachts that spend the morning or afternoon admiring the historic cathedrals and palaces that line the shore around one of the largest natural harbors in Europe. Or you can cruise to Valletta Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on one of the large liners that ply the great oceans of the world.
If the latter type of Malta cruises is for you, a seven- to nine-day journey is about the shortest you will be able to find. As the Maltese archipelago is located just about in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, these shorter cruises generally will stop at ports in the eastern or western Mediterranean. They might include port calls at Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Piraeus (the port for Athens), and Palermo on nearby Sicily (only about 60 miles away). A more ambitious cruise to Valletta Malta would be three to four weeks long, and might include ports in France and Spain or Istanbul in Turkey and Alexandria in Egypt. There have been months-long cruises at well that circumnavigate the globe and include a port stop in Malta’s capital city, but most of these itineraries call at Valletta for only one night.
Typical Malta cruise excursions include tours of the cathedrals and museums of Valletta and Vittoriosa, or perhaps a visit to one of the megalithic temples that comprise another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some shore excursions include a helicopter or seaplane ride to Gozo Island to see Ggantija, the most important of the prehistoric temples, and some include a visit to the medieval walled city of Mdina.
One of the Grand Harbour cruises might also be a shore excursion. But you don’t need to be an ocean liner passenger to enjoy this kind of seagoing sightseeing. Many traditional Maltese fishing boats (called luzzus) are berthed in the Sliema Marsamxett Bay and St Julians Bay, and they are available for sightseeing cruises. You can also book scuba diving and snorkeling trips that embark on Grand Harbour cruises as well as make stops on secluded beaches and coves elsewhere on the coast. Some of the best diving spots are on the western coast of the larger island and around its southern tip near Marsaxlokk. Even though this is a large commercial shipping free port, Marsaxlokk remains a traditional fishing village, and there are numerous boats available for trips around the southern tip and along the dramatic western Dingli Cliffs. Sailing is very popular throughout the Mediterranean, and there are sailing ships available—both bareboat and crewed—for charter as well as catamarans and motor yachts.
Other Malta cruises double as a method of transportation. The islands are small, and the sea is an important part of Maltese life. There are regularly scheduled ferries between Malta Island and Gozo Island, as well as to tiny Comino Island with its celebrated Blue Lagoon. You can also cruise to Valletta Malta on ferries from Calabria and Catania on Sicily, and Salerno and Genoa on the Italian mainland.
If the latter type of Malta cruises is for you, a seven- to nine-day journey is about the shortest you will be able to find. As the Maltese archipelago is located just about in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, these shorter cruises generally will stop at ports in the eastern or western Mediterranean. They might include port calls at Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Piraeus (the port for Athens), and Palermo on nearby Sicily (only about 60 miles away). A more ambitious cruise to Valletta Malta would be three to four weeks long, and might include ports in France and Spain or Istanbul in Turkey and Alexandria in Egypt. There have been months-long cruises at well that circumnavigate the globe and include a port stop in Malta’s capital city, but most of these itineraries call at Valletta for only one night.
Typical Malta cruise excursions include tours of the cathedrals and museums of Valletta and Vittoriosa, or perhaps a visit to one of the megalithic temples that comprise another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some shore excursions include a helicopter or seaplane ride to Gozo Island to see Ggantija, the most important of the prehistoric temples, and some include a visit to the medieval walled city of Mdina.
One of the Grand Harbour cruises might also be a shore excursion. But you don’t need to be an ocean liner passenger to enjoy this kind of seagoing sightseeing. Many traditional Maltese fishing boats (called luzzus) are berthed in the Sliema Marsamxett Bay and St Julians Bay, and they are available for sightseeing cruises. You can also book scuba diving and snorkeling trips that embark on Grand Harbour cruises as well as make stops on secluded beaches and coves elsewhere on the coast. Some of the best diving spots are on the western coast of the larger island and around its southern tip near Marsaxlokk. Even though this is a large commercial shipping free port, Marsaxlokk remains a traditional fishing village, and there are numerous boats available for trips around the southern tip and along the dramatic western Dingli Cliffs. Sailing is very popular throughout the Mediterranean, and there are sailing ships available—both bareboat and crewed—for charter as well as catamarans and motor yachts.
Other Malta cruises double as a method of transportation. The islands are small, and the sea is an important part of Maltese life. There are regularly scheduled ferries between Malta Island and Gozo Island, as well as to tiny Comino Island with its celebrated Blue Lagoon. You can also cruise to Valletta Malta on ferries from Calabria and Catania on Sicily, and Salerno and Genoa on the Italian mainland.
Malta Beaches
Malta beaches suit many different tastes, and all of them are located close to your place of lodging—no matter where you are staying. Even Malta Island, the largest of the inhabited islands, is relatively small and the coastline is less than three miles away at the farthest point. Some of the best beaches in Malta are inaccessible unless you're hiking or arrive by boat. Others are very close to hotels and cities, and a few of the beach resorts have private stretches of sand that can be found right outside your room.
Before the arrival of the Radisson Golden Sands, one of the best of the beachside luxury hotels, the beach at Golden Bay was one of the larger island's more secluded spots. Today, you will find this idyllic stretch of sand quite crowded during the peak summer season. However, the surrounding area is still very undeveloped. A modest hike of under a mile to the south will bring you to secluded Ghajn Tuffieha in Gnejna Bay, which has almost no development other than a string of summer cottages and villas that sometimes are available as vacation rentals. Ghajn Tuffieha and Paradise Bay are often touted as the best beaches in Malta and both are located near each other on the larger island's northwest coast. One of the bonuses of spending your day at Golden Bay is that you can enjoy fine gourmet dining in one of the hotel's several restaurants instead of relying on beachside snack bars.
Mellieha Beach in Ghadira Bay is the island's longest beach, and there are numerous resorts and hotels in the town of Mellieha. If you're staying here, you will find that Golden Bay is only a little over two miles to the southwest. Mellieha Beach is excellent for family vacations, since there are almost no strong currents in this part of the bay. Being such a long and wide beach, it also provides plenty of sand space for the youngsters to play. While you're in this area—especially if you're with children—you might want to take a boat excursion to Anchor Bay. Here is a small beach and the entire village of Sweethaven, the complete set for the 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. The set has been turned into a small theme park that will fascinate children and adults alike for a good portion of the day.
The Sliema beaches and the St Julians beaches are rockier than they are on the northeastern and northwestern parts of the island. Sliema in particular has a rocky shoreline, but it also boasts a very long and picturesque seaside promenade, and there are many areas of flat rocks suitable for spreading out your towel and taking in some rays. St Julians has a small sandy beach in addition to rocky areas, and both are within walking distance of the lively nightlife to be found in Paceville.
The best beaches in Malta for those looking for that idyllic stretch of completely deserted sand can best be accessed by boat while enjoying sailing and scuba diving trips. Since the islands are so small, many of them can also be accessed by ambitious hikers. Most of the access to the secluded Malta beaches if you are hiking is down steep stairs because so much of the islands have rugged cliffs along the coast. Some of these beaches can be found on either side of Marsaxlokk Bay on the southern tip of Malta Island. You might be under the flight path of airplanes coming in to land at the country's only airport, but you will have much of the sand to yourself.
Other wonderful Malta beaches can be found on tiny Comino Island and on Gozo, the second largest island. Ramla Bay on the west coast of Gozo is quite possibly the most beautiful of the accessible beaches in the entire country. There are plenty of facilities here, including snack bars and rental outlets for umbrellas and water sports equipment. A bit south of that is San Blas Bay. Because there is virtually no development here and access is down a steep slope, this beach is almost always uncrowded.
Before the arrival of the Radisson Golden Sands, one of the best of the beachside luxury hotels, the beach at Golden Bay was one of the larger island's more secluded spots. Today, you will find this idyllic stretch of sand quite crowded during the peak summer season. However, the surrounding area is still very undeveloped. A modest hike of under a mile to the south will bring you to secluded Ghajn Tuffieha in Gnejna Bay, which has almost no development other than a string of summer cottages and villas that sometimes are available as vacation rentals. Ghajn Tuffieha and Paradise Bay are often touted as the best beaches in Malta and both are located near each other on the larger island's northwest coast. One of the bonuses of spending your day at Golden Bay is that you can enjoy fine gourmet dining in one of the hotel's several restaurants instead of relying on beachside snack bars.
Mellieha Beach in Ghadira Bay is the island's longest beach, and there are numerous resorts and hotels in the town of Mellieha. If you're staying here, you will find that Golden Bay is only a little over two miles to the southwest. Mellieha Beach is excellent for family vacations, since there are almost no strong currents in this part of the bay. Being such a long and wide beach, it also provides plenty of sand space for the youngsters to play. While you're in this area—especially if you're with children—you might want to take a boat excursion to Anchor Bay. Here is a small beach and the entire village of Sweethaven, the complete set for the 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. The set has been turned into a small theme park that will fascinate children and adults alike for a good portion of the day.
The Sliema beaches and the St Julians beaches are rockier than they are on the northeastern and northwestern parts of the island. Sliema in particular has a rocky shoreline, but it also boasts a very long and picturesque seaside promenade, and there are many areas of flat rocks suitable for spreading out your towel and taking in some rays. St Julians has a small sandy beach in addition to rocky areas, and both are within walking distance of the lively nightlife to be found in Paceville.
The best beaches in Malta for those looking for that idyllic stretch of completely deserted sand can best be accessed by boat while enjoying sailing and scuba diving trips. Since the islands are so small, many of them can also be accessed by ambitious hikers. Most of the access to the secluded Malta beaches if you are hiking is down steep stairs because so much of the islands have rugged cliffs along the coast. Some of these beaches can be found on either side of Marsaxlokk Bay on the southern tip of Malta Island. You might be under the flight path of airplanes coming in to land at the country's only airport, but you will have much of the sand to yourself.
Other wonderful Malta beaches can be found on tiny Comino Island and on Gozo, the second largest island. Ramla Bay on the west coast of Gozo is quite possibly the most beautiful of the accessible beaches in the entire country. There are plenty of facilities here, including snack bars and rental outlets for umbrellas and water sports equipment. A bit south of that is San Blas Bay. Because there is virtually no development here and access is down a steep slope, this beach is almost always uncrowded.
All Inclusive Hotel Malta
All inclusive hotel Malta might mean something different to visitors from the United States than it does to those from Europe. Throughout most of Europe, the all inclusive concept generally refers to a property that includes half board (breakfast and dinner) or full board (three meals daily) and perhaps a package option for a select number of complimentary beverages during the day. Americans looking for all inclusive resorts Malta are apt to be looking for something like the Club Med or Sandals concept where even water sports or other activities are part of the price. Virtually every all inclusive hotel Malta will fall in the first category.
One of the all inclusive resorts Malta that comes closest to the American concept is the 5 star Fortina Spa Resort, located on Tigne Point in Sliema. Included in the room cost are three meals daily in a choice of six restaurants; house spirits, wine, beer, and soft drinks during the day; two spa pool sessions per weekday; and even a cruise around magnificent Grand Harbour, one of the largest and most beautiful natural harbors in all of Europe. It is possible to enjoy all inclusive holidays to Malta in this large resort complex without paying extra for anything.
However, getting out and about on the Maltese Islands is what visiting this wonderful little country is all about. Even Malta Island, the largest in the archipelago, is relatively small. Public bus transportation is reliable, and you can even walk the entire circumference of Comino Island. You may want to look for all inclusive holidays to Malta included in vacation packages to fully enjoy everything the country has to offer. These are available from numerous tour operators around the world, and often include international flights, transfers between hotel and airport, hotel accommodations, most meals, and several tours. You can put the components of these packages together yourself by using the search tools here on the Destination360 site.
Several all inclusive resorts Malta offer options that include different facilities, services, and amenities, and you can choose from them as you do from a menu. Meals and complimentary beverages are a big part of what most people choose, but many people (especially families with children) look for activities and entertainment that will keep the kids busy throughout the day. All inclusive holidays to Malta are, in fact, most popular with families who look for things such as free water sports equipment and supervised hiking and nature excursions. But other packages geared for adults include such things as all the arrangements for weddings, a rental car, and more adventurous activities like sailing and diving. The Kempinksi Resort and Spa in the countryside on Gozo Island offers all of these, and much more.
The only all inclusive hotel Malta on Comino Island is also the only hotel on the island. It has to be fairly all inclusive because the island's only dining spot is at the Comino Hotel and Bungalows. There are no cars for visitors to use except the hotel's minivan for shuttling guests between the main hotel and the bungalows, and there are no museums or other attractions that cost anything extra.
Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport—IATA code MLA—is the only airport in the country of Malta. It is located on Malta Island in the little village of Luqa, and the Maltese still call the facility Luqa Airport even though its name was changed in 1992 after a complete renovation. It is located about three miles from the capital city of Valletta. Air Malta is the country's national airline, and is based at this facility.
Air Malta is a large airline, with scheduled services to as many as three dozen countries in Europe and North Africa. Its fleet of Airbus aircraft is quite new, and it boasts that it loses the smallest amount of passenger baggage of any European airline. Malta International Airport is also the destination for several other European airlines, although some of those fly the route only during the peak summer season. However, it is possible to fly to Malta from most of the major European capitals at virtually any time of year. The primary gateways are London, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Milan, and Munich.
There are other airlines in the country, but you will only find one at Malta International Airport because the landing strip is the Mediterranean Sea. Other airlines operate seaplane sightseeing tours out of Valleta's Grand Harbour with daily scheduled service between Valletta and Mgarr Harbour on Gozo Island (this scheduled service does not operate for three weeks over the Christmas and New Year's holidays) and charter flights into other harbors on the islands. Seaplanes generally accommodate about fourteen passengers and have custom designed "bubble" windows that make the aircraft excellent sightseeing vehicles. These flights have become very popular for shore excursions for passengers on the large liners doing Mediterranean cruises because it allows them enough time to visit the most important of the seven megalithic temples (Ggantija) that comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Air Malta also can book passengers on these flights if their final destination is Gozo. The flight only takes about fifteen minutes, whereas sailing excursions can take a few hours.
Other airlines include helicopter companies that operate daily service between MLA and the Xewkija Airport on Gozo, which is less than three miles from the Ggantija Temples. Helicopter companies also operate sightseeing excursions on both of the larger islands as well as on Comino Island to see its famed Blue Lagoon. Seeing some of the magnificent scenic beauty of the islands from the air is a breathtaking experience, and the sightseeing excursions take in some of the best. Depending on the tour you choose, you can fly along the rugged Dingli Cliffs on the western coast of Malta Island, over the beautiful cathedrals of Mdina and Mosta, and along some of the gently curving bays and pristine sandy beaches on the coast.
You have a choice of a number of possibilities of Malta airport transfers from the main Malta airport that are very convenient and relatively simple. Public bus transportation is very reliable, and the historic buses themselves are tourist attractions. Buses make a full circuit between MLA and Valletta every 25 to 30 minutes, stopping en route at Floriana, Marsa, Paola, Tarxien (site of one of the megalithic temples), Ghazaq, and Gudja. There is also 24-hour taxi service, and it is possible to purchase a prepaid ticket based on your destination at the ticket booth in the airport's arrivals hall. Many of the luxury hotels and better resorts will provide complimentary transportation, but there is an official airport/hotel shuttle that you can book in advance to take to you one of scores of hotels even if your destination is the humble Marsaxlokk Youth Hostel. There are also a number of car rental companies, including several international chains.
Birgu Vittoriosa
Birgu Vittoriosa is the oldest of the fortified "Three Cities" that include Senglea (also known as Isla) and Cospicua (also known as Bormla). Senglea and Vittoriosa are each on a small peninsula that juts out from the southern shore of Grand Harbour and across the bay from the city of Valetta; the tip of each peninsula is guarded by an ancient fort. Cospicua is the larger of the Three Cities, and located behind the other two. Birgu Vittoriosa history and the history of the other two cities embody what is called the cradle of Maltese culture and heritage, and most of the Vittoriosa sights and things to do in Vittoriosa Malta involve this long and rich history.
The Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitaller) made Birgu Vittoriosa their first headquarters in 1530 after being driven from Rhodes in Greece and Bodrum in Turkey by Suleiman the Magnificent. The Knights' living quarters (called auberges, the French word for inns) were built here, and many of these sixteenth-century houses are still standing. They protected their domain with Fort St. Angelo (the oldest fortification in the country) and Fort St. Michael in Senglea. They also built a large hospital, as this was the calling of their order and the source of its name. To protect their kingdom, they enclosed much of it with medieval walls and watchtowers as well as a moat around the fort. One of the things to do in Vittoriosa Malta is to simply stroll along the waterfront, exploring the impressive city walls and the massive fort with its bastions and watchtowers. The views are quite spectacular and a leisurely walk around the entire peninsula will take only about 30 minutes.
One of the most important events in Birgu Vittoriosa history is the Great Siege of 1565 when the outnumbered Knights repelled the vastly larger forces of the Ottoman Empire. This fierce and bloody battle was celebrated throughout Europe; Voltaire famously wrote: "Nothing is more well known than the Siege of Malta." It ended Europeans' perception of the invincibility of the Ottoman Empire, and was the beginning of Mediterranean dominance by Spain, then France, and finally England.
Vittoriosa history is shaped by the Christianity of the Knights, who built many churches and cathedrals, all decorated with magnificent religious art, statues, and monuments. You will find these everywhere on both Malta Island and Gozo Island, but Birgu Vittoriosa and Valletta boast more than any other place. The most prominent of these is the grand St. Lawrence Church, completed in 1696 and dominating the waterfront. There are numerous other churches, chapels, and convents in the city.
Possibly the most rewarding things to do in Vittoriosa Malta are taking tours of the city's many fascinating museums—there are perhaps more of these than there are churches. Fittingly enough, the Malta Maritime Museum is housed in a building completed in 1845 to serve as the bakery for the British Navy. Displays here trace the beginnings of sailing in Malta by ancient Phoenicians through the Knights, and more modern times. The grand Inquisitor's Palace is today the National Museum of Ethnography, one of the few remaining such Inquisition palaces that were once spread throughout Roman Catholic Europe. The Vittoriosa Parish Museum contains artifacts and exhibits especially about the Three Cities, including photographs and documents concerning the significant role they played during World II.
The Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitaller) made Birgu Vittoriosa their first headquarters in 1530 after being driven from Rhodes in Greece and Bodrum in Turkey by Suleiman the Magnificent. The Knights' living quarters (called auberges, the French word for inns) were built here, and many of these sixteenth-century houses are still standing. They protected their domain with Fort St. Angelo (the oldest fortification in the country) and Fort St. Michael in Senglea. They also built a large hospital, as this was the calling of their order and the source of its name. To protect their kingdom, they enclosed much of it with medieval walls and watchtowers as well as a moat around the fort. One of the things to do in Vittoriosa Malta is to simply stroll along the waterfront, exploring the impressive city walls and the massive fort with its bastions and watchtowers. The views are quite spectacular and a leisurely walk around the entire peninsula will take only about 30 minutes.
One of the most important events in Birgu Vittoriosa history is the Great Siege of 1565 when the outnumbered Knights repelled the vastly larger forces of the Ottoman Empire. This fierce and bloody battle was celebrated throughout Europe; Voltaire famously wrote: "Nothing is more well known than the Siege of Malta." It ended Europeans' perception of the invincibility of the Ottoman Empire, and was the beginning of Mediterranean dominance by Spain, then France, and finally England.
Vittoriosa history is shaped by the Christianity of the Knights, who built many churches and cathedrals, all decorated with magnificent religious art, statues, and monuments. You will find these everywhere on both Malta Island and Gozo Island, but Birgu Vittoriosa and Valletta boast more than any other place. The most prominent of these is the grand St. Lawrence Church, completed in 1696 and dominating the waterfront. There are numerous other churches, chapels, and convents in the city.
Possibly the most rewarding things to do in Vittoriosa Malta are taking tours of the city's many fascinating museums—there are perhaps more of these than there are churches. Fittingly enough, the Malta Maritime Museum is housed in a building completed in 1845 to serve as the bakery for the British Navy. Displays here trace the beginnings of sailing in Malta by ancient Phoenicians through the Knights, and more modern times. The grand Inquisitor's Palace is today the National Museum of Ethnography, one of the few remaining such Inquisition palaces that were once spread throughout Roman Catholic Europe. The Vittoriosa Parish Museum contains artifacts and exhibits especially about the Three Cities, including photographs and documents concerning the significant role they played during World II.
Paceville Malta
Paceville Malta (pronounced patch-y-ville) is only a neighborhood in the northwestern part of the town of St Julians, but has become such a popular destination in its own right, that it has nearly reached the status of a separate town. This little neighborhood was name for a prominent Maltese lawyer and politician Giuseppe (or Joseph) Pace who was also a leader in local urban development. He chose this area to build a few seaside villas during the 1920s and 1930s, the beginnings of development that today boasts scores of hotels and many Paceville clubs that have become the most happening spots in the country. The main things to do in Paceville involve nightlife and … more nightlife. This is also home to some of the best dining spots on the island.
The numerous Paceville night clubs and discos came after the Sheraton and Hilton chains built five star properties here in the 1960s. The Hilton remains, and the Sheraton is now the Westin. They still are the among the finest luxury hotels in the area. Paceville Malta occupies the area between Spinola Point and Dragonara Point, and lies both on Spinola Bay and St Julian’s Bay. One of the Paceville clubs also sits on the end of Dragonara Point, and is part of the area’s history. This is the Dragonara Palace Casino, originally an opulent summer mansion built in 1870 for a member of the Maltese aristocracy. Today it is the oldest casino in the country, having opened in 1964. There are several dining spots and entertainment every night of the year.
Some of the Paceville night clubs have state-of-the-art sound systems like the famous clubs in Ibiza. In fact, many of the world’s top disc jockeys, like Tiesto, have Paceville Malta as wells as Ibiza on their tour itineraries. The Axis Disco is the largest of the Paceville night clubs and boasts one of the best light and sound systems in all of Europe. Only the Gianpula in Mdina is larger.
Other popular Paceville clubs include the original Fuego Salsa Bar. This smart casual nightspot is unusual in that there is an 18 year age limit (the drinking age here is 16) as well as a dress code. This helped the club to overcome the more unsavory reputation of some of the other venues, allowing it to successfully open similar clubs that cater to older tourists in Qawra and in Mellieha to the north of St Julians. Something else that helped to give this famous night spot a better reputation was the recent banning of drinking on public streets—something primarily done by the underage.
Other things to do in Paceville include sailing, and St Julians Bay is still full of gaily colored traditional fishing boats, called luzzus, that can be chartered for trips around the island. This area is also one of the best spots on the eastern coast for snorkeling and scuba diving. The largest population centers on Malta Island are around Valletta and St Julians, and these areas have few sandy beaches. However, St. George’s Bay is the exception and boasts an excellent large sandy beach that is excellent for children, meaning more families now enjoy their vacations here.
The numerous Paceville night clubs and discos came after the Sheraton and Hilton chains built five star properties here in the 1960s. The Hilton remains, and the Sheraton is now the Westin. They still are the among the finest luxury hotels in the area. Paceville Malta occupies the area between Spinola Point and Dragonara Point, and lies both on Spinola Bay and St Julian’s Bay. One of the Paceville clubs also sits on the end of Dragonara Point, and is part of the area’s history. This is the Dragonara Palace Casino, originally an opulent summer mansion built in 1870 for a member of the Maltese aristocracy. Today it is the oldest casino in the country, having opened in 1964. There are several dining spots and entertainment every night of the year.
Some of the Paceville night clubs have state-of-the-art sound systems like the famous clubs in Ibiza. In fact, many of the world’s top disc jockeys, like Tiesto, have Paceville Malta as wells as Ibiza on their tour itineraries. The Axis Disco is the largest of the Paceville night clubs and boasts one of the best light and sound systems in all of Europe. Only the Gianpula in Mdina is larger.
Other popular Paceville clubs include the original Fuego Salsa Bar. This smart casual nightspot is unusual in that there is an 18 year age limit (the drinking age here is 16) as well as a dress code. This helped the club to overcome the more unsavory reputation of some of the other venues, allowing it to successfully open similar clubs that cater to older tourists in Qawra and in Mellieha to the north of St Julians. Something else that helped to give this famous night spot a better reputation was the recent banning of drinking on public streets—something primarily done by the underage.
Other things to do in Paceville include sailing, and St Julians Bay is still full of gaily colored traditional fishing boats, called luzzus, that can be chartered for trips around the island. This area is also one of the best spots on the eastern coast for snorkeling and scuba diving. The largest population centers on Malta Island are around Valletta and St Julians, and these areas have few sandy beaches. However, St. George’s Bay is the exception and boasts an excellent large sandy beach that is excellent for children, meaning more families now enjoy their vacations here.
Malta Museums
Malta museums are numerous and help you get a much fuller picture of the country’s history, people, and culture. Several of its cities are virtual living museums, and many of the actual museums are located in beautiful historic buildings and palaces that are extraordinary examples of the islands’ heritage in their own right. Even the entire capital city of Valletta is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other museums in Malta include the ancient megalithic temples that are found on both Gozo Island and Malta Island and together comprise another World Heritage Site.
There are a few Valletta museums that are among the most important in the country. The National Museum of Fine Arts is housed in a palace that dates to 1571, and was the former residence of several of the Knights of Malta. Under British rule, it was the residence of the commander of the British Admiralty. It is an opulent rococo palace with a grand stairway that is the perfect setting to display the country’s most important art treasures. One of its most prized paintings is a nineteenth-century watercolor of Grand Harbour by J.M.W. Turner of England. Other works include paintings and drawings by Renaissance masters from France and Italy as well as Maltese artists.
Another of the most important Valletta museums is the National Museum of Archeology. This is where many of the artifacts excavated from the megalithic temples are displayed. Taking tours of these museums is a great way to get an overview before or after visiting the mysterious temples, which can be done quite nearby at the Tarxien Temples and Hal Salflieni Hypogeum just outside of Vittoriosa. The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta also has artifacts from the even earlier Phoenician period, when fishermen (probably from nearby Sicily) arrived on the islands. There are also collections from the period when Empires of Greece and Rome ruled.
Other fascinating Valletta museums include the Grandmaster’s Palace Armory, which contains the world’s largest collection of armor (some entire full suits), weapons, and artillery. There are a number of ornate bronze cannons, and parade armor from Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. This is one of the most popular of the museums in Malta because of the universal appeal of these gleaming armaments.
There are also Malta museums in Valletta that are located within some of the imposing fortresses that the Knights of Malta built to protect Grand Harbour and its parallel sister harbor of Marsamxett, which separates Valletta from St Julians and Sliema. The National War Museum is in St. Elmo’s Fort on the tip of the Valletta peninsula and has a rich collection documenting the important role that the country played during World War II. Even Fort Delimara guarding the port at Marsaxlokk is a museum, despite having a local farmer raise his pigs in it for 30 years.
You can find more Malta museums elsewhere on the island. The ancient city of Mdina and its suburb of Rabat have several worthwhile ones. Some of the Mdina museums are located in former palaces, including the Archbishop’s Palace just behind one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country, St. Paul’s Cathedral. Built in 1722, it is a lovely palace. The Museum of Natural History is located in the magnificent Vilhena Palace with a fascinating collection of flora, fauna, and fossils from the islands.
One of the more unusual museums in Malta is found in the capital city of Victoria on Gozo Island. This is the Folklore Museum in a group of houses with architectural features from nearby Sicily. Here you can gain insight into the everyday lives of the Maltese people with displays of household goods and farming implements. Each of the most important megalithic temples on both Malta Island and Gozo Island also has a museum that provides a timeline of the prehistoric history of the region.
Mellieha, Malta
Mellieha is a town located in a large protected bay on the northwestern coast of Malta Island, and only about two miles south of Comino Island. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning salt, which probably comes from the salterns (salt ponds) that were important in early Punic and Roman trade. Part of this important ecosystem today is the Ghadira Natural Reserve, a protected bird sanctuary with both wetlands and saltmarsh. This rare protected natural area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and is open to visitors enjoying Mellieha holidays on weekends from November to May.
The history of this region dates much further back to early Neolithic times, and there are numerous prehistoric ruins in the area. One of the island’s celebrated megalithic temples is located nearby, in Mgarr about five miles to the southwest. Many who visit the Mellieha resort in Malta will also visit these fascinating archeological sites. Many will also visit the beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha originally built in the sixteenth century. This became one of the island’s most revered sites, and boasts a lovely Byzantine fresco of the Virgin Mary with Christ beside her. One of the classics of Renaissance architecture is it vaulted roofed veranda is considered among the finest.
Today, Mellieha resort in Malta is a prime destination for tourists, especially from England and northern Europe, who are attracted to its beautiful beaches. The reason why Mellieha holidays are so popular with English tourists is connected to Malta’s history as a British colony. During this time, especially in the mid-nineteenth century, the British ex patriots found this to be a wonderful place to spend time during the summer, and there are many villas in town from this period. Many of these are available as vacation rentals. There are also a number of luxury hotels and other lodging possibilities.
This is the largest town in the northern part of the island, and is where Malta’s largest beach—Ghadira Beach— is located. It abuts the bird sanctuary of the same name, and stretches for about a mile along a crescent at the end of the bay. This is where you will find most of the beach resorts in the area. The northern arm of the bay is part of a large peninsula, and you will find more hotels and resorts on its northern coast, just a mile from Comino. This is also the site of the northernmost ferry terminal on the island, where you can get transportation to Comino, Gozo, and other parts of Malta Island. Choosing the best Mellieha resort in Malta is difficult, as there are several in the area. Those that are on either end of Ghadira Beach offer the most convenient access to the area’s attractions. However, the Ramla Bay Resort to the north gives you a sense of seclusion while still being located within a mile of the main resort area.
Many Mellieha holidays will include sailing and scuba diving excursions. You can charter boats in Mellieha as well as from the northern ferry terminal. The best spots for diving are along the western side of the peninsula from Paradise Bay to Anchor Bay. In fact, at Anchor Bay you can put in for a visit to the island’s most quirky attraction. Called Popeye Village, this is the set for the 1980 film Popeye. The ramshackle set was put together with thousands of wooden planks and generous amounts of colorful paint, and it resembles a set from a theme park plunked down against the cliffs in the little bay.
The history of this region dates much further back to early Neolithic times, and there are numerous prehistoric ruins in the area. One of the island’s celebrated megalithic temples is located nearby, in Mgarr about five miles to the southwest. Many who visit the Mellieha resort in Malta will also visit these fascinating archeological sites. Many will also visit the beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha originally built in the sixteenth century. This became one of the island’s most revered sites, and boasts a lovely Byzantine fresco of the Virgin Mary with Christ beside her. One of the classics of Renaissance architecture is it vaulted roofed veranda is considered among the finest.
Today, Mellieha resort in Malta is a prime destination for tourists, especially from England and northern Europe, who are attracted to its beautiful beaches. The reason why Mellieha holidays are so popular with English tourists is connected to Malta’s history as a British colony. During this time, especially in the mid-nineteenth century, the British ex patriots found this to be a wonderful place to spend time during the summer, and there are many villas in town from this period. Many of these are available as vacation rentals. There are also a number of luxury hotels and other lodging possibilities.
This is the largest town in the northern part of the island, and is where Malta’s largest beach—Ghadira Beach— is located. It abuts the bird sanctuary of the same name, and stretches for about a mile along a crescent at the end of the bay. This is where you will find most of the beach resorts in the area. The northern arm of the bay is part of a large peninsula, and you will find more hotels and resorts on its northern coast, just a mile from Comino. This is also the site of the northernmost ferry terminal on the island, where you can get transportation to Comino, Gozo, and other parts of Malta Island. Choosing the best Mellieha resort in Malta is difficult, as there are several in the area. Those that are on either end of Ghadira Beach offer the most convenient access to the area’s attractions. However, the Ramla Bay Resort to the north gives you a sense of seclusion while still being located within a mile of the main resort area.
Many Mellieha holidays will include sailing and scuba diving excursions. You can charter boats in Mellieha as well as from the northern ferry terminal. The best spots for diving are along the western side of the peninsula from Paradise Bay to Anchor Bay. In fact, at Anchor Bay you can put in for a visit to the island’s most quirky attraction. Called Popeye Village, this is the set for the 1980 film Popeye. The ramshackle set was put together with thousands of wooden planks and generous amounts of colorful paint, and it resembles a set from a theme park plunked down against the cliffs in the little bay.
Malta Temples, Malta
Malta temples are located both on Malta Island and Gozo Island, and are some of the most fascinating and unique structures of their kind in the world. In addition to these temples, the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta include the entire city of Valletta as well as the Malta Hypogeum, officially called the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Hypogeum is the Greek word meaning "underground," and refers to any ancient building or structure that is subterranean. The rooms and chambers beneath the Colosseum in Rome were hypogea, and there is a similar underground structure beneath the Knossos Palace on the island of Crete in Greece. Malta's Hal Salflieni is believed to be the only surviving subterranean temple in the world. Here, in the town of Paola just southwest of Valletta and Vittoriosa, are fabulous rooms, chambers, and sanctuaries carved out of stone. You enter these mesmerizing and enormous chambers through a rather nondescript door on a small street in the town. It's easy to miss, but you can look for signs posted in town or just ask a local. It is not one of the megalithic temples in Malta as it dates to a later period—about 2500 B.C.
Additionally, megaliths are above ground structures constructed with various large stones. Mysterious Stonehenge in England is a megalithic structure, as are the seven Malta temples found on the country's two largest islands. These date to between 3600 B.C. and 2500 B.C. and one of them is the oldest such structure in the world, predating even ancient Stonehenge.
The most famous megalithic temples in Malta will be found on Gozo. These are the two Ggantija Temples, which include the world's oldest structure. They are located near the little town of Xaghra and less than three miles from the port that has ferries to neighboring Comino and to Malta Island. If you are up for a little hiking, these Malta temples can be reached in a fairly easy walk from the port. There is also public bus transportation to the site from the port and other towns on the island, and there is a car park if you have a rental car.
The Ggantija complex was once the only of the World Heritage Sites in Malta relating to the ancient temples, until UNESCO extended the designation to include the others in 1992. The megalithic temples in Malta that are the least well preserved are the Skorba and Ta'Hagrat complexes in the village of Mgarr, about two miles northwest of Mdina and Rabat. The other UNESCO sites are: The Tarxien Temples a little south of the Hypogeum; the Hagar Qin (or Hagar Qim) Temples on the southwest coast of Malta Island and the Mnajdra Temples in the same area. The Mnajdra is one of the best preserved, and is set in a spectacularly picturesque site on the rugged Dingli cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and the tiny little island of Fifla, which is little more than a green-topped rock jutting up out of the sea.
It is possible to visit all these ancient World Heritage Sites in Malta on the larger island in a single day with a car for transportation or strategic planning with the public bus system. However, the experience is much richer if you spend a bit more time to explore the other attractions and the history that surround each one of them.
Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk (pronounced mar-sah-schlok) remains a traditional fishing village despite its rapid development after becoming the main cargo port for the country. It boasts a long and rich history, beginning in prehistoric times when some of the country’s megalithic temples were built nearby nearly 5,000 years ago. These temples are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Later, the Phoenicians landed here and established a trading post in the ninth century B.C., and Suleiman the Magnificent used this harbor as an anchorage for his fleet during the Great Siege of Valletta.
The majority of Marsaxlokk hotels are in the two and three star categories. There are no luxury hotels because the majority of tourists do not stay here due to the large power station and large commercial shipping port. However, this is actually a bonus for those looking for Marsaxlokk villas in Malta that are less expensive. Marsaxlokk is located quite close to the international airport, and you will find several areas that do not look out onto the power plant or shipping port. One of the best of the Marsaxlokk hotels is the Sea Breeze—actually located in Birzebbuga. It is a modest three star property with an excellent restaurant and clean comfortable rooms looking out to see. In Marsaxlokk itself, there are some good aparthotels that have fully equipped kitchens and are excellent for families and small groups on a budget.
There are many Marsaxlokk villas in Malta available as vacation rentals, including in neighboring communities that are only a few minutes away by car. These communities include Marsascala, located less than a mile to the northeast and Birzebbuga located less than a mile to the south west. Both of these little villages sit in their own secluded bays with lovely views out to sea. Additionally, there are some very quiet sandy beaches in these bays. Most of the Malta beaches are quite rocky, and the few sandy ones are quite crowded. So this is a great place to stay to avoid those crowds. Although you will find most of the Marsaxlokk villas in Malta listed as real estate available for purchase, a careful search will reveal that many of the owners do rent them out to people looking to enjoy their vacations away from the crowds on the more popular east and north coasts.
Popular things to do in Marsaxlokk include sailing and sightseeing cruises on the charming and gaily painted traditional fishing boats that you will see everywhere in the harbor. These are called luzzus, and most will have an eye painted on the side due to the fishermen’s lore that this wards off the evil eye. Additionally, the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples are on the rocky scenic western coast about five miles away. Many visitors who stay in Marsaxlokk hotels are here to enjoy the excellent hiking along this part of the coast. There are also numerous seafood restaurants here, and dining on fish you may have seen in the market that morning is a wonderful experience. There is also a simple, but lovely, parish church that was built in 1872 and boasts the typical red Maltese dome. You will also enjoy shopping in the colorful open air market with handcraft stalls on most days of the week, and the lively fish market occurs every Sunday.
The majority of Marsaxlokk hotels are in the two and three star categories. There are no luxury hotels because the majority of tourists do not stay here due to the large power station and large commercial shipping port. However, this is actually a bonus for those looking for Marsaxlokk villas in Malta that are less expensive. Marsaxlokk is located quite close to the international airport, and you will find several areas that do not look out onto the power plant or shipping port. One of the best of the Marsaxlokk hotels is the Sea Breeze—actually located in Birzebbuga. It is a modest three star property with an excellent restaurant and clean comfortable rooms looking out to see. In Marsaxlokk itself, there are some good aparthotels that have fully equipped kitchens and are excellent for families and small groups on a budget.
There are many Marsaxlokk villas in Malta available as vacation rentals, including in neighboring communities that are only a few minutes away by car. These communities include Marsascala, located less than a mile to the northeast and Birzebbuga located less than a mile to the south west. Both of these little villages sit in their own secluded bays with lovely views out to sea. Additionally, there are some very quiet sandy beaches in these bays. Most of the Malta beaches are quite rocky, and the few sandy ones are quite crowded. So this is a great place to stay to avoid those crowds. Although you will find most of the Marsaxlokk villas in Malta listed as real estate available for purchase, a careful search will reveal that many of the owners do rent them out to people looking to enjoy their vacations away from the crowds on the more popular east and north coasts.
Popular things to do in Marsaxlokk include sailing and sightseeing cruises on the charming and gaily painted traditional fishing boats that you will see everywhere in the harbor. These are called luzzus, and most will have an eye painted on the side due to the fishermen’s lore that this wards off the evil eye. Additionally, the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples are on the rocky scenic western coast about five miles away. Many visitors who stay in Marsaxlokk hotels are here to enjoy the excellent hiking along this part of the coast. There are also numerous seafood restaurants here, and dining on fish you may have seen in the market that morning is a wonderful experience. There is also a simple, but lovely, parish church that was built in 1872 and boasts the typical red Maltese dome. You will also enjoy shopping in the colorful open air market with handcraft stalls on most days of the week, and the lively fish market occurs every Sunday.
Grand Harbour Malta
Grand Harbour Malta (Il-Port il-Kbir) is the single most important geographic feature of the country, and is the reason it has been a key Mediterranean crossroads for millennia. There are numerous excellent natural harbors in the country, including on both Gozo Island and on tiny Comino Island, even though the latter is only one square mile in area. But it is this largest harbor in Malta that has played a key role in Malta's and the world's history.
Grand Harbour history began as far back as the Phoenicians, who originated in the areas where Lebanon, Syria, and Israel exist today. The Phoenicians spread across the Mediterranean from about 1550 to 300 B.C. making port in Malta during that time. But is seems clear that ancient mariners made their way here long before that, as evidenced by the numerous megalithic temples found on the islands of Gozo and Malta. These mysterious temples were built between about 3000 and 2600 B.C. probably by mariners from nearby Sicily who undoubtedly sailed into Grand Harbour Malta on their voyages of exploration. In fact, two of the ancient temples, the Hal Salflieni Hypogeum and the Tarxien Temples, are located very close to the port.
It was the Knights of Malta who made Grand Harbour history during their 268 year reign that began in 1530. They are also known as the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights of Rhodes. When were expelled from Jerusalem and then from Rhodes by Suleiman the Magnificent, the King of France granted them Malta as their residence. They transformed what they called at the time "merely a rock of soft sandstone" into a prosperous kingdom, and developed this main natural harbor in Malta into a major port for world commerce with formidable defenses and massive forts.
Grand Harbour Malta is on the southeast coast of the island, and actually consists of two twin harbors. The northern harbor is Marsamxett, forming the southern shore of the town of Sliema. The peninsula occupied by the city of Valletta separates Marsamxett from its sister harbor. The southern edge of Grand Harbour is occupied by the "Three Cities" of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea. The Knights of Malta Grand Harbour history actually began in these three cities, which comprised their headquarters when they first arrived from Rhodes.
Six formidable citadels protect the harbor in Malta and they were all built by the Knights. These forts played a key role in the Great Siege of 1565, when the vastly outnumbered Knights repelled the forces of the Ottoman Empire from Turkey, changing the course of European history. After the siege, they moved their headquarters from Vittoriosa to Valletta and continued building scores of cathedrals, churches, palaces, and grand summer villas. This ensemble of beautiful buildings in Valletta led to it being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an Allied naval base during World War II, the cities were heavily bombed and repair on some buildings continues to this day.
Today, much of the commercial shipping traffic has shifted to the Freeport on the southern tip of the island near the town of Marsaxlokk, but large ships on Mediterranean cruises still come into Grand Harbour. One of the most popular things to do near Grand Harbour is to enjoy a relaxing sailing excursion around the shore, admiring the spectacular views of the domes and spires of the many beautiful medieval and baroque buildings. There are many traditional passenger cruises as well as brightly painted traditional fishing boats (called luzzus) that take passengers on scenic cruises. You can also take tours of the forts, and several of the palaces are now fascinating museums. A walk along the seafront will also reward you with scenic vistas as well as some excellent cafes and dining spots.
Valletta Malta
Valletta Malta is the capital city and main seaport for this little island nation. It is steeped in a long and rich history, with grand architecture that has given it well-deserved status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many visitors will enjoy tours in Valletta and see little else of the country as they will be the passengers on cruises that dock here only for a night or two on their way to or from port stops in nearby Sicily and other Mediterranean ports. If this is all the time you have here, then it is the capital of Malta that you should see. Valletta holidays also offer much more than these magnificent city sights.
The most important things to do in Valletta are tours of the city's baroque cathedrals, churches, and palaces, most of which were built by the Knights Hospitaller during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The city's main cathedral contains a famous painting depicting the Beheading of John the Baptist by Milan master Caravaggio. It is the largest work he ever painted and the only one he signed; it is considered by many to be his crowning masterpiece. There are dozens of other lesser cathedrals and churches of architectural significance.
Many of the grand Valletta Malta palaces today are fine museums. The Grandmaster's Palace dominates the main square, and is lavishly furnished with priceless tapestries, porcelain, antiques, and other works of art. Its Armory contains the world's largest collection of its kind with complete suits of armor, weapons, parade uniforms, swords, bronze cannons, and artillery that are hundreds of years old.
The Valletta Malta National Museum of Fine Arts is located in a rococo palace dating to the 1570s, one of the country's oldest buildings. It holds the great treasures of the country including works by artists from Italy, France, England, and other European countries, as well as works by noted Maltese artists. A particularly prized possession is a watercolor by the English artist Turner depicting the city's beautiful Grand Harbour.
Anyone enjoying Valletta holidays will have the opportunity to admire this picturesque harbor. Grand Harbour is one of the city's two natural harbors (the other is a bit to the north). It is a long sheltered bay, guarded by two fortresses on either point. The view of the city when arriving by boat is quite spectacular. Here also is the ferry port for transportation to Gozo and Comino, as well as to nearby Palermo and Calabria on Sicily and Salerno on the Italian mainland.
Other things to do in Valletta include visiting the Tarxien megalithic temples that are located virtually within the city limits. This is actually a complex of four temples dating to between 3600 and 2500 B.C. that are (together with other ancient temples both on Malta and Gozo Island) a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not all things to do in Valletta involve the rich tapestry of the country's history. If you want to dance and party, you will find excellent nightlife at clubs and discos in nearby St Julians and its neighborhood of Paceville. There are also two major casinos here. Most of the city's luxury hotels and beach resorts are also located in this area, and many of them have private beaches. This area also has several marinas used frequently by the many sailing yachts available for scenic excursions and scuba diving trips.
St Julians Malta
St. Julians Malta was once a sleepy fishing village, and remained a rather provincial region even during the time that the Knights of Malta transformed the nearby peninsula of Valetta into a glorious medieval capital city embellished with grand cathedrals, opulent palaces, and imposing forts that still guard the entrance to Grand Harbour. Although the medieval wealthy had discovered this area was excellent for St Julians holidays during the warm summer weather, it wasn't until Malta fell under the rule of the United Kingdom that St. Julians Malta saw real development.
St Julians Bay and the peninsula occupied by Valletta separate the city from Grand Harbour. To its north is its suburb of Paceville and the town of Sliema. Today, these three areas are extremely popular for vacations and boast many luxury hotels and beach resorts. St Julians holidays are popular not only for the beaches but also for a vibrant nightlife, which is also found in Sliema and Paceville. Here you will find everything from sophisticated music bars to large techno discos and elegant casinos.
St Julians Bay is also one of the primary centers for sailing in Malta, and there are numerous marinas for private yachts as well as companies offering scuba diving trips and sightseeing excursions. While the large liners on Mediterranean cruises anchor in Grand Harbour, St Julians Bay is still full of gaily colored traditional Maltese fishing boats. This is also the site of the ferry port, with ferries to Catania and Calabria in Sicily and to Salerno and Genoa on the Italian mainland. This is also where you can also catch the ferry to the neighboring islands of Comino and Gozo.
The most picturesque, and much photographed, part of St. Julians Malta is its long seafront. A curving promenade lines much of it, with grassy parks, playgrounds, facilities, and children's playgrounds on one side. These stretches of green, as well as some lovely parks, make it excellent for family vacations. On the road side of the seafront are numerous bars, cafes, and other dining spots. These are not so much party spots as they are places for dinner and a few warm-up cocktails before more serious dancing and partying begins later in Paceville.
Your St Julians holidays will also give you a taste of Malta's long history. Spinola Palace was built in 1688 and is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The old Parish Church dates to 1580 and is dedicated to St. Julian Hospitaller, patron saint of the Knights of Malta.
While the resort at St Julians Malta is very popular with visitors, the best beaches are a bit north around Paceville and Sliema. Nonetheless, many of the resort hotels do have swimming pools, and there are some good swimming and snorkeling spots at various points along the seafront. All along the seafront promenade, there are wide flat rocky shelves that are excellent for sunbathing, fishing, and tide pooling. The best beach is part of the Hilton complex, one of the town's luxury hotels located on Portomaso Point.
St Julians Bay and the peninsula occupied by Valletta separate the city from Grand Harbour. To its north is its suburb of Paceville and the town of Sliema. Today, these three areas are extremely popular for vacations and boast many luxury hotels and beach resorts. St Julians holidays are popular not only for the beaches but also for a vibrant nightlife, which is also found in Sliema and Paceville. Here you will find everything from sophisticated music bars to large techno discos and elegant casinos.
St Julians Bay is also one of the primary centers for sailing in Malta, and there are numerous marinas for private yachts as well as companies offering scuba diving trips and sightseeing excursions. While the large liners on Mediterranean cruises anchor in Grand Harbour, St Julians Bay is still full of gaily colored traditional Maltese fishing boats. This is also the site of the ferry port, with ferries to Catania and Calabria in Sicily and to Salerno and Genoa on the Italian mainland. This is also where you can also catch the ferry to the neighboring islands of Comino and Gozo.
The most picturesque, and much photographed, part of St. Julians Malta is its long seafront. A curving promenade lines much of it, with grassy parks, playgrounds, facilities, and children's playgrounds on one side. These stretches of green, as well as some lovely parks, make it excellent for family vacations. On the road side of the seafront are numerous bars, cafes, and other dining spots. These are not so much party spots as they are places for dinner and a few warm-up cocktails before more serious dancing and partying begins later in Paceville.
Your St Julians holidays will also give you a taste of Malta's long history. Spinola Palace was built in 1688 and is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The old Parish Church dates to 1580 and is dedicated to St. Julian Hospitaller, patron saint of the Knights of Malta.
While the resort at St Julians Malta is very popular with visitors, the best beaches are a bit north around Paceville and Sliema. Nonetheless, many of the resort hotels do have swimming pools, and there are some good swimming and snorkeling spots at various points along the seafront. All along the seafront promenade, there are wide flat rocky shelves that are excellent for sunbathing, fishing, and tide pooling. The best beach is part of the Hilton complex, one of the town's luxury hotels located on Portomaso Point.
Sliema Malta
Sliema Malta is a town on the eastern coast of the island on the outskirts of St Julians, located about halfway between Valletta and Paceville. It is set on a point jutting out to sea, and shares its northern harbor with both Paceville and St Julians. It shares its southern harbor with Valletta. All four of these towns and neighborhoods are closely related, but each is known for something a bit different. Sliema is known for the long sandy beaches that almost encircle the town and its oceanfront promenade (called The Strand), and most Sliema holidays include time on the sand.
Because of its two harbors, many things to do in Sliema involve boats. You can charter yachts for sailing excursions just for a day or for several overnights, possibly even sailing to nearby Sicily. The town is also a center for scuba diving companies, and there are numerous dive trips available.
Although the city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its magnificent cathedrals, palaces, and museums, Sliema Malta is also steeped in a shared history and boasts many fine structures and monuments. Things to do in Sliema include taking tours of these. Its lovely Parish Church dates to 1855, and there are several other notable churches you can visit. Historic forts and watchtowers protect strategic points around the town.
During the last half of the nineteenth century, it became the place for summer vacations for the wealthy nobility of Valletta. Because of this there are a number of opulent old villas here. Some of these villas are lavish enough to be called palaces, and several have been converted into historic boutique luxury hotels. Many of these are popular venues for weddings and other special events.
Some of your Sliema holidays can be spent in one of these historic structures without you ever realizing it. The fort known as Il Fortizza was built by the British in 1872, and has been converted into an Italian dining spot. Like Greece (especially the Greek islands), this country welcomes the acquisition and refurbishment of many historic properties by private citizens and businesses in order to prevent them from falling into disrepair.
Other things to do in Sliema include shopping, as this is one of the best places for galleries and chic boutiques. There are also several shopping malls. You can also spend a good portion of a day exploring Manoel Island sitting in Marsamxett Harbor. It is only a few minute's sail from Sliema Malta and you can even drive over the short bridge if your transportation is a car. At the tip of the island is Fort Manoel, built by Knights of Malta Grandmaster of Portugal in 1726. The fort boasts a classic eighteenth-century quadrangle, parade ground, and military arcade.
Sliema holidays are also excellent for enjoying evening entertainment. Most of the nightlife in Sliema is fairly subdued, with many pleasant pubs and wine bars. Several of the Sliema hotels also have lounges with live music in the evenings. These are more the "warm up" spots for those who plan on going clubbing later in the night. There are some famous night clubs and discos just across the bay in Paceville, and there is one very famous open-air disco in Rabat near the town of Mdina. Transportation home in the wee hours of the morning is not a problem, as there is increased bus service from the clubs around closing time.
Mdina Malta
Mdina Malta is a medieval walled city that was once the ancient capital of this little Mediterranean archipelago. The history of Mdina dates back for more than 4,000 years, and was first fortified by the Phoenicians sometime around 700 years before the Christian era. After the Norman conquest of 1091, the city was further fortified. It was given to the Knights of Malta in 1530, and these powerful knights built one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country here. Set strategically on a hill that is one of the highest points on the island, it remains one of the finest examples of a medieval fortified city in all of Europe.
It was in 60 A.D. that the history of Mdina gained worldwide significance when St. Paul was shipwrecked on the island and took refuge in a nearby grotto known as Fuori le Mura (meaning, "outside the city walls"), now known as St. Paul's Grotto in the suburb of Rabat. The name Rabat comes from the word meaning "suburb" and this much larger city abuts the Mdina Malta walls. One of the things to do in Mdina is to take tours of the attractions that have to do with St. Paul, the most important of which is the magnificent St. Paul Cathedral that is located inside the ancient city walls. It was designed in the ornate baroque style and built between 1697 and 1702 by Lorenzo Gafa, the same architect who designed the Cathedral of the Assumption on Gozo Island. Its opulent interior is similar to St. John's Cathedral in Valletta. In the suburb of Rabat, the parish church of St. Paul stands over the legendary grotto, and both are open to the public. Nearby are the Catacombs of St. Paul, which do not actually have anything to do with the saint but are named for their proximity to the grotto. Mdina tours of these four religious sites are what most people come here for.
Other very rewarding Mdina sightseeing is possible simply by strolling through the narrow cobbled streets of the picturesque walled city, which is quite pleasant since no vehicles are allowed inside the walls. In fact, it is often called the Silent City because of the lack of vehicle noise. It's easy to get lost in this labyrinth of alleys, but you won't be lost for long as the city is quite small. Throughout much of the history of Mdina it has been called Citta Notabile (the Noble City) because of the many noble families who lived here beginning in the twelfth century. The streets are lined with beautiful villas and impressive palaces, many of which are still private homes. Several others are now fascinating museums.
The Palazzo Falson is one of these, and is built along the same lines as similar palaces in nearby Sicily. But the entire city is a living museum, where even the elaborate doors and doorknockers boast a rich history. One palace is actually the city police station, and another houses the Museum of Natural History. One of the things to do in Mdina after your stroll through history is to stop at one of the tea houses set along the bastions. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Some of these tea houses are actually restaurants that allow dining on traditional Maltese cuisine.
Other things to do in Mdina include making an excursion to the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, only about two miles away. These white cliffs tower over the sea. The views are breathtaking, and there is a good hiking path along the coast. Here also is Verdala Palace, summer residence of the President of Malta. The palace is closed to the public, but it is set in a park like forest (Buskett Woods) that was once the protected hunting grounds of the Knights of Malta. Today, this is one of the very few forested areas on any of the islands and is a popular picnic site.
Most visitors come to Mdina Malta as a day excursion included during vacation packages. Sometimes these are shore excursions for passengers on Mediterranean cruises, and sometime the visitors will be staying for a few days in one of the many Valletta hotels. Few people stay here overnight, and there are no Mdina hotels inside the city walls. However, there is an excellent 5 star hotel in Rabat as well as several other hotels and guesthouses. You might also want to check out the nightlife. Surprisingly, the largest nightclub in the country is located in Rabat.