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Malta
is one of the most charming Mediterranean destinations, often referred
to as the island of sunshine and history. Its year round sunshine,
clear blue water, good beaches and fascinating historical and archaeological
sites, provides everything you could want on holiday.
A
visit to Malta invariably includes a visit to its sister islands
of Gozo and Comino.
Gozo
is a 20-minute ferry ride from Malta, and has its own distinct character.
It is greener and prettier than Malta, and the tranquillity visitors
find there make it obvious as to why it is known as 'the island
where time stood still'. A great place to escape from the more touristy
parts of Malta and relax.
Comino
is only a mile long, is the smallest of the islands it has no cars
and only one hotel. It too can be reached by ferry from Malta and
is the ideal place to go for complete peace and quiet. Although
as the saying goes, you can have too much of a good thing. As much
as Comino makes an idyllic escape, there is very little to do there,
so going for a day to get away from it all is ideal, but any longer
might make you stir crazy.
Whether
you are looking for a relaxing holiday or an active and sporting
one, Malta has something to offer. The beaches such as Golden Bay,
Paradise Bay and Sliema provide ideal places to unwind and soak
up the sun.
Scuba
diving, sailing and windsurfing are also on hand for any water babies
visiting Malta, with horse riding, golf and tennis being available
for those feeling incredibly sporty.
For
a fix of culture, or simply to get away from the beach, there are
numerous artistic and cultural treasures on offer. Stretching back
thousands of years, these monuments and temples are all within easy
access from wherever you happen to be staying.
After
visiting Malta, it becomes clear why people return to this picturesque
island year after year.
WEATHER
IN MALTA & GOZO
Mild,
rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Between February and June is
often the best time to go, as it is neither the rainy season nor
the hot summer time.
THINGS
TO DO IN MALTA & GOZO
A
great way to see Malta is to take a cruise around the islands for
the day. Not only does it make a welcome change from lying on the
beach or by the pool, but also provides you with an incredibly lazy
way to see some fantastic views of Comino's Blue Lagoon and the
magnificent natural rock formations of the islands.
Scuba
diving is a popular past time, as Malta has a scarcity of sand and
lack of pollution, with virtually tide free waters all contributing
to enhance the experience and making Malta one of the best places
to scuba dive in the Mediterranean.
Other
water sports include windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing all of
which are readily available, and are again enhanced by the excellent
conditions.
If
the water doesn't appeal, then walking is a great alternative. Away
from the beaches, March to June and October are the best months
for walking in Malta.
Comino
and Gozo are small enough to be covered in a day, and provide some
of the more picturesque scenery.
The
Marsa Sports Centre in the middle of the island offers a wide range
of activities, from golf and tennis to squash courts and swimming,
it makes for a great day out.
If
you are not interested in the sporting activities on offer then
there are plenty of other attractions to fill days away from the
sea.
In
Valleta you can find the Palace of the Grand Masters and St John's
Co-Cathedral and Museum, which house many splendid tapestries and
paintings.
In
Mdina, the old capital near Rabat, there are the Mdina Cathedral
and Museum and the Palazzo Falzon. Also the Mdina Dungeons and 'The
Mdina Experience' are well worth a visit.
Nightlife
in Malta is similar to many holiday resorts with bars and restaurants,
live music clubs and discos to fill the evenings. If you're feeling
particularly lucky however, then why not try the casino in Sliema?
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Lonely
Planet Malta ~ Neil Wilson (Paperback - 25 August, 2000)
AA
Essential Malta and Gozo ~ Levy. Pat (Paperback - 2 January, 2000)
AA/
Thomas Cook Travellers Malta ~ Suzie Bolton (Paperback - 31 March,
2000)
The
Dive Sites of Malta, Gozo and Comino ~ Lawson Wood (Paperback -
1 May 1999)
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS IN MALTA & GOZO
The
Malta Carnival or carnival week as it is better known is at the
end of February, competitions, floats and general festivities are
held through out the island but mainly in Valletta.
31st
March - Freedom Day, a National Holiday, the main event being the
traditional regatta boat races held in the Grand Harbour at Floriana.
Good
Friday pageants are held throughout the island, with life-size Jesus
Christ statues carried in the processions
Mid
April the Valletta festival epitomizes all that is great about festivals,
music, costumes, performers and musicians. Fantastic.
May,
in Floriana, the National Folk singing Festival includes music from
all over the world.
July
sees the advent of the annual Jazz Festival and the following weekend
the International Food and Beer Festival where visitors can sample
traditional delicacies whilst taking in the culture and entertainment
laid on.
21st
September, Independence Day, throughout the island there is a full
programme of activities happening.
During
September the Malta International Airshow at Malta Int. airport,
Luga is a great spectacle for the general public
Mid
November in Valetta hear the Malta International Choir Festival
13th
December is Republic Day, celebrations of the day in 1974 commemorates
the event in style
HOTELS IN MALTA & GOZO
Hotels
in Malta vary in price. There is something to suit all budgets,
from the five star hotels such as the Holiday Inn Plaza and Corinthia
Palace in Malta, and the L'Imgarr in Gozo, to the Imperial Hotel
and the Atlantis in the three star price range.
If
budget is the key word then the one star accommodation might be
better, more guesthouse than hotel there are the Astoria, the Adelaide
and the Belmont in Malta, across in Gozo there are the Marsalform
and the Electra.
Mid-range
accommodation can be found from approximately £15 per night.
VISAS
AND INNOCULATIONS
Visitors
to Malta & Gozo from the UK do not need to apply for entry or
a transit visa, but please do check first, especially if you do
not hold a UK passport.
Immunisation
for Yellow Fever is essential of you are arriving from an infected
Country. Please seek professional advice from your doctor or a travel
clinic; these are only guidelines. If you have not previously been
immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal
opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.
The
tap water is safe to drink but may taste stronger than English water.
If you are prone to upset stomachs, drink bottled water. Take care
against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots
of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.
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