Jan

10

Malta Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

Trip to Malta

Malta is a small island (well, two islands actually) in the Mediterranean, which has been occupied as far back as 3,000 years ago. Perhaps best known for its notorious group of historical inhabitants, the Knight’s Templar, the history of these crusaders is apparent throughout the island. The capital city of Valetta was planned by the Templars, giving history buffs more than enough to take in and enjoy.

Flights to Malta
Malta International Airport just three miles (five kilometres) south of Valetta and is the first thing most visitors see upon arrival. There are many regularly scheduled flights connecting Malta with most major European cities. The busy summer season sees many charter flights come into action to accommodate the rush, with the national carrier also flying to places like Cairo, Dubai and Damascus. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Malta try Thomas Cook.

Another feature of the summer tourist season is a seasonal ferry that runs between Malta and Sicily or Genoa, taking 3 hours to complete the journey. Regular ferries operate year-round between the two islands of Malta and Gozo. Buses run on the islands, but for sightseeing renting a car is advisable.

Malta


Sightseeing in Malta
Malta epitomises the allure of the Mediterranean, with its rocky cliffs, secluded bays and sandy beaches; all of which get slowly roasted by the year-round sunshine. The spectacular vistas are not the only attractions, however. With a 3,000-year history including the legendary Knights Templar, there is a variety of ancient buildings to admire, like the Auberge de Castille.

The grandiose Palace of the Grand Masters serves a few masters of its own, being home to both the seat of government and a museum. Once inside, the other prominent multi-use building - St John’s Co-Cathedral and Museum, is sure to pry open anyone’s jaw with astonishment at the Baroque styling of the chapel construction.

To take in the natural views en masse, with the grand harbour as the centre point, make your way up to the Upper Barakka Gardens and take in the vistas with your eyes and the salty air with your lungs.

Book Sightseeing Tours

Fun by night – Eating, drinking and partying
Despite the fact that Malta is a tiny country in the Mediterranean, and a Catholic one to boot, party animals need not despair. There is a district called Paceville, where the Maltese congregate for their bacchanalian proclivities. Just west of St Julian’s, hedonists can enjoy rowdy weekends here fueled by cheap drink.

Malta produces its own grog, and the most well known of the local lagers is Cisk, with the usual suspects like Heineken, Carlsberg and Guinness also readily available. Wash the beer down with local food including staple seafood dishes, with many culinary aspects having been borrowed from neighbouring Italy.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Malta is not a place to come to spot celebrities popping in and out of Louis Vuitton shops. Most of the shopping to be had here is more of the souvenir variety. Visitors to Malta are usually here to check out the historical sights or relax on the beach and take in the atmosphere.

There are a number of excellent sights to seen around the island, with Hagar Qim topping many itinerary lists with its title as one of the oldest buildings in the world. The subterranean Hypogeum is a sight to behold, as is Calypso’s cave.


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind