- Malta
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This tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean has commanded the attention of invaders for centuries. Romans, Turks, Knights and even the British have all had a foothold on Malta’s shores at one time or another.
Now invaders of a different kind flock to Malta - tourists!
Drawn by the year round warm weather, the fact that most of the islanders speak English and drive on the left (after a fashion), Malta is a haven for the British sun worshipper.
But, there is so much more to do here. Despite the arrival of the 5 star luxury resorts, it remains a living slice of history. Famous for its two sieges, the first in 1565 when Soleyman the Magnificent was resoundingly beaten by The Hospitallers (or Knights of St. John).
The second came during World War II when again, the Maltese and their Allies drove off the German attempt to capture the island. History faces you on every corner, making the capital city Valletta a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Maltese are a friendly enough people, if a little gruff. They do seem to welcome the British more readily than any of the other visitors that descend on their shores annually. The attractions are obvious and the new resorts on the island are springing up continually.
Five star recommendations include,The Portomaso Hilton, Dragonara Palace and The Corinthian. There are plenty more, however, including some wonderful boutique hotels.
Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island is an altogether quieter neighbour. The hotels here are smaller and more Spa orientated. Well worth a visit.
If you have the time, why not take a day trip to Sicily? There is a catamaran that visits daily or why not travel in style and use the helicopter service?
Maltese restaurants are doing their best in a world where fine dining is king. While they still have a lot to learn, fish is where they excel. Also, local specialties are worth trying. Hobz biz-zejt with fresh Maltese bread, tomatoes, olive oil and (depending on the maker) capers, olives, tuna and salt and pepper. The cheesecakes (savoury rather than sweet) stuffed with ricotta cheese are delicious whilst the cannolli from the Busy Bee bakery are stunning. The bread too is a wonderful treat.
Being the jewel of the Mediterranean, don’t forget the beaches. The only sandy ones are in the north of the island. The rest of Malta is rocky outcrops straight into deep water. No children here!
Snorkelling along these shores is a must as is a visit to the Blue Grotto. So called because of the turquoise blue of its waters and because it’s a erm...Grotto. Other attractions include Malta Glass, a visit to Comino and the capital Valletta. Malta has survived the centuries relatively unscathed by foreign invaders though all have left their mark. After visiting Malta yourself will it have left its mark on you?
Just gorgeous place to stay for a vacation: beautiful, romantic interior, all the amenities you may need, great grocery shop just around the corner, nice neighbours, and of course the magnificent city of Valletta around you! But note: it seems you often have to book it well in advance (and no kids or pets are allowed).
This is quirky, class and comfy accommodation, situated in the heart of Valletta. The owner gives the house and your holiday a very personal touch and it was far better than any of the many hotels I have stayed in. Valletta has many fabulous attractions and great restaurants and is a must!
A restaurant which is a cut above the pizza/pasta joints. We ate there five nights running. Could not fault the food or service.
Pioneer Road, just off Bugibba's (round) square. Phone 2157 1604, mobile 9984 6767. Book because it's always busy!
Gesthers is simply the best restaurant in Gozo. Serves traditional Gozitan dishes, the recipes having been handed down from generation to generation. Opens only at lunchtime, Monday through Saturday. It is very reasonably priced. The decor IS very basic...don't let it put you off. Bragioli and spaghetti with rabbit sauce come highly recommended. I've been going there for the last 12 years and have never once been disappointed.
21st September Street in Xaghra. Street at right angle to main church....or ask any local!!!
It is the friendliest restaurant in Malta, the food and service is great.
It is on the seafront of Bugibba, you must visit the home-from-home cafe/restaurant.
I stayed at the San Antonio Hotel in Qawra for a week in December 07 and will definitely return. The owners and staff deserve a lot of praise, considering their excellent service and cleanliness of the hotel, our room and the facilities.
We got a very spacious room at a very reasonable price (booked through their website - cheaper) and were pleasantly surprised by the look and feel of the lobby and common areas. Very tastefully designed and a very homely feeling.
There's a bus terminus nearby and, with public transport (buses only), you can pretty much get anywhere you like. The sea is just a five-minute walk away too, and the area is a good place to be, albeit a little touristy.
San Antonio Hotel & Spa
Triq it-Turisti, Qawra
Malta
Tel: +356 21583434
Web: www.sanantonio-malta.com
Malta info: www.guidetomalta.net
This beautifully designed, low-key luxury hotel is a welcome respite from Malta's brash wtower blocks.
Hotel Ta' Cenc, Sannat, Gozo, Malta
Tel: (+356) 21 556819
www.vjborg.com/tacenc/
This elegant hotel is superbly located just outside the old city walls, overlooking the harbour.
It offered easy walking access to historical sites, and its proximity to the central bus depot allowed us to make many memorable journeys to other parts of the island (beaches and/or historical places of interest).
We greatly preferred our independent trips to a couple of organised ones we paid for and would recommend being as independent as possible.
The accommodation was very clean and comfortable, with white towelling bathrobes a super accessory for early morning walks down to the pool and back.
The pool itself was beautifully located overlooking the harbour, and had a bar serving food and drinks all day (our only disappointment here was when we were forced to leave one evening because a wedding party had booked the location).
We booked B&B, with the delicious and varied buffet-style breakfast keeping most of us going until dinner. The local restaurants, often family run, were fun to discover each evening and never disappointed (and were much better value than the hotel restaurants).
Our family (ranging in age from 8 - 70 years of age) stayed for one week, which was ideal - any longer and we would probably have started to run out of new things to do. During our stay we celebrated the 70th birthday of one of our family members and the hotel staff added to the occasion by baking a special cake and delivering a birthday card!
If you wish to visit Gozo and/or Comino Islands we would recommend doing this independently. We found the organised trip to Gozo expensive and disappointing.
Hotel Phoenicia
The Mall · Floriana · Valletta VLT 16 · Malta
Phone: (356)(21) 225241
This is a vast, three-level underground limestone necropolis that was in use from about 3600 BC. The 50-minute archaeological tour is excellent and must be booked in advance, as only 10 people are admitted at a time. It is a climate-controlled state-of-the-art facility built with UNESCO assistance.
It is in a small street, Triq-ic-Cimiterju, in the Valletta suburb of Paola, accessible by city bus. Book at www.heritagemalta.org
A place to be alone, bar a couple of fishermen, with your thoughts. As the sun sets, its orangey light setting off the majestic honey hued walls of the city.
Go down the steps by the Mediterranean Conference Centre (once the Knights' "Sacra Infermeria")
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