http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32671 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32671 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29896 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29896 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26791 www.fm1721.com/experience/malta for getting a general impression.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26791 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25370 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25370 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24354 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24354 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23932
Gozo is airport-free, rural, quiet and slow compared to the manic desire Maltese holidaymakers seem to have for entertainment. You will find plenty of great places to eat and many deals on converted, self-catering farmhouses. Wonderful sea swimming and diving, bustling markets (if you can't resist a crowd) and fine sites and views, especially from the citadel in the capital, Rabat.

Small journey; big difference.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23932 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23416
Trust me. If you go nowhere else in Malta then go here.

From the gravestones on the floor to the gilt ornamentation of the chapels. It is absolutely awesome. On a par with St Marks.

There is a chapel for each country in the order (other than those countries that adopted the Protestant faith).

And then there is The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608) by Caravaggio.

Fantastic.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22752
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?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22752 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21811 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21811 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21724 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21724 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20434 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20434 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17918 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17918 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17829 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17829 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17518
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17518 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11890
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11890 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9299 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9299 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9065 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9065