Malta
Overview
From megalithic temples to UNESCO-listed capital Valetta, Malta bursts with history and intrigue. On first visits, explore Valetta's 16th-century St John's Co-Cathedral and the ancient Hypogeum. On return visits, head inland to hilltop Mdina or take a boat to Gozo island for a tranquil break.
Background
Malta keeps two historic moments close to its heart, the 16th-century Great Siege of Malta and the Second World War, when the Maltese people braved heavy Nazi attacks. Discover this heroic past in Valetta, Malta's tiny capital, and The Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, on the south-east side of the Grand Harbour. Urbanisation has spread along the north-east coast of Malta with quiet fishing villages at the island's tips. Explore the grottoes and cliffs on the south-west coast and head inland to ancient hilltop towns Rabat and Mdina. Or take the ferry from the north coast to Gozo and Comino islands for a real getaway.
Urban
Start at the Fortress City, Valetta, built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, and named after the Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette. Make a beeline for St John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, and see the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 3000BC underground necropolis in nearby Senglea. Go north-west for Sliema and St Julian's waterfront dining and nightlife. Explore the narrow streets of medieval Mdina, a citadel with panoramic views of the island, then brace yourself for the gruesome Mdina Dungeons. Stop off at adjoining Rabat to see the mosaics at The Roman House.
Rural
Enjoy the Sunday market, brightly coloured boats and a long seafood lunch at Masaxlokk, a fishing village on the south-east coast. Wind your way along the dusty roads to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples and watch the sun set as you stroll along the Dingli Cliffs. Relax on the sandy beach at Golden Bay or go snorkelling around Paradise Bay. Catch a ferry to Gozo, Malta's sister island, and walk up to the 16th-century Citadel in the main town of Victoria.
Fast Facts - Malta
- Language
- Maltese and English
- Currency
- The Euro
- GMT
- +1
- Electricity
- 240V AC, 50Hz, three-pin plugs are standard
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