MALTA
Malta! A perfect destination to lovely beach holiday which is the largest island of the Maltese archipelago and offering affordable travel around the rugged limestone mounts standing in the midst of Mediterranean Sea. A place that is not only meant for fun across beaches but also the attractive fusion of colorful old age days, its temples, the ruins of world war II under and above water, the hospitable people and indelible touch of the crusaders in middle ages draws thousands to millions of international tourists to this archipelago every year. For many Malta reminds of famous personalities of the middle ages like the Maltese Falcon, the George Cross and the Knights of St John known for their chivalry and glory. All these figures were key personas of the mighty Ottoman and European empire who fought for their independence and live the life of defiant citizens. After the siege and invade the Maltese land is known to be a wealthy nation with blossoming tourism industry. No wonder this archipelago attracts over one million tourists each year to its astoundingly beautiful resorts, beaches, rocky stretches of coastline, the unique orangey sand swaths and the diving joints of the sparkling Mediterranean. Tourists who are looking for isolated serene moments can gorge on the rocky secluded shorelines from the sea where you will have nothing but only you. After studying your own presence there’s so much to explore of the massive historical sights, the Neolithic temples which are among the unique early manmade wonders in the world, the catholic churches and shrines are truly an enigma to Baroque architecture in Malta.
WHEN TO GO
The climate of Malta is superb in the months June through September when tourists all over the worlds flock to book accommodation, this is the peak time of tourism and hence the hotels are booked in advance. The months of July and August are hot but visitors don’t give it a damn rushing all the beaches of their choice, many tourists struggle to find a piece of sand patch for rest because of the crowd. So many visitors prefer to travel during April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant. For tourist who can’t travel in these months can choose to travel in November and December when the temperatures are 12-18° C with low rainfall in some regions. These months are best to travel if one prefers to remain secluded from crowds. Rest of the months that are January and February would be the most unpleasant time to travel as they mark the coldest temperatures of all the time of the year.
CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY
Malta the largest among the Maltese Island shares the land with two other main islands that are Gozo and Comino. Malta and Gozo are separated by water mass and between the two islands the Comino is located. These islands are not far from each other and offer contrasting scenery all together. The Maltese islands is made up of large rocks called the Filfla, St. Paul’s and Cominotto, out of which Malta is majorly made of limestone plateau, Gozo consists of underground layer of blue clay and Comino is totally barren land. All the beaches of islands are crystal clear utilized for bathing, scuba diving and other water sports. The island is sparsely populated with maximum of four lakh people but because of its small size Malta is said to be the most densely populated micro states of the world. The vast number tourists makes Malta more crowded. When it comes to culture the Maltese people are totally proud of their country and so the historical sights are given all the importance and maintained well. Maltese are very friendly and always welcoming for tourists. The native language is called Malti and people typically follow Roman Catholicism.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Malta nevertheless gained popularity because of the islands that were a created by movements of tectonic plates thousands of years back and it was because of the severe earthquake that tilted the islands to hold the crystal clear beaches and famous resorts. As in Malta’s most inhabited part is the north coast and also the most visited part of the town. The popular cities being Valletta, Vittoriosa, Victoria and Mdina offer different historical experiences to tourists. Majority areas are famous ship wrecks that are prefect for explorations which are result of massive aerial bombardment at the time of World War II. Diving spots steal the show in these islands, showcasing splendid walls, caverns, caves, wrecks and natural archways, tourists should be specialized divers but can take the help of qualified divers to explore the deep secrets of the island. Also night diving is popular during night hours several times a week where tourist enjoy the spectacular thousands of fishes in the waters.
Valletta
This city has not only lured many tourists but also great personalities like Lord Byron, Benjamin Disraeli and Sir Walter Scott found it spectacular. It’s a disguise of Mount Sceberras located between Malta’s two great harbours the Marsamxett and Grand Harbour attracting millions of visitors every year. The main attractions here are the St. John Co-Cathedral which is Valletta’s incomparable church of the knights, the Lascaris War Rooms that served the centre of Allies Mediterranean fleet at the time of World War II, the Grand Harbour visible from the Upper Barracca gardens, the Palace of the Grand Masters which was headquarters of the knights for over 200 years and of course a walk along the ramparts in free hours will be good way to take a look at culture and art of the city. This town is Malta’s government seat and is home to significant museums and monuments. This place is undoubtedly worth visiting that is credited as a world heritage site by UNESCO characterizing it as one of the most concentrated historic sites of the world.
Gozo
The second largest island in the Maltese Archipelago is all occupied by luxurious resorts and farmhouses. This is a place for tourist want to remain secluded from the crowds and relish the quiet evenings all for their own self. The main attractions of this island are the Citadella, Il- Kastell and Il- Borgo, Ramla bay and the Xaghra-Place of giants. The Neolithic temple at Xaghra in the whole of Malta is the best sight of all showcasing the Maltese architectural skills. The popularity of this temple is because of the massive stones used in its construction and the name Ggantija (the place of giants) standing there from as early as 3600 BC. These are also the oldest known freestanding temples. The famous Dwejra and the Azure Window is housed in Gozo, the Dwejra that is Inlet Sea surrounded by dramatic cliffs whereas the Azure window popular shooting spot for movies is the famous endangered gigantic stone arch in the MED Sea. Though called a window its more like a door supported by two huge vertical pillars with a massive block on the top, through this open door catch a glimpse of blue expanse beyond the cliff.
Mdina
Popular as a noble city of the country Mdina attracts number of local as well as international tourists. An ancient walled city is a true illustration to beautiful blend of medieval and baroque architecture still untouched by modernism. It takes only walk around the streets of Mdina to watch the splendid noble houses, churches and Cathedrals. This is once the capital city and has been named as the silent city for its car free and low volume speech characteristics. The oldest house of the noble family is the Casa Inguanez currently residence that has infinite paintings, art elements, documents and sedan furniture preserved. Not to forget the age old Cathedral that is built in baroque style by Lorenzo Gafa, the cathedral has a front that is divided into three bays by Corintian Pilasters in addition to three large portals and two bell towers. Other places of interest are the Mdina palaces, buildings and dungeons.
The Three Cities
Located to the other side of Grand Harbour from velletta, the three cities are the famous Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. The original names of these cities were Birgu, Bormla and Isla changed by the Knights of St. Johns at the success of the Great Siege in 1565. These cities were basically the home of the Knights and still quite a subject of study, visit this place become discover that is yet to be part of the history. Out the three cities Vittorisia is the main attraction where the inquisitors palace is an architectural miracle and second to none in the world. Then there is maritime museum displaying weapons, nautical tools, ships, paintings and traditional boats. Adding to the list if the fort of St. Angelo that has protected the Maltese islands from the intruders in past.
GETTING AND STAYING HERE
Tourists can plan via sea or air route to reach the Maltese islands. The chief operating airlines is the Air Malta that offers several services from Europe to North Africa. Tourists who would like to opt for charter flights are free to do so and also there are varieties of airlines that offer services throughout the year to Malta. All are destined to Malta international airport and from their tourists can avail other transportation services to reach Gozo, Comino or rest of the cities. The ferry services are also year around and many tourists move from island to island via ferries. There are standard tours available and these tours are accompanied by coach, but with advantage comes waiting because of the long queues awaiting there turn for ride. A variety of staying options are available to meet your needs, tourists can opt to stay in Malta, Gozo, St. Julian’s and Sliema hotels. Accommodation is available for all ranges from low to luxury living. To name few are the Europa Hotel, 115 the Strand Aparthotel, The Bayview Hotel, Carlton Hotel, Howard Johnson Diplomat hotel in Sliema; the hotel Phoenicia, Grand hotel Excelsior, British hotel, Asti Guesthouse and hotel Castille in Valletta; St. Julian’s bay Hotel, Hilton Malta Hotel, Le Meridian and Baystreet hotel in St. Julian’s. There are innumerable resorts and hotels available in all cities of Malta, gather extensive knowledge about the prices while booking and decide on your choice.
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