In Malta you’ll explore 7000 years of history yet live passionately in the present. You’ll span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And wherever you go, the Islands’ scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking, honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues.

The Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum. What makes them unique is that so much of their past is visible today. Delve into the Islands’ mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John defended Christendom.

Malta is holidaying as the mood takes you. And with near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best.

In just 48 hours and a kilometre or two, you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic sites, and still have time to join in the nightlife. That’s the real advantage of a stay here.

The Islands offer plenty of specialist holidays for those seeking to learn a new skill, discover history or get fit. If you’re interested in sports, we cater as much for the seasoned enthusiast as the casual first-timer. Malta has wellness and spa facilities at the luxury hotels and club resorts. Sea and land lend themselves to activities from rock-climbing to gentle rambling.

For a tempo and scene change from Malta itself, hop to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Here, you’ll holiday within a holiday and at the most relaxed of Mediterranean paces.

With an agreeable year-round climate and a variety of facilities to choose from, it will not be difficult to engage in a sport activity whilst on holiday in Malta and Gozo.

The Marsa Sports Club – Malta’s largest sports centre, is about 4km south of Valletta and lists among its numerous features an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, tennis courts, squash courts, cricket grounds and a swimming pool. Visitors can join the club on a weekly basis. Non-members are welcome on the golf course and clubs can be rented at a small charge.

Most hotels offer facilities including tennis courts, squash courts, gym, swimming pools and saunas. Many of them also offer watersport facilities, including scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing.

Football is Malta’s national sport, with matches played at various pitches around the islands, including the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali, limits of Ħ’Attard

Horseback riding is another popular activity with locals and visitors alike. Horse racing is one of Malta’s prime spectator sports, with races held every Sunday, between October and May.

Maltese lawn bowling called boċċi, and tenpin bowling are also very popular at a local level. Clay pigeon/skeet shooting is common, with competitive/practice shootings taking place on Sunday mornings.

The Malta Marathon is held at the end of February and attracts several long distance runners from around the world and the Malta Amateur Athletics Association also organises a great number of events such as road races, cross country races and track and field events.

Not surprisingly, watersports play a big role in the activity range on the Islands and equipment is available to rent at almost every major sandy beach or beach club.

Paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and scuba diving are all enjoyed by locals and tourists. Sailing regattas are held regularly between April and November.

Other sporting events held locally include basketball, cycling, rugby, waterpolo, climbing and abseiling, hockey, judo, wrestling, table tennis, fencing and many more.

Diving
The Maltese Islands’ clear blue Mediterranean sea is ideal for scuba diving. All three Islands offer some unique diving experiences with an abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks that make diving here some of the most interesting in the Mediterranean.

The calmness and clarity of the sea makes for excellent visibility whilst the risk of encountering dangerous fish is extremely low, creating the ultimate conditions for first time divers and beginners. For the more experienced divers, there are plenty of challenging dives to choose from.

The depths of the dives vary, from the very shallow 12-metre Għar Lapsi dive to Lantern Point, with its underwater tunnel leading down to well over 50 metres.

There are several types of diving courses and activities offered by locally licensed diving schools. Divers need to complete a medical statement form indicating fitness to dive. All schools provide the service of a doctor to provide certification at a small fee. Medicals from other countries are acceptable, provided the diving centre is presented with a copy.

Divers who wish to dive unaccompanied are required to have a buddy as well as to present a PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification by other agencies (e.g. CMAS Two Star Diver, BSAC Sport Diver, SSI Advanced Open Water, etc). It is always recommended to check with the diving centre as to where would be suitable to dive, depending on weather conditions and experience.

The Maltese Islands offer an exhilarating contrast of colours: the azure of the Mediterranean, the mellow honey-coloured limestone which characterises the architecture, and clear skies. The Islands are a feast for the senses.

Everywhere you go, a unique historic sight awaits. Temples, palaces, cathedrals, and forts provide a living history you can almost touch. Sound plays an important part in the life of the Islands. The mix of fireworks and village band marches transforms a summer night into a special memory. The advantage of a stay on the Maltese Islands is that you can experience several holidays in one.

Cuisine here is a taste of the Islands’ multicultural heritage. Local restaurants offer a creative selection of tempting fare. After dinner, night clubs, wine bars and casinos beckon with their own brand of excitement.

To experience all this, you won’t have to travel far. Just a few hours flying time away from most European cities, the Islands are serviced by direct scheduled flights operated by the national carrier Air Malta, international airlines and various low-cost carriers.

For centuries, the port of Valletta has been regarded as one of the finest and safest natural havens in the Mediterranean, its imposing bastions guarding a treasure of history, architecture, art and culture in the cities within.

Nowadays, the Grand Harbour has become an irresistible scene for hundreds of cruise ships visiting every year, giving thousands of passengers the opportunity to enjoy the Islands for a day on their Mediterranean itineraries.

Malta’s small size contributes to its popularity as a port-of-call. It’s easy for day visitors to get a good taste of what the Islands have to offer in a small lapse of time. Many are so impressed that they come back for a longer stay and continue to experience the Islands and the Maltese way of life.

The Maltese Islands are also an ideal departure point for your Mediterranean cruise, located as they are right at the centre of the Med. Your pre or post cruise stay will be as enjoyable as the cruise itself. The Maltese Islands offer a wide range of hotels, from 5-star luxury to budget options, a variety of shopping opprotunities, mouthwatering cuisine, historical sites and sporting facilities, cultural events and entertainment to suit all ages and preferences.

Excursion Ideas
The Grand Harbour is at the doorstep of most cruise liners: a fifteen-minute walk to the capital city and UNESCO world heritage site, Valletta.

Due to Malta’s small size, quite a lot can be seen in a day stopover. Visitors can book a guided tour to the quaint Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) or to the Medieval “silent city” of Mdina. There is also the Crafts Village in Ta’ Qali to visit, or if the stopover is for a full day, visitors can experience the small tranquil Island of Gozo.

Alternatively, visitors can catch a taxi or bus and view the Maltese Islands at leisure, exploring the villages and sites on their own.

It is an excellent idea for visitors to ease into the cruise ahead by spending two-three days in Malta pre-cruise, acquainting themselves with the Mediterranean in a safe, English-speaking environment.

With year-round sunshine, crystal waters and luxurious resorts, Malta offers the perfect backdrop to a wedding or honeymoon. In Maltese culture, marriages are lavish affairs, but whether you’re planning a laidback do for close family or a spectacular affair for 200, any wedding held there will be one to remember.

The celebration can take whatever form you wish from a meal or cocktail party to a lavish reception, the old-fashioned way. Large buffet receptions are very much part of the traditional Maltese wedding.

As to venues, you can choose from a variety of hotels, baroque palaces with gardens, converted farmhouses. The Islands have a wide selection of experienced, professional caterers who can offer local fare including dressed tuna to barbecues and mouth-watering buffet and finger food.

The ‘Going away’ ritual can be memorable: whether you choose a horse-drawn Karrozzin, a sleek limousine or even a traditional Dghajsa boat on Grand Harbour.

With the wedding over, you then have time to explore the Islands. You’ll never exhaust the possibilities which range from the cosmopolitan side of Malta to the lure of Calypso’s Isle, Gozo , and the solitude of Comino.

Weddings in Malta & Gozo
Offering a diverse range of wedding formats, from intimate sit down dinners and beachside ceremonies to church weddings and traditional receptions, Malta has a vast range of products and services available which make planning the ceremony relatively stress free and great value for money.

Flexible and able to tailor-make a package that suits all kinds of tastes and viewpoints; Malta offers both civil and religious ceremonies. In either case the legal formalities are relatively simple and can even be done in advance from your home country.

Being predominantly Roman Catholic, the Islands boast around 365 beautiful churches, making Malta & Gozo the ideal destination for those desiring a religious wedding. The elegance and splendour of one of Malta’s baroque parish church will provide a beautiful setting to a special day, or if intimacy and seclusion is desired, the many charming countryside chapels are ideal. However, couples of other denominations will also find their perfect place of worship for their dream wedding. For those opting for a civil wedding, there is no end to the lovely indoor or outdoor venues to decide on. Since Malta has such a varied and colourful historical past, there are a number of interesting venues to choose from and are in no way limited to hotels and churches. The grandiose will love one of the grand baroque palaces with stunning gardens and those preferring something more rustic can choose a beautiful farmhouse set in the quaint countryside of Gozo. For nature lovers, Malta’s many beautiful sandy beaches, backdrops and countryside provide a location like no other.

Foreign visitors who wish to marry in the Roman Catholic Church will have some formalities to complete in advance. The process is very straightforward and will involve providing documentation such as a birth certificates and a letters from the couples’ diocese in the country of origin. These would need to be submitted to the Maltese Diocese for those planning their wedding in Malta and Gozo Diocese for those intending to tie the knot on the sister Island of Gozo.

Several specialist tour operators feature both Malta and Gozo in their dedicated wedding and honeymoon brochures, and offer the services of a personal wedding organiser, make-up and hair artist, photographer, bridal bouquet, groom’s buttonhole and wedding cake.

A large buffet reception is very much part of the traditional Maltese wedding, but if you prefer a British style sit-down wedding breakfast, or indeed something more bespoke, the Islands have a range of experienced and professional caterers who offer a wide selection of luxury modern dishes in addition to local cuisine. Most hotels in Malta have a food and banqueting team who will be pleased to meet individual requirements and special requests for any size of wedding party.

Once married, the ‘going away’ ritual is a memorable moment. So whether you choose a horse-drawn Karrozzin, a sleek limousine or even a traditional Dgħajsa boat in Valletta’s Grand Harbour you’ll be sure to enter your married life in unforgettable style.

Religious Weddings
Being predominantly Roman Catholic, the Islands boast around 365 beautiful churches, making Malta & Gozo the ideal destination for those desiring a religious wedding.

Other churches / places of worship include:
• Church of England (Anglican)
• Church of Scotland & Methodist Church of Great Britain
• Jewish Synagogue
• Evangelical Baptist Church
• Bible Baptist Church
• Greek Orthodox Church
• Pentecostal Church
• Mosque

Honeymoons on the Maltese Islands
Couples honeymooning in Malta will be able to experience a romantic escape like no other. Offering special honeymoon suites with stunning views as well as other couple-focused amenities, Malta boasts a whole host of activities for loved up newlyweds.

For those seeking romantic relaxation, the Maltese Islands are a pampering haven. Malta offers the latest treatments and facilities from algae body wraps, Thalasso therapies and balneo baths to Okkaido and massages in the hydrojet tub. Twelve luxury hotels in Malta and two on the island of Gozo offer state‐of‐the‐art spas, offering honeymooners special all-inclusive packages, spa rooms and couple-based therapies.

Couples honeymooning in Malta will be able to tempt and tantalise their taste buds with the island’s delicious flavours and atmospheric restaurants. Experience the finest dining from Malta’s top chefs and enjoy sumptuous candlelit suppers in restaurants located both in Malta and Gozo. For a truly romantic experience, hire one of Malta’s talented chefs for the evening and enjoy fine personalised dining for two.

For the ultimate in secluded romance, couples can escape onto the open crystal blue waters, secluded coves and blue lagoons by chartering a yacht. Malta’s location at the heart of the Mediterranean also makes it the ultimate yachting hub, with a number of harbours able to accommodate anything from small yachts to the biggest super yachts in the Mediterranean. Yacht Chartering is easy and there are many options available for beginners and seasoned sailors alike.

Those who get tired of soaking up the sun or relaxing in the spa will be kept entertained by cultural trips to Malta’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval churches and galleries or outdoor activities like water sports, climbing and cycling. Most hotels are situated close to cultural sights and places of interest, and getting around in Malta by public transport is very easy.

Malta is packed with attractions and places of interest.

The capital city of Valletta host to regular plays and concerts, as well as scores of exhibitions and street events. The Museum of Archaeology in Valletta houses an exceptionally rich collection of prehistoric artefacts. The War Museum at Fort St. Elmo is home to a Sunday military parade in period costumes re-enactment and the capital also possesses the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-cathedral.

With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless – Megalithic temples, underground catacombs, churches and forts are not to be missed. Interactive walkthrough and multimedia attractions offer an overview of Malta’s history in under an hour. They’re interesting and a great way to learn the significance of what visitors will later be looking at.

The Museum of Roman Antiquities and various other sites are found in Rabat. The Cathedral and its museum in the fortified medieval city of Mdina, right next door to Rabat, are not to be missed, For a romantic stroll like no other, wander the lamp lit streets of Mdina at night. Don’t miss the renowned chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea rooms, situated right on the bastion with a spectacular view.

For those who love art, the possibilities are endless – visit the impressive collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, see the Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John at St. John’s co-Cathedral and visit medieval Palazzo Falson in Mdina with its collection of antiques. To view more contemporary work, walk around the exhibits at the St. John’s Cavalier Art Centre.

Children will enjoy activity and fun parks, which include the original movie set where Popeye was filmed.

The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages & captivating folklore. And on Sunday morning, go to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the open-air market outside Valletta or the It-Tokk market in Victoria, Gozo.

Getting bored is out of the question!

Museums & Galleries
Discovering 7000 years is easier than you might think. The Maltese Islands are really one big heritage park. There are open-air sites and indoor museums for every historical era – from Prehistory to World War II.

The Knights of St. John were great patrons of the arts and during their 250 years rule left a legacy of masterpieces which can be found in museums, palaces and churches right across the Islands.

The islands’ museums have something for everyone – whether you’re browsing just for leisure or wish to deepen a special interest. You will find magnificent Baroque architecture and sacred art treasures and get a glimpse into the spectacular history of the islands.

With their deep colours and rugged landscape, the Maltese Islands have long inspired artists, photographers and sculptors, both local and foreign. Some of these are exhibited in various galleries, including works by some excellent contemporary artists. The Spazju Kreattiv at St. James Cavalier in Valletta, showcases their work, whilst other venues, such as the National Museum of Archaeology hold regular exhibitions of art, sculpture and ceramics.

Archaeological Sites
The sheer number of archaeological sites on the Maltese Islands sets their history apart from that of other Mediterranean destinations.

One site above all others is special to Malta – the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of underground chambers probably used as both a burial site and a temple. The Islands’ temples qualify as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are open to the public.There are megalithic monuments, Bronze Age dolmens, Punic tombs, remains of Roman Villas and traces of prehistoric man, which defy explanation, such as the mysterious ‘cart tracks’. For three millennia, from around 5200 B.C., the archipelago was home to a unique, temple-building civilisation. Malta and Gozo’s temples are thought to be the oldest free-standing buildings known to man.

A good place to start your tour is at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta or the Hypogeum itself.

Beaches & Bays
Malta has beaches for everyone, from windsurfers to sunbathers. Choose from golden sand, red sand, rocks, blue lagoons and even inland seas. Some beaches and rocky shores are off the beaten track, but worth seeking out for their seclusion. Do not miss a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for the ultimate in azure water. On larger beaches, you will find cafes or snack bars open during the summer season. With Malta’s climate, beach life lasts well into October. Enjoy water sports and activities like windsurfing, jet and water skiing, parakiting and fun rides. You can hire equipment from beach cafes or shops nearby.

The main coastal resorts and larger sandy beaches are in the northern part of Malta. Malta’s most popular beaches are Mellieħa Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay. For smaller, quieter beaches, try those at the tip of Malta, overlooking Gozo – Paradise Bay and Armier. In Gozo, the most beautiful beach is Ramla l-Ħamra, a large beach of unusual red sand nestling by countryside. Gozo and Comino offer plenty of out-of-the-way rocky inlets with clear waters and perfect snorkelling.

Activity & Fun
The Maltese Islands offer a variety of attractions for the whole family to enjoy together.

Besides the beaches and pools, there is a marine and water park available for water fun. Not to be missed by kids of all ages is the Sweethaven Village – the film set of the 1980 musical production “Popeye”.

For crafts, the Islands hold two main villages, one in Gozo and one in Malta. Visitors can see craftsmen making lace, silver filigree, pottery, fabrics, knitwear, baskets and clocks. Also fascinating to watch are the glass blowers; visitors are encouraged to witness the craftsmen as they make the renowned Maltese mouthblown and hand-crafted glass.

Religious Sites
The Maltese are among the oldest Christian peoples in the world. St. Paul, shipwrecked as a captive en route to Rome in A.D. 60, brought the Christian faith to Malta. His steps can be retraced in the shrines, grottos and catacombs of Rabat and in the ancient capital, Mdina.

There are over 360 churches and chapels scattered throughout the islands. You can usually locate the centre of any town or village by driving towards the parish church which dominates the skyline, although many may have more than one large church and several chapels. You can’t help but notice the islands’ Baroque churches with their red or silver painted domes. They form an integral part of the landscape and are at the heart of Maltese social and cultural life.

Many of these buildings are veritable works of art. You will notice how local craftsmen and artisans adorned the inside and exteriors of churches and cathedrals with intricate decorations and stone sculptures depicting saints, angels and sacred symbols.

Perhaps most intriguing of all religious sites are the small, wayside chapels. Some are excavated in the rock; others cling to cliffs. All are places of quiet contemplation.

Fortifications & Towers
Malta has often been called the ‘Fortress Island’ due to the great mass of military architecture that can be seen everywhere. This is a legacy of the islands’ history which saw them being fought over, time and again, due to their strategic location and deep, safe harbours.

The fortifications that can be seen today come from two distinct periods: those of the Knights and those of the British era. These imposing reminders of the islands’ wartime past fascinate not only because they are a feat of military engineering, but also because they are reminiscent of an age of chivalry, crusading, heroism and legendary battles.

Indoors, start at museums such as the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, the National War Museum and the Armoury, both in Valletta. Outdoors, stroll along Valletta’s bastions or venture a tour of the Victoria Lines fortifications running along the Great Fault east to west across Malta. Wherever you go, you’ll find remnants of war, from 17th century coastal forts and watch towers to WWII pillboxes.

Natural Attractions
Although the Maltese Islands may lack certain features such as mountains, rivers and forests which prevail in other countries, topographically speaking, the islands have much to offer.

Sheer cliffs made of layer upon layer of sedimentary rock rise sharply from the water, especially on the western side of both Malta and Gozo. The latter is characterised by flat-topped hills and lush green valleys, which are covered in multi-coloured wild flowers in spring before turning golden brown in the hot summer months.

In Malta you’ll find here are plenty of natural attractions to view or visit. The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock – two natural wonders located within a few metres from each other in Dwejra on Gozo – are absolute must-sees. There are also caves and grottos with interesting rock formations to discover.

The natural attractions on the Maltese Islands are not found only above ground but also continue underwater. So snorkelers and divers can find some of the most bizarre landscapes of the Mediterranean in the sea surrounding Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Local Crafts
Crafts have undergone a revival in recent years. Not solely because they make interesting souvenirs but also because of their high cultural value to the Islands. Some crafts, such as knitwear, basketware and lace, have a long history.

Other craft forms, such as weaving and pottery, date back to prehistoric times. The ‘Sleeping Lady’ found in the Hypogeum is a clay figurine of exquisite workmanship. In the Tarxien Temples, archaeologist also found fragments of red-dyed, flax textiles. These fabrics showed that the prehistoric islanders had considerable skills in weaving.

The Arabs introduced cotton into Malta from around 870 A.D. and brought also their expertise in weaving and dyes. Cotton production became a major rural industry from medieval times up to the early 19th century. During the time of the Knights, Gozitan cotton linen was highly-prized in mainland Europe.

Weaving, embroidery and lace-making were encouraged, often by the Church. Life in Gozo and much of rural Malta was relatively harsh and craft industries became a main source of income for rural families. Such was the worksmanship of these textiles during the 17th century, that various Grand Masters prohibited the wearing of embroidered and fancy garments considering them frivolous and out of keeping with the Order’s religious calling.

A craft that really flourished under the Knights was gold and silver ware. Malta’s most precious production is filigree and jewellery. Today, Maltese goldsmiths are thriving, their work often exported to major cities abroad.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Maltese Islands have three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

In all, seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of an individual development. The two temples of Ġgantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures. The Ġgantija Temples are the oldest, free-standing monuments in the world and are a testament to the Island’s inhabitation for at least 1,000 years before the famous Egyptian pyramids of Giza were constructed.

On the island of Malta, the temples of Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien are unique architectural masterpieces, given the limited resources available to their builders. The Ta’ Ħagrat and Skorba complexes show how the tradition of temple-building was handed down in Malta. These temples were inscribed on the World Heritage List as a group and represent a unique architectural tradition that flourished on the Maltese Islands between 3600 and 2500 B.C.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a rock-cut underground complex that was used both as a sanctuary as well as for burial purposes by the temple builders. It was discovered during construction works in 1902. The three underground levels date from around 3600 to 2400 B.C. The monument is considered one of the essential prehistoric monuments in the world.

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. Built after the Great Siege of 1565 and named after Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette, this fortified city has hundreds of monuments, all within a relatively small space, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

The Maltese Archipelago is made up of a number of Islands. Three of these are inhabited – Malta, the largest, which may be considered as being to some extent the ‘mainland’, Gozo – number two in terms of size, and tiny Comino. There are other islands – Cominotto, Filfla, St. Paul’s Islands and Manoel Island – which are even smaller and uninhabited.

Although the territory covered collectively by the abovementioned islands is just over three hundred square kilometres, the country is densely populated, and presents a contrasting array of landscapes and localities.

There’s the historic capital city of Valletta – the island’s commercial and administrative centre – and the famous Three Cities across the Grand Harbour. There is the Sliema/St. Julian’s/Paceville area, renowned for its cosmopolitan feel and lively nightlife. There are the coastal resorts of the north, the picturesque villages of the south and the rural centre. Every town and village has something special to offer…including its colourful annual ‘festa’.

Then there are attractions of every kind – from historical to natural, from religious to family fun. The beaches and bays of Malta and Gozo – many of which are refreshingly undeveloped – are surrounded by some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean.

Islands
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa.

The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers.

Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre.

Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture.

Comino, the smallest of the trio, has one hotel and is largely uninhabited.

Valletta
Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta’ Umilissima, “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen” is Malta’s capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Started in 1566, Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts and cathedral, in the astonishingly short time of 15 years, even more remarkable is considering the fact that mechanical tools did not exist at the time and the whole city was built entirely by hand.

Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It is the “modern” city built by the Knights of St John; a masterpiece of the Baroque; a European Art City and a World Heritage City. Today, it is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere by night, that gives the feeling that you are walking back in time. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces.

Valletta is abundantly rich in sites to see and explore, intriguing historical buildings around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafés, while Valletta’s main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewellery and much more.

The best way to get around and see the most, from your visit to Valletta, is on foot and although the things to do & see are many, a good start and definitely not to be missed are Valletta’s beautiful gardens. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, Hastings Gardens & the Lower Barrakka Gardens are just three of the most popular ones, however on further exploration many more hidden gardens can be discovered. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens it is also possible to see the Saluting Battery as well as take the lift down the bastions to sea level.

St John’s co-Cathedral & museum are definitely not to be missed, this elaborately adorned church is home to world famous artistic masterpieces by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. Apart from beautiful Baroque churches other places of interest include the various grandmaster auberges, piazzas & museums.

Towns & Villages
There are walled cities and baroque towns, sleepy villages and bustling fishing ports. Then there is modern, urban living with cafés, nightlife, clubs and restaurants.

There are places in which to live it up and others where it seems like time stood still. In Malta you can enjoy life at its simplest one day and at its most cosmopolitan the next. However short your stay, it’s possible to have a taste of island life in a variety of settings – from traditional villages to urban resorts.

Malta’s capital, the World Heritage City of Valletta, and the medieval fortified towns of Mdina and Cittadella in Gozo, are the Islands’ historical highlights. Tas-Sliema, Bugibba, Qawra and St. Julian’s in Malta and Marsalforn and Xlendi in Gozo are the main resorts. They bustle with activity, and not just in summer.

Valletta is a treasurehouse of art and architecture. This city of the Knights remains virtually intact, its streets flanked by palaces and tiny, old-world shops. Across Grand Harbour lie the Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Older than Valletta, they offer a fascinating insight into the islands’ maritime fortunes.

The southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk and neighbouring resort town of Marsascala are also worth a visit.

With little effort, just a desire to explore, you’ll find inland towns and villages with character and treasures of their own. Churches reveal masterpieces by the artists to the Knights while each village square is a slice of history, its café-bar the hub of authentic rural life.