Just
a couple of hours' flying time from most European airports,
and an average coach transfer time of 30 minutes from airport to hotel,
the island of Malta is the ultimate destination for the MICE, SIT and CRUISE
traveller. Time has become a very valuable asset in one's life, and Malta's
geographical location offers that golden opportunity to get to a quality
destination.
Now a member state of the European Union, the
Maltese have been welcoming diverse cultures for thousands of years. They
speak English fluently, which is a particular bonus for conferences bringing
together people from different countries. Most of those involved directly
or indirectly in tourism are also familiar with a number of other European
languages.
The Island's location in the
Mediterranean offers other advantages: winter average temperatures
are similar to the summers of most northern European countries, and the clear
blue sea is warm enough to offer months of watersports.
The Maltese love to go out, whether
for a walk with the family along the many promenades, to eat or drink, to
various parties and clubs with world-class DJs visiting regularly, and to
the various casinos. This ensures a great choice of places to go in
the evening, in a safe environment, at great value for money.
The history of the Maltese islands
spans 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the
Mediterranean. It has several well preserved Neolithic temples - older than
the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge in England - and remains from its Phoenician,
Roman, Arab and Norman periods can be found at each turn.
Each culture left behind an awe inspiring array of architectural gems and culinary traditions.
Some of the highlights:
Valletta
A World Heritage Site, the capital city is located on a peninsula dividing
two harbours, Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. The Grand Harbour is regularly
visited by cruise liners and is one of the most impressive deep water
harbours in the world. Valletta's grid-pattern of streets offer a never-ending
vista of Baroque architecture, from palaces to churches and museums, enclosed
within the bastion walls. It is also a working city, with theatres, cinemas,
bars, restaurants and numerous pavement cafes. A colourful and inexpensive
open air market sets up up daily alongside the top brands offered in the more
modern shops and complexes. There are a number of public gardens offering
unforgettable views of the harbours.
The
Three Cities (Senglea - Cospicua - Vittoriosa)
Thousands of years of history
have been layered upon each other on the cities along the various creeks of
the Grand Harbour. Walk around the amazing bastion's walls, linger in one
of the richly decorated churches or museums, and wind your way through the
cobbled alleys. Stop at the wharf to admire the yacht marina.
Mdina
Situated on an almost 200 metre
hight plateau is a natural dominant city site which makes one feel in control
of what had been the safest stronghold on the island at the time. Isolated
by a moat, the walled town was reduced in size and became almost impregnable.
Apart from the Cathedral and the buildings dating back to Norman
times, there are numerous adusio-visual attractions, memorable tea-rooms
and restaurants.
Marsaxlokk
The
multicoloured boats called Luzzus are the most recognizable symbols
of Malta. The fishing village in the south has a lovely flea market, with
stalls alongside men working their nets. The coastline nearby has numerous
coves to explore, many of them only accessible by boat.
Gozo
Although
it is only a short helicopter flight or a twenty minute ferry crossing from
Malta to Gozo, the smaller sister island has retained its own character.
Quaint villages invite the visitor to stroll through its ancient alleys,
all of which lead back to the church-dominated central square. The Citadel
perched on a hill has a fascinating array of sights, and the choice of bargains
at the flea market in the capital is matched by those in numerous small
shops selling collectibles. The Neolithic Temples at Ggantija are the oldest
in the Mediterranean. There are also various natural wonders, such as an
Inland Sea, an arch in the cliffs, and a fjord-like bay at Xlendi.
Comino
This near-barren
rock is home to two resident families, one duty policeman and a four star
hotel. The Blue Lagoon is the loveliest lagoon in the islands, a popular
swimming spot for locals and foreigners alike. The Comino hotel provides
a shuttle boat services linking Comino to mainland Malta
