In the heart of the ancient world, Malta is most popular for it's ancient historic attractions, but visitors also enjoy unique cultural and culinary experiences.

The seven islands that make up the Maltese archipelago are just south of Sicily and a short hop to Tunisia or Libya in northern Africa.

Malta, Gozo and Comino are the main islands. The surrounding aqua waters, warm limestone, and semi-arid terrain give the islands a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.

History and Scenery

Malta's history literally reaches back for millennia and offers some of the most fascinating historic sites in the Mediterranean - some would say the world.

For example, Malta was one of the last sites of conflict during the crusades where a group of knights held out until 1798.

"If [you are] interested in heritage, I would recommend that you visit Valletta (the capital), Mdina and Rabat (Mdina is the old capital) and the Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua," says Colette Grech of the Malta Tourism Authority.

Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum
"An archaeological site that is worthy of note is the Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, it is a Neolithic structure and a World Heritage Site.  There are 7 tours per day and a maximum of 10 persons per tour," says Grech.

She also recommends booking in advance due to high demand, using their web site at www.heritagemaltashop.com.   The limitation on number of visitors at this site has been implemented as a measure to ensure safety and to conserve this very important site.

More Hot Spots on Malta:

Calypso's Cave
Made famous by Homer's The Odyssey as the home of a beautiful sea nymph named Calypso. Near Xaghra, this cave overlooks the red sands of Ramla Bay.

The Azure Window
One of the most photographed spots in Malta, this giant arch at the end of a seaside cliff in Dwerja is incrusted with fossilized crustaceans. An impressive sight!

Ġgantija
The island nation is also home to the world's oldest freestanding structure, the temple of Ġgantija. This temple is located on the island of Gozo and dates back to before 3500 BC - also the worlds's oldest religious structure.

Beaches
What Mediterranean vacation would be complete without a visit to the beach? And the selection on Malta is fantastic. "The most popular [beaches] are those to the north of the Island - Għadira Bay, Armier and Little Armier Bays, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, and Paradise Bay, Buġibba Perched Beach," says Grech. She also recommends Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo.

Events and Activities

Maltese Carnival
A weeklong carnival celebration reminiscent of Mardi Gras held in February. The events are based in Valletta, but festivities take place throughout the islands.

Festival Mediterranean
A cultural and artistic event that takes place each autumn on the island of Gozo. Concerts, exhibitions and culinary events make up most of the entertainment.

Village Feasts
Also known as 'Festas' there are many religious and seasonal feasts that take place year-round throughout the islands.

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta, across from the Fortina Spa Vacation Resort

RCI in Malta

The RCI network has 22 resorts on Malta. Two have Gold Crown status and two are Silver Crown.

Fortina Spa Vacation Resort (#6225)
Tigne Seafront
Sliema, SLM 15, Malta
Phone: 23.460000
www.hotelfortina.com

Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort (#4260)
St. George's Bay
St. Julians, STJ 02, Malta
Phone: 21.374894
www.islandhotels.com/radisson

Costa San Antonio (#6682)
Tourist Street
Bugibba, SPB 06, Malta
Phone: 21.583434
www.accorhotels.com

Solana Hotel (#6192)
Gorg Borg Olivier Street
Mellieha, MLH 06, Malta
Phone: 21-522209
www.solanahotel.com.mt

Cuisine

As many foreigners have passed through the Maltese Islands over the centuries, their traditional Mediterranean cuisine has been influenced by many European, Middle Eastern and African tastes. Cuisine in Malta is overall, not surprisingly, mostly a Mediterranean diet with heavy Sicilian influences.

Popular dishes include fish, bean and vegetable soups, dates, olives, cheeses and pastries. Typical meats include beef, rabbit and stallion.

Transportation and Currency

You can reach Malta by both plane and ferry. The main island is well-serviced by public buses and taxis. "If staying in Malta, you can comfortably make use of public transport.  However, should you wish to visit Gozo, it would be advisable to hire a car or to join a group excursion, as the public transport there is not as frequent and far-reaching as that in Malta," says Grech.

As a member of the European Union, Malta's currency is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged at any number of banks as well as an exchange bureau. "The main cards that are accepted here by ATMs and shops are VISA and EC-Mastercard, although there are some who accept American Express and Diner’s Club," says Grech.

Climate

The Maltese Islands generally experience mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Although winter often brings rain and strong spring winds can be chilly, there are generally two seasons and visitors tend to favour the drier summer months. Malta's climate was recently voted as the best in the world by International Living.

A trip to Malta is not only a quintessential Mediterranean experience, it's a portal to historic eras dating back thousands of years. The combination of urban Malta and rural Comino island makes it an ideal destination for travellers with mixed tastes. Urban, historic, outdoors; no matter what kind of holiday you're looking for, Malta is a great pick.

*Information on Malta from visitmalta.com and en.wikipedia.org.

Special thanks to Don Burrows for requesting the above profile of Malta.

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