You’ll set out on a journey through time that starts on Islands living passionately in the present. Here, history comes vividly to life like nowhere else, and blends with a Mediterranean joy of living that guarantees holiday pleasures of every kind.

The Maltese Islands are situated in the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 km from Sicily and 290 km from North Africa. They consist of Malta (390 sq km) Gozo (65 sq km) and Comino (2.5 sq km). They are one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean dating back to circa 5000 years B.C. The population is around 400,000 and is homogeneous with its own identity and language. The official languages are Maltese and English with most of the people also fluent in Italian. 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 while Comino is largely uninhabited.

The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture. True to the melting pot of cultural influences, the national languages are English and Maltese. The unit of currency is currently the Maltese Lira (Lm), with a central parity rate against the euro of 0.429300.

Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum. But Malta is no regular museum, in Malta life is lived to the full, so make time for some living history and action. Visit locations where Oscar-winning blockbusters were filmed or go off the beaten track into ancient villages. Marvel at the fireworks and revelry of the summertime festas and enjoy a packed calendar of events all year round.
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.

With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified – the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few.

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.

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.

At just a couple of hours’ flight from major European cities, the Islands are easily accessible for long weekend breaks as well. You can book our Maltese self catering house of character at any time of year.

During the summer Sea temperatures average around 23ºC and drop down to around 13ºC to 15ºC in December to March.

Why not make it an active holiday and venture underwater? Go diving to experience the silence and beauty of a hidden waterworld. Above the waves, you could try out your sea legs with some sailing. You don't have to be a yacht master - many resorts hire out dinghies and offer short courses for novices and leisure sailors.

Come and stay at our traditional Maltese house of character during the winter and off-peak months to see the Islands differently. This is the time for walking and cultural sightseeing. There are mapped routes which take in some unusual architectural, cultural and archaeological sites.

If you wish, you may also explore the Maltese Islands by car. Rent a car, and discover the historical sites, the sun drenched beaches or the lovely countryside all close to St Pauls Bay where the holiday home is located.

If you're keener to relax, be pampered and enjoy the romance and escapism of the Islands, there are ideas for luxury and hideaway holidays.
Special interests are something that are catered for as well. All kinds of themed holidays are possible in Malta, from St Paul’s Bay you can go touring to the religious sites to enjoying a week's spa and beauty therapy. Visit during special times like summer festa season, Easter and Carnival (February) and you’ll never be stuck for what to do – simply join the crowd for some fun. The church in St Paul’s Bay has its celebrations during the month of July, and you can easily walk there from the self catering accommodation.
Nightlife can be as fast-paced in Malta as in any European city. Summer and winter, popular local and international DJs play for clubbers. And there are cultural events from theatre to street theatre.
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 Maltese Islands' scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking. Honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues.

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 (www.airmalta.com), and major international airlines such as British Airways (www.ba.com), Ryan Air (www.ryanair.com), British Jet (www.britishjet.com), Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com), Germanwings (www.germanwings.com), Alitalia (www.alitalia.com), Emirates (www.emirates.com).

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USEFULL LINKS TO INFORMATION. Malta Hotels,Malta Holidays, Malta Car Hire and Apartment Accommodation - Visit Holidays-Malta.com
indigoguide
wikipedia
visitmalta
aboutmalta
cia_factbook
lonelyplanet
worldtravelguide