Posts Tagged ‘Malta’

Malta Attractions – Walks around Malta

From autumn to spring the Maltese countryside comes back to life after the hot summer months. The Maltese Islands turn green and by late spring a thousand or more species of plants blossom.

Malta has more to offer than simply sun and sea. Away from the resorts and urban life, there is a lovely countryside – some of which has been left untouched by the 20th century! This part of the island is important for farmers and cultivators because most village life centres on the agricultural and fishing seasons. It is fantastic to see that these Maltese villages still preserve their old way of life, where old women and men work the fields or go out at sea.

For this reason, Malta country walks have been established for the tourist who really wishes to get a proper feel of the Maltese landscape and un-urbanised way of life. It is an ideal holiday option for couples, groups of friends and single travelers who love to be one with nature and who would like to leave the mundane life behind for a while…

Country walks are usually overlooked by guidebooks. All you need is a good pair of shoes and you can explore the hidden and secluded areas around the island. Whilst on holiday in Malta you may opt to embark on a Malta Walk, such as the Bahrija Walk, Dwejra Walk, Girgenti Walk or Marfa Walk.

The islands offer some of the most breath-taking views in the Mediterranean that range from dramatic cliffs and garigue scrubland, to luscious hills and valleys. As you explore, you could come across families working the fields, herds of goat or sheep, cave chapels, old farmhouses or prehistoric sites. There are also areas that make excellent day hikes; such as Mellieha, Dingli, Ghar Lapsi, Fawwara, Wardija, all the North and the various bays, and the southern coast with its fishing villages and Delimara Point.

The sunny skies and relaxed pace of life on Gozo provide a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the countryside. Amongst the most popular areas for walking are Ta’ Dgiebi, Gordan Lighthouse, Hondoq ir-Rummien and San Blas Valley. The island is literally criss-crossed by tracks and lanes and the possibilities are endless. Tiny Comino, which is inhabited by some 15 people, is also ideal for a good day’s hiking and provides the ultimate in solitude and views.

So, as Visitmalta put it simply, “put on your walking boots, hire a mountain bike and head out from the village squares on the narrow farmers’ tracks. You’ll find yourself in a timeless landscape, quite alone even in peak season. There is plenty to discover, from ancient farmhouses and wayside chapels to spectacular seascapes. It is well worth the effort!” I couldn’t agree more.

Malta Gives Good Reasons For A Visit

If you’re considering taking a tour of Europe, it might be time to take advantage of great airfare rates and visit the island of Malta, a land filled with history and mystery.

Malta comprises an archipelago of islands nestled in the warm waters of the Mediterranean about halfway between the coast of North Africa and Sicily. The cluster of islands makes up the southernmost border of Europe and consists of five islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, along with two smaller uninhabited islands called Filfla and Cominetto.

Malta has figured in European history for centuries as a strategic point that joins Europe and Africa. Trade routes have passed through Malta since the beginning of mankind, and most of them left traces of their existence on her rocky slopes and pristine beaches. Thanks to low-budget airline carriers, more people than ever before are experiencing the unique history of this tiny island and reaping the benefits. Since low-fare airlines have added Malta and Gozo to their itineraries, island residents have pulled out the welcome mat in an effort to boost their tourist industry. Since 2006, more than 45,000 travelers from around the world have visited and been enchanted with the Maltese islands and people, who are more than anxious to open their arms in welcome to global visitors.

Due to additional airlines adding Malta to their destination offers, the Maltese Tourism Minister recently expressed the hope that more than 100,000 people will travel to the islands for some fun in the sun in 2007. Major European airlines such as Air Malta, Ryanair and Alitalia are offering lower fares than ever before. Ryanair is offering flights from London to Malta for less than UK 40 and that’s less than US$80! Malta’s sister island, Gozo, is actively promoting itself as being agro- and eco-friendly, prompting tourists who support environmental issues and programs to come to the island to learn how to make cheese, along with learning how to milk and shear sheep.

While some travelers may not want to get involved in sheep care, the move is intended to support the fact that the Maltese islands are still very much involved in caring for their natural resources. Gozo is a tiny island that serves as a relaxing weekend getaway for not only the citizens of Malta, but also those flying north from Africa or south from Italy and Spain.

Communicating in Malta shouldn’t be a problem for most travelers, as two major languages are spoken on the island: Maltese and English.

Maltese is similar to classic Arabic, with traces of Hebrew and Lebanese mixed in. However, the younger generation has also begun speaking Italian in recent years, making communication for Europeans even easier.

Malta’s historical relics and locations serve as a drawing point to visitors interested in history as well as politics. The tiny island withstood the ravages of the Arabs, Carthaginians and Napoleon Bonaparte. She bravely stood her ground against Nazi bombing runs that may have decimated her landscape, but failed to intimidate her inhabitants. In 1942, the island of Malta received a George Cross medal from King George VI for her brave tenacity.

Whether flying from European or African destinations, thousands of travelers are discovering the beauty and history that Malta has to offer. As one of the newest of popular destinations in 2007, Malta promises to enthrall visitors from neighboring countries as well as more distant ones. Perhaps the best time to visit Malta is now, before the secret gets around too fast. After all, it’s nice to have white sandy beachfronts all to yourself!

Best Tourist Spots to Explore in Malta

Malta is a collection of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, tourism is important in Malta. Today it is one of the major tourist destinations in Europe and well-known for its vibrant natural beauty and numerous tourist spots. It is one of the few islands in the world that is blessed with near year-round sun, stunning scenery and a rich history that witnessed many glorious civilizations mark their identity on these small islands.

Today, this island is well known as an outstanding summer vacation destination as well as a living microcosm of Mediterranean history. As a leading holiday destination, you will be amazed to see some of the most interesting touristsâ?? spots that can be worth enough to make your vacation most memorable and exciting. Here are some of the most interesting destinations that you must visit once you travel to Malta:

Blue Grotto â?? It is a series of seven caves and inlets, situated on the southern direction of Malta and well known for its deep blue water and impressive natural rock formations. This famous tourist spot can be easily accessed by small traditional boats, which usually leave from a signposted pier just off the main road along the south coast.

Underwater Safari, St. Paul’s Bay- This is one of the major tourist attractions that attract visitors from all across the world. In fact, it is one of the few spots in Malta that offer you an opportunity to view the island beauty from a completely different viewpoint. This sensational underwater safari will take you through creeks, among fauna and marine life. The unique feature of this safari is you can view shipwrecks from the observation keel along with a commentary as you explore the sights beneath the sea.

Clapham Junction â?? It is yet another important tourist spot and can be defined as an area of western central Malta where deep ruts in the bedrock generally appear to have been formed in the distant past by wagons or carts. In addition to this, it has some of these ruts cross rock-cut punic tombs.

Hypogeum, Hal Saflieni, Paola- This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and located on the south of Malta. 12 meters below the street level, this is a unique and ancient underground monument and consists of a network of chambers, passages and caves cut on three levels.

National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta- It is another famous tourist spot and well known museum that displays items of pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments. However, some of the distinctive examples are Punic and Roman Tomb furniture along with the museumâ??s most prized exhibits â?? The Maltese Venus and The Sleeping Lady.

Bir Mula Heritage House- It is a privately owned Museum that features some items found within the Cotton era area. In fact, it is one of the oldest buildings said to be 1000 years old. It was initially bought as a home by its present owners, but during the conversion of the property, they discovered ancient artifacts.

Today Malta is such a unique island where you can retreat your eyes and senses with the fascinating splendor of the different tourist destinations all around the year. Though this land measures no more than 30 kilometers, but with such dynamic tourist attractions, it can be considered as an ideal place for spending vacation with entire family or friends.