A Beginners Guide to Malta
A Beginners Guide to Malta – Just south of Italy’s Sicily lays the three islands of Malta amongst the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. The low lying islands (with the highest point Ta’ Dmejrek being only 253m above sea level) boast some amazing coastlines of cliffs and bays – blue water lagoons with stunning surroundings.
Brief History
While only small, the country has a rich history dating all the way back to the 4th millennium BC, and still boasts some of the world’s most ancient buildings – Neolithic temples.
Having been alternately raided, invaded, or occupied by virtually every Western power to have attained conquering capacities over the past 2,000 years, the country has become a beguiling mish-mash of Arabic and European languages, architecture, cuisine and traditions.
The beauty of Malta is that you’ll find great prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs and a history of remarkable intensity enveloped in some of the worlds most stunning beachside settlements.
Birds eye view of Malta
Best time to visit
Malta boasts a long summer season from April right through to October, making this the best time to visit. July and August can see the temperatures climbing above 30 degrees C, which can be a bit much for some, however sea breezes off the coast will take the edge off the high 20’s temperatures at other times of the year. December and January can see the rainy season brought in with lower temperatures around 16 degrees becoming the norm.
Places to Stay
With such a long history there have been some amazing conversions of ancient palazzos into upmarket boutique hotels, making your stay in Malta all that more unique.
Hotel Juliani – Malta, St Julians
Hotel Juliani promises its guests comfortable accommodation, stylish surroundings and personalised service. Located just across from pretty Spinola Bay, the hotel is a breath of fresh air thanks to its Mediterranean design and feel.
Hotel Juliani, Malta
The Westin Dragonara Resort – Malta, Valletta
One of Malta’s top 5-star hotels, The Westin Dragonara Resort is located in the heart of downtown St Julian’s and right on the water’s edge. You can easily access the Mediterranean sea from the two private beach lidos.
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
Tours
If you are interested in visiting Malta, check out our City Break Tour of Valletta here. Some of the highlights include:
- 6 nights in exquisite 4 or 5 star hotels.
- 6 breakfasts.
- Guided sightseeing tour of Malta’s capital city Valletta including St John’s Co-Cathedral.
- Guided tour of Malta’s 3 Cities Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea.
- Guided full day excursion to Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso and the home of Malta’s prehistoric wonders.
- Guided full day private excursion into Malta’s archeological history visiting the sights of Hagar Qim, Hypogeum and The Phoenician fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
- Explore Malta’s Blue Grotto with an optional boat trip through the expansive sea caves.
- Guided tour of Malta’s Silent City, Mdina.
All from $2,000 twin share. Check out the tour here.
Tags: Valletta, Gozo, Mdina
