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MALTAT H E S U N , T H E S E A

A N D 7 0 0 0 Y E A R S O F H I S T O R Y

S U N N Y M E D I T E R R A N E A N

T R E A S U R E S

In the middle of the Mediterranean, an archipelago awaits you

with unbelievable treasures. 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.

In Malta, we realise that most people likevariety. And that’s the real advantage of aholiday on Malta. Wherever you stay on theIslands, you’ll be able to plan a holiday that’sas action packed or as relaxed as you makeit. You’ll never be far from the Islands’ richarchaeological and cultural treasures, abeach, café life or shopping. Malta is holi-daying à la carte – youdecide as the moodtakes you.

Even onthe shortest ofstays you’ll be ableto enjoy a taste ofeverything the Islandsoffer. And if you’ve more time,

Getting away from it allis easy

you’ll rarely exhaust the day-to-day possi-bilities. If you’re interested in sports, fromrock-climbing to diving, the Islands cateras much for the seasoned enthusiast asthe casual first-timer.

But whatever your preference, Malta’shistoric sites and spectacular coastline

provide a memorablebackdrop to your

stay.

Andwhenever

you choose tovisit, you’ll be guaran-

teed relaxation, sun, some of theclearest waters in the Mediterranean and avery warm welcome.

One of the first things to strike you thoughwill be the Islands’ cultural and historicalriches. The Maltese Islands havebeen described as one bigopen-air museum. Everytown, village and stretchof countryside offers aglimpse of the past.

Situated at the heart ofthe Mediterranean, theIslands have been a crossroadsfor ancient and modern seafarers for mil-lennia, which means a vast number of cultu-res have left their mark. The Islands have pro-vided a home, stronghold, trading post andrefuge over 7000 years to numerous

cultures. First were the temple-building peo-ple who sailed from Sicily in around 5000BC, then came the Phoenicians followed bythe Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans,the Order of the Knights of St John, theFrench and British.

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Pageantry, an important feature ofthe Maltese cultural calendar

Valletta, renowned as a „city built by gentle-men for gentlemen“, is a masterpiece of theBaroque and a cornucopia of Europe’s finestart and architecture. The co-cathedral of StJohn’s houses Caravaggio’s „Beheading of StJohn“, just one among many art treasures.This city of the Knights remains virtuallyintact: wandering among the narrow streetsand squares you’ll chance upon the GrandMaster’s Palace, the Order’s magnificent hos-pital, their auberges, fountains and fortificati-ons, all built on a peninsula in one of theworld’s largest and deepest natural harbours.

St. John’s Co-Cathedralin Valletta

The unique prehistoric Hypogeum

Malta boasts a va

In contrast, the 250-year rule of the Knightsof St John is well documented in archives,architecture and the folklore of the Islands.It was from Malta that the Order defendedChristianity from the Ottoman Empire,defeating their long-standing enemy at oneof Europe’s famed battles, the Great Siegeof 1565.

What makes Malta unique is that so muchof this rich past is clearly visible today. TheIslands have an astonishing number ofWorld Heritage Sites for their size: thenumerous prehistoric temples, theHypogeum: a labyrinthine, prehistoricunderground chamber probably used forburial and ritual, and Valletta, the Baroquecapital founded by the Knights of St John.

Other important sites include Malta’smedieval capital Mdina, the fortified

Citadel in Gozo, and the extensivefortifications surroundingValletta.

The Islands’ temples are theworld’s oldest standing monu-

ments, but the reason for their exi-stence, how they were built and the

rituals and lives of their builders remainshrouded in mystery.

Malta’s harbours:a regular port-of-callfor cruise-liners

Malta’s former capital city Mdina sits enthronedand well-fortified atop a rocky plateau

in the centre of the island.Horse-drawn carriages roll over ancient cobblestone

streets, the utter stillness of the „Silent City“broken only by the sound of church bells.

The Cathedral is a treasure chest of religious art,with works by Albrecht Dürer on display

in the Cathedral Museum

The maritime city of Vittoriosa was theKnights of St. John’s first home.

It was also the scene of fierce fightingduring the Great Siege of 1565.

Vittoriosa nowadays houses Malta’sMaritime Museum

In Malta, MotherNature is the greatest

of all architects.On the west coast of

the island of Gozo,the surf has shaped apowerful gate in the

rocks, known affectio-nately among the

Maltese as the„Azure Window.“

Boat trips embarkfrom the Inland Sea

at Dwejra and sailthrough a rock tunnelout into the open sea

In some villages, time seems to have stoodstill. But you don't need to remain a mere

observer. You can make yourself at homeamong the Maltese villagers,

especially on Gozo, where you can stay ina restored farmhouse, some of which even

have their own private pool

Colourful fishing boats dominate Malta’s har-bours and coves. Their catches make it to mar-

ket every morning – and fresh fish can beenjoyed at nearly all restaurants.

The favourite fish of the Maltese is the„Lampuki,“ and whether fried, baked, grilled

or steamed, it tastes delicious

In Malta, everything is within easy reach.A cultural programme in the morning,

an afternoon swim in the sea, an eveningshopping spree – no problem

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w w w . v i s i t m a l t a . c o m

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oasts a varied culinary tradition

VICTORIA(RABAT)

VALLETTA

Mellieha

Bugibba

Rabat

MostaNaxxar

Birkirkara

Zebbug

Qormi

Zabbar

Cospicua

Paola

Vittoriosa

SengleaHamrun

ZurrieqBirzebbugia

Zejtun

Marfa

Qala

Nadur

Mgarr

Xaghra

Marsalforn

Zebbug

San Lawrenz

Gharb

Sannat

XewkijaXlendi

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COMINO

M A L T ASiggiewi

Mqabba

Qrendi

GhaxaqMarsaxlokk

Marsascala

St. Julian's

Balzan

Lija AttardMdinaMtarfa

Mgarr

Ghadira

St. Paul's Bay

Gharghur

Manikata

Dingli

Bahrija

Sliema

Zebbiegh

Ta’ Pinu Church

The Citadel

Ramla Bay

Mgarr Harbour

St.John’s Co-Cathedral

Verdala Palace

Airport

Hagar Qim

Marsaxlokk Harbour

Azure Window

Popeye Village

Mosta Dome

Mdina Cathedral

Auberge de Castille

Valletta Grand Harbour

Cottonera

Fungus Rock

Ta´ Cenc Cliffs

Qala Point

Forna Point

BlueLagoon

North Comino Channel

South Comino Channel

Paradise Bay

Gozo Ferry

Golden Bay

BlueGrotto

MarsaxlokkBay

St. ThomasBay

White Rocks

St. Paul'sIslands

MelliehaBay

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gl

i

Cl

if

fs

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T h e M a l t e s e I s l a n d s a t a g l a n c e

Across the Islands, you’ll find a full calendarof events, including village festas, regattas,historical pageants, theatre, art exhibitions,

concerts and conferences.While the popular resortsof Sliema, St Julians,Paceville and Bugibbaoffer pavement cafes,restaurants and clubsbustling with night-life to help you while awaytime well into the early

hours, all year round.

When it comes to dining out, Malta’srestaurants reflect the best of local cuisine –seafood, fish and sun-ripened fruit andvegetables – with continental European andinternational fare. But few things surpassfreshly-baked Maltese bread bought straightfrom a village bakery. Perhaps this epitomi-ses a stay on the Maltese Islands – you canenjoy life at its simplest one day and at itsmost cosmopolitan the next.

Unlike the mariners of old, you’ll findgetting here fast and easy. Most majorEuropean cities are just a few hoursaway by air and excellent connectionsare available all year round.Experiencing Malta is alwayswithin your reach!

Malta’s sister islands of Gozo and Cominoopen up your stay into a holiday within aholiday – a tempo and scene change fromMalta itself. Gozo, a shorthalf-hour by ferry, is stee-ped in myth and mysteriesof its own. Thought to bethe legendary home of thenymph Calypso, it is atranquil haven of ancientvillages, sleepy bywaysand stunning sea- andlandscape. Gozo is the ultimate getaway,though not without its own cultural life andarray of sports to help you make the most ofthe island hop.

The Isle of Comino, midway between Gozoand Malta, is a paradise for snorkellers,yachtsmen, divers, windsurfers and trekkers.Bathing in the Isle’s Blue Lagoon, with itsturqoise waters, makes an idyllic day out.

The Maltese Islands though are more thanan outdoor museum. The archipelago exu-des a palpable sense of fun. Its people explo-re today’s arts, culture and sports as passio-nately as the Islands’ history. The attractionof Malta lies in a blend of old and new andin the way the past works alongside the present.

Malta Tourism AuthorityAuberge d’Italie, Merchants Street,

Valletta CMR 02, MaltaTel: (356) 22 915 000Fax: (356) 22 915 893

info@visitmalta.comwww.visitmalta.com

Malta Tourist OfficeUnit C, Park House,

14 Northfields,London SW18 1DD

Tel: (44) 020 7292 4900Fax: (44) 020 7734 1880

office.uk@visitmalta.comwww.visitmalta.com

Malta Tourist Office65 Broadway Suite 823

New York NY 10006Tel: (1) 212 430 3799

Fax: (1) 425 795 3425office.us@visitmalta.com

www.visitmalta.com