Malta & Gozo sightseeing
Malta offers a wealth of superb architecture from many different centuries. The Neolithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, which pre-date Stonehenge by more than 1000 years, are at their most thrillingly evocative when viewed at sunrise or sunset.
The capital city of Valletta, an Unesco named World Heritage Site, is an architectural treasure trove offering stunning vistas of the grand harbour and neighbouring waterfront cities. As elegant and charming as it is compact and bijou, Valletta is a photographer's paradise with every ornate forged-iron balcony, dated shop-front, or clatteringly characterful and aged bright orange bus, pleading to have its photogenic potential exploited. Inland is the medieval walled city of Mdina, offering stunning views of Malta's interior.
Amongst the island's 359 Catholic churches are a number of masterpieces. The magnificently rich interior of St John's Co Cathedral, the restrained Baroque façade of St Paul's or the sheer breathtaking scale of the Mosta Dome, commonly believed to be the scene of a Second World War miracle.
More natural splendours are to be found in the azure waters of the Blue Grotto, to the south of Malta. And don't forget that the Maltese islands offer some of the best scuba diving in Europe. Warm waters, excellent visibility, interesting dive sites and a large number of dive schools, all play their part in making the islands a favourite destination for divers of all abilities.
Maltese Festas
The Maltese are well-known for their generosity of spirit and welcoming hospitality and this is particularly noticeable from June to September, the main season for the local village festivals - or festas. Festas are a very important part of the national way of life. Every villager takes a deep-seated personal pride in presenting their village and church in the best possible light. Fireworks, brass-bands and fairy lights are the order of the (five) days, and amidst the hamburgers and fries it's a great time to sample some authentic Maltese delicacies, savoury snacks and sweets. February and March witness the colourful Carnival celebrations preceding Lent and the four day Mediterranean Food Festival is usually held in the middle of March.
Gozo
The island of Gozo is even smaller than Malta - just nine miles by five - and a world apart. The relaxed quality of life enjoyed by their neighbours on Malta is regarded as positively frenetic by the Gozitans. For a totally relaxing getaway, the rural pace of life offered by this tiny island, makes it difficult to better.
Luxurious accommodation, stunning coastal scenery and fine quality restaurants add to the attraction of an island which is often overlooked or viewed as just a day-trip, albeit a delightful one, from Malta. But that would be to neglect seriously Gozo's considerable charms. Take time to explore Victoria, the tiny capital and the Cathedral of the Assumption and ramparts at Il Kastell. The megalithic temple of Ggantija is at its most haunting in the first light of morning. There are fabulous walking and hiking opportunities afforded by the beautifully scenic coastline of Dwejra and the best snorkelling and diving of all the Maltese islands.
Twin Centre Holidays
Why not make the most of both of these charming Mediterranean islands and enjoy a twin centre holiday to Malta and Gozo. Explore the many delights of Malta before unwinding, relaxing and enjoying total peace and quiet of idyllic Gozo.
Map
Climate
Malta's climate is typically Mediterranean and boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Did you know?
The origin of the term Malta is uncertain, although the modern day variation is from the Maltese language. The more common etymology is that it comes from the Greek word meli meaning honey. The Greeks called the island Melite meaning honey-sweet possibly owing to Malta's production of honey; Malta has an endemic species of bee which lives on the island, giving it the common nickname the land of honey.