27 Jul A Destination Overview: Malta
A Destination Overview: Malta
For such a small island, Malta packs a lot in. You’ve got beaches, chic harbour towns, and enough centuries-old sights to keep you busy for weeks. It’s a real up-and-comer on the clubbing scene too, and has a calendar that’s crammed with carnivals, festivals and parties.
When it comes to history, Malta is up there with Italy and Greece. The island boasts so many sights, it’s been described as an open-air museum. You’ll find the best of the bunch in the UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta. Must-sees include the 16th-century St John’s Cathedral and Casa Rocca Piccola, a grand palazzo.
Where to stay?
Corinthia Hotels St Georges Bay:
A 6-minute walk from St. George’s Bay beach, this upscale palatial hotel is 7 km from Mosta Dome church and 10 km from Casa Rocca Piccola palace. Facilities include a lounge and 7 restaurants, including Asian-fusion cuisine. The hotel has 5 outdoor pools, a fitness centre and an indoor pool, plus a sauna, a Jacuzzi and massage treatments.
The bedrooms have an elegant classical design making for a peaceful atmosphere. All rooms have balconies and include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Hilton Malta:
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and Portomaso Marina, this upscale hotel is 8 km from the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral and 11 km from Malta International Airport. Dining options include Thai and Mediterranean fare. There’s a relaxed cocktail bar, a serene spa and a gym, along with indoor and outdoor pools, plus a cafe with marina views.
The rooms are chic in design with contemporary furniture and luxurious soft furnishings. All rooms have Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and sitting areas, tea and coffee making facilities and balconies.
What to do?
Jeep Safari: Enjoy the scenic views of Gozo while on a jeep safari. Led by professional drivers, you get to experience a true adventure.
Water sports: Malta’s crystal blue, warm waters makes this and an ideal place to try out some of the most exciting water sport activities. Your will be able to try your hand at activities such as jet skiing, paddle boarding and Banana Boating.
Segway Tour: Get a totally different view of Malta’s Capital. Hop on a Segway and absorb the capital’s sites on one of the coolest rides of the 21st century. With a segway leader on hand you will be able to discover all the secrets of this beautiful city.
Where to eat?
Guze: Guze is one of Valletta’s oldest houses said to have belonged to the city’s main Maltese architect (Girolamo Cassar), this small, intimate restaurant serves consistently delicious food in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere. Equally good is their perfectly cooked fresh fish and their large excellent-value fillet steak. Everything is beautifully presented on dark wood tables with white linen napkins beneath walls decorated with gilt mirrors, maps and wine bottles.
Rampilla: Rampila is a real favourite of the locals and is known for its combination of romantic historic setting and modern Mediterranean food. The restaurant is within the bastion walls of Valletta with a terrace tucked between the inner and outer fortifications. In good weather, a table near the edge of the terrace provides sensational great views of Valletta’s floodlit citadel entranceway, City Gate.