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Five Star Holidays On Malta

By: Mark Bartley

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Located in the Mediterranean about seventy miles south of Italy and 160 miles (257km) north of Libya, Malta is in fact an archipelago. Only the three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Kemmuna) are inhabited, with Malta itself being the largest. Just 17 miles cross, the main island of Malta has numerous unique cultural, historical and megalithic sites including some prehistoric ruins even older than the Egyptian Pyramids. Steeped in ancient history Malta is both enchanting and fascinating – a microcosm of the Mediterranean with a concentration of cultures, influences and history squeezed onto an island that can easily be explored in a week if that is all the time you have.

Strategically positioned, Malta has long been a Mediterranean crossroads and staging post. A major port for over 7,000 years – the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders, the French and finally the British, who only left just under fifty years ago, have all contributed to Malta's rich and colourful history.

Perhaps those who left the best legacy were the Knights of St John, who took over the island in 1530 and are best remembered for defying the might of Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who laid siege to the island in 1565. The knights ruled Malta for 270 years, and were responsible for some of Malta's great architecture as well as founding the island's present capital Valletta. The city's massive stone walls even resisted heavy German bombing in World War Two. Don't be deceived though, despite the many influences on Malta throughout the ages the islands have a distinctly unique character and charm all of their own.

These days, Malta is a favoured holiday destination with tourists arriving to enjoy the many secluded bays, the beautifully clean sandy beaches and the warm, crystal clear Mediterranean waters. For example; Golden Bay - one of Malta's most beautiful sandy beaches, on the northwest coast of the island; "Long Steps Bay", close to Golden Bay but less crowded during the high season; Blue Grotto - a series of seven caves and inlets on the southern side of Malta famous for deep blue waters and spectacular natural rock formations that reflect on the cave walls.

Malta is also an island of festivals and other tradition celebrations. The Maltese are famous for their festivals and throughout the whole of the summer season you will find something exciting happening every week. From band marches, live outdoor concerts to floats, flags, flowers and fireworks, if there's half an excuse for a fiesta you can guarantee that it will be grasped with both hands and the broadest of smiles. Many people visit the island just for the exceptionally dramatic firework displays. The Maltese specialise in their manufacture and hold inter-village contests to see who can hold the most impressive display.

For many the highlight of a visit to Malta is the beautiful bijoux Valetta. UNESCO, in awarding Valetta its World Heritage listing referred to Malta's capital as 'one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world'.That alone is enough to bring thousands upon thousands to Malta every year. Packed in and around a dense network of 16th Century streets, steps and passageways are the cities famous fortifications, baroque splendour and treasure-packed museums and churches. Valetta is a beautifully compact city on a beautifully compact island bursting with great restaurants and stylish cafés.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Many tourists looking for luxury turn to holidays on Malta for a choice of hotels and villas almost second to none.

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