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Guide To Malta

By: Mark Bartley


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Malta is a popular holiday destination, and also boasts an interesting historical past. Around 60 miles south off Sicily, the status of Malta as an island with a key strategic position has earnt it a colourful history that today lends itself to many areas of Maltese culture. The Phoenicians, Romans, and French and British have all governed the islands, while archaeological evidence suggest early Maltese history goes as far back as 5200BC.

This early Maltese culture developed into a culture of temple builders, of which some are the oldest - and still in existence – freestanding structures in the world. Possibly the site of a female fertility cult, Ggantiji's structures are made from huge blocks of stone and architecturally, there is no doubt the complexity of the construction and the exact purposes of the temple reveal that something quite exceptional was happening in Malta at the time.

This sense of awe and intrigue pervades the today's Malta, as little by little, the history of these islands seems to unravel itself the more you explore. The Roman influence, including some well preserved mosaics, can be seen in the Roman Domus villa, a popular tourist attraction near Mdina, while the Byzantines, Arabs and French all left their mark on the islands through architecture and culture. Some famous artists have given Malta a special place in the world of fine art, ever since Caravaggio's 15-month residence on the island, with some of his work on display at Conventual Church of St John in the Maltese capital of Valletta.

A UNESCO world heritage city, Valletta's profoundly baroque look gives it the look and feel that it is certainly a perfect city to enjoy the best of all sides of Malta. With a great range of museums and a proliferation of fascinating palaces, the city is an antiquarian's delight.

With holidays in Malta it is plain to see that it can be packed with sights to see, historical or contemporary. It may be one of the most populous countries in Europe, but the beaches, leisure activities, and abundant Maltese style and flair more than make up for it.

If a relaxing holiday is your preference, apart from the sanctuary of one of many relaxing villas in Malta, there are plenty of sandy beaches and hidden villages to explore. A great way to escape the busy towns is to take a ferry between the Maltese islands and explore the almost barren surroundings of these unique places. With some spectacular scenery and opportunities to see wild orchids and a variety of Maltese wildlife, the peacefulness of the islands is something special and seems a world away from the to and fro of Malta's densely yet colourfully packed urban areas.

One favourite excursion is to the Blue Lagoon bay on the island of Comino, which sits between Malta and Gozo.

With festivals and a range of sporting events, and its typically sunny Mediterranean climate, Malta is a wonderful island to visit at any time of the year. Travelling to Malta couldn't be easier, with a choice of flights from airports throughout the UK, and staying is stylish and comfortable with some top class hotels and villas to choose from. Exploring the island is hassle free, with a modern public transport system and car hire available.

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As you would expect from somewhere like this holidays in Malta are both varied and of high quality. The place has a feeling of relaxation and high standards, wherever you stay, so these features are reflected in most holidays spent there.

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