MALTA & GOZO


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If ever an island makes up for geographical size by its cultural tradition, colourful history and gastronomic delights, it's Malta.

Positioned at the very heart of the Mediterranean, the island's immediate neighbours make their presence felt with an Italian delight in great food and wine.

Of course, the other great influence has been the long standing alliance with the British, evident in the wide-speaking of English, driving on the left, and an endearing habit of watching football in pubs! Yet Malta is by no means simply a 'home from home'.

The ancient walled city of Mdina, with its typical Maltese honey-coloured buildings, and the quiet cobbled streets of Valletta have an atmosphere wholly unique to Malta, one which reflects the island's often turbulent history.

While perhaps not the destination for beach-lovers, Malta nonetheless offers endless underwater attractions for snorkellers and scuba divers alike.

For a day with a real difference, take the ferry over to Gozo - a short trip, but a million light years from Malta in atmosphere and pace of life. However, the only real way to sample this beautiful little island's romantic atmosphere is to stay here - choose one of our Gozitan hotels or farmhouse for total relaxation.

LANGUAGE: Maltese, English and Italian

CURRENCY: Maltese Lira (LM)

FOOD & DRINK

Malta and Gozo both offer a very good selection of places to eat. Local specialities include 'Fenek', rabbit cooked in wine, while Maltese fruits are particularly tasty. Maltese beer is highly recommended and inexpensive, and there is a good variety of local wines. Licensing hours are generally 9.00am - 1.00am, some hotel bars may close from 1.00pm - 4.00pm and then re-open at 6.00pm.

LOCAL COSTS

As an indication of price for the most typical and popular items bought locally, the following rough guide has been put together. Please note all costs are approximate.

Bottle of wine from £2.00 (supermarket)
3 course meal from £5.00
Hamburger & Chips £1.50
Glass of beer £0.55
Cup of coffee £0.35
Soft drink £0.35

SHOPPING

Shops are usually open 9am - 7pm with a three hour lunch break and in the tourist resorts they normally remain open until 10pm. There are open-air markets in many towns and villages, with a daily market in Valletta. Malta is renowned for its gold and silver filigree work and handmade lace.

BEACHES

Malta's largest beach is located at Mellieha Bay; long, narrow and sandy, suitable for small children. There are also sandy beaches at Golden Bay, Paradise Bay, Armier Bay and Pretty Bay.The majority of other resorts mainly offer flat, rocky bathing areas with a few small, sandy inlets. Gozo beaches have clear and unpolluted waters, with the best beach located at Ramla Bay, close to Marsalforn. The northern coastline has Dahlet Qorret and San Blas Bay which are smaller but peaceful.

SPORTS

Both Malta and Gozo offer world famous locations for scuba diving and snorkelling. Other water sports facilities include yachting, sailing, swimming, windsurfing and water polo. Land based sports facilities include tennis, squash, horse riding, bowling, shooting and golf.

NIGHTLIFE

The liveliest resort along the north Maltese coast is St Julians, with a wide variety of bars, discos and restaurants and the nearby 'Dragonara' casino in an area of the resort called 'Paceville' The area of Bugibba/Qawra also offers a good selection of entertainment with discos and karaoke bars. All other resorts featured, including Gozo, offer nightlife which is mainly centred around the hotel/apartment complexes with some bars in the immediate vicinity.

INFORMATION

Should you require further information and/or literature on Malta and Gozo you can always contact their UK office at the following address:

Malta Tourist Office, Malta House, 36.38 Piccadilly, London, W1V. Tel: 0207 292 4900

POPULAR RESORTS

Please click for further information on the following Malta & Gozo resorts:

Mellieha Bay
Bugibba & Qawra
St George's Bay
Sliema
Gozo