Malta
Everything will seem very familiar in Malta, the language, the driving, the phone boxes, Malta was a British colony for 160 years. Malta has had a huge renaisence in the last 10 years since joining the EU, the island has been subjected to a complete overhaul and upgrade. All the 300 or so small towns and villages across the islands have been tidied up, all have small parks and public areas which are spotlessly clean. Around Valletta and the Grand Harbour many of the Palaces have been renovated and open to the public even the classic K10 telephone boxes have been repainted in the correct shade of red, they were black for 20 years!! Finally the people - you will never find a kinder people anywhere, in the hotels, taxi drivers and just passers-by on the street, nothing is too much trouble for them, I guess its a close friendship between our nations for over 200 years has something to do with this!
Valletta:
The island capital is not to be missed, the first city in the world to be built in the 'grid' layout so easy to look around. Set on a peninsula beween the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, the city is filled to the brim with history and sites to see. The Grand harbour itself is spectacular the best view is from the Upper Barracca Gardens at the entance to Valletta. Don't miss a coffee at Cafe Cordina next to Queen Victoria's statue in Republic Street, the Beheading of John the Baptist by Caravagio in St Johns Co Cathedral, a walk the length of Republic Street, stick your head into the Manuel Theatre finish with dinner at Salvinos in Arch Bishop Street.
St. Julians Bay/Paceville:
One of the tourist centres on the island, with hotels and many restaurants overllooking the sea and the centre for nightlife in the Paceville area. Two of the islands premier hotels are located in St Julians the Hilton and Westin Dragonara.St. Georges Bay:
Adjoining St Julians is the smaller and far quieter St Georges Bay. here you will find a pleasant and spotlessly clean sandy beach and a number of small cafe. Two five star hotels are located here the Corinthia St Georges and IntercontinentalSt. Pauls Bay/Bugibba:
Towards the north of the island St Pauls Bay is also a popular area for holidaymakers with all the restaurants bars centred on BugibbaArriva Buses:
Arriva runs the Malta network that connect 300 towns and villages to the capital Malta, it a great way to get around, buy a 7 day pass for €12. http://www.arriva.com.mt/home?l=1Malta Sightseeing:
Hop On - Hop Off open top buses operate 3 routes around the island, all the s=top sights are covered, its a great way to see the history of this amazing island. Each tour takes about 90 minutes, you can get off as many times as you like and simply catch the next bus. Don't miss Vittoriosa Waterfront in the Grand Harbour and the Maritime Museum, Malta Experience in Valletta, San Anton Gardens, Mosta Church and Mdina. There is a bus stop near your hotelMalta's Top Hotels:
