IN FOCUS MALTA


Malta lies south of Sicily on a latitude with Tunisia, making it popular with mature sun seekers. A recent campaign drew attention to its historical gems, but there’s plenty else to captivate visitors, says Laura Gelder


he past is certainly ever-present in Malta. The charismatic capital, Valletta, is a living museum with exhibits that include the grand St. John’s Cathedral with its decadent baroque interior and displays of original Caravaggio paintings. For an overview of Valletta, head up


T


to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of Malta’s vast Grand Harbour, and catch the excitement of the cannon blast from below at noon each day. From this vantage point you can spot Fort Riscoli, which guards the entrance to the harbour. Impress clients by telling them it was the setting for the 2004 fi lm Troy, starring Brad Pitt, as was the Blue Grotto sea caverns on the island’s southern coast. Immediately across the Grand


Harbour from Valletta are the Three Cities. Older than Valletta, the fortifi ed


towns were the fi rst home of the Knights of Malta when they arrived in 1530. The balustraded architecture clinging to the waterfront is reminiscent of Venice and the Maltese dghajsa boats which take you there, much like gondolas. In the island’s old


capital, Mdina, the past beats strongly. In fact, the only sound in this so-called ‘Silent City’ is of hooves on cobbles


echoing through the tightly- packed streets. Horse and


carriage is the only permitted method of transport in this walled city of medieval and baroque architecture. Top Mdina spots include the Carmelite Priory Museum, where visitors can see the monks’ austere living quarters which contrast with the rich tapestries


and glittering gold adorning the neighbouring 17th century church. Bougainvillea-covered Palazzo Falson was the home of artist and collector Olof Frederick Gollcher and a treasure trove of art and interesting curios. For those who


prefer to soak up the atmosphere,


suggest the rooftop Fontanella Tea


Garden to enjoy a slice of cake in the shade. Or book your clients


into the luxurious haven that is Xara Palace, a Relais & Châteaux-owned boutique hotel and the only place you can overnight in Mdina. But Malta isn’t all about the past: there’s plenty for younger visitors too. A highlight of the summer is the Isle of


MTV Festival, a free event showcasing the latest pop acts. St. Julian’s is Malta’s nightlife hotspot


and Paceville is its pulse, a concentrated strip of nightlife which buzzes with music and energy until the early hours. More low-key is the waterfront Bedouin Bar. Part of the Westin Dragonara, it boasts white-cotton lounge beds and cold cocktails. Active clients, young and old, can be lured to Malta by the top-quality sports on offer. The scuba diving is amongst the best in Europe and many beaches offer watersports like sea-kayaking and windsurfi ng. The Marsa Sports Club, 2.5 miles south of Valletta, features an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, 18 tennis courts, fi ve squash courts, cricket


Clockwise from left: Maltese boats; Kempinski's Gozo hotel; laid-back Gozo


08 July/August 2011 • www.shortbreaksholidays.com


thedeal seal


Makes a change: Malta's mix of Moorish and Mediterranean food and architecture, with a hint of British too, makes it stand out


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