MALTA EYEWITNESS
methods to work the land and herd goats and sheep. The landscape ranges from dramatic cliffs and rocky scrubland to lush valleys, and en-route walkers can discover prehistoric caves and traditional villages. The tiny island of Comino, reportedly
once the hideout of pirates and smugglers, offers hikers, rock climbers and bikers dramatic terrain. And there are over 1,300 rock climbing routes in Malta overall. Scuba diving in Malta has long been
lauded as Europe’s best for its excellent visibility and plethora of wrecks. The Blue Hole in Gozo is Malta’s most famous dive site. Underneath the Azure Window, a rock formation which frames the surrounding
sea, the hole in the rocks was carved naturally by the elements and gives divers a spectacularly lit entry point down through turquoise waters to the deep blue.
Malta Village people
Aside from sightseeing favourites like Valletta and Mdina, there are lots of interesting towns and villages that get less tourist traffi c. Between the months of June and September every village in Malta holds a village fi esta in honour of the patron saint of the village, when the streets are adorned with colourful banners and fairy lights. A procession parades the saint through the town with live music and fi reworks,
The ultimate destination for those seeking Hikers
will fi nd a countryside often
untouched by modern life, with
farmers using traditional methods to work the land
to stray off the beaten path is probably Malta’s sister island Gozo. Fewer tourists make it to the island, which is ironic because it probably has the country’s best beaches. Like Ramla il-Hamra, a curving bay of warm orange sand backed by dunes of tamarisk and bamboo. The cliffs above shelter Calypso’s Cave, supposedly where Odysseus spent seven years with temptress Calypso. One of the best ways to explore Gozo is by jeep, which gives vistors the freedom to go off the main roads and rumble through pretty villages and down to secluded coves. Pitched right, Malta and Gozo provide
plenty of opportunities to delight even seasoned travellers – from extreme sports fans to older clients looking for culture.
tourismtalk
Alex Incorvaja Director - UK Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority “To get off the beaten track:
charter a Maltese dghajsa and take in Valletta and the Three Cities from the water; head to La Grotta in Xlendi, Gozo – it’s one of the most beautiful open air clubs in the Mediterranean; taste Maltese delicacies in an artisan bakery such as Nenu in Valletta, where you can make your own Maltese ftira bread. There are numerous food and drink festivals in sumer, including the Marsovin Summer Wine Festval and the Zejt iz–Zejtun Olive Oil Festival. In October look out for the Mdina Grand Prix, a classic car street race and the Gozo Opera Season.”
magnifi cent prehistoric temples fi ne scuba diving rich marine life crystal-clear waters beautiful
Malta
coastal walks stunning bays lagoons and coves exuberant festivals architectural gems culture history & tradition
To book your next holiday to the Maltese Islands call
Classic Collection Holidays on 0800 294 9314 or visit
www.classic-collection.co.uk
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