SHORT HAUL: Malta
Isle of Knights
MALTA
Guaranteed sunshine, history ranging from the neolithic to the baroque, unique culture and cuisine and plenty of festivals and events– Malta is a genuine all- rounder, says Laura Gelder
U
NESCO World Heritage Site and capital Valletta is the best starting point to get to
grips with Malta’s history, which was shaped by the story of the Knights of St. John, the Christian military order who came from the Holy Land and settled there. Here, St. John’s Cathedral is home
to an impressive selection of original Caravaggio paintings. Head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens to see the glorious expanse of the Grand Harbour, which makes cruise ships look like bath toys. Immediately across from the harbour from Valletta are the even older Three Cities, where the Knights fi rst arrived. These adjacent Venetian-style cities boast a jumble of sand-coloured houses which cling to the sparkling waterfront, where a tangle of boats bob up and down.
Three Cities are best reached by dghajsa, a kind of Maltese gondola which weaves gracefully through the harbour traffi c. In the island’s old capital Mdina, the past and present seem to collide. The only piercing 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. Take a break in the rooftop Fontanella Tea Garden and enjoy a slice of cake and sweeping views of the island. Then explore Palazzo Falson. The medieval building with bougainvillea-covered walls was once home to artist and collector Olof Frederick Gollcher but is now a museum with a treasure trove of art and curios.
Malta’s position in the southern Mediterranean means its cuisine is an interesting mix of Moorish and Mediterranean – just like the local language. Italian-food lovers will fi nd an array of pastas, but those seeking authentic Maltese fayre should look out for rabbit stew, pastizzi (or mushy pea and ricotta pies) and a great choice of fresh seafood, and starters using local goats’ cheese, broad beans, olive oil and fresh bread. Gastro-travellers will fi nd plenty of opportunities to taste local wines too. Malta’s soil
yields well-known grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, as well
as indigenous varieties. Northern Europe is just starting to discover Malta’s wine and tours and tastings of local vineyards are availanle. Malta boasts a vibrant calendar of theatres, musicals, operas and both classical and modern music concerts. In February, carnival takes over, celebrating the country’s culture in a burst of colour and exuberance.
Another explosive event is the Malta International Fireworks Festival. The Isle of MTV is a free open-air concert held in June that attracts up to 50,000 revellers. For a different kind of music lover, there’s Malta’s Jazz Festival (July 19-21), or for a more sedate night out, consider open-air Shakespeare performed in the Baroque Gardens of San Anton Palace (in July).
If St. Julian’s is Malta’s nightlife hotspot, then Paceville is its pulse, a vibrant strip of nightlife that buzzes until the early hours. More low-key is the waterfront Bedouin Bar, with its white- cotton lounge beds and cold cocktails.
Active people young and
old can be lured to Malta by the top-quality sports on offer, with many beaches offering watersports like sea-kayaking and windsurfi ng. The Marsa Sports Club, just south
Clockwise from left: The Three Cities; Maltese cuisine; colourful Maltese fi shing boats are a great holiday snap
www.sellinglonghaul.com • February 2013 63
selling tip “For pure luxury and
exclusivity - stay in the Xara Palace Hotel. It’s the only hotel within Mdina’s walls”
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