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malta


51


the


A-lister


The Maltese islands’ mix of coastline, picture-perfect bays, family-friendly resorts and


excellent hotels make it a perennial favourite with British sunseekers, says Richard Williams


T


he Maltese islands hit the headlines in October when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie took a ‘working honeymoon’ while making


a fi lm on Gozo. For eight weeks the newly-weds occupied the sleepy village of Mgarr ix-Xini, with kids and fi lm crew in tow. Fans the world over have seen the A-listers on the beach in the picturesque, rock- encircled, crystal-blue bay, so this heady mix of romance and celebrity is bound to increase tourism numbers in early 2015. Spring is an ideal time to visit Gozo, as the wild fl owers are in bloom and soften the rugged, rocky landscape. By May the temperatures climb to 25C and remain well above that level until as late as October. With around three hours’ fl ying time from the UK and a choice of airlines departing from regional airports, Malta and Gozo are popular options for a short break. Moreover, English is widely spoken and the locals even drive on the left. The hotels have been steadily improving over


the last 10 years, and now there are plenty of four- and fi ve-star hotels to choose from, as well as a number of new boutique hotels in the historic capital, Valletta. The prices are reasonable, too.


There is plenty to do, with the nightlife of


Paceville just down the coast from the popular centre of St Julians. The major hotels are here and within easy reach of Valletta. More family-friendly resorts can be found further north, at Qawra and Bugibba, with the sandy beaches at Mellieha and Golden Bay ideal for younger children. Joanne Scudamore, Assistant Product Manager, Thomas Cook, says: “Malta boasts clear blue skies, spectacular bays and harbours. But that’s not all! Festivals are in abundance and if you’re travelling in April we can recommend two for you to choose from. The annual Malta International Fireworks Festival in 2015 runs from April 25 through to May 2 at the Grand Harbour in Valletta. Music lovers will be thrilled to hear Radio


1’s Annie Mac will be hosting the Lost & Found Festival from April 3 to 5. They can expect lots of boat and beach parties.” Clare Collins, Product Manager for Explore’s Europe programme, commented: “Now is an excellent time to be selling Malta; we have seen a steady increase in passenger bookings and our sales are up 44% year on year. Not only do we offer family and discovery tours, for 2015/16 we have expanded our Malta programme to include cycling holidays.”


sellingtravel.co.uk


“The Malta International Fireworks Festival is an annual event and in 2015 runs from April 25 to May 2. The Grand Harbour is the perfect setting


for this spectacular event” BETH HARRISON, THOMAS COOK GROUP


What’s new  Airlines: Jet2 (jet2.com) has announced


fi ve new direct fl ights to Malta starting in May. Flights will operate twice weekly from Manchester airport and once a week from Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, East


Midlands and Newcastle airports.  Hotels: Malta’s capital, Valletta, now has a great range of new boutique hotels. These include restored palazzos and converted historical buildings that have maintained their original splendour, and each with


A colourful cluster of Dghajsa – or traditional Maltese boats.


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