MEDI 7 19/5/09 14:53 Page 46
knowledge mediterranean islands
ttglive.com
Malta
Roving reader Simon admires one of Malta’s colourful old buses; view of the fortified old town in Valletta (top right); and inside St John’s Cathedral
Malta may surprise you
Roving Reader and Wexas island’s famous old buses, and no ride costs Mdina is the medieval walled old capital
agent Simon Clifford had
more than two euros. It’s just as easy to hire of Malta, located in the centre of the island.
his views of Malta changed
a car, but the roads are rather bumpy. Mdina is commonly know as the Silent City,
Valletta is the island’s capital and by far due to the distinct lack of traffic (only
on a Belleair Holidays fam the smallest I’ve ever been to: not much residents’ cars are allowed), and the effect of
more than a few streets encased in the narrow stone streets, which muffle the
O
ne of the great things about being magnificent white walls overlooking the sound. I’ve never been anywhere so small
a travel agent is getting to go to beautiful Grand Harbour. that has such a feel of grandeur.
those places you might not spend St Julian’s and Sliema are a stark contrast Gozo, Malta’s second island, is a 40-minute
your hard earned cash visiting. to Valletta on the other side of the harbour. ferry ride away. It is considerably more rural,
For me, Malta was one such place. But These two villages have merged into one over with a far slower pace of life. A highlight
Belleair gave me the chance to visit – and the years and are now home to the larger is the main town, Victoria, with its walled
what I found really surprised me. chain hotels, as well as the majority of the citadel. I would recommend Gozo only for
Malta has far more to offer than nightlife – something I hadn’t thought clients looking for total peace, or combine it
Mediterranean sunshine. It is steeped in Malta had much of. How wrong I was! as a twin centre holiday with the main island.
history, dating back as far as 3600BC, but
has the traditional feel of the Mediterranean
mixed in with the modern. Malta hotels: a brief guide
And for clients who like the home away
from home feel, there are all the signs that Grand Hotel Excelsior: Sandwiched between Suncrest Hotel: This is a great three-star
this was once a small corner of the British the Grand Harbour and Valletta; may be a bit option for those with families; located at Qawra
empire: they drive on the same side of the large for some tastes up the coast from Valletta
road, use three-pin plugs and the red phone Hotel Phoenicia: This property is the “grand Ta Cenc: On Gozo, this is an ideal base for
box still stands proud. They even call their hotel” of Malta; located just outside Valletta, those wanting peace and quiet
children Kevin, Sharon and Kelly! it is undergoing a floor-by-floor refit
My trip around Malta took me to several Fortina Spa: This Sliema property boasts ■ holidaymalta.com
towns and resorts, all rather different from extensive spa facilities ■ belleair.co.uk
one another. All are easily accessible in the
46 22.05.2009
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