Discover Malta - VisitMalta UK

DISCOVER MALTA

TAKE A LO OK INSIDE...

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Map of the Maltese Islands A year in Malta B est beaches in Malta Gastronomy guide Activities for thrill seekers A guide to Gozo A guide to C omino Music festivals Valletta in 24-hrs UNESCO World Hertitage Weddings and honeymoons Welcome LGBTIQ

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M A LTA : T H E W I N D O W T O THE MEDITERRANEAN If you are yet to discover the English-speaking Maltese Islands, it’s time to book a trip and visit the small archipelago situated in the heart of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Just a short three-hour flight away, the Maltese Islands are perfect for a beach holiday or a city break.

The colours of Malta, Gozo and Comino are breath-taking; honey-coloured architecture compliments the deepest of Mediterranean blues. Stroll through the narrow meandering streets of the towns and villages while basking in over 300 days of sunshine a year.

Explore 7,000 years of history, yet live passionately in the present. The Islands’ scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop to explore megaliths and medieval dungeons; the Maltese Islands are positively mythic. Malta has rightly been described as an

open-air museum, boasting over 320 historical monuments and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Megalithic Temples, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the City of Valletta.

The nearby islands of Gozo and Comino are easily reached by a short ferry ride from Malta and offer more sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and an abundance of adventure activities.

We love promoting all that the Maltese Islands have to offer. City breakers can enjoy a trip to Valletta; the smallest capital city in Europe, families can experience adventure holidays, music enthusiasts can lose themselves in eclectic festivals and the LGBTIQ can relax in a supportive and friendly destination. Browse the pages of this brochure and you’ll be sure to add the Maltese Islands to your bucket list!

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A Y E A R I N M A LTA Boasting over 300 days of sunshine and an eclectic events calendar, you can see why the Maltese Islands are the perfect destination year-round.

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SPRING - MARCH TO MAY The spring months are a perfect time to visit the Maltese Islands as the weather is ideal for exploring Malta’s capital city Valletta, experiencing an abundance of adventure activities and witnessing the beauty of the spring flora and fauna. Easter is widely celebrated in Malta; unmissable processions, Easter vigils and other traditions take place during the Holy week.

SUMMER - JUNE TO SEPT Hello long, hot and sunny days! Holiday-goers travel to the Maltese Islands during the summer months to enjoy the sunshine whilst experiencing rich water sports including scuba-diving, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding. Malta welcomes the Isle of MTV, Summer Daze, Glitch Festival and many more music festivals each year to its Mediterranean shores.

AUTUMN - OCT TO NOV The autumn months cool down slightly but there is no lack of cobalt blue skies and sunshine. Travel to the Maltese Islands to experience the topographical landscape offering hiking, cycling and rockclimbing. Marvel at some of the most famous sail boats in October during the Rolex Middle Sea Race; a spectacle not to be missed.

WINTER - DEC TO FEB Just a three-hour flight away from the UK, Valletta is the perfect getaway during the winter months.

The capital city boasts stunning boutique hotels set in old palazzo buildings, waterfront alfresco dining options overlooking the Grand Harbour and over 320 historical sites; it’s a traveller’s paradise that can be explored completely on foot.

Visit www.maltauk.com for the most current list of events and dates. The Maltese Islands hold over 365 events each year. Whatever you’re interested in, Malta will be hosting an event for you.

B E S T B E A C H E S I N M A LTA RAMLA BAY, known in Maltese as Ramla il-Hamra (Red Sands), is the biggest sandy beach on the Maltese Island of Gozo. The area that surrounds the beach is beautifully undeveloped. If you’re looking for a picturesque sandy beach to relax on that’s surrounded

by Mediterranean azure blue waters, then look no further than Ramla Bay.

ST PETER’S POOL, located in the Southwest of Malta, is one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools on the Maltese Islands. The crystal-clear waters and lighting offers fantastic opportunities for snorkelers. If you want to escape the tourist trail this is the perfect opportunity to take a swim in a tranquil location.

GHAJN TUFFIEHA BAY is the second sandy beach in a chain of beaches together with Golden Bay and Gnejna Bay. The beach is remote and ideal if you want to escape the crowds to truly relax with picturesque views. The rugged coastline and the hillside behind the beach offers a natural and untouched atmosphere.

MELLIEHA BAY is Malta’s longest sandy beach stretching across 800m, making it one of the most popular beaches with holiday makers. The beach slopes gently into ankle deep crystal clear water for approximately 50-metres, making it a perfect beach for families with younger children.

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04 01 Ramla Bay 02 St Peter’s Pool

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03 Ghajn Tuffieha Bay 04 Mellieha Bay

A BLEND OF CULTURES The flavour of Maltese cuisine is the result of a 7,000-year relationship with the many civilisations who have occupied the Maltese Islands. A tantalising melting-pot of cultures including the Sicilians, Romans, Spanish and French have influenced the unique blend of Maltese cooking.

FRESH SEAFOOD Lying virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, it was inevitable that seafood would become a staple of the Maltese diet. The year-round warm climate allows visitors to experience alfresco dining on an array seafood caught that day including fresh tuna, swordfish, prawns, lobster, calamari, octopus and lampuki.

flare has influenced a number of mouth-watering food experiences for visitors. Malta is regarded as the land of honey and travellers can explore apiaries to understand the honey-making journey. Travel to Gozo and learn how to make Ġbejna; a delicious creamy cheese made using a combination of goat and sheep milk. A trip to Malta wouldn’t be complete without tasting Maltese olive oil; visit an olive farm to learn how it’s made.

The Xwejni Salt Pans in Zebbug, Gozo harvests salt during the summer months and is open for visitors to explore. Despite the generational gap, the harvesters of Xwejni have relied on the most traditional means possible to produce salt of such high calibre.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE Visitors can enjoy local specialities including Pastizzi, a delicious savoury filo pastry filled with either rich ricotta cheese or mushy peas; Malta’s national dish Fenek, rabbit stew; Kunserva, concentrated tomato paste; Imqaret, sweet pastry packages filled with dates and spices; Ftira, Maltese bread; Maltese sausage and Gozitan cheeselet.

WINE EXCLUSIVE TO MALTA Malta is gaining international attention as an emerging wine region. Despite the islands’ small size there’s a broad selection of white, red and rosé wines to choose from. The Maltese Islands don’t produce enough wine to export so it’s a must to have a glass of wine whilst you are on the islands; the delicious taste will draw you back to Malta time and time again.

FOODIE EXPERIENCES The dynamic contemporary gastronomic culture that blends international cuisine with home-grown

Follow the Maltese gastro trail by downloading our gastronomy map from www.maltauk.com.

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GASTRONOMY GUIDE

L AND BASED ACTIVITIES

The Maltese Islands have an array of minor roads, country footpaths and off-road trails to explore magnificent valleys, scenic routes and distinct topography. Discover over 7,000 years of history via quad bike, segway or bicycle and explore megalithic temples and medieval cities. Take in the breath-taking scenery and go off-road to realise rugged countryside, spectacular cliffs, jagged coastline and hidden inland valleys.

Choose to explore the Maltese Islands on horseback to experience the unspoilt peaceful countryside and pituresque views at your own pace. End your day horse riding at Golden Bay, watching the sun set on the azure-blue Mediterannean-Sea.

The Maltese Islands are a climber’s paradise; there are over 1,300 excellent climbing routes in Malta, Gozo and Comino. The rocky terrain and sheer cliffs that characterise much of the Maltese archipelago are ideal for practicing this adventure sport. Traditional climbing, sport climbing, bouldering, deep water soloing, sea level traversing and abseiling are just a few of the climbing styles practiced here.

The summer months are hot but there are north facing crags and caves allowing climbers to climb in the cooler shade. In the winter months the weather is mostly dry and sunny, making it perfect for south facing crags to bask in the warm but pleasant winter sun.

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Picturesque coves and caves enable snorkelers to explore the ocean’s surface. Witness natural magical light-shows in the transparent azure-coloured waters. Be on the lookout for marine life including jellyfish, octopus, parrotfish and the blue damselfish.

If you prefer to relax and take in the picturesque scenery, charter a yacht or a sail boat to explore the islands as you wish.

The enticing Mediterranean Sea - boasting warm water and excellent visibility all year round - calls to scuba-divers.

The Maltese Islands consistently rank as one of the top three in the ‘Best Diving Destination in the World’ category at the Diver Magazine Awards, offering an array of unique dive experiences with an abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks to explore.

The Islands also offer a breadth of dive sites for all levels. Our top picks: the P29 shipwreck; a former minesweeper and patrol boat, the Santa Maria Caves; fascinating cave systems at the north of Comino and the Blue Hole; one of the most popular dive sites in Gozo.

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WAT E R B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

The Mediterranean islands boast an abundance of waterbased activities for adventure seekers. There are plenty of idyllic bays to encourage windsurfing, kayaking, paragliding and kite surfing away from the tourist trail; perfect for visitors who want to reconnect with nature.

GOZO

Stunning bays hug the sparkling crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, topographical cliffs rise from the gentle sea, and beautiful sandy beaches open up the landscape to untouched countryside dotted with villages, majestic churches, farmsteads and the oldest known human structures in the world.

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WHY VISIT GOZO? Charming Gozo offers visitors a slow-paced lifestyle with the chance to discover natural caves, world-class diving, rock climbing and picturesque walking routes boasting wildflowers and wildlife. Visitors can immerse themselves in spectacular natural beauty, Mediterranean cuisine and colourful feasts and festivals throughout the year.

CARNIVAL WEEK Carnival Week is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant events in the Gozitan calendar. An exciting seven days made up of processions, partying,

performances and elaborate costumes dominates Gozo for a week in February each year.

VILLAGE FESTAS Experience a village festa; a highlight when visiting Gozo.

Held between the last weekend in May and mid-September; each village holds an annual feast dedicated to its Patron Saint.

Villages are decorated with lights and bunting, bands march through the streets and fireworks light up the skies as crowds enjoy traditional cuisine from street stalls. Visitors are always welcome to join a festa and it is a great way to get a real taste of local life.

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GASTRONOMY Enjoy Gozitan food that reflects the island’s vibrant history; marauders, invaders, conquerors, North Africans, Turkish and the Italians have influenced its rich taste. The most popular Gozitan food is sheep or goats’ milk cheese known as Ġbejna and ftira; a typical Gozitan pizza.

DWEJRA Dwejra is great for scuba-divers who can explore The Blue Hole, Inland Sea and Tunnel and the Azure Reef. The fallen Azure Window calls to be discovered by divers; the impressive site boasts canyons and narrow passages.

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WHY VISIT COMINO? Comino - the smallest of the Maltese Islands measuring only 3.5 square kilometres - can be explored easily in a day-trip. Take a 20-minute boat ride from Malta to Comino or a shorter 10-minute boat ride from Gozo. The serene environment of Comino appeals to nature enthusiasts and holidaygoers in search of escape.

BLUE LAGOON The Blue Lagoon is one of the most picturesque locations on the Maltese archipelago. The small

cove between the western end of the island and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto, boasts turquoise shallow waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and exploring by boat.

BEACHES AND BAYS Comino’s rocky coastline offers beaches, bays and caves perfect for relaxing and basking in the Maltese sun. San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay offer a tranquil and quiet backdrop for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.

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FLORA AND FAUNA Garrigue, low-growing vegetation on the limestone hills of the Mediterranean Coast, supports an array of plants and shrubs. The flora attracts wild rabbits, reptiles and a variety of butterflies.

The Maltese Wall Lizard, Mediterranean Chameleon, Moorish Gecko, Ocellated Skink and Western Black Whip Snake can all be found soaking up the Maltese sun. Be enchanted by an abundance of delicate butterflies including the Swallowtail, Large White and Painted Lady.

PARTY ALL-NIGHT, SUNBATHE ALL-DAY Malta has become a popular destination for the clubbing and festival scene; allowing travellers to party all night and spend the following day relaxing on picturesque beaches in the warm Maltese sun.

As lounging on the beach isn’t for everyone an abundance of adventure activities are also on offer including scuba-diving, snorkelling, mountain biking and rock-climbing.

Boasting a vast array of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and wine bars throughout the island; Malta is the perfect destination for young adults. Holiday-goers can party until dawn in Paceville – located in St.Julians – where the club and bar scene is thriving, and enjoy an abundance of bars, restaurants and wine bars in Birgu, Mdina, Valletta and Sliema.

Malta attracts a number of music festivals to its

shores each year featuring high profile acts. With accommodation and flight packages to suit all budgets, music enthusiasts have every reason to check out this Mediterranean hotspot.

ANNIE MAC’S LOST AND FOUND Annie Mac’s Lost and Found festival returns to Malta each spring with a huge line-up of DJ’s in fantastical locations. It’s not every day you can say you’ve been to a rave in an ancient castle, set sail on the Mediterranean Sea for a boat party and partied next to picturesque pool sides until dawn.

ISLE OF MTV The annual Isle of MTV is a free music festival that returns every year to il-Fosos Square in Floriana towards the end of June, welcoming an audience of approximately 50,000. The Isle of MTV Malta is

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AND REPEAT... unique in offering young people across Europe an exclusive opportunity to experience a world class line-up of artists for free.

both local and international roots, electro-swing and more conventional house and techno artists.

GLITCH FESTIVAL Soak up the summer sunshine on the Maltese Islands listening to house, disco, techno, acid house and electro music which will take you through the night.

Glitch Festival brings industry favourites to multiple stages each year.

EARTH GARDEN Earth Garden is an art, music and culture festival calling to the free spirit in everyone. Presenting a number of stages, a musical playground, food court, enchanted forest, ethnic market, jamming area and fun park; the festival appeals to friends, families, couples and the individual. The festival showcases

ROCK THE SOUTH Rock the South is an alternative music festival in Malta that has become a staple in the local music scene. Listen to an abundance of genres including rock, punk, indie, folk and hip-hop surrounded by a community of music enthusiasts. Enjoy local Maltese and international talent throughout the eclectic festival.

See www.maltauk.com for details on all the music festivals hosted on the Maltese Islands.

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HOW TO SPEND 24-HRS IN

MALTA’S CAPITAL VALLET TA MORNING Pass through CITY GATE; the door to the city of Valletta. The impressive gate marks the beginning of Republic Street and was designed by architect Renzo Piano.

Wander through the streets of Valletta and marvel at the NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING and the ROYAL OPERA HOUSE also designed by the Italian architect during the City Gate Project.

The exterior of the contemporary New Parliament Building resembles the limestone that the Maltese Islands are recognised for; the holes in the structure replicate the erosion of limestone over time. The ruins of the Royal Opera House have also been converted into an open-air theatre for all to enjoy.

Visit the UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS; a beautiful public garden in Valletta dating back to 1661 when it was a private garden of the Italian Knights. Today, the garden offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. Visit the LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS and marvel at the BELL TOWER to view the entrance of the Grand Harbour.

AFTERNOON Enjoy lunch at ST JOHN’S SQUARE and try traditional Maltese pastizzi; a delicious savoury filo pastry pasty filled with either rich ricotta cheese or mushy peas.

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Visit the impeccable ST JOHN’S COCATHEDRAL. The stunning interior, elaborately adorned in gold is widely considered to be the best example of Baroque style anywhere in Europe. The magnificent Cathedral is also home to the only signed work and largest painting by Caravaggio; The Beheading of St John the Baptist.

Explore CASA ROCCA PICCOLA, the home of the aristocratic de Piro family.

The 16th century palace provides an exclusive insight into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years. You will also see a network of tunnels which were used as Bomb Shelters in World War Two. EVENING After exploring the smallest capital city in Europe, it’s time for another traditional Maltese meal. Why not try Malta’s national dish Fenek; rabbit stew? Or delicious ravioli packages filled with cheese made from sheep’s milk?

Visit BRIDGE BAR for an unforgettable night drinking Maltese wine whilst listening to live jazz music on the steps of the ancient capital city. Alternatively, visit pubs and bars on EAST STREET or STRAIGHT STREET to see more of Valletta’s eclectic nightlife.

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MALTA’S TOP NATIONAL MUSEUMS & SITES: - National Museum of Archaeology - Fort St Elmo - The Inquisitor’s Palace - St. Paul’s Catacombs - Fort St Angelo - Tarxien Temples - Malta Maritime Museum Heritage Malta is the national agency for museums, conservation and cultural heritage. Visit heritagemalta. org to find out more.

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There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites found on the Maltese Islands; the Megalithic Temples, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the City of Valletta.

MEGALITHIC TEMPLES The Megalithic Temples of Malta (Ġgantija, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba, Ta’ Ħaġrat and Tarxien) rank amongst the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world, constructed between 3600 BC and 700 BC. The two temples of Ġgantija on the island of Gozo are notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures. The Ġgantija Temples were created 1,000 years before the famous Egyptian pyramids of Giza.

Each monument is a unique architectural masterpiece and a witness to an exceptional prehistoric culture renowned for its remarkable architectural, artistic and technological achievements. ĦAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, discovered in 1902, is found in the town of Paola located in Valletta.

The prehistoric monument, in use from 4000 BC to 2500 BC, was previously a sanctuary as well as an underground cemetery which originally contained the remains of 7,000 individuals. The ‘labyrinth’, as it’s often referred to, is made up of three floors consisting of a series of elliptical chambers.

Access to the historical site is limited to ten people per tour, there are six tours per day and just two of these are bookable on the day. It’s recommended to book tickets at least a month in advance online to

ensure you visit this incredible site whilst exploring the Maltese Islands.

CITY OF VALLETTA Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a fortified Renaissance city located on a hilly peninsula between two of the finest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; the Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour.

The Knights of St. John conceived and planned the city using a uniform grid plan within fortified and bastioned walls.

Valletta is home to over 320 historical monuments including St John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster Palace, Manoel Theatre and Fort St Elmo, all within an area of 80 ha; making it the most concentrated historic city in Europe. The city, abundantly rich in stunning architecture, boasts enchanting gardens including the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Hastings Gardens and the Lower Barrakka Gardens.

RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGES St. Paul brought the Christian faith to Malta in 60 AD; the Maltese are among the oldest Christian civilisations in the world. There are over 360 churches, chapels and cathedrals throughout Malta, making the islands ideal for religious pilgrimages.

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I D O. . .

The Maltese Islands are alive with colours, sounds and flavours providing a memorable Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for weddings, honeymoons and even hen and stag trips.

The serene archipelago presents a stunning array of wedding and honeymoon backdrops; gentle sapphire waves kiss beautiful bays and beaches, elegant winding streets lead to impressive Baroque structures and the flora and fauna bask in the warm Maltese sun.

The architecture found on the islands is exceptional. There are more than 360 churches dotted across the island, ranging from small humble chapels to vast ornate cathedrals adorned in gold, stone sculptures and Renaissance artworks.

The Maltese Islands offer church weddings, civil weddings and same sex marriage in a variety of locations whether that be saying ‘I do’ on the beach, in a historic venue or a religious structure. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Maltese Islands are a perfect wedding destination year-round.

Heritage Malta offers couples the chance to get married in a range of stunning historical sites including Fort St Angelo, Hagar Qim Mnajdra Temples and Inquisitor’s Palace. Visit heritagemalta.org to find out more.

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M A LTA W E L C O M E S L G B T I Q

The warm Maltese welcome extends to LGBTIQ visitors to Malta, Gozo and Comino. The ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, reflecting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in Europe, has voted Malta the most LGBTIQ friendly destination for a number of years.

Same-sex marriage is legal meaning couples can also choose to get married on the Maltese Islands.

Malta Pride Week takes place at the end of the summer each year and is widely commemorated. With the participation of thousands of marchers, eye-catching floats and incredible street performers, Malta Pride week sends out a message of empowerment to the community and celebrates love, life and diversity.

The Michelangelo Club Lounge is located in the heart of Malta’s nightlife in Paceville, St. Julians. The venue regularly hosts themed events that will keep visitors dancing until the early hours of the morning. Rubies Bar is found in San Gwann and is known for its fun vibe boasting karaoke, a pool table and chart music for the lesbian community. The LGBTIQ community can also enjoy a cabaret show at the gay-friendly Birdcage Lounge.

Browse www.malta.uk.com for more information.

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To learn more visit www.maltauk.com for further information and travel offers