Malta, Gozo, Comino Brochure 2011/2012

Image: Blue Grotto - Ĺťurrieq - Malta

Main Image: The Valletta Waterfront

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he Maltese Islands made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino lie at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea just 93 km South of Sicily.

This strategic geographical position has translated itself into 7,000 years of a very rich and colourful history. Most of the world’s greatest civilisations that shaped world history have passed through or settled on the Islands for a spell, and the country’s culture and heritage bear witness to this in every way. The native language, which is Maltese, is of Semitic origin, whilst the grammar stems from Latin and Italian and English words are laced through it. Even the people reflect this melting pot of cultures in the myriad of complexions to be seen. The Maltese Islands boast one of the highest concentrations of historic and cultural heritage per km2 in the world. Luckily the Islands are compact enough to offer the convenience of everything being within easy reach enabling you to make the most of your stay.

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History & Culture

Main image: St. John’s Co-Cathedral Valletta

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000 years of history are quite literally etched in stone, from the ancient Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, to the unique underground temple and burial grounds of the Hypogeum.

In addition, the many beautiful architectural monuments; the legacy of various schools of architecture bear witness to this, examples of these gems may be seen in the old village cores and in the form of palaces and churches around the islands. St John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s monuments. This legacy left behind by the Knights of St John, is home to two of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings. The old capital city of Mdina and the ‘new’ capital Valletta are two of the ‘must-sees’ in what is a veritable open air showcase of living history!

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or their size the Maltese Islands have more shore and boat dive sites within its small radius than any other island or resort. With their natural harbours and bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs and reefs, the islands invite you to explore an underwater world of diving sites, a stone’s throw away from one another. One can dive in clear waters all year round, with an annual average sea temperature of 18˚C and a visibility of 30m.

Malta attracts thousands of divers per annum, who come to dive in one of the world’s best diving locations. Above water one may snorkel lazily with impressive visibility; whilst sailing, abseiling, rock climbing, cycling or trekking are also an option, even in winter due to a temperate climate. This weather encourages outdoor sports and the use of the various outdoor facilities, so much so that the island is becoming increasingly popular for training camps and international events covering various sports disciplines. You can spend your stay pretty much outdoors bathed in almost all year round sunshine or swimming in the clearest blue Mediterranean Sea!

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Diving, Sports & Activity

Main image: Rolex Middle Sea Race at The Grand Harbour (Kurt Arrigo)

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Events & Entertainment

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he Maltese Islands may not only have a rich and chequered history, but are also renowned for being a fun and cosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets, one is spoilt for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only for the quality and freshness of the food, but for the locations of some of the restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops.

Religious feasts in Malta and Gozo are colourful events mixing both the religious with the secular, to offer the visitor a unique atmosphere to sample a taste of Malta. The islands are not short of entertainment either, with an events calendar jam-packed with activities for people of all ages and with all kinds of preferences; concerts like the Isle of MTV Malta Special, theatrical and musical performances, sporting events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a myriad of exhibitions, to mention a few, are on all year round.

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Main image: Isle Of MTV Malta Special concert Floriana Granaries

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Gozo

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Main image: Mġarr Harbour GOZO

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ome may say that the island of Gozo is Malta’s prettier little sister, as it is greener and more rural than Malta.

Just a 25 minute ferry crossing from Malta or 15 minutes by seaplane, the pace of life feels slower and though smaller, Gozo possesses an equally impressive array of historical sites, culture and things to do. The world’s oldest standing structures are to be found here. The World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples, the oldest standing prehistoric structure on earth dating back over 6,000 years make essential viewing and no visit would be complete without a walk to the fabled Calypso’s cave. Gozo is also favoured by rock climbers and ramblers, as its landscape offers great challenges and lovely views along the way. The sea and diving sites are none the less impressive too. And if you are a ‘foodie’, the local produce is divine. In addition, just a stone’s throw away is tiny Comino, with the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon and its own share of diving sites and bays to enjoy.

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alta and Gozo boast of some very special venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. With a number of Quality Assured Destination Management Companies (DMCs) clients can rest assured that programmes for conferences and incentive groups are individually tailored, in order to meet event objectives. Malta’s offer includes a nation gifted with a knack for languages, people with creative flair and a solid track record in hosting conference and incentive groups.

Indoor and outdoor venues range from the ultra-modern to the historic; however both are fitted with state-of-the-art facilities. In terms of outdoor locations, one can float a barge in the amazing Grand Harbour or host a gala dinner in a local quaint piazza, with centuries-old historic buildings as a backdrop. The Islands’ suppliers are experienced in organising events which range for anything from a couple of hundred people to thousands of delegates. The Islands can offer a great event and the warmest Mediterranean hospitality possible.

Malta: business and more‌ tailored for you!

Main image: Oriflame Conference Floriana Granaries

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Conferences & Incentive

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Learning English

Main image: Students at Victoria Gate Valletta

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alta has a long standing connection with the United Kingdom, having been a colony for almost 200 years, and still a member of the Commonwealth. English is Malta’s second national language alongside endemic Maltese.

This legacy has led to a population which as a majority speaks and understands English, making Malta an ideal venue to immerse oneself in the language. With some 40 language schools in Malta and Gozo the choice of where to learn is ample and the diversity of courses on offer for both youths and adults is extensive; a variety of specialized courses for business, hospitality and such are available. What better way to learn a language than to be able to relax whilst doing it? Whether simply enjoying time out and about, watching a film, eating out or just shopping, one can practice their language skills in a very natural and practical manner.

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nd if not already convinced of Malta and Gozo’s diverse product offer, the islands’ are also sought after for weddings. Numerous indoor and outdoor venues are available, together with excellent catering choices to satisfy all tastes. In addition tens of thousands of cruise liner passengers get a taste of Malta when arriving in the Mediterranean’s favoured port of call, the spectacular Grand Harbour. Many return to visit Malta and experience the Islands for longer. Whatever the reason you choose to visit Malta, rest assured a warm Mediterranean welcome awaits you. But don’t just take our word for it!

Main image: Cruise Liner entering The Grand Harbour in front of the Siege Bell Memorial

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San Dimitri Point

Azure Window Inland Sea

Dwejra Tower Fungus Rock Dwejra Bay

Wardija Point

Ta’ Pinu Basilica

Xwejni Bay Qbajjar Bay Marsalforn Bay

SANNAT

Gozo General Hospital

Ta’ Kola Windmill

Calypso’s Cave

Ramla Bay San Blas Bay

MĠARR

(HARBOUR)

Qala Windmill

Daħlet Qorrot Bay

QALA

Blue Lagoon

COMINO Santa Marija Battery

Qala Point

Santa Marija Bay

Santa Marija Tower

Mistra Bay

St. Paul’s Islands

o Fe Goz rry Line

Shooting Range

BIDNIJA

s Line

QAWRA

Għallis Rocks

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

Qrejten Point Qalet Marku

SWIEQI

PACEVILLE

PEMBROKE

Madliena Tower

Splash ‘n’ Fun Park Mediterraneo s Line

Madliena Battery

oria Vict

Dragonara Point

SLIEMA

Bay Street Complex Balluta St James Capua Bay

ST. JULIANS

SAN ĠWANN

i

i

N

MALTA

ŻABBAR

Fort St. Leonard

XGĦAJRA

Ricasoli

Fort St.Rocco

Wied Għammieq

Ricasoli Point

VALLETTA

Fort Rinella

COSPICUA

Żabbar Gate

Bulebel

Żonqor Point

Marsascala Bay

Il-Munxar

St. Thomas Bay

MARSASCALA

Razzett tal-Ħbiberija TA AL M TE

LA

Xrobb L-Għaġin

RN IO AT NA

Peter’s Pool

IN

IR

RT

PO

Delimara Point

Fort Delimara

Tas-Silġ

MARSAXLOKK

Bengħisa Point

Fort St. Lucian

Malta Freeport

Pretty Bay

ŻEJTUN

St.James

Maritime Museum

KALKARA VITTORIOSA

Grand Harbour

SENGLEA

Kordin

FGURA

Tarxien Temples

TARXIEN

Hypogeum

PAOLA

Għar Dalam

Hasan’s Cave

Borġ In-Nadur

BIRŻEBBUĠA

GĦAXAQ

SANTA LUCIJA

GUDJA

Wied Iż-Żnuber

Ħal-Far Playmobil Funpark

Tal-Bakkari

SAFI

Main Bus Terminus City Gate

Fort Dragut Point GŻIRA Sliema Ferry Sliema Creek Manoel Marsamxett St. Elmo Point Island Harbour

TA’XBIEX

Horse Race Track

LUQA

Arrivals i Lounge

Marsa Sports Grounds

KIRKOP

ŻURRIEQ Wardija Tower

Waterfront

FLORIANA

MSIDA

ĦAMRUN

St. Philip

Mater Dei Hospital

Mrieħel

QORMI

Ħandaq

MARSA

SANTA VENERA

BIRKIRKARA

Swatar

IKLIN

BALZAN

Kaptan Tower

Palazzo Parisio

NAXXAR

LIJA

San Anton Palace and Gardens

ATTARD

SIĠĠIEWI

MQABBA

St. George’s Bay

Mediterranean Sea

Qawra Point

Crafts Village

GĦARGĦUR

Għallis Tower

Qawra Tower Salina Bay

s Line Fort Mosta

Buġibba Temple

BUĠIBBA

oria Vict

MOSTA

Buskett Gardens

Laferla Cross

ŻEBBUĠ

Aviation Museum

National Park

TA’ QALI

National Stadium

Mosta Dome

BURMARRAD

Wignacourt Tower

ST. PAUL’S BAY

Għajn Ħadid Tower

Imġiebaħ Bay

XEMXIJA

ŻEBBIEGĦ

oria Vict

Verdala Palace

St. Paul’s Catacombs/Grotte St. Agatha’s Catacombs

Domus MDINA Romana

MTARFA

RABAT

Chadwick Lakes

Skorba

Simar Nature Reserve

Miżieb

White Tower

Aħrax Point

Armier Bay

White Tower Bay

Ferretti Battery

Mellieħa Bay

Westreme Battery

MĠARR

Fort Binġemma Nadur Tower

Victoria Lines

Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples

Roman Baths

MANIKATA

MELLIEĦA

Wied Musa Battery

Għadira Nature Reserve

Red Tower

Anchor Bay

Popeye’s Village

Paradise Bay

ĊIRKEWWA

San Niklaw Bay

Ħondoq Ir-Rummien

Qala Battery

GOZO NADUR

Fort Chambray

GĦAJNSIELEM

Kenura Tower

Ġgantija Temples Sports Ground

Mġarr Ix-Xini

Heliport

XEWKIJA

XAGĦRA

Ninu’s Cave

MARSALFORN

Salt Pans

Tiġrija

ŻEBBUĠ

(RABAT)

VICTORIA

i Palazz

Ċittadella

Gordan Lighthouse

GĦASRI

GĦARB SAN LAWRENZ KERĊEM FONTANA

MUNXAR

XLENDI Xlendi Bay

Ta’ Ċenċ

Mediterranean Sea

BAĦRIJA

Lippija Tower

Golden Bay

Ġnejna Bay

Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay

Mtaħleb

DINGLI

Il-Fawwara

Inquisitor’s Palace Clapham Junction Girgenti Palace Għar il-kbir Wardija Ta’ San Ġorġ

QRENDI Mnajdra Ħaġar Qim Il-Misqa Tal-Ħamrija Għar Lapsi Tower Ta’Xutu Tower Ras Il-Ħamrija Wied Iż-Żurrieq Blue Grotto Ras Bajjada

FILFLA

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Useful Websites: • • • • •

Malta Tourism Authority: Weather report: Public Transport Police Force: Public Hospital:

www.visitmalta.com www.maltairport.com/weather www.arriva.com.mt www.pulizija.gov.mt www.sahha.gov.mt

Tourist Information Offices: •

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Malta International Airport - Arrivals Lounge TEL: (+356) 2369 6073/4 Valletta - 229, Auberge D’Italie, Merchants Street TEL: (+356) 22915 440 - 2 Mdina - Torre Dello Standardo, St. Publius Square TEL: (+356) 2145 4480 Mellieħa - Misraħ iż-Żjara tal- Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - 26 ta’ Mejju 1990 TEL: (+356) 2152 4666 Valletta Waterfront (Viset), Pinto Wharf TEL: (+356) 2122 0633 Victoria GOZO - No 17, Independence Square, Victoria Gozo

TEL: (+356) 22915452 - 3 Customer Enquires - info@visitmalta.com FREEPHONE - (+356) 8007 2230

Overseas Network • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Austria Benelux Czech Republic France Germany Hungary Italy Japan Poland Russia Spain Nordic Countries Switzerland United Kingdom U.A.E.

wien@urlaubmalta.com info@malta.be czech@urlaubmalta.com info@visitmalte.com info@urlaubmalta.com info@visitmalta.hu info@visitmalta.it info@mtajapan.com poland@urlaubmalta.com info@malta.ru maltaembassy.madrid@gov.mt info@visitmalta.com switzerland@urlaubmalta.com office.uk@visitmalta.com dubai.office@maltaenterprise.com

Cover image by: MTA / Mario Galea - Design by: MTA / Mario Galea Other photography by: Clive Vella, Daniel Cilia, George Gatt, Karin Brussaard, Kurt Arrigo, Mario Galea, Oriflame Conference, Peter Vanicsek, Raymond Attard, Rene Rossignaud & Ted Attard.

Published by The Malta Tourism Authority

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Image: Gozo By Night - Rabat Victoria

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