Touring Malta
Over the last 7000 years, the islands of Malta (Malta, Comino and Gozo) have been ruled, invaded and influenced by (among others) the Christians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, Normans and the Knights of Malta. This colourful history has created a unique blend of art, architecture, cuisine, language and way of life which captivates visitors.
Groups very often stay in the pleasant resorts of Bugibba and Qawra close to St Paul’s Bay. We can offer selection of 3 and 4 star hotels close to the sea, which have swimming pools. Although there are some sandy beaches on the island, the area is rocky with some designated safe areas for bathing in the sea from the rocks. The resort offers plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops and is well located for touring the main sights on the island.
Visiting Gozo and Comino
Only 5 km and approximately 25 minutes from Malta by boat is the smaller island of Gozo. Here you will find a rural paradise where the locals (Gozitans) are known for their friendliness. The main town on the island, Victoria has a citadel, bustling markets, shops and bars and frequently hosts horse racing events and fiestas. However, the rest of the island is known for its tranquillity and stunning coastal scenery. There are various ancient sites on Gozo, the most fascinating of which is Ggantija, which is the oldest freestanding temple in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way to Gozo, you may be able to stop on the shores of the tiny island of Comino and enjoy swimming in the crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Visiting Valetta
Valletta, Malta’s capital and a World Heritage site, is nothing short of an open-air museum. It is a living experience of Baroque architecture, legacy of the Knights of St John who were there nearly five centuries ago. It also boasts one of the most attractive and interesting harbours in the Mediterranean. Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government.
Dotted with quaint cafés and wine bars, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions. Visit the decorated Baroque St John’s Co-Cathedral, which hosts Caravaggio’s painting “The Beheading of St John”; and the Gardens of Upper Barrakka from where you will have a spectacular view over the Grand Harbour. For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts is worth a visit.
Visiting M'Dina and Rabat
Mdina (which was known as Melita to the Romans) was renamed M’dina by the invading Saracens. This simply means “town” and as at the time it was the only town on the island, this did not cause any confusion! As Valetta developed as the new capital, M’dina became known as “The Silent City” and became a quiet haven for Maltese nobles. The walled city has wonderful curved streets, (said to be designed to stop arrows) and a magnificent 11th century cathedral which dominates the skyline and houses many treasures, including paintings by Pretti. From the Carmelite Church and Bastion Square, you can see far into the Maltese countryside.
M’dina’s suburb Rabat has a history dating back to the Romans, a glimpse of which can be seen in the Roman Villa which has a magnificent mosaic floor. It is also said to be the centre of Christianity in Malta, as underneath St Paul’s Church you will find the grotto where St Paul stayed for three months after being shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD. Since then Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians have flourished here in monasteries. The town extends all the way to the Dingli Cliffs, one of Malta’s geographical highlights.
Concert venues in the Maltese Islands
- Outdoor Venues:
- St Paul’s Bay Beach Club, Bay Square (Bugibba)
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- St Paul’s Parish Church (Rabat), St Nicholas Church (Siggiewi), St George’s Basilica (Victoria), St Paul’s Cathedral (Citadel, Gozo)
- Other Indoor Venues:
- Baystreet Family Centre (Rabat), Rabat Band Club, Marsa Band Club
