The similar cuisine to Malta also makes Sicily another popular tourist destination for the Maltese who will feel at home with the generous seafood dishes on offer.

Sicily is a magical country and is full of unexplored surprises which are only unlocked by regular visits. I recently went to Trapani; a bustling port steeped in history off the Northwest coast (just 25 miles from Palermo) and was pleasantly surprised by the lovely architecture and things to do. You can take a cable car to the fascinating mountaintop village of Erice or go by ferry to the Egadi Islands with Favignana a lovely little spot almost untouched by man with quaint little streets and lovely old jaunts dotting the few streets and alleyways.

The ferry trip to Sicily is comfortable and quite stress free providing all modern amenities and comforts. Stopping in Ragusa is also a lovely experience where one can visit a number of historic sites such as caves hewn into rock and some lovely gardens and churches. For the more adventure minded, Virtu Ferries offer the possibility of taking your car on the ferry for an extra charge and it is then possible to drive all the way over Europe via the boot. Linking between Malta and Sicily has never been easier and all this is emphasized by the growing number of Maltese citizens who are purchasing property in Sicily.

Basic facts:

• Distance between Sicily and Malta – 60 miles;
• Price of one way ferry ticket – €36 approx (varies according to season);
• Cities to visit in Sicily – Palermo, Catania, Ragusa, Taormina, Trapani and Messina.

Gozo is around a quarter of the size of Malta with picturesque villages scattered over hilltops across the island, and the land is greener and more fertile than that found in Malta. There are two popular seaside resorts – Marsalforn and Xlendi – where you can find a number of restaurants and hotels.

However some choose to shy away from the bustle of holiday resorts and rent a house of character or farmhouse in one of the inland villages such as Xaghra, Sannat, Qala or Gharb.

Getting from Malta to Gozo is straightforward via one of the three Gozo Channel Line car and foot passenger ferries: The Malita, The Ta’ Pinu and The Gaudos. All 3 have a cafeteria and a newsagent; the Malita has a double hoistable car deck, so can accommodate more cars than the others. As of the end of April 2010, the ticket offices transferred to the new terminal at Mgarr, Gozo, so if you’re travelling from Malta, you only pay your fare when you make the return journey back to Malta.

In Malta, the ferry terminal is at Cirkewwa, right on the northwest tip of Malta. You can get to Cirkewwa by car via Mellieha and the route is clearly signposted “Gozo” from all over Malta. From Bugibba/Qawra the drive takes approximately 15 minutes, and around half an hour from Sliema/St. Julian’s. If you don’t want to take your car across to Gozo, there is ample parking at the ferry terminal. Cirkewwa is served by a number of buses, no 44 and 45 go to and from the bus terminus at Valletta via Mosta (the Cirkewwa-Valletta trip takes approximately 50-60 minutes); bus no 645 goes to Sliema via Paceville/St. Julian’s and takes around 45 minutes.

The journey by ferry takes approximately 25 minutes, and sails past the small island of Comino with views of the Santa Marija Tower, which featured in the movie, “The Count of Montecristo”.

Standard fares are €4.65 for a foot passenger, and €15.70 for a car and driver (passengers in the car pay foot passenger rates).

Timetables vary depending on the time of year, with regular crossings every hour or so during the daytime. For ferry times, contact Gozo Channel Line on 2210 9000.

The Turkish Fleet saw landfall at Malta on 18th May, but didn’t immediately disembark, sailing around the southern coastline before anchoring at Marsaxlokk. Intelligence that had filtered back to Malta over preceding weeks suggested that Turgut Reis’ forces were planning an attack, which will be remembered as The Great Siege of Malta. In preparation, Grand Master Jean de la Valette commanded that all crops should be harvested immediately, and water supplies contaminated with the carcasses of dead animals and poisonous plants.

Landing at the large natural harbour of Marsaxlokk, south of The Knight’s strongholds around The Grand Harbour, Turkish forces – reportedly numbering around 48,000 – quickly overran the Maltese population in the southern villages, and those villagers remaining retreated to the island’s fortifications. There were four main defensive fortresses in Malta, three around The Grand Harbour – Fort St Elmo, Fort St Angelo, and Fort St Michael, and the other at Mdina. The main seat of the Knights was at the fortified city of Birgu (Vittoriosa) with Fort St Angelo jutting out defensively at the head of the promontory.

In order to obtain an all-weather, sheltered haven for their fleet , on May 26th the invaders attacked Fort St Elmo which stood watch over the entrances to both Marsamxett and Grand harbours. St Elmo was the scene of many blood-thirsty battles and the Ottomans eventually succeeded in overpowering the fort, but at a great cost; over 8,000 Turkish troops lost their lives in the battle. Once St Elmo fell, the Turks turned their might on St Michael and Birgu but despite relentless attacks over the following months, the fortresses held. On 7th August, the Ottoman attackers almost managed to break through the defences , but were taken by surprise when a garrison from Mdina attacked them from behind. Once relief supplies and forces arrived in Malta in early September, the siege was over and the Turks turned tail and sailed away.

Reports after the siege suggest that there were up to 35,000 Ottoman casualties and 2,500 soldiers fighting for the Knights lost their lives. Up to 7,000 Maltese women and children died during the Great Siege of Malta, and 500 galley slaves were seriously wounded or killed.

This modern Malta airport is situated between Luqa and Gudja, 5 kms southwest of Malta’s capital city, Valletta, and the terminal was opened in 1992.

There was an older passenger terminal built in the period 1956-58 and that was in use from 1958 until the new terminal was opened; the old terminal is now used as the base for Air Malta cargo services. Historically, the British military forces based in Malta built several airfields for use during wartime, these were based at Hal Far, Ta’Qali, Safi and Luqa. These were severely bombed during WW2, so a new airport was built at Luqa to cater for the incresing numbers of passengers using airliners from the 1950′s onwards.

Air Malta is the national airline and its base is at the Malta International Airport, flying mainly European routes with a fleet of Airbus aircraft. With Malta being a popular holiday destination, many airlines fly to Malta, with more flights operated in the summer months. The budget carriers easyjet and Ryan Air operate flights on a year-round basis to Manchester, Gatwick, Luton, Dublin and others and new routes are being added in 2010 to Bornemouth, Liverpool, Leeds/Bradford, Rome and Milan. Other European airlines flying routes to Malta include Lufthansa, Alitalia, Vueling, Thomson, Thomas Cook and Jettime. Non-European routes include Dubai via Larnaca with Emirates, Tunis with Sevenair and Tripoli with Libyan Arab Airlines.

Facilities at the airport include a range of land and air side shops, cafes and bars. Landside, there is KFC, Burger King, Fat Harry’s pub, Samsonite, an Agenda newsagent and bookstore, a late-night pharmacy and a viewing gallery with a restaurant. Once passengers have gone through passport control and security, there is a large duty-free shop with a range of spirits, cigarettes and perfumes, a Hard-Rock cafe/bar, jewellery stores and designer outlets. There is also a cafe with a large outdoor terrace.

For passengers arriving in Malta, there is a duty-free shop in the arrivals hall, cash-machines and a bank/exchange bureau. Car-hire is available at the Airport, and the bus number 8 runs to Valletta every 20 minutes. Taxis are available to any destination in Malta or Gozo 24 hours a day.

In the early 16th Century, The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also more commonly known as The Knights of Malta, were ousted from their base in Rhodes and were seeking a new headquarters.

The Knights of Malta came to Malta in 1530 when Charles V of Spain and Sicily, gave them the islands of Malta and Gozo. The heraldry of Malta has been heavily influenced by the Knights, with their ensign being what’s now known as the Maltese Cross; a red, eight-pointed cross on a white background. Although not now incorporated into the official flag, this cross is an emblem of Malta and is recognised as such by many people throughout the world.

What is unique about the flag of Malta is the fact that it bears a decoration from another country. This decoration is the George Cross which was awarded to the nation of Malta by Britain’s King George VI in April 1942 in recognition of the bravery and fortitude of the Maltese during repeated bombings and blockades by Axis powers during WW2, when the entire population almost starved to death. The original letter and award can be seen at the war museum, Fort St. Elmo, Valletta.

The red and white Maltese flag was adopted as the official flag of Malta on 21st September 1964, when Malta gained independence from Britain.

If you’re searching for more Maltese flag pictures, click here to visit Google Images.

One popular activity on the evenings running up to Christmas is to walk around the locality, looking at the cribs (presepju) and decorations.

Many houses display a crib in a window which is lit up, some spectacularly, and some houses also have American-style decorations lit-up outside, with Father Christmas figures climbing over balconies. Villages – and their churches – are festooned with Christmas lights, and the capital, Valletta looks like something out of a fairytale. Valletta has late-night shopping until 9.00pm on each Saturday in the run-up to Christmas, so it’s possible to combine a shopping trip with a look at the Christmas decorations, and follow that with dinner at one of the restaurants.

It’s well worth visiting one of the many churches for the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, which includes the recital by an Altar Boy of the traditional Maltese il-Priedka and plenty of carol singing. Another Christmas tradition is the Procession of the Baby Jesus, which includes the village children dressed as biblical figures and is accompanied by the village band. This takes place usually on Christmas morning and was originally started by Maltese St. George Preca, who was canonised in 2006.

The hotels in the 3 main tourist areas (Mellieha, Bugibba/Qawra and Sliema/St. Julians) organise Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day lunches, and these are usually buffet-style and prove popular with Maltese too. Buses run every day throughout the Christmas period, but stop for a few hours on Christmas Day afternoon, enabling the drivers to eat lunch with their families. The Gozo Channel Ferry also operates on Christmas Day, with a slightly reduced service.

Shops are closed on Christmas Day, but usually reopen on the 26th, as Boxing Day isn’t a public holiday in Malta. Like the hotels, most bars and restaurants will be open over the festive period as are historical sites, museums and attractions (with the exception of Christmas Day).

If sandy beaches are your thing, the North of Malta will definitely suit you more as most of Malta’s sandy beaches are found in this area.

However a few sandy beaches can be found all over the island and rocky beaches are found all over. Listing below the most popular Malta beaches, including updated information for locals and tourists alike. I hope you find this Malta beach guide extremely useful.

Ghadira Bay

This is also known as Mellieha Bay for the foreigners who simply cannot pronounce that. Found in the far North of Malta Ghadira is the largest sandy beach in Malta and has recently been awarded the Blue Flag Award.

It’s divided into 3 adjacent beaches but one can easily go from one to the other. Various water sports equipment can also be rented from this beach. Remember that having barbeques on this beach is now prohibited.

Bus numbers

From Valletta: 44, 45, 50
From Sliema: 645
From Bugibba/Qawra: 48

Paradise Bay

Situated at the very North of Malta with crystal clear seas and beautiful surroundings as its name implies.

One major drawback of Paradise Bay is its small size. If you wish to find a place comfortably I would recommend you go early (9 o’clock or even earlier). If you go later finding a place on the sand may be quite difficult (especially since most of the sand is taken over by deckchairs).

The lido at this beach offers deckchairs at the top away from the sand, which offer more space however, you really must go early to find one available. Someone once told me that if you call the lido the day before you can reserve a deckchair on their private area. However I have never personally tried this so I am not quite sure whether this is true or not. But anyway just in case the Lido is called Paradise Bay Lido and their telephone number is 21575491.

Another good point of Paradise Bay is that during the summer months a net is put up around the swimming area to help with the problem of jellyfish.

Bus numbers

From Valletta: 45
From Sliema: 645
From Bugibba: 48

Note: You need to stop next to the Paradise Bay Hotel and walk up to the beach, which takes around 10 minutes so this is not an ideal location if you don’t drive and you carry a lot of things with you.

Armier Bay

Up the road from Ghadira beach this is one of my personal favourites for the simple reason that it is usually much quieter than other sandy beaches in the North of Malta (or at least most of the time it’s quieter). The sea is crystal clear, clean and refreshing with no warm patches if you know what I mean

Bus numbers

From Valletta: 50

Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera)

Located on the West side of Malta what makes this beach particularly beautiful is its unspoilt natural surroundings which in fact make it a popular spot throughout the year as one can enjoy long walks in the countryside overlooking the beach.

It is usually very clean and not too busy, which maybe has something to do with the never-ending amount of stairs one must endure to get there. This is definitely not a beach for the faint hearted. However if you’re not too lazy (and don’t suffer from any heart conditions) its SO worth it….

A restaurant is located on the beach (at the bottom of the stairs) and both deckchairs and umbrellas are available for rent.

At the top of the stairs you will see warning signs about the under-currents in this area. If the red flag is being flown DO NOT swim, as this can be very dangerous. If you have very young children, don’t feel completely comfortable in the water or don’t swim frequently be vigilant and stay close to the ropes provided in the sea.

Bus numbers

From Valletta: 47, 52
From Sliema: 652

Other Malta beaches worth visiting:

• Gnejna, Mgarr
• Golden Bay
• Little Armier
• Pretty Bay, Birzebbugia
• Selmun, St Paul’s Islands
• St Peter’s Pool, Delimara
• St Georges Bay, St Julians
• Xrobb l-Ghagin Bay, Delimara
• Wied iz-Zurrieq (Zurrieq Valley)

Gozo

• Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay
• Mgarr ix-Xini
• Qbajjar Bay
• Ramla Bay

Comino

• Blue Lagoon
• Santa Maria Bay

Feel free to add more information to this Malta beach guide below. You can mention more locations, add your own comments and reviews, or simply tell us what are your favourite beaches in Malta.

Located close to the village of Qrendi in the South of Malta, dating to the Ggantija period (3600 BC to 3200 BC) and built from the soft Globigerina limestone. It is particular as it consists of only one single temple, which is unseen in any other temples in Malta.

Its design is typical of Neolithic temples in Malta, with the layout being on a cloverleaf shape, consisting of four or five apses with a forecourt and a façade.

Opening hours: 09.00-17.00 daily
Last admission: 16.30
Closed: 24th December, 25th December, 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday
Telephone number: (+356) 21 424231
Admission fee: €5
Bus number: 38, 138 from Valletta

Ta’ Hagrat and Skorba temples

Both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and excavated in the 1920s and 1960s respectively, are found in the small agricultural village of Mgarr in the West of Malta.

The Ta’ Hagrat temples are among the ancient religious sites on earth. It consists of 2 temple remains, the larger dates to 3600-3200 BC and the smaller to 3300-3000 BC. The plentiful pottery found at this site suggests that these two temples were built on top of an earlier village.

Skorba consists of a typical three-apsed temple was built in 3600-3200 BC, replacing a village that had been inhabited since 5000-4300 BC. A second temple was added to the east in 3150-2500 BC, which was in a more ruinous state when found, but originally consisted of four apses and a central niche. In the field to the east there are two rooms dating back to 4400-4100 BC. The irregularity of the floors and the absence of hearths seem to preclude the site’s domestic use. The group of figurines found in the northern room suggest that the building had a religious function.

Opening hours: Tuesday: 11.30-13.00
Closed: 24th December, 25th December, 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday
Telephone number: (+356) 21 239545 & (+356) 21 586264 (Ta’ Hagrat Temples)

Please note that due to the small size and fragility of these sites, only 15 visitors may be admitted at a time.

Admission fees:
Adults (18 – 59 years): €5
Students & Senior Citizens: €3.50
Children (6 -11 years): €2.50
Children (under 5): Free
Bus number: 47 from Valletta

Mnajdra temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Is another Megalithic temple complex built during the Ggantija Phase. Mnajdra temples are located in the vicinity of Hagar Qim temples. Unlike Hagar Qim it was built from coralline limestone, which is much tougher than globigerina, which made it more resistant to weathering.

It was built using the similar cloverleaf layout as Hagar Qim but consists of three conjoined temples; the upper, middle and lower. The upper temple is the oldest one built during the Ggantija phase. The middle and lower temples were built at different periods of the Tarxien phase.

The lowest temple is astronomically aligned and thus was probably used as an astronomical observation and/or calendrical site. On the vernal and the autumnal equinox sunlight passes through the main doorway and lights up the major axis. On the solstices sunlight illuminates the edges of megaliths to the left and right of this doorway. On these particluar dates large numbers of locals and foreigners are attracted to the site to witness these marvels.

Protective shelters have been erected recently around both Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples to protect them.

Opening hours: 9.00-17.00 Monday to Sunday
Last admission: 16.30
Closed: 24th, 25th & 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday
Telephone number: (+35) 21424231
Admission fees:
Adults: €9
Students & Senior Citizens: €6.50
Children (6 -11 years): €4.50
Children (under 5): Free
Bus number: 38, 138 from Valletta

Hidden for many centuries and nearly forgotten through Malta’s long history they were rediscovered during the 19th century by European and Maltese archaeologists.

Not much is known about the people who actually built these beautiful and perplexing temples. It is thought that the original inhabitants of Malta were farmers who probably crossed over from Sicily in around 5,000 BC.

Some temples are relatively large measuring about 120 feet side by side. Considering the fact that no known technology existed during this ancient period, temples must have played a considerable role in those communities, due to the complexity and resources required to build them.

Maltese Prehistoric Chronology

Neolithic
5,000-4,300 BC, G?ar Dalam
4,500-4,400 BC, Grey Skorba
4,400-4,100 BC, Red Skorba

Temple Period
4,100-3,700 BC, ?ebbu?
3,800-3,600 BC, M?arr
3,300-3,000 BC, Saflieni
3,150-2,500 BC, Tarxien
2,500-1,500 BC, Tarxien Cemetery

Bronze Age
1,500–700 BC, Bor? in-Nadur
900–700 BC, Ba?rija

Ggantija Temples Gozo (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Located near the village of Xaghra on the island of Gozo, they are the oldest Megalithic temples to be found in the Maltese islands. The two Ggantija temples were erected during the Neolithic age (3,600 – 2,500 BC), which means they are more than 5,500 years old.

It is thought that the Ggantija temples were the sites of a fertility cult as numerous figurines and statues have been found on site, which are connected with that cult.

Opening hours: 9.00-17.00 Monday to Sunday
Last admission: 16.30
Closed: 24th, 25th & 31st December, 1st January and Good Friday
Tel: (+356) 21 553194

Admission fees:
Adult: €8, Students & Senior Citizens €6
Children (6–11 years): €4
Children (under 5): Free
Malta bus number: 64 & 65 from Victoria

Their face seems to have a permanent smile on it, giving them an appearance of constant happiness. They are also known to be extremely intelligent, shining performers and loving caring mammals that are capable of a unique interaction with humans.

Swimming with dolphins is truly a sensational experience that you can enjoy in Malta at the Mediterraneo Park. The excitement of swimming and interacting with dolphins for most is a dream, which has made it a very popular leisure activity for many in Malta. The fact that you can get so close, touch, feel and interact with these magnificent dolphins is sensational. The swim is held at the purposely-designed park, which also features three exciting shows including the sea lion, parrot and dolphin show.

Swimming with dolphins in Malta is done under the guidance of skilled animal carers. You can experience the beauty, power, agility and grace of these magnificent marine mammals, which is an opportunity not to be missed. Also if some members of your family or friends do not want to swim with dolphins they can join you as a spectator.

Photos are taken by members of staff and can then be purchased after the session. If you bring a friend or family member along you are allowed to film or take pictures yourself. Programme participants should bring swimsuits and towels with them, as these are not provided.

Dolphin Swim & Interact and Splash ‘n’ Fun Park COMBO

Located adjacent to the Dolphin Marine Park Malta is the Splash ‘n’ Fun waterslides, tidal wave pool and lazy river park. When you book the “Dolphin Swim and Interact” you can include entrance to the Splash ‘n’ Fun Park. This means that you can go between the two parks, which have a special integrated exit/entrance for combined ticket holders. This gives you the opportunity to totally maximize your day between the two parks. Splash Park closes late, between 1800hrs and 1900hrs in peak season.

The Mediterraneo Marine Park Malta also holds 3 types of shows. There is the Dolphin show, Sea Lion show and the Tropical Bird shows.

Show Times

March 2009 till October 2009

• Swimming with Dolphins: Daily
• Parrot Show: 10h30/14h30
• Sea lion Show: 11h30/15h30
• Dolphin Show: 12h30/16h30

Prices

Shows

• Adults: €15.50
• Children (4 to 10 years): €10.50
• Senior Citizens (65 years & over): €10.50
• Language school students: €10.50
• Local schools (6 to 12 years): €4.50
• Children’s Parties including meal: €12.00

Swim with the dolphins

• Swim programme: €120
• A bottlenose dolphin swimming session, (takes about 1hour, not all in the water)
• Wet suites and life jackets are provided
• Max 10 people per session split into 2 groups
• Kiss from the dolphin etc
• An educational documentary about Cetaceans and Conservation
• Personalized treatment provided by an experienced trainer
• All shows

Other

• Watchers: €15.50
• Children/Senior citizen watchers: €10.50
• Additional Entrance to Splash ‘n’ Fun Park: €8.80 per person

Swimmers Restrictions

• Children under the age of 8 are not allowed to swim with dolphins
• Children will be asked to provide some form of age verification

Persons with the following conditions will not be permitted to swim with dolphins:

• Heart conditions/disorders
• Pregnant women
• Low blood pressure
• Anyone who has had a recent operation or any type
• Anyone who has had a piercing done recently
• Epilepsy
• Mental or physical disabilities
• Partially or totally blind
• Certain skin disorders
• Anyone suffering from Hydrophobia

Contact: Meditteraneo Marine Park Malta, Bahar ic-Caghaq, Tel: (+356) 21 372218 or 21 372249

Opening hours: 10.00-17.00

Facilities

The dolphin park has all the requisite amenities you need for a happy family outing:

• A cafeteria
• A souvenir shop
• A mini lab for in-house instant photo development and printing

Whether you are a local or a tourist in Malta, an adult or a child this is one of those lifetime experiences, which is truly not to be missed!