Malta - a thorough review by IzzyS

Advantages: Plenty of sights to see, some great views, no language problems
Disadvantages: The driving by locals, it probably gets a bit too humid and hot by August

...- Introduction - This summer (2008) I went abroad on a summer holiday with my parents to the island of Malta and I have to say, it was definitely one of the better holidays ive had. I had never been there before and so I was quite eager to see the sights. We went for two weeks from late June (24th) to early July (8th) and I left feeling that there was still plenty left to see, that we didn't manage to fit in the two weeks we were there, so I would start off by saying that there is more than enough to see in a couple of weeks. I hope to use this review to give you an insight into the island of Malta, some of the places you can visit (or more, that we visited) and some useful/interesting information about the island. I hope you find this a useful review. I thought during one of the last days there that I wanted to do a proper review...

IzzyS 10.07.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of General: Malta

Malta you alta visit

Advantages: Easy to get to, lots to see and do
Disadvantages: wasn't as warm as I thought it might be in February

...Malta: General information: A sunny island in the Southern Mediterranean Sea only about 200miles from the North Africa( Libya) and about 60 miles from Sicily. It is technically The Republic of Malta and the island of Malta is one of several islands making up this nation only the two largest islands Malta and Gozo are inhabited .Malta is the largest island and is the cultural and administrative centre whilst Gozo is more rural.Because of its position geographically, Malta enjoys a warm, sunny Mediterranean climate which is one of the attractions for tourists wanting beach holidays. The capital city is Valletta on the eastern coast of Malta. Getting there: We flew with Air Malta from Birmingham to Luqa which is Malta's International Airport. I know Air Malta fly from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester too. They were extremely...

catsholiday 21.08.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of General: Malta

A week in Malta

Advantages: Not too far
Disadvantages: not seen any

...Hi everyone, just back from a week's holiday in Malta. Well not exactly 'just!' By the time the review was written, three weeks gone already. We went during the February half term- all of us- our family of four. Like any other holiday destination- there is lot to see and do in Malta. I will tell you where to go and what to see if you only had a week- like us. Malta has three islands: big island is called Malta, small one is Gozo and very small - Comino- not inhabited. Currency is currently the Maltese Lira (Lm) exchanges to 0.66 in pound sterling. They will change to Euro from next year. Most shops accept Euro. Flying to Malta is not expensive, you will be able to get a lot of cheap flights - outside school holidays- could be as low as £65 with British Airways, but during school holidays, these swell up to £200! We spend about...

greatmum1 16.03.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of General: Malta

Malta - Love it or Hate it?

Advantages: Fairly low prices to eat and drink, reasonably priced hotel accommodation, friendly people
Disadvantages: Lots of hotels are being turned into private schools/colleges. Has a tendency to look scruffy.

...We have visited Malta for the last 4yrs for 1 week each February, always staying in the Bugibba area. Whilst I can't say I hate it - neither can I say I love it either... As far as value for money goes, it's slightly cheaper to eat and drink than Cyprus, which is where I now live. Hotel accommodation is very reasonably priced for the mid range 3 to 4 star and older hotels. Newer, modern hotels are more expensive and rightly so, as they are far superior to the older ones. However, all we have stayed in have been clean and comfortable. We prefer Qawra end of Bugibba as there is more going on and is more compact. However, Sliema is a favourite resort as you can look across the water to Valetta and take a short hop across by water taxi. We also really like St Julians area too. We've visited Mdina (the Silent City), Mosta, Valetta and hope...

cyprus100 02.06.2009 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of General: Malta

Mighty Malta

Advantages: see opinion
Disadvantages: see opinion

...Malta ia a little gem of an island. Part of a group of three, it is the largest and most popular with the tourists. The other two are Gozo and Comino. (The latter by the way is really a big rocky outcrop. No cars are allowed on the island, and there was just the one hotel when we went. It's really for those who want to totally get away from it all and do lots of birdwatching). Malta has a lot of history. There are prehistoric sites that pre-date Stonehenge, the legend that St. Paul was shipwrecked here, and many, many, many churches have been built here because of that. There are some truly stunning examples of these in the towns of Mosta, Mdina, and Siggiewi. The circular church in Mosta also has the dubious distinction of having had a large bomb drop through the roof during WW2 when hundreds of people were inside. It made a bit...

Salgirl 22.04.2001 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of General: Malta

Money and Malta.

Advantages: Beautiful scenery.
Disadvantages: Very hilly.

...tourists guides. The hotels in variably offer full board or half board. Air conditioning a must in the climate may or may not be available. Room srevice is in my experiance good. From cleanliness to the change of linen and towels. Rates of pay in Malta are poor compared to some holiday rwesorts so be mindful of your persnal maid . As she probably cleans the "whole floor" you are on , tipping is expected in an unassuming way. Self catering particularily in the larger hotels is a good option. Often starting at around £15.00 stirling per day dependant upon the standard of your prefences. Ie, Available bedrooms,and living living space. Children are well catered for. Food prices as everywhere are variable. Local supermarkets to the hotels in St. Paus lare competitive. Also offering money changing facilities, island travel tours, self catering...

marmiladey 06.09.2004 (11.09.2004) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of St. Paul's Bay (Malta)

insider secrets to Malta from a Maltese man

Advantages: History, artitecture, food, relaxation, sea and sun & much more
Disadvantages: Driving...ikes!

...To say I am qualified to review Malta is somewhat of an understatement...Im Maltese and lived there for a long time! To see detailed aspects of Malta see my other reviews in the Malta section (to be added very soon!) I will give both good and bad points: In general Malta is a place you will love or hate...simple as that. It resembles other Med countries and Islands in terms of buildings, that they are mostly made of limestone. If you are into history and artitecture Malta is an absolute must. It has over 2000 years of history and will simply astound you. If your 20 something looking for a beer holiday forget it, this place is not for you... Malta is full of charm and is one of the most romantic places you can go. It does not take long to get there and Luqa airport is a breeze to pass through...your baggage arrives in...

alanbishop 13.06.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of General: Malta

The ancient heart of Christianity in Malta

Advantages: Beautiful architecture, interesting paintings, fascinating tombs
Disadvantages: None really

...Mdina in the middle of the island of Malta was long the capital of the island until the Knights of St John of Jerusalem established Valletta as its headquarters on the island. However, the rules of the catholic church said there could only be one cathedral on the island, a cathedral being distinguished by having a throne (Latin ?cathedra?), and Mdina already had the cathedral. The result is that in Valletta there is a co-cathedral, ie a cathedral alongside that in Mdina, with Valletta?s throne being that of the Grand Master of the Knights of St John, the throne in Mdina being at the time for the archbishop of Malta. Mdina sits atop a hill in the centre of the island, far enough away from the coast to give a degree of protection from marauding pirates. When the island was liberated from the Saracens in 1090, a church was raised...

lobourse 05.07.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Mdina Cathedral, Mdina, Island of Malta

Malta in general

Advantages: Good value
Disadvantages: Humidity

...Malta is a nice and safe place. You can find something up to your tastes - culture, night life, relaxing, history, sea and a lot more. Travel - Only one airport. Best way to travel around is either by car or public transport, or taxis - though expensive. Please note that in Malta they drive on the left hand side, like UK, Ireland and Australia. Dining - You can find a lot of good places, especially in the touristic areas like, Sliema, Bugibba and St Julians. A good meal can start from 10 euros upwards. Hotels - Hotels are very comfortable. Most of the are airconditioned and offer a variety of services. You can also find bargains during the low season or you can ask for a self catering room. Summer - It is famous for seaside and village feasts. All villages within the country celebrate feasts with a lot of traditional bands...

joemal 07.08.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of General: Malta

Go to Malta!

Advantages: culture, history, weather, locals, flight time,
Disadvantages: have to travel to see everything

...I have to say that Malta was one of the nicest places I have visited. The flight time was short, even though the plane food left a lot to be desired! But then thats budget airlines for you! The islands are steeped in history and to get the most out of your Malta experience, I would recommend hiring a car as you can travel over to Gozo via the ferry and explore the island. We stayed in a local house rented by a local family which added to our experience - we were able to fully immerse ourselves into local life. In Vittoriosa, the Cathedral by the harbour is absolutley beautiful and around every corner is a new surpirse - we stumbled upon an amazing statue carved out of marble and all lit up in a shrine hidden away in one of the back streets. The various museums and history tours are well worth going to if you like that sort...

biscuit_baby 01.02.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of General: Malta