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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Review of General: Malta

Getting around in Malta.

Advantages: excellent value.
Disadvantages: mosquito's.!

...Malta..... a place of great beauty. Full of history , family unity ,religion and Roads! A place which one either hate's or adore's. For me , Malta is a wonderful place . Especially since I stepped away from the "tourist " entrappments and tasted Malta from my own perspectives. It has many beauty spots, best enjoyed with the freedom of car hire. Places frequented by the locals are well maintained and provide for basic needs! (supposing buying toilet roll by the square does not offend ). Car hire is extremely easy. you must be under sixty years of age, with a full G.B. licence. Hire rates vary considerably. Haggling over the price may afford a small discount , but in the main you really do " get what you pay for ." The first time one hire's, it is likely that the car will be scratched , dented or outwardly "ropey". In my...

marmiladey 03.09.2004 · Read review
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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
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Review of Mdina Cathedral, Mdina, Island of 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
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Review of General: Malta

Manikata - MALTA

Advantages: Small farming Maltese village
Disadvantages: not many shops

...Manikata - A small country village in Malta Manikata is a small typical Maltese village. The main industry of Manikata is farming. Manikata is located on a farming valley which is rich in produce. Much of the produce is harvested and sold off at framing markets. On the outskirts of Manikata there were two military camps in the 1960's. One was home to Royal Malta Artillery and the other was a British Army camp which hosted many different regiments including the Royal Marines . These army camps are no longer active. One of them has been turned into a holiday style village "Hal-Ferh" Just about a 10 minute walk is Golden Bay, one of Malta's best known beaches. AT present there is a new Hotel complex being built replacing the GOLDEN SANDS hotel which was built in the 1970's. This hotel has now been demolished and a brand new...

FVELLA 05.10.2005 (04.07.2006) · Read review
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Review of Manikata, Malta

Lovely Malta

Advantages: Beautiful architecture, wonderful weather, lovely people
Disadvantages: You either love it or hate it - and usually for the same reasons!

...As can be seen from the number and frequency of our visits, we are Maltaphiles. We love to get some sun in the worst part of the winter and Malta hits the spot every time. We stay at the Phoenicia just outside Valetta's city walls and love its 1930s faded luxury and impeccable service - another world. It's worth having a harbour view room as you can see half the island from the balcony. The island has a fleet of vintage buses - all beautifully cared for, cheap to use and running regularly to all parts of the island. Having said this, we always rent a car and take a taxi from the airport (6LM). M'dina, the silent city, is one of my favourite places with breathtaking view of almost the whole of the island from its bastions. It also has the Fontanella tea rooms which have the most mindblowing selection of homemade cakes you can...

JaneMcd 23.03.2003 · Read review
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Review of General: Malta