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MALTA - STAY FOR LESS "LIRE"

MALTA Island is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, South of Sicily, North of Lybia, indeed, its closer to Africa than Europe. It's a “Dream Island” with an ideal Winter climate, when it's warm & sunny but the Summers are becoming too hot &extreme. The Capital is Valetta with the most spectacular natural Harbour in the Med The Island also has a long & distinguished history with Neolithic, Phoenician, Roman, Arab, The Knights of St. John & the British involved & more recent WW2 events. GB has been many times & it's become a favourite.

ACCOMMODATION

Bargain Long Stay (Winter?) deals are available from the UK on an inclusive Flight/ Hotel Half Board Packages but a central Hostel is available for Summer visits.

NO 1 (W) - MALTABARGAINS tele 0800 091 4444 - www. maltabargains.com – 2005 deal (Nov/Dec) Palm Court *** Hotel, Qawra, St. Pauls Bay (on the North Coast of the Island, handy for Gozo) £372 for 28 nights HB (full English breakfast & 3 course buffet evening meals) Twin bedroom with ensuite (shower) TV, air con & balcony. Lounges up/downstairs, bars & sun/relax areas with sheltered poolplus laundry. Good facilities & excellent value.

Other (S) - Sliema Gateway Hostel, Hibernia House, Depiro St. Sliema (another central location) tele (+356) 33 38 59 – 100 beds - 5LM pn in 1/2/3 & 8 bedded rooms, sep showers. Self – catering facilities, lounge/bar, breakfast room ( ML1), roof top lounge/ sun terrace, TV & coin operated laundry. City – type hostel in back street a few minutes from sea front.

FOOD in St Pauls not really needed but you can buy food snacks from local shops & Cafes. In Sliema there is a large Supermarket with an extensive range of fresh & basic foods. The specialities of Malta include Maltese Bread which is crusty out & soft in & great for daypacks as it lasts so long. Maltese drinks are a treat & good value with two local winery's - Delicata & Marsovin - with superb Red, White & Rose litre box selections - also the local beer Cisk & a soft herb drink called Kinnie is available.

TRAVELLING AROUND is unique, sometimes perilous on one of the few 40-year-old restored Busses painted in the yellow/ orange colours. As the Maltese roads are infamous for their potholes the combination of both is like a journey to Hell but you get there! The one redeeming factor is the fares are so cheap, around 20c for 1 journey & with newer Busses now becoming common & the ride is better. Routes cover most of the Island but most journeys start & end at the Central Bus Station in Valletta & a handy route map is available on most busses & depots. Boats & taxis also are around but no trams or trains now run on Malta

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. Valletta, Grand Harbour - most impressive in the Med walk around Cospicua Vittoriosa Senglea
2. “ Bukarra Gardens – best vista on Malta, sit & watch 3 cities, ships, docks & cats
3. “ Republica Street – main street, top shops, big churches, Gov. buildings, cobbled paths
4. “ Manuel Island – in the middle of Marsamxett H. it's a bit untidy but an interesting walk
5. “ National Library – is a gem with panelled walls historic documents & daily newspapers
6. St. Pauls Bay – the tourist area with large hotels, bars & souvenirs but great views, fresh sea breezes
7. Mdina – original Capital it's the high point of the Isle. with impressive castle & views to match
8. Buskett Gardens – a “green” oasis in this near barren Isle, former hunting grounds of the Knights
9. Limestone Quarries – fascinating artistic holes in the ground where the building blocks are hewn
10. Marsaxlokk Harbour – the traditional fishing boats, with the “eye” & a local market day
11. Victoria Lines – were fortifications built in the late 1800's on the Great Fault to defend Malta
12. Mosta Dome – based on the Pantheon in Rome its No3 built without scaffolding with 19' walls

CHARGE PLACES NOT TO MISS

1. Valletta, George X Museum – relics & info of the war & the award of the Maltese peoples fortitude
2. Blue Lagoon – a natural effect of caves & light reached only by boat when the conditions are calm
3. Rabat, Roman Mosaics – the floors are so complete, intricate & colourful & so old, about 200BC
4. Aviation Museum – has a real/ restored WW2 Spitfire & other planes, great displays & stories
5. Ferry & Gozo – have a day on the Isle to the North, Victoria has the Citadel & narrow side streets

*Paul, Vic, Gerry & Rose, Alan 2000 Arnold, Norman 2002 Jack & Val, Ken & Pat, Alan & Ann, Roy 2005 #