Malta Must Dos - Top Ten
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Set in the crystal clear waters of the central Mediterranean, the Maltese islands consist of Malta, Gozo and Comino (all inhabited) and the uninhabited islets of Cominotto and Filfla.
Top ten things to do in Malta:
• Go back in time. Visit the 'silent city' of Mdina, an extraordinary 16th-century relic, with narrow streets, grand mansions emblazoned with family crests, and city ramparts. The Domus Romanus in nearby Rabat is a beautifully restored Roman villa, with stunning mosaic floors and statues.
• Join the café society. Valletta, 'a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen', is great for strolling around, with a grid of wide streets, squares with cafés and restaurants, and harbour views. The 16th-century St John’s Co-cathedral has a Maltese baroque interior, with two Caravaggios and some Rubens tapestries. The Grand Masters' Palace and the Armoury are just around the corner.
• Pamper yourself at a spa. You can choose from Ayurvedic treatments at the Kempinski San Lawrenz Spa in Gozo or thalassotherapy at the brand new Spa Mediterranée at the Fortina in Sliema. Or just pop into one of the day spas, such as the Apollo at the Corinthia San Gorg.
• Eat some really fresh fish. Everyone will enjoy the peaceful harbour at Marsaxlokk, in the south of Malta, watching the brightly coloured fishing boats bobbing at anchor. Try a seafood platter at local restaurants Ir-Rizzu, Pisces or the Café de Paris.
• Laze on a beach. Malta's best beaches are Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay in the north, near Bugibba and Qawra. Or go to Gozo, where the red sand of Ramla Bay has seduced many a holidaymaker, including Odysseus in ancient times.
• Go clubbing in St Julian's. Level 22 is on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower, with 360-degree views. The nearby Paceville district is a teenager's dream, with pubs and clubs and glamorous crowds. Havana, Axis, BJ's, Brown's and Sabor are all worth a visit.
• Put on your carnival mask. The festival season in Malta runs all year round, with villages celebrating saint's days almost every weekend. Holy days include the feast of Santa Marija in mid August and the harvest festival, or L'Imnarja, at the end of June. The best firework displays are at the National Mechanic Ground in April and at the Grand Harbour, Valletta, in May.
• Take the ferry to Gozo. It is perfect for getting away from it all, with a wild coastline and long, sandy beaches. And if you go to Gozo, you must visit the 5000-year-old Ggantija Temples.
• Swim off the rocks. When in Gozo, swim, snorkel or dive in the secluded Xlendi Harbour, and then have lunch at It Tmun, where the fresh fish and local wines are excellent.
• Dive in the Blue Lagoon. Take a boat trip around Gozo and Comino and stop off to take a dip in the staggeringly clear azure waters of the Blue Lagoon. You will find other great diving spots on Malta: they get better the further north you go.
Useful links
Corinthia San GorgHotel
Fortina Hotel, Sliema
Ir Rizzu Restaurant, Marsaxlokk
It Tmun Restaurant, Gozo
Kempinski San Lawrenz
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