Travel Guide To Malta

This fiercely independent island combines restful fishing village surrounded by hills, cobbled streets, Crusader castles and Christian Catacombs. All this plus lively nightlife, long hot summers and sunny winters.

Closer to Africa than mainland Europe, Malta has an incredible sunshine record along with crystal clear waters and magnificent natural harbours, tiny coves and dramatic sweeping bays. This is what makes Malta a popular holiday destination and has done so for years.

Journey through honey coloured villages amongst fields of wild orchids, red poppies, tulips and anemones towards the archaeological ruins that are followed with the sweet smell of wild herbs, olive and citrus groves.

Historical sights include Baroque churches, Megalithic temples (some older than Stone Henge) and the artwork of Caravaggio, who’s work can be found at St Johns cathedral in Valletta. Great sites include those films sets which were used for the filming of Gladiator, Midnight Express, Troy and Popeye.

Snorkelling and scuba diving, rock bathing and a very English atmosphere. Traffic drives on the left. Be wary of pickpockets - always carry cash and valuables in a money belt or inner pocket.

Food: Try the timpana (pasta and pastry), pastizzi (ricotta cheese), pastry and peas or maybe the bragioli (stuffed beef olives). Bottles of wine are £1.50, beers 50p, water 50p and full meals are approximately £10-£15.

Nightlife: There are live music clubs, bars and discos at Bugibba but don't forget to try your luck at the casino in Slienna or or do as the Maltese and dine al fresco at one of the romantic palazzos or bustling harbour restaurants.

Shopping: St. Julians shops and market stalls are famous for their lace, glassware silver, crafts and jewellery.

Days out: Trips to Sicily and tour of Malta, Gozo or Valletta city £15-£20. There is also the Lascaris War Room and the Christian catacombs.

Events: The Maltese Islands are a strong Catholic country, with a wide diversity of festivities which makes up the religious year. Carnival Week, Freedom Day and the Festival of St. Paul all take place in February. Tourist information telephone number (UK): +44 (020) 7292 4200.

Additional Malta Information

Bugibba Salina Say
(45 minutes from Malta airport). Rock bathing in clear water, good lidos in large seafront Hotels, an old style atmosphere and a good nightlife. Couples especially will appreciate the atmosphere of this resort.

Golden Bay
(45 minutes from Luqa Airport). Golden Bay is a private resort, with quiet beaches, just the place if you want a relaxed holiday in the sun in one of the most picturesque areas in Malta. If you feel like sightseeing, there are Roman baths nearby and if you want to do bigger shopping, there are larger towns a short drive away. This is a very refreshing resort for families.

Marsascala
(15 minutes from Luqa Airport). Marsascala is situated on the southern part of Malta in its own private bay and is extremely pretty, the local architecture and harbour highlighted with bright colours. The restaurants, bars, and discos are good, but not extravagant, as this is essentially a laid-back resort. Otherwise, there are lots of striking areas to go discover on walks.

Mellieha Bay
(60 minutes from Luqa Airport). Mellieha Bay is a quiet and relaxed village, a km uphill from the beach, centering around the local 18th century church and extremely attractive. If you're looking for a very unadorned holiday, then this is the place for you. The beach is classed as one of the nicest on the island with a deep blue sea and smooth sand. The neighbouring local villages are a bit busier and a short ride away, but the restaurants and shops here offer top quality.

Paradise Bay
(60 minutes from Luqa Airport). Paradise Bay is a lovely resort facing the island of Gozo surrounded by amazing cliffs, with the Mediterranean providing excellent snorkelling and other water sports; it's the place for relaxing. There are lots of places to go visit and great hospitality. Otherwise you can always take a ferry to Gozo and enjoy the sightseeing.

Qawra
(30 minutes from Malta airport). Has lido, rock bathing pools and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for a long stroll along the promenade and ending the day in a sophisticated nightclub.

Sliema
(50 minutes from Malta airport). Between Sicily and North Africa with a golden beach, watersports, golf and tennis. Suitable for families and couples.

St. Julians
(30 minutes from Malta airport). Encompasses Malta's most colourful nightlife in the Paceville part of the resort. There's the sparkling lido, an elegant casino and a great selection of shops around Spinola but ideally this is a resort for holidaymakers who want to party, all night long.

St. Pauls Bay
(45 minutes from Malta airport). Charming little fishing harbour with Old Town. More suited to couples and older families. No beach but good shopping and nightlife.

Airport Transfers from ResortHoppa.com

Malta airport transfers at fantastic rates. Book your transfers from Malta airport to your holiday resort with Europe's leading airport transfer companies. ResortHoppa offers efficient low cost airport transfer solutions for the holiday maker who chooses to travel independently. ResortHoppa will take you by taxi, minibus, or coach and on many routes have airport to resort shuttle transfers that run 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. So whatever transfer type you require you can always be sure that ResortHoppa will have a transfer tailored just for you.

Malta (MLA) airport is gateway to this isle. ResortHoppa transfers take you anywhere on the island from Mellieha Bay in the north, down to Marsaxlokk in the south. Other resorts on the island include Sliema, Bugibba, Comino, Salina Bay, St George’s Bay and St Julians Bay, to name but a few.

ResortHoppa will take you by private taxi, minibus, or coach transfer from your airport to your chosen resort.