Selling tips and FAQ's

WHY MALTA?

The Maltese archipelago, Malta, Gozo & Comino, lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean. With superb year-round warm weather, over 250km of coastline, crystalline waters and dramatic landscape, the Islands are a perfect antidote to the daily grind and are easily accessible from the UK with only a 3 hour direct flight.

Malta is the largest island with a coastline of 196.8km. The narrow meandering streets of Malta's charming towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces, whilst the countryside is dotted with the oldest known structures in the world, making Malta a veritable living open-air museum.

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage City filled with grand examples of architecture and history - and of course the vibrancy of a multicultural city. The surrounding area is dotted with archaeological sites, Roman ruins and catacombs including the medieval walled city of Mdina.

Malta’s two sister islands Gozo and Comino are only a short ferry ride away, but provide a uniquely different escape. Surrounded by the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, these islands are filled with secluded lagoons and caves, traditional villages and picturesque walks. Both Malta and Gozo offer a range of fantastic outdoor activities like diving, cycling, hiking, rock climbing and sailing that cater to beginners and pros alike.

Visitors can experience the excitement and culture of Malta without having to roam far. The scenery on the Maltese Islands is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and its varied landscape has made it popular with Hollywood actors and directors, providing the backdrop for countless international blockbusters such as Gladiator, Agora and Munich.

Malta has a thriving cultural scene, holding a fantastic array of events over the year to tempt visitors to its shores. From traditional food, wine and religious festivals, to the Malta Arts Festival and the Malta Jazz Festival, the country’s annual programmes attract names from around the globe.

A wide array of accommodation is available on the Maltese islands, ranging from international renowned luxury five-star hotels and spas, private villas and boutique hotels to B&Bs and traditional converted farmhouses.

The Maltese islands offer the perfect holiday catering for families, adventure enthusiasts, culture vultures, and those seeking a luxury spa, wellness holiday or a simple weekend break… Truly Mediterranean!


Top Selling tips

- A year round destination due to its Mediterranean climate the islands are the perfect year round destination
- Close & accessible – only a short 3 hour flight away from main UK departure airports
- Archipelago of islands – Malta, Gozo, Comino which offer product diversity
- Safe & hospitable
- Island hopping: small size/short connection times make it perfect to discover the three islands
- Diving mecca– voted best diving destination in the Mediterranean
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites Valletta, Hypogeum, and the Megalithic Temples including Ggantija
- 7,000 years of history & home to the legendary Knights of St. John
- Contemporary & authentic blend of a Mediterranean lifestyle
- Ideal for weekend, active and cultural breaks


City & Culture Breaks

If the Mediterranean is the cradle of civilisation, the Maltese Islands stand out as the very heart of the region. The narrow meandering streets of Malta's ancient towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces, while the countryside is dotted with the oldest known structures in the world, making Malta a veritable living open-air museum.

With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage coloured by the various peoples that have occupied the territory over the centuries, leaving behind a marriage of styles and traditions. This legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections.

There are so many areas of heritage and culture to be explored. A holiday in the Maltese Islands would certainly not be complete without a visit to the capital city Valletta, the romantic medieval city of Mdina, the Megalithic temples and at least one of the 365 plus churches that define the landscape.

The islands’ rich heritage is reflected in its food, its language, the crafts such as the bobbin lace made in Gozo or the silver and gold filigree jewellery, and of course in its summer festas, an explosion of fireworks, damask and brass band marches in honour of the village patron saint.


WHAT ARE THE THREE UNESCO HERITAGE SITES ON THE ISLANDS?

Valletta

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is inextricably linked to the history of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. The fortress city, built on a peninsula rising steeply from two deep harbours, was commissioned by Grand Master La Valette in 1566 and completed in just 15 years.

Known as the “city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”, Valletta is the administrative and commercial centre of the island. Busy by day, it retains a timeless atmosphere and its grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe’s finest works of art and architecture.

With its 320 monuments in just 55 hectares, Valletta is the most concentrated historic area in the world. Not surprisingly, Valletta is one of Malta’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Megalithic Temples and Hypogeum

The seven megalithic temples dedicated to the goddess of fertility are each the result of an individual development and represent a distinctive architectural tradition that flourished on the islands between 3600BC and 2500BC. The temples were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a group and the oldest, Ggantija on the island of Gozo, date back to 3,600BC making them the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

On the Island of Malta, the Ħagar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien temples are unique architectural masterpieces, given the limited resources available to their builders.

After centuries of exposure to the harsh elements, the delicate stones of Ħagar Qim and Mnajdra are now being protected by a reversible shelter erected recently as part of Malta’s strategy for sustainable tourism. A new visitor centre has also been built. All temples are open to the public.

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is Malta’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important prehistoric monuments in the world.

The Hypogeum is an underground complex of passages, halls and chambers cut out of the rock and covering an area of around 500 square metres. It was used both as a sanctuary and as a burial ground. The three underground levels date from around 3600BC to 2400BC.

To ensure its conservation, the site’s microclimate is strictly regulated and only a maximum of 80 visitors are permitted every day. Booking is strongly recommended as tours are often fully booked up to several weeks in advance.

For more information go to www.heritagemalta.org


DO THE ISLANDS CATER FOR THE ACTIVE TRAVELLER?

Surrounded by the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino are filled with long winding walks, secluded lagoons and caves and traditional villages.

Diving, walking, cycling, swimming, rock climbing, sailing, playing a round of golf or simply lounging in the sun, a holiday in the Maltese Islands can be as active as you want it to be and with such an agreeable climate, it is possible to indulge in land-based or water sports even off season.

The islands are a year-round divers' paradise boasting crystalline waters, reefs, caves and wrecks making them one of the most interesting dive sites in the Mediterranean.

The climate, terrain and scenery are made for walking and cycling, with baroque cities, medieval towns, and prehistoric temples proving memorable backdrops.

For the more adventurous, the dramatic coastal cliffs are perfect for abseiling and rock climbing adventures, in fact there are over 1300 established rock climbing routes in the Maltese Islands in about 30 different climbing areas.

There are various specialist sport schools and rental companies around the islands with experienced and professional staff. Hotel facilities often include tennis courts, squash courts, gyms and saunas and most also offer water sports including courses and equipment hire.

Sea-faring visitors can charter a yacht bare-boat or skippered for the ultimate Mediterranean experience. Sea lovers will be surprised to find the islands’ beaches are largely untouched by development and a little exploration away from the main resorts would reveal sandy coves and rocky inlets which are practically deserted even in high summer.


WHY IS GOZO KNOWN AS THE ISLAND OF CALYPSO?

Gozo is the second largest and most northerly of the islands in the Maltese Archipelago with a population of over 30,000 and is much sought after by both visitors and locals for its charm and tranquility.

A 5km stretch of water separates Malta from an island where time stood still, where myth, megalithic temples and medieval villages sit in a dramatically rugged landscape dotted with baroque churches and ancient stone farmhouses. Here life's rhythms are dictated by the seasons, by fishing and agriculture.

Steeped in myth, Gozo, which means “joy” in Castillian, is thought to be the legendary island of Calypso in Homer's Odyssey where Ulysses spent seven long years as a prisoner of love. The fabled cave which served as Ulysses's home can still be visited today, perched in the cliff face overlooking Ramla l-Hamra one of Gozo's most spectacular beaches.

Gozo’s landscape, dotted with historic chapels and villages, lends itself particularly well to jeep expeditions, treasure hunts, mountain bike tours or walks. The dramatic coastal cliffs are perfect for abseiling adventures while the crystalline waters are renowned for excellent diving opportunities. Gozo has its own nightlife and cultural calendar not to mention some unique gastronomic treats.

It appeals to those visitors who are looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination where they can immerse themselves in the local culture for an authentic travel experience. It is highly sought after by diving enthusiasts; history buffs flock to visit the oldest free-standing structure in the world; and ramblers are treated to a fascinating landscape of wild terrain embellished with history and folklore.


DO THE ISLANDS CATER FOR LUXURY TRAVEL?

Malta has upped the stakes in holiday trends with its recent addition of top rated accommodation and state-of-the-art spas which are now appealing to a new breed of traveller, one who is more independent and discerning, one who seeks to be pampered with some well-earned luxury without breaking the bank.

The introduction of low-cost airlines to Malta has resulted in an increase in visitors seeking short spa and wellness breaks with cultural and lifestyle activities. Price is a crucial concern these days and Malta's promise of affordable luxury is proving to be an unmissable treat.

Many celebrities have benefitted from the island's low profile to holiday in Malta in private and many more have even bought a property on the island.

The discerning traveller knows Malta's unique selling points go beyond the lavish hotel suite. The island's true luxury lies in the richness of its heritage, its glorious food, full-bodied wines, skilled craftsmanship producing unique shopping treats, extravagant festivals and, not least, its temperate climate that makes outdoor activities such as golf or sailing possible even off-season.