Malta – A living past
Radiant skies and the bluest of seas brighten this monumental archipelago that spans 6000 years of history. Malta is a magical time machine where you are enveloped by history. The island is a perfect off-season destination: affordable, infinitely interesting, safe, friendly, and English speaking. Malta is a place of burial vaults built before the Pyramids, temples that pre-date Stonehenge, and caves from the Punic Wars. Several UNESCO Heritage sites dot the islands, many doubling up as uniquely themed venues for any size of conference or incentive group. No props here, but the real thing. You can see catacombs and viaducts erected by the Romans, villages established by Arabs, and the historic evidence from victorious battles against the Turks in 1565 and against the Axis powers in 1940. And then enjoy evenings out at the historical Manoel theatre, a gem of a theatre built for the enjoyment of the Knights…and for your enjoyment too.
A Maltese culture – where the living is easy
Malta is a veritable melting pot of diverse cultures, a legacy of the many civilizations the islands have experienced over the years. Visitors from near and far, with different traits and characteristics, adding new ingredients to the pot of an ever evolving Maltese character and culture, be it culinary, architecturally, temperamentally or otherwise. You’ll find that the Maltese are a friendly and fun-loving people, and smile as readily as the Maltese sun itself.
Take shopping in Malta – this too is part of the fun. Pottery, ornamental glass, ceramics, intricate lace and gold and silver filigree work are plentiful and make wonderful souvenirs. Patterned lace and embroidery items are also beautifully hand-made in the country. Maltese wine and olive oil are a much appreciated gift for your friends back home. And as you stroll safely about the streets at any time of the day or night, pause, take a look at the ages old beauty around you, take in the sounds of the rippling waves from the surrounding coastline, and smell the aromas wafting out of the eclectic mix of restaurants that cater for the most assiduous of palates.
Yes, Malta is also a veritable haven for foodies. Like their illustrious Italian neighbours, the Maltese are a nation of food lovers. Fresh Mediterranean fish and the more traditional ‘Fenkata’ rabbit speciality share top billing as the favourite dish with the locals. Pasta specialities fare a close second. Bread making is an art, and the Maltese ‘hobza’ truly has no peers in the dough industry. Be it lightly grilled fish to hearty pasta dishes, from a traditional Fenkata, to a more exotic far eastern meal, Malta’s restaurants have something for all tastes. And beware, the Maltese are partial to their exquisite and delicious fancy sweets.
Many visitors to Malta also come for its nightlife, and in particular that around the St Julian’s area, dubbed the ‘Golden Mile’, where there is the highest concentration of upscale hotels and conference venues. Apart from the hotels, this area is full of late-night dens and its streets remain busy deep into the night. Alternatively, just stroll into the nearest village and mix with the locals at the village pub or even band club, where you will soon discover a hidden world of genuine bonhomie…just make sure you’re not driving back though.