Destination Malta - Part III

Hi again everyone! 

Last time I left you with some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Malta, today, I want to inspire you to visit some of its most beautiful rocky beaches, such as the Blue Grotto, which is situated in the South of Malta in the village of Zurrieq.

Blue Grotto is one of the most amazing places in Malta, wherein you can go for a swim in the beautiful blue waters, or get on a boat ride and visit the various breath taking caves, more information can be found at: http://www.bluegrottomalta.com.mt/.

Balluta Bay in St. Julians, is another beautiful rocky beach, with a tiny sandy part, which is not only great for swimming, but it is especially inviting for those long romantic walks. A great hotel to stay in this area would be the the "Le Meridien Hotel and Spa, which is a luxurious 4 star hotel, which can be checked out at: http://www.lemeridienmalta.com/.

If you like snorkeling, then you must visit the beach at Bahar ic-Caghaq, which is situated along the long coast road from Qawra to St. Julians, and whilst you are there, you have to try one of the specialty ice-creams from the local ice-cream van! Another great hotel is situated in this area, which is the famous Sunny Coast Resort and Spa, probably the best 4 star self catering accommodation on the island: http://www.sunnycoast.com.mt/.

The most famous touristic villages in Malta are: Bugibba, Sliema, and Valletta, the latter being also the capital city. Bugibba is mainly packed in Summer, but it does get a little quiet during the winter, on the other hand, Sliema is busy all year round. It does not only attract tourists for its shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, but also it is a favorite with most of its locals. Sliema is mostly famous for its Island Cruises, mostly those offered by Captain Morga, which includes, the most sought after Under Water Safari, Harbor Cruises, Romantic Evening Cruises, the 3 Island Cruise, The Boat Party, and much more. More information and bookings can be found at: http://www.captainmorgan.com.mt/

Some of the main tourist attractions in Sliema are: the Teatru Salesjan, which is a center for culture in Malta, check it out at: http://www.teatrusalesjan.com/, the Old Sliema Point Battery, Il-Fortizza, which is now being as the T.G.I Fridays Restaurant, and the Tigne Fort which was designed and shaped in the form of a diamond, back in 1792.

Next time I will be taking you to the wonders of Valletta, and the nightlife in St. Julians, so check back soon!

Until next time, take care, and CAW !

Destination Malta - Part II

Here I am, back to give you some of the most important things you should know about Malta.

1. If you are traveling from anywhere in Europe, chances are you are better off using the Maltese Airline, which is Air Malta (check their website here: Air Malta), and I say you are better off for the simple reason that the Airline company is so small, that they cannot possibly afford any margin of error, hence their planes are in top shape, and their service is pretty good too!

2. You will be landing at the Malta International Airport, which has been recently re built, and which, due its small size, is quite easy to navigate through. Taxis, as in any other airport, are available at the exit, or for booking at the kiosks at the arrival lounge. Public transport is also conveniently available as soon as one exits the Arrivals Lounge.

3. The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Malta is through the public transportation, hence the "Arriva Buses", which "stops" are easily located all around the islands (of Malta and Gozo), and which are easily accessible at mostly any time. Single (€2.20), daily (€2.60) and weekly (€12.00) bus tickets are available to purchase from booths around the islands (of Malta and Gozo). More information on the Arriva buses here: Arriva Malta.

Next time I will be talking about the beautiful Maltese Beaches! and much much more!

Check back soon!

Till next time, take care, and as they say in Malta, CAW!

Destination Malta - Part 1

Ok so let us start with a little general information about Malta. This cute little island (and by little I mean, literally little, since it is approximately only about 122 sq miles - 316 sq km), hosts approximately 400,000 people, most of them being native Maltese. It is roughly only about 60 miles south of Sicily, meaning that a flight between the 2 islands only lasts about 20 minutes, as soon as the plane reaches the desired height, it actually starts descending again, yup! it's as fast as that!

The mother language is Maltese, but almost everyone speaks pretty good English, since it is the official second language of the country, even though a very high percentage of them speak very good Italian too. As regards to financial matters, Malta has been adopting the Euro since January 2004, but, do not worry, if you do not have any Euros, you can change almost any denomination at any Bank, or at one of the Automated Exchange machines found in the most diffused touristic locations.

Being so small, and in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the weather in Malta calls for very dry and hot beautiful Summers, and mild wet Winters. It is surrounded by beautiful sandy and rocky beaches, and amazing blue seas. Its History and Heritage are surely not to be missed, as are the Village Fiestas, and much more.

I will be talking about all these in the upcoming posts, and on the nightlife, places to visit, food to definitely try, and way more fun stuff to do! Keep tuned in, you will be amazed at what this little island can offer!

Until next time, take care!

An introduction...

Having been born, and raised, and practically lived for over 30 years in one of the smallest, and most exotic, and beautiful islands in the world - Malta, I have decided to start sharing my expertise and experiences of some of the most beautiful places all over Europe, where one can have some of the nicest and most wonderful vacations ever. I will also share some ways to cut off some expenses, what to do and where to go, what to visit and what to try, what not to miss and last but not least, the delicacies one should definitely try!

My first - non introduction post - will be either tomorrow or Friday, and I will, obviously, start with Malta - my home country.

Hope to catch y'all soon !

Antonella