Malta is a gem in the heart of the Med
Irish travellers looking for a sunny holiday that’s a little off the beaten track but still only a few hours away should consider a visit to Malta.
The archipelago lies 50 miles south of Italy and is just under a four-hour flight from Dublin.
With year-round sun and English spoken throughout it is an ideal destination for family holidays and lively city breaks.
As befits a strategically important island that has been ruled at various times by the British, French, Romans, and Knights of St. John, Malta is a history buff’s dream.
The ancient city of Mdina, the island’s first capital city during the time of the Knights of Malta, is a must-see.
Also known as ‘The Silent City’, it’s high fortified walls and mix of medieval and baroque architecture mean crossing the bridge and passing under the gate feels like a journey into the past.
Little wonder the makers of Game of Thrones filmed King’s Landing scenes there for series one.
The city is located on high ground in the north of the island, with stunning views of the surrounding areas from its walls.
There is very little traffic in the city making strolling around a pleasure but for maximum fun try a Segway tour.
No better way to soak up the architecture and views than zipping around on two wheels.
And if you want to pack more history into your day, in nearby Rabat the Catacombs of St. Paul are a labyrinth of third century AD subterranean tombs.
Like its bigger neighbour the island of Gozo, a short ferry ride from Malta, also boasts historically significant landmarks.
The Ggantija Temples are the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The two Neolithic temples date from the third millennium BC and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If TV locations are more your thing than archeological sites, the Game of Thrones crew also made their way to Gozo.
The Azure Window, a stunning limestone natural arch situated near Dwejra Bay, was chosen as the backdrop of the wedding of Daenarys Targaryan to Khal Drogo.
The perfect location for a selfie to beat all selfies!
While at Dwerja Bay you can also be blown away by The Inland Sea — a secluded bathing pool surrounded by sheer cliffs and connected by a small tunnel to the open sea.
For younger viewers, a film set built on Malta in 1980 has grown to become one of the island’s most popular family attractions.
Popeye was a live-action musical film adaptation of the comic strip, starring Robin Williams as Popeye the Sailor Man and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl.
The original cliff side set has been maintained and visitors are greeted by the sailor and his friends.
Open all year round and pretty as a picture, Popeye’s Village boasts a range of attractions and activities, including a filming experience with the animation crew.
If you prefer natural attractions rather than man-made, the Blue Grotto on the south coast of the island should be one of your first ports of call.
A location so stunning that pictures appear photoshopped, these sea caverns can be reached by a short but exhilarating boat trip.
The deep blue of the water appears to glow, set off by pale sands and the luminescent corals of the caves.
The beauty is breathtaking from a boat through the caves and there are snorkeling trips available for those who want to get even closer.
ne of the benefits of holidaying on a small island is that all these attractions can be reached via short car or bus trips.
But if you would rather stay on foot, there is more than enough to see and do in the capital city Valletta.
No trip to Malta would be complete without visiting the artistic pride of the island — The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio.
The oil painting, regarded by many as the Italian artist’s masterpiece, is on display in St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
The church, built by the Order of the Knights of St John in the sixteenth century, is just one example of the baroque architecture in the city.
Prepare to have your breath taken away by the fabulous views across the Grand Harbour over to the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
The brave can take the 58 metre Upper Barrakka lift down to the harbour where visitors can catch a water taxi to enjoy the beauty from the water.
When you’ve worked up an appetite (and a thirst!) from all the sight-seeing, head north along the coast to St Julian’s — nightlife central for the island.
There are bars and restaurants to cater to every taste and budget, with cocktails and tapas the perfect way to end an evening.
For a fine dining treat, head to Caviar and Bull, based in the five-star Corinthia hotel.
There you can enjoy the view over St George’s Bay while enjoying house specials including fresh-caught fish baked in salt and filleted at the table.
Ryanair flies five times per week direct from Dublin to Malta International Airport in the summer and three times per week in the winter. See www.ryanair.com for best available offers.
Corinthia St. George’s Bay, http://www.corinthia.com/hotels/malta/
Concorde Travel: www.conordetravel.ie
Mercury Direct.ie: www.mercurydirect.ie
Budget Travel: http://www.budgettravel.ie
All information on the Maltese Islands and things to do is available at www.visitmalta.com
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