Image: Blue Grotto - Żurrieq - Malta
Main Image:
The Valletta Waterfront
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T
he Maltese Islands made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino lie at the
very heart of the Mediterranean Sea just 93 km South of Sicily.
This strategic geographical position has translated itself into
7,000 years of a very rich and colourful history. Most of the world’s
greatest civilisations that shaped world history have passed through or
settled on the Islands for a spell, and the country’s culture and heritage
bear witness to this in every way. The native language, which is
Maltese, is of Semitic origin, whilst the grammar stems from Latin and
Italian and English words are laced through it. Even the people reflect
this melting pot of cultures in the myriad of complexions to be seen. The
Maltese Islands boast one of the highest concentrations of historic and
cultural heritage per km2 in the world. Luckily the Islands are compact
enough to offer the convenience of everything being within easy reach
enabling you to make the most of your stay.
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History & Culture
Main image:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Valletta
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000 years of history are quite literally etched in stone, from
the ancient Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, to the unique
underground temple and burial grounds of the Hypogeum.
In addition, the many beautiful architectural monuments; the
legacy of various schools of architecture bear witness to this,
examples of these gems may be seen in the old village cores
and in the form of palaces and churches around the islands. St
John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s
monuments. This legacy left behind by the Knights of St John,
is home to two of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings. The old
capital city of Mdina and the ‘new’ capital Valletta are two of
the ‘must-sees’ in what is a veritable open air showcase of living
history!
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F
or their size the Maltese Islands have more shore and boat
dive sites within its small radius than any other island or
resort. With their natural harbours and bays, sheltered
creeks, cliffs and reefs, the islands invite you to explore an
underwater world of diving sites, a stone’s throw away from one
another. One can dive in clear waters all year round, with an
annual average sea temperature of 18˚C and a visibility of 30m.
Malta attracts thousands of divers per annum, who come to dive
in one of the world’s best diving locations. Above water one may
snorkel lazily with impressive visibility; whilst sailing, abseiling,
rock climbing, cycling or trekking are also an option, even in
winter due to a temperate climate. This weather encourages
outdoor sports and the use of the various outdoor facilities, so
much so that the island is becoming increasingly popular for
training camps and international events covering various sports
disciplines. You can spend your stay pretty much outdoors bathed
in almost all year round sunshine or swimming in the clearest blue
Mediterranean Sea!
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Diving, Sports & Activity
Main image:
Rolex Middle Sea Race at The Grand Harbour (Kurt Arrigo)
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Events & Entertainment
T
he Maltese Islands may not only have a rich and chequered
history, but are also renowned for being a fun and
cosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels,
spas, restaurants and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and
budgets, one is spoilt for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only
for the quality and freshness of the food, but for the locations of
some of the restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops.
Religious feasts in Malta and Gozo are colourful events mixing
both the religious with the secular, to offer the visitor a unique
atmosphere to sample a taste of Malta. The islands are not short
of entertainment either, with an events calendar jam-packed with
activities for people of all ages and with all kinds of preferences;
concerts like the Isle of MTV Malta Special, theatrical and musical
performances, sporting events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and
a myriad of exhibitions, to mention a few, are on all year round.
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Main image:
Isle Of MTV Malta Special concert
Floriana Granaries
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Gozo
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Main image:
Mġarr Harbour
GOZO
S
ome may say that the island of Gozo is Malta’s prettier
little sister, as it is greener and more rural than Malta.
Just a 25 minute ferry crossing from Malta or 15 minutes
by seaplane, the pace of life feels slower and though smaller,
Gozo possesses an equally impressive array of historical
sites, culture and things to do. The world’s oldest standing
structures are to be found here. The World Heritage Site of the
Ggantija Temples, the oldest standing prehistoric structure
on earth dating back over 6,000 years make essential viewing
and no visit would be complete without a walk to the fabled
Calypso’s cave. Gozo is also favoured by rock climbers and
ramblers, as its landscape offers great challenges and lovely
views along the way. The sea and diving sites are none the
less impressive too. And if you are a ‘foodie’, the local produce
is divine. In addition, just a stone’s throw away is tiny Comino,
with the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon and its own share
of diving sites and bays to enjoy.
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M
alta and Gozo boast of some very special venues for
meetings, incentives, conferences and events. With a
number of Quality Assured Destination Management
Companies (DMCs) clients can rest assured that programmes
for conferences and incentive groups are individually tailored, in
order to meet event objectives. Malta’s offer includes a nation
gifted with a knack for languages, people with creative flair and
a solid track record in hosting conference and incentive groups.
Indoor and outdoor venues range from the ultra-modern to the
historic; however both are fitted with state-of-the-art facilities. In
terms of outdoor locations, one can float a barge in the amazing
Grand Harbour or host a gala dinner in a local quaint piazza,
with centuries-old historic buildings as a backdrop. The Islands’
suppliers are experienced in organising events which range
for anything from a couple of hundred people to thousands of
delegates. The Islands can offer a great event and the warmest
Mediterranean hospitality possible.
Malta: business and more… tailored for you!
Main image:
Oriflame Conference
Floriana Granaries
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Conferences & Incentive
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Learning English
Main image:
Students at Victoria Gate
Valletta
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M
alta has a long standing connection with the United
Kingdom, having been a colony for almost 200 years,
and still a member of the Commonwealth. English is
Malta’s second national language alongside endemic Maltese.
This legacy has led to a population which as a majority speaks and
understands English, making Malta an ideal venue to immerse
oneself in the language. With some 40 language schools in Malta
and Gozo the choice of where to learn is ample and the diversity
of courses on offer for both youths and adults is extensive; a
variety of specialized courses for business, hospitality and such
are available. What better way to learn a language than to be
able to relax whilst doing it? Whether simply enjoying time out
and about, watching a film, eating out or just shopping, one
can practice their language skills in a very natural and practical
manner.
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A
nd if not already convinced of Malta and Gozo’s diverse
product offer, the islands’ are also sought after for
weddings. Numerous indoor and outdoor venues are
available, together with excellent catering choices to satisfy all
tastes. In addition tens of thousands of cruise liner passengers
get a taste of Malta when arriving in the Mediterranean’s
favoured port of call, the spectacular Grand Harbour. Many return
to visit Malta and experience the Islands for longer. Whatever
the reason you choose to visit Malta, rest assured a warm
Mediterranean welcome awaits you. But don’t just take our word
for it!
Main image:
Cruise Liner entering The Grand Harbour
in front of the Siege Bell Memorial
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San Dimitri
Point
Azure
Window
Inland
Sea
Dwejra
Tower
Fungus
Rock Dwejra
Bay
Wardija
Point
Ta’ Pinu
Basilica
Xwejni
Bay
Qbajjar
Bay
Marsalforn
Bay
SANNAT
Gozo
General
Hospital
Ta’ Kola
Windmill
Calypso’s
Cave
Ramla
Bay
San Blas
Bay
MĠARR
(HARBOUR)
Qala
Windmill
Daħlet Qorrot
Bay
QALA
Blue
Lagoon
COMINO
Santa Marija
Battery
Qala
Point
Santa
Marija
Bay
Santa Marija
Tower
Mistra
Bay
St. Paul’s
Islands
o Fe
Goz
rry
Line
Shooting
Range
BIDNIJA
s
Line
QAWRA
Għallis Rocks
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
Qrejten Point
Qalet Marku
SWIEQI
PACEVILLE
PEMBROKE
Madliena Tower
Splash ‘n’ Fun Park
Mediterraneo
s
Line
Madliena Battery
oria
Vict
Dragonara Point
SLIEMA
Bay Street Complex
Balluta St James
Capua
Bay
ST. JULIANS
SAN ĠWANN
i
i
N
MALTA
ŻABBAR
Fort
St. Leonard
XGĦAJRA
Ricasoli
Fort St.Rocco
Wied Għammieq
Ricasoli Point
VALLETTA
Fort Rinella
COSPICUA
Żabbar
Gate
Bulebel
Żonqor Point
Marsascala Bay
Il-Munxar
St. Thomas Bay
MARSASCALA
Razzett tal-Ħbiberija
TA
AL
M
TE
LA
Xrobb
L-Għaġin
RN
IO
AT
NA
Peter’s Pool
IN
IR
RT
PO
Delimara Point
Fort
Delimara
Tas-Silġ
MARSAXLOKK
Bengħisa
Point
Fort
St. Lucian
Malta
Freeport
Pretty Bay
ŻEJTUN
St.James
Maritime Museum
KALKARA
VITTORIOSA
Grand
Harbour
SENGLEA
Kordin
FGURA
Tarxien Temples
TARXIEN
Hypogeum
PAOLA
Għar
Dalam
Hasan’s
Cave
Borġ In-Nadur
BIRŻEBBUĠA
GĦAXAQ
SANTA
LUCIJA
GUDJA
Wied
Iż-Żnuber
Ħal-Far
Playmobil Funpark
Tal-Bakkari
SAFI
Main Bus
Terminus
City Gate
Fort
Dragut Point
GŻIRA Sliema Ferry
Sliema Creek
Manoel
Marsamxett St. Elmo Point
Island
Harbour
TA’XBIEX
Horse Race Track
LUQA
Arrivals
i Lounge
Marsa Sports Grounds
KIRKOP
ŻURRIEQ
Wardija
Tower
Waterfront
FLORIANA
MSIDA
ĦAMRUN
St. Philip
Mater Dei Hospital
Mrieħel
QORMI
Ħandaq
MARSA
SANTA VENERA
BIRKIRKARA
Swatar
IKLIN
BALZAN
Kaptan Tower
Palazzo
Parisio
NAXXAR
LIJA
San Anton Palace
and Gardens
ATTARD
SIĠĠIEWI
MQABBA
St. George’s Bay
Mediterranean Sea
Qawra Point
Crafts
Village
GĦARGĦUR
Għallis Tower
Qawra Tower
Salina
Bay
s
Line Fort
Mosta
Buġibba Temple
BUĠIBBA
oria
Vict
MOSTA
Buskett Gardens
Laferla
Cross
ŻEBBUĠ
Aviation
Museum
National Park
TA’ QALI
National
Stadium
Mosta Dome
BURMARRAD
Wignacourt
Tower
ST. PAUL’S BAY
Għajn Ħadid
Tower
Imġiebaħ
Bay
XEMXIJA
ŻEBBIEGĦ
oria
Vict
Verdala
Palace
St. Paul’s Catacombs/Grotte
St. Agatha’s Catacombs
Domus MDINA
Romana
MTARFA
RABAT
Chadwick
Lakes
Skorba
Simar
Nature
Reserve
Miżieb
White
Tower
Aħrax Point
Armier Bay
White Tower
Bay
Ferretti
Battery
Mellieħa Bay
Westreme
Battery
MĠARR
Fort
Binġemma
Nadur
Tower
Victoria Lines
Ta’ Ħaġrat
Temples
Roman Baths
MANIKATA
MELLIEĦA
Wied Musa
Battery
Għadira
Nature
Reserve
Red Tower
Anchor
Bay
Popeye’s
Village
Paradise
Bay
ĊIRKEWWA
San
Niklaw
Bay
Ħondoq
Ir-Rummien
Qala
Battery
GOZO
NADUR
Fort
Chambray
GĦAJNSIELEM
Kenura
Tower
Ġgantija
Temples
Sports
Ground
Mġarr
Ix-Xini
Heliport
XEWKIJA
XAGĦRA
Ninu’s
Cave
MARSALFORN
Salt Pans
Tiġrija
ŻEBBUĠ
(RABAT)
VICTORIA
i Palazz
Ċittadella
Gordan
Lighthouse
GĦASRI
GĦARB
SAN
LAWRENZ
KERĊEM
FONTANA
MUNXAR
XLENDI
Xlendi
Bay
Ta’ Ċenċ
Mediterranean Sea
BAĦRIJA
Lippija
Tower
Golden Bay
Ġnejna Bay
Fomm Ir-Riħ
Bay
Mtaħleb
DINGLI
Il-Fawwara
Inquisitor’s Palace
Clapham
Junction Girgenti
Palace
Għar il-kbir
Wardija
Ta’ San Ġorġ
QRENDI
Mnajdra Ħaġar
Qim
Il-Misqa
Tal-Ħamrija
Għar Lapsi
Tower
Ta’Xutu Tower
Ras
Il-Ħamrija Wied Iż-Żurrieq
Blue Grotto
Ras
Bajjada
FILFLA
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Useful Websites:
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Malta Tourism Authority:
Weather report:
Public Transport
Police Force:
Public Hospital:
www.visitmalta.com
www.maltairport.com/weather
www.arriva.com.mt
www.pulizija.gov.mt
www.sahha.gov.mt
Tourist Information Offices:
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Malta International Airport - Arrivals Lounge
TEL: (+356) 2369 6073/4
Valletta - 229, Auberge D’Italie, Merchants Street
TEL: (+356) 22915 440 - 2
Mdina - Torre Dello Standardo, St. Publius Square
TEL: (+356) 2145 4480
Mellieħa - Misraħ iż-Żjara tal- Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II - 26 ta’ Mejju 1990
TEL: (+356) 2152 4666
Valletta Waterfront (Viset), Pinto Wharf
TEL: (+356) 2122 0633
Victoria GOZO - No 17, Independence Square, Victoria Gozo
TEL: (+356) 22915452 - 3
Customer Enquires - [email protected]
FREEPHONE - (+356) 8007 2230
Overseas Network
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Austria
Benelux
Czech Republic
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Japan
Poland
Russia
Spain
Nordic Countries
Switzerland
United Kingdom
U.A.E.
[email protected]
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[email protected]
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[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cover image by: MTA / Mario Galea - Design by: MTA / Mario Galea
Other photography by: Clive Vella, Daniel Cilia, George Gatt, Karin Brussaard, Kurt Arrigo,
Mario Galea, Oriflame Conference, Peter Vanicsek, Raymond Attard, Rene Rossignaud & Ted Attard.
Published by The Malta Tourism Authority
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Image: Gozo By Night - Rabat Victoria
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