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Viewing Romantic Malta: Perhaps the Mediterranean's Best-Kept SecretRomantic Malta: Perhaps the Mediterranean's Best-Kept Secret
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Malta is one of the major tourist destinations for many West-European countries. It is gaining popularity outside of Europe as well. One of the latest additions to the European Union, Malta is quickly developing into a top tourist destination. By Edward Penza The Mediterranean island of Malta is one of the major tourist destinations for many West-European countries. It is gaining popularity outside of Europe as well. About Malta Malta is a small island state, with a population of around 400,000. The country's official languages are Maltese and English. Most Maltese people speak English as a result of a period of British rule that ended in 1964. The Maltese are a friendly (but temperamental) people, and are renowned for their hospitality. The vast majority of the Maltese are Catholic, and the Church plays an important role in Maltese culture. One of the latest additions to the European Union, Malta is quickly developing into a top tourist destination, and is competing with other South-European destinations for a larger share of tourists who seek out a holiday in the Mediterranean. Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Maltese economy, and the island nation depends heavily on this sector. Accommodation: Plenty of Choices The various types of accommodations offered in Malta are suitable for different budgets and holiday experiences. There is an abundance of 3- and 4-star hotels that are ideal for family holidays - of good quality at very reasonable package prices. For travelers who prefer luxury, there are several high-class hotels available - such as Malta's Hilton Hotel and the Radisson hotels in St. Julians and Golden Bay. For adventure travelers, there are plenty of lodgings available that are ideal for overnight stays and excellent for budget travel. Accommodation tips: For family holidays, consider Karanne Aparthotel in St. Pauls Bay. This is a very decent hotel at reasonable package prices, also offering self-catering hotel rooms. For more high-quality accommodation, the Radisson Golden Sands Hotel at Golden Bay is highly recommended. It is one of the latest additions to Malta's high quality hotels, and overlooks one of the most idyllic bays the island has to offer. Malta's Beaches Malta offers plenty of sandy beaches, which are clean, family-friendly, and easy to reach. Each offers a unique ambiance. Forget long stretches of flat beach and dunes and enjoy the amazing views that most beaches in Malta offer. Most bays are surrounded by hillsides, sometimes even towering cliffs - and the splendor of it all is a beautiful sight while floating around in the summer sun. Beach tips: Ghadira (pronounced: Adeera) is the largest sandy beach in Malta, and is situated in the northern part of the island, near the town of Mellieha. This beach is shallow, and makes it an ideal beach outing for the family. The best tip is probably to ask the locals about the more secluded beaches. These might be a little bit more difficult to reach, but are less popular amongst fellow tourists and therefore much quieter. Ask for directions, and you will be rewarded with a chance to view some of the more exotic beaches around. A unique Destination Finally, one benefit that is unique to Malta is the fact that nowhere in the world is there such a high concentration of historical and culturally significant places of interest. Fascinating sites can be found lying literally minutes away from each other, and they all offer unique experiences and impressions of days gone by. Malta is soaked in history, and shows many traces of the various cultures that were introduced to the Maltese by the various rulers that Malta has seen over the ages. Sightseeing tips: To start with, a visit to the capital city of Valletta will offer you plenty of sightseeing fun. As you enter the city gates, Republic Street stretches out in front of you and its side streets are pathways to several historical sites and buildings. Look for: The Malta Experience, the Upper Barrakka, and Fort St. Elmo. Another must-see is Mdina, the former capital city, which is surrounded by bastions and which has a unique ambiance that is hard to forget. Stepping into Mdina is almost like going back into time. Recent renovations have given the village back its splendor, and offer an experience not to be missed - not just for those who are particularly interested in cultural trips. Finally, the site of the Neolithic temples at Hagar Qim is another interesting place to visit. The Hagar Qim temples are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, and you will get a unique view of how the early inhabitants of Malta lived, what their culture was like, and how religion was an important part of their life. About the Author: Edward Penza is the editor and owner of the Malta Travel Guide - guide to Malta.net - who passionately enjoys writing about Malta and the Maltese. For more information about Malta, visit GuideToMalta.net. Find out more about Malta, Maltese people, Maltese culture, and various places of interest. The site also offers a selection of articles that give you a great impression of what Malta has to offer. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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