ADVERTORIAL • April 2018

Five ways to make the most out of Malta

Malta's spectacular seafood, ancient attractions and gentle pace of life offer a restorative tonic to the stresses of daily life. We round up five reasons why you should make this island retreat your next getaway

Rolling around
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Rolling around

The area referred to as the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – lies just across the Grand Harbour from Malta’s capital city Valletta and there is plenty to explore. Steeped in history, this area provided a fortress to those who first settled on the island, and today boasts charming Maltese houses, bastions and traditional churches dating back to the 15th century. One of the best ways to familiarise yourself with the area is on a Rolling Geeks Tour. These self-drive electric cars are simple to operate and come with a pre-programmed GPS that will both direct you to the sights and then tell you all about them when you’ve arrived – they'll even take your selfies for you. Recently opened, stay in the five-star Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, offering sleek décor, boutique service and stunning views of the marina below.

History at every turn
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History at every turn

The oldest of the three cities is the fortified Birgu (sometimes also known as Città Vittoriosa), which was founded in the Middle Ages, and was the first home of the Knights of St. John in 1530. The Order later built Senglea, in the 1551, and later Cospicua, in the 1600s. Valletta also houses plenty of history – today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to over 320 historical monuments. You don’t have to go looking for history on Malta – history will come to you.

Wining and dining
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Wining and dining

In the evenings, head down to the Grand Harbour waterfront, where you can sit under the stars and enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine. Since the island has changed hands over the years, its cooking has been influenced by the Romans, the Spanish and the French, among others. Enjoy seafood caught the very same day and sample the Maltese wine. Afterwards, head to Bridge Bar where live jazz music adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Day tripping
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Day tripping

While there is more than enough to keep you occupied in Valletta and the Three Cities for a number of days, if you fancy a change of scenery, the islands of Gozo and Comino are both just a short boat-ride away. Gozo boasts stunning harbours and caves as well as excellent dive sites. Comino – situated between Gozo and Malta, and just 15 minutes from Malta by boat – is car-free, uninhabited and famous for the azure waters of its ‘Blue Lagoon’.

A pedestrian’s paradise
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A pedestrian’s paradise

One of the nicest things about Valletta is that you can see everything on foot. The narrow sidestreets are home to small shops and cafes, while the Baroque architecture of the piazzas and churches can make the city feel like one huge museum. There are also plenty of quirky boutique hotels on offer – try The Saint John, a converted 19th-century townhouse, or La Falconeria, right in the heart of town. This year, Valletta is the European Capital of Culture, playing host to some 400 events that will showcase over 1,000 local and Maltese artists, writers, designers and performers throughout the year.

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This article has been tagged Advertorial, Destination