Malta
Malta has been described as one big open-air museum, but Malta is Mediterranean, so life is lived to the full as well. Malta including the capital Valletta and the towns and holiday resorts of Mellieha, Sliema, St Julians, Qawra and Bugibba.
Valletta and its suburb town of Floriana are perched on the steep Sciberras peninsula jutting out into Malta's two deep natural harbours, Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Valletta is the Islands' fortress city. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, it is known as the 'city built by gentlemen for gentlemen' ; a 16th century architectural masterpiece.
Walking around Valletta, you'll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. And when you need to stop and take it all in, the city yields up squares, courtyards, gardens and any number of cafés, right on cue.
Buggibba and Qawra are Malta's largest, seaside resort towns. The coastline promenade stretches from Salina Bay to St Paul's Bay taking in some of the Islands' best open sea views and a vista over to St Paul's Island. The shore is rocky, but that has not prevented the resorts' appeal. The flat rocks provide places for sun bathing and there are access points every so often for swimmers. The water is deep, but generally clean, clear and safe for bathing.
