The Islands of Malta:
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. It consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km.
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited.
With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified – the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few.
St Paul's Bay - Xemxija:
St Paul's Bay and its neighbours Bugibba and Qawra are Malta's largest, seaside resorts. They offer a variety of nightlife and leisure options. The coastline here has some wonderful open sea views and a vista across to St Paul's Island, where, according to legend, the ship carrying the Apostle is said to have been wrecked. The coastline promenade provides a long, though mostly level and easy walk from St Paul's Bay all the way to Qawra or Xemxija Bay. St Paul's Bay started life as a small fishing village. The parish church, built in 1617, was carefully restored after suffering heavy damage in World War II.
Feast at St Paul's Bay is celebrated on the last Sunday of July. The Islands must be visited at festa time for an insight into local life with all its colour and passions.
How to get around:
The Maltese Islands are not very large, and getting around is relatively easy -
The public bus service is a good and cheap way of getting around. Bus fares range from €0.35 to €0.58. The longest bus journey takes about fifty minutes and the average ride is between twenty and thirty minutes
Renting a car is a good option if one wants to reach the farthest parts of the island. Daily rates of €16 - €28. International and national driving licenses are acceptable. Driving is on the left and all road signs are in English.
The white taxi service can pick up passengers from anywhere, except bus-stops. Taxi services from the Malta International Airport and the Seaport Terminal to all localities in Malta are based on a fixed tariff.
A regular ferry service links Malta to Gozo, taking about 20 minutes each way
Other Activities:
Day tours/excursions. Pick up service by boat to Comino. Fishing.
