Used to go there a lot in the mid sixties to early seventies. I was at sea then, and on the Mediterranean Run.
I loved the Historical aspect of the place. That I would go back for if I had a chance. My sister and brother in law were there a few years ago and enjoyed it immensely.
Hi,Firstly the place is small in size but gigantic in history.
They speak English pretty much everywhere.The food is good and relatively cheap.lots of fish and vegies and olive oil.
In the supermarkets here you can buy Pazzizi 'Fetta and spinach cheese pastries'
The Maltese variety are nicer.Lots of rabbit sold in resturants,Rabbit is called Fenech in Maltese.
The bread is really nice if bought from the bakeries with old fashioned ovens.
History goes from the Neolithic temples at Hagar Q'uim and Imneidra. right through the Knights Templar,the shipwrecking of St Paul on the north eastern coast Now called St Pauls Bay,Good Holiday appartment area.
Second world war the Germans tried to bomb the place out of existance and at one stage the garrison were down to three old biplanes called faith Hope and Charity. Old Swordfish if I recall correctly.
One of which now resides in the Museum in Valletta the capital.
Gold filligree work is one of the major items for sale in the retail field along with 'Malta Weave' fabrics.
The islands housing is made from the local sandstone which give a beautiful honey colour to the houses. Lots of balconies.
Mosta in the centre of the island has a huge domed church with the third largest unsupported dome in Europe. Two clocks one telling the correct time and one wrong to confuse the devil.
Some six hundred festivals a year with lots of fireworks,so you should be able to find one relatively easily.Mostly religious but worth experiencing even so.
A little known fact,the Mediterranean has No or very small tides so swimming is safe.
Only a few good sandy beaches and so most swim from the rocks.
Hope these few facts help.
I went to school there in 1960 at a Naval School.Father was in the British services and the whole family go back regularly for holidays.
I would say that it is a nice holiday destination,small but that can make getting around easier and lots to see and do.
People are friendly and helpfull and you should have a great time.
Trev has said most of it. We spend a week in Dubai, a week in Cyprus and a week in Malta two years ago. The highlight of the trip was Malta. We couldn't get enough of the history and beauty of this little island nation of wonderful friendly people. Because it's not on the Kangaroo route to Europe you probably won't meet any Aussies, but you'll meet plenty of Maltese who lived in Australia or who still have family hear. Of all the places we're ever visited Malta is the one we talk about the most and the one we're promised ourselves to return to. Next time we'll take a flat for a month and also catch the ferry to Sicily for a week or so. Do yourself a favour and go. Cheers, Ozjohn.
__________________
Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
Trevor, Thank you so much for that fantastic reply. That is some fantastic first hand expierence. One couldn't google and get a review like that. Again, thank you very much.
The fishing is great.All sorts depending on season of course but everything from Gar(Long Toms in Oz),to Dolphin fish(Mahe Mahe) or in Malta called Lampuki. Tuna and Bonito,Mullet and all sorts of others from Gurnard to Red mullet.A real mixture of types including a Bream type with a black band round the tail which are great eating.
The sea is a very different blue from everywhere else in the world,very noticable.
It can be like a sheet of glass for days or even weeks on end.
I am now considering my next trip there after your enquiry whetted my interest again.
