| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 40 |
| Copyright: Other |
Regional round-up by Brian Richards
Historic islands make clear distinctions
THOUGH Malta, Gozo and Comino are just a few miles apart, each of the three Maltese islands offers the visitor a distinct holiday experience.Malta, home to 90% of the islands’ 350,000 population, is particularly strong on history and culture, with palaces, churches and defences that have stood fast through the centuries.
Gozo, a quarter of Malta’s size, also has a wealth of historical attractions. A greener island boasting more upmarket accommodation, it is committed to rest and relaxation.
Comino, the square mile of limestone rock between them, offers even greater solitude. But it has activity, too, placing the emphasis firmly on water sports.
The trio of Maltese islands offer attractions that cater for all tastes and interests
Valletta: Grand Harbour is a striking sightMdina: the walled former capital of the island
Malta
Malta’s tourist sights span the centuries like no other Mediterranean island – from the 5,000-year-old temple complexes of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra to the brand-new Portomaso marina development at St Julian’s.
The fortified capital Valletta, protected by mighty ramparts, is an obvious must-see. Another is Mdina, the walled former capital that crowns the centre of the island; now traffic-free, it has become known in more recent times as the Silent City. Cruise passengers are always struck by their first impressions of Grand Harbour, where the Knights of St John came ashore in 1530. Of strategic importance, the island also became a focal point of bombing in World War II.
All across Malta, small towns and villages remain dominated by their parish church. Including the tiny wayside chapels, there are more than 350 places of worship throughout the island. The highlight of each parish calendar is the annual festa, a five-day celebration of the local patron saint’s feast day, and visitors are more than welcome to join in with the festivities.
Malta’s tourist accommodation is concentrated in two areas – the urbanised stretch of coastline between Sliema and St Julian’s/St George’s Bay and around St Paul’s Bay in the north of the island.
Sliema is Malta’s chief resort, strong on three and four-star hotel accommodation. Close to Valletta, it makes an ideal base for a winter break. It runs into St Julian’s/St George’s Bay, studded with new five-star hotels but offering a broad accommodation mix. Paceville is Malta’s nightlife hub.
Five miles up the coast, St Paul’s Bay has developed into Malta’s prime self-catering area, which is very popular with the UK family market. The resorts of Qawra and Bugibba offer three and four-star hotels.
Malta’s scattering of sandy beaches are located in the north of the island – Mellieha Bay is the largest; others are Golden Bay and Ramla Bay, all with at least one hotel.
Comino
Historically a haven for pirates, Comino today hosts tourists with a passion for water sports and lazing under the fierce summer sun – nowhere in the islands is the noon heat more intense.
There are no roads on Comino, just a path linking its two hotels and tracks leading up to the 17th-century Comino Tower and the small Gothic chapel.
Day trippers arrive by the boatload to immerse themselves in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon and divers don sub-aqua gear to explore a vast underwater world of caves and grottos.
Hayes and Jarvis offers diving day trips from Gozo from around £20.
Gozo
A 20min ferry ride across the Gozo Channel, the small island of Gozo appeals to a different breed of holidaymaker – those looking for total relaxation in broadly upmarket hotel accommodation.
Many see Gozo’s potential on a day trip from Malta and return to stay in one of the rural four or five-star hotels.
When the mainland Maltese fancy a laid-back weekend away, this is where they go – to a peaceful island of neat, cultivated terraces and a handful of tiny beaches.
In its midst is Gozo’s walled capital Victoria and a wander along its ramparts provides a fine panorama of the island.
Close by in Xaghra are the Ggantija temples from 3,000BC, claimed to be the world’s oldest free-standing structures.
On the north coast, Marsalforn is Gozo’s chief resort – a small and compact tourism centre set around a small bay. Xlendi, on the south coast, is an even smaller destination on a narrow inlet.
All roads on Gozo lead to Victoria; with an almost non-existent bus service, car hire is essential – especially for those staying in one of the island’s many converted farmhouses.
Gozo is also the hub for Malta’s diving product.
Hayes and Jarvis dive product manager Robert Sanday said: “We introduced it about a year ago and it’s selling like hot cakes.” He added that the island’s attractive price played a large part in its popularity.
Hayes and Jarvis has a lead-in of £317 for qualified divers, including flights, seven nights bed and breakfast and four dives.
On the rocks: Gozo has a stunning coastline
Colourful caves: Comino is a dive favourite
diving in malta
Who goes?divers on their second or third holiday, families, beginners.
Who brochures it? Hayes and Jarvis, Regal.
Sample product: Hayes and Jarvis’ seven-night beginner package leads in at £455, including charter flights, bed-and-breakfast stay, the Professional Association of Dive Instructors’ open-water course and four dives.
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