Malta. A small island, but big adventures.
11:55 Malta. A small island, but big adventures. | |
 Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean (in its eastern basin), some 80 km (50 mi) south of the Italian island of Sicily across the Malta Channel. Only the three largest islands – Malta (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex) and Comino (Kemmuna) – are inhabited. The smaller islands (see below) are uninhabited. The islands of the archipelago lie on the Malta plateau, a shallow shelf formed from the high points of a land bridge between Sicily and North Africa. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours. The landscape consists of low hills with terraced fields. The highest point in Malta is Ta' Dmejrek, at 253 m (830 ft), near Dingli. Although there are some small rivers at times of high rainfall, there are no permanent rivers or lakes on Malta. However, some watercourses have fresh water running all year round at Baħrija, l-Imtaħleb and San Martin, and at Lunzjata Valley in Gozo. Phytogeographically, Malta belongs to the Liguro-Tyrrhenian province of the Mediterranean Region within the Boreal Kingdom. According to the WWF, the territory of Malta belongs to the ecoregion of "Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub". The average yearly temperature is 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) during the day and 15 °C (59 °F) at night. In the coldest month – January – the temperature ranges from 12 to 20 °C (54 to 68 °F) during the day and 7 to 12 °C (45 to 54 °F) at night. In the warmest month – August – the temperature ranges from 28 to 34 °C (82 to 93 °F) during the day and 19 to 24 °C (66 to 75 °F) at night. Generally – summer's/holiday season lasts to 8 months, starting from around mid-April with temperatures 19–23 °C (66–73 °F) during the day and 13–14 °C (55–57 °F) at night, ending in November with temperatures 17–23 °C (63–73 °F) during the day and 11–20 °C (52–68 °F) at night, although also in the remaining 4 months temperatures sometimes reach 20 °C (68 °F). Amongst all capitals in the continent of Europe, Valletta – the capital of Malta has the warmest winters, with average temperatures of 15–16 °C (59–61 °F) during the day and 9–10 °C (48–50 °F) at night in the period January–February. In March and December average temperatures is around 17 °C (63 °F) during the day and 11 °C (52 °F) at night. Large fluctuations in temperature are rare. Also, Malta is one of the few places in Europe which are "green" all year round. Maltese architecture has been influenced by many different Mediterranean cultures and British architecture over its history. The first settlers on the island constructed Ġgantija, one of the oldest manmade freestanding structures in the world. The Neolithic temple builders 3800–2500 BC endowed the numerous temples of Malta and Gozo with intricate bas relief designs, including spirals evocative of the tree of life and animal portraits, designs painted in red ochre, ceramics, and a vast collection of human form sculptures, particularly the Venus of Malta. These can be viewed at the temples themselves (most notably, the Hypogeum and Tarxien Temples), and at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Malta is currently undergoing several large-scale building projects, including the construction of SmartCity Malta, the M-Towers and Pendergardens, while areas such as the Valletta Waterfront and Tigne Point are receiving renovation. Malta is a member of the Schengen Agreement. There are no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented this treaty - the European Union (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. But be careful: not all EU members have signed the Schengen treaty, and not all Schengen members are part of the European Union. This means that there may be spot customs checks but no immigration checks (travelling within Schengen but to/from a non-EU country) or you may have to clear immigration but not customs (travelling within the EU but to/from a non-Schengen country). You may see the ancient capital of Mdina, also known as the Silent City, rests at a high point in the heart of the island. Surrounded by the scenic town of Rabat, this fortress is one of Malta's finest jewels, boasting architecture, history and a quality cup of coffee with a splendid view. Mdina gets very peaceful and romantic in the evenings when the day trippers leave. 1. Grand Excelsior Hotel The Excelsior’s facilities include a private 30-berth marina, large outdoor and indoor swimming pools, health & beauty centre and 3 food and beverage outlets. The Excelsior offers versatile conference & banqueting facilities, 14 flexible venues of over 4000m², a number of which have natural daylight - an ideal environment for business meetings, conferences and other events. Near to the Excelsior is the Mediterranean Conference Centre. This historical building enhances the Excelsior’s conference potential with an auditorium capacity for up to 1,400 delegates. Le Grand Spa at the Excelsior offers an atmospheric space that is the perfect starting point for your journey toward equilibrium between your body, mind and spirit. Complement your spa experience with the variety of leisure, sporting, fitness and recreational facilities and activities available in the resort. Lowest price $210. 2. The Palace Malta The Palace Malta, with its new quality and service standards sits nestled amongst the tranquil traditional Maltese town houses and villas yet still very accessible to the cosmopolitan cafes and leading business premises that make Sliema one of Malta's foremost addresses. Inspired by the pulse and passion of a city centre hotel, The Palace is a stylish Deluxe five star Boutique Hotel of distinctive elegance. The Palace is intimate and comfortable, yet luxurious and cosmopolitan, whilst offering a unique experience of genuine hospitality. The Palace is European elegance in the heart of urban Sliema. Lowest price $230. 3. InterContinental Malta Located in St Georges Bay, St Julian's, InterContinental Malta is just twelve kilometers away from the Malta International Airport, seven kilometers from Malta's historic capital, Valletta and within walking distance of some of Malta's finest shopping, entertainment, dining and nightlife venues. Malta's foremost contemporary five star hotel welcomes you to 451 luxury rooms and suites wrapped around four thousand square meters of landscaped gardens, five thousand square meters of conference and function space, eight uniquely styled restaurants and three bars. Enjoy the Panoramic Pool Deck, private Sandy Beach, extensive Fitness Centre and be pampered in the Beauty Studio. Enjoy incomparable service at the Club InterContinental Malta. Spread over three exclusive floors with its private lounge located on the fifteenth floor enjoying magnificent views of St George's Bay, Club guests may enjoy champagne breakfast, afternoon tea as well as pre-dinner drinks. Lowest price $280. 4. Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Your understanding of 5 star luxury is different from that of any other guest, and at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz we know that! Whatever it is you require – there is very little that we cannot do for you! Traditional local elements, such as wood and honey-coloured limestone, create the unique elegantly rustic ambience of each guest room and suite. Generous space and Mediterranean colours form a soothing and stylish alliance, enticing to linger and relax. Wake up in the morning to birds singing, compelling you to dwell on the balcony and marvel at the island’s peace and tranquillity. The sophisticated elegance and casual nonchalance of our restaurants at Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz are complemented by the delightful settings of our bars and lounge. The ambience merely sets the tone for the symphony of tastes and delicacies you are about to savour. Embark on journey with exquisite Mediterranean moments with indulging sumptuous dinners at 'L'Ortolan'... we will definitely have the pleasure to spoil you with the best of Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz. Lowest price $290.  5. Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa Whether you choose to spend a day being pampered and nurtured in the Athenaeum Spa, or prefer to relax at the poolside restaurant and plan your next outing, the hotel’s central location makes it ideal for sightseeing trips to key destinations such as Baroque Valletta and the ancient walled city of Mdina. The Corinthia Palace. A majestic hotel bathed in warm Mediterranean hospitality. Originally built in the 19th century as a luxury private villa, the grand design and immaculately-landscaped gardens have inspired guests from around the world. Now an icon in our international portfolio, and a pioneer of signature facilities such as our Athenaeum Day Spa and Orient-inspired Rickshaw Restaurant, the Palace remains a testament to sumptuous living and time-honoured personal service. Lowest price $230. 6. The Westin Dragonia Resort and Spa The 341 guest rooms, including 29 Luxury Bay Suites, at The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta are the largest on the Maltese archipelago. Executive Club Rooms are spread across two floors and offer access to the Executive Lounge where you can enjoy breakfast and pre-dinner drinks. Take in stunning views of the Mediterranean from your private balcony and then relax in our signature Heavenly Bed for a peaceful night's sleep. Cool off in one of our three outdoor swimming pools, stroll through our private gardens, or learn to scuba dive. Rejuvenate in our fitness and beauty center or spa. Or test your luck in Malta's oldest and most prestigious casino. You can rest assured that your kids are having a great time in our Westin Kids Club. A variety of delicious dining options throughout the resort ensures that there's something for everyone. Lowest price $240. | |
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