Taking Your Holidays in Valletta Malta



Posted: Monday, July 27, 2009

by Rick Freeman
http://www.maltaholidays.org

Culture and History

The lovely little island of Malta is located in the Mediterranean. Home to the The Knights of St. John, it is a beautiful place filled with culture and history dating back to the time of Paul The Apostle in 60 A.D when he was shipwrecked on the island. The buildings are old and historic, including some original temples erected to the goddess of fertility. Valletta is the capital city of Malta and selected as place of World Heritage by UNESCO. One of three islands that make up the archipelago, also referred to as the Maltese Islands. Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Valetta has not really been around all that long as far as European cites go, (although out of all the European cities, it is the smallest). It only dates back to about 1565 following the great siege and was built by the Ottoman Turks. And is reputed to be the most powerful and fortified town in the world.

In the years that followed second world war lots of the local inhabitants of Valetta moved out to other areas of Malta to newer built properties, so the population went down to about 9000 inhabitants. Though you wouldn't notice this in the summer months due to the vast amount of tourists that visit the capital city.

On holiday in Valletta

While vacationing in Valletta, visit The Manoel Theatre Museum, The National Museum of Archaeology, St John's Cathedral & Museum, St. Anne Square Garden, take a walk on the beach or enjoy a relaxing massage in one of the hotels wellness spas. Travel to Gozo and Comino is by ferryboat.

There are two main languages spoken in Malta and they are Maltese and English. And English is widely spoken in Malta and Gozo. The currency used in Malta is the Euro. You can change up your holiday money at banks and also the Exchange Bureau located in the Malta International Airport which is open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted. Hotels and Restaurants accept credit cards as well as some of the shops. Shops remain open until 10.pm and can be accessed by public transportation. Food, clothing and souveneirs can be found in the local shops.

Visit the open-air market on Sunday Morning on Merchant Street. Valletta also hosts plays and summer music concerts. Enjoy swimming, scuba diving, windsurfing, boating, driving jet-skis, and the walking trails along the beach and coastal area. Some of the beaches have cafes and snack bars.

Getting around and shopping on the island

Getting around on the island is by bus, car or bicycle. Busses go everywhere on the island, and drivers drive on the left side of the road. Bicycles can be hired on the island for a relaxing or scenic ride.

Eating, Drinking and Nightlife

Most of the bars and restaurants serve good food and drinks. Some good restaurants around the area include: Ambrosia (an Italian style bistro) The Carriage, which offers some nice French cooking, Hibiki which serves Japanese Teppanyaki, and Rubino's which serves classic Mediterranean. The main place for popular nightlife on the island is St Julian's on Paceville. There is also Sacha's Bar & Bistro, Café Jubilee, and Q Bar is the best after-hours venue.

If you want to learn more about Malta For Your Holidays, then visit http://www.maltaholidays.org
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