Malta [antikvár]

1 Introducing Malta Rugged limestone outcrops rising out of the glittering Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese islands are a compact and fascinating blend of history, holidays and friendly small-island hospitality. Malta's colourful past ranges from its earliest inhabitants, who built temples on the islands some 6500 years ago, to the arrival of crusading knights in the Middle Ages and the full brunt of World War II hostilities four centuries later. Added to the best climate in southern Europe, it helps attract more than a million tourists to the islands each year. The islands are made for sightseeing. History beckons in every town and village, in the wealth of palaces, churches and fortifications that have survived down the centuries. High on every visitor's sightseeing list is the fortified capital Valletta. Rising in imposing grandeur from Grand Harbour, it is the focal point of urban Malta, which stretches from the resorts of Sliema and St Julian's to the historical Three Cities, and is home to 90% of the islands' population. The ancient walled city of Mdina dominates the centre of the island, an area characterized by small towns and villages, each with its own impressive church. In the south are ancient temples and small fishing resorts, while to the north is the tourist development sprawled around St Paul's Bay and Malta's half-dozen or so sandy beaches. Across the Comino Channel lies the smaller, greener island of Gozo and between them tiny Comino. Both are popular and attractive getaways for the holiday-maker. COZ0 MEDITBRRANEAN Comino MEDITERRANEAN SEA Top Attractions *** Valletta: centuries of history within the capital's high ramparts. *** IVtdina: medieval wailed city of narrow streets and tight alleyways. *** Gozo: spend a day on Malta's green sister isle. ** Harbour cruise: for unforgettable aspects of Valletta and the Three Cities. ** St Julian's: dine alfresco by the bay as the sun goes down. * Marsaxlokk: fishing harbour packed with brightly painted luzzu boats. Opposite: Mgarr harbour in Gozo, a classic scene of harbour, historic fortifications and church spire.