Towns and Villages

Valletta

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a mixture of culture and commerce. There are many small chapels and a vast amount of cathedrals, museums, galleries and public gardens within the walls and fortifications bordering the city. There is a street market every morning and one can also attend several of the sound and vision shows illustrating all aspects of Malta’s history. (more on Valletta - Valletta Hotels)

Sliema

Sliema is both a major holiday resort and a local residential area, combining the activity of designer shops and cruise boats with the relaxation of street cafes, restaurants and beach lidos with facilities for water sports. Gzira with its long wide promenade extends from Sliema to Manoel Island and the yacht marinas. (more on Sliema - Sliema Hotels)

Paceville, St.Julian’s and St.George’s Bay

Paceville offers a vibrant night life with restaurants, bars and clubs and a cinema complex which are extremely popular with young people from all over the island. One can also find a number of lidos and a casino. (more on St. Julian's - St. Julian's Hotels, more on Paceville - Paceville Hotels)

Qawra, Bugibba and St.Paul’s Bay

This area has been a fishing village for over a thousand years and it is now popular for swimming, shopping, restaurants, cafes and beach bars. Today, it is one of Malta’s most popular touristic villages. Pleasant walks along the promenade offer stunning views of St.Paul’s Islands, Gozo and Comino. Apart from beaches and water sports facilities, one can spend the day on one of the cruises available in the area. (more on Qawra - Qawra Hotels, more on Bugibba - Bugibba Hotels)

Mellieha, Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha

All three are situated in the north of Malta and have sandy beaches. Mellieha is found on a hill and it is surrounded by fertile valleys, legendary caves and hills overlooking Malta and Gozo. It has some of Malta’s best restaurants and a number of bays and beaches, of which Ghadira (Mellieha Bay) is the largest in Malta. (more on Mellieha - Mellieha Hotels)

Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha are surrounded by countryside and the sandy beaches are unspoilt spots for sun seekers and swimming enthusiasts.

Mdina, Rabat and Ta’Qali

Mdina is rich of history and architecture. Known as the Silent City, it offers excellent cafes and restaurants housed in old houses and palaces, craft shops, chapels, cathedral with its museum and gallery, natural history museum and the Mdina Dungeons depicting scenes from the city’s history.

Rabat has been a residential area since before Roman Times. It has fascinating streets holding bars and bakeries, craft shops, chapels. Ancient Catacombs can also be found in this village. On the outskirts, close to Mdina, one can find the Museum of Roman Antiquities including the remains of a Roman town house (the Roman villa).

At Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, one can see glass blowers, potters, filigree jewelers, woodworkers and craftsmen. This is a very well known locality for traditional souvenirs. (more on Mdina and Rabat)

Mosta and Naxxar

Mosta has been occupied by settlers since early times. The current church is famous for its famous dome which remained intact despite being penetrated by a bomb which rolled through the church that was full of people at the time, and still failed to explode. Mosta has many fascinating sites including chapels, old houses and Fort Mosta on the Victoria Lines which stretch across the valley to Naxxar.

Naxxar has several small interesting chapels. Besides the Victoria Lines there are two small towers which are unique to the islands. Of archaeological interest are the pre-historic remains found I the surrounding countryside and the cart-ruts on the ridge along the Victoria Lines.

Balzan, Attard and Lija

The history of these villages goes back about 400 years. Their lnarrow and winding streets reveal small shops, churches, band clubs and bars. San Anton Palace, dating back to the knights, is situated between Balzan and Attard. It is now the official residence of Malta’s President and its gardens are open to the public.

Marsascala and Marsaxlokk

These two coastal resorts in the south of the island have kept their identities as fishing villages and their fish restaurants are known throughout the island. Both villages are surrounded by countryside and offer interesting coastal and country walks.

The Three Cities - Cottonera

These are the three fortified harbour towns all of which were Malta’s main maritime cities for many years. Known as the Three Cities, they are Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.

Apart from a number of auberges and chapels, one can find the Inquisitor’s Palace, Fort St.Angelo and a maritime museum. (more on The Three Cities)

Gozo

Gozo is a third the size of Malta and it is less densely populated, greener and quieter. Of particular interest are the temples, over 5000 years old and the Citadel whose huge hill walls enclose museums, narrow streets, chapels, the cathedral and small private residences. The island offers beaches, countryside and charming towns and villages.

Gozo can be reached by a car ferry service which runs continually throughout the summer months and hourly in winter. There is also a helicopter service.

Comino

This tiny island has no cars, a population of only a few people, a tower and a chapel and only one hotel. One can enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon and also in other bays and beaches around the island.

Comino can be reached by boat.

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