Malta

[sligoman]

Ok, getting seriously bored here and wanna head away for around a month. Sounds a bit odd but wanna head to Malta just for the sake of it. Anyone here been there? Is it expensive? I know it's only a small island but, much to do there?

[stann]

Funny that. Was there a few years back and loved the place, and we've decided on it again for September. Am heading into town this affo to book it!
Wasn't expensive at all as I recall, not dirt cheap or anything, but good compared with ourselves. There's plenty to do there, especially if you like aquatic pursuits, and there's plenty to see 'cos the island is steeped in history, groaning with the weight of it in fact. They've some of the oldest prehistoric sites in Europe, and historic things to see from Roman times all the way through to WW2. Plus the weather is a virtual cert, more or less all year round. Food is great, very heavily Italian influenced, much of the (really spot-on) population speak English, and the local brew Cisk is gorgeous, as is a sparkling rose they have there called Gellawza Frisante (spelling awful here I think) which is so good they don't sell it in the airport shops on the way out, you have to smuggle it home. :)
But, a month is way too long there I'd guess, the place is genuinely tiny, only about 15 miles long and half that wide. You'd see and do everything in two weeks and that's pacing yourself. However, as a place to laze about and do sod all for the other two weeks I can think of many many worse.

[sligoman]

Can you get a boat to Gozo from the main island?

[BohsPartisan]

Ok, getting seriously bored here and wanna head away for around a month. Sounds a bit odd but wanna head to Malta just for the sake of it. Anyone here been there? Is it expensive? I know it's only a small island but, much to do there?

Read V by Thomas Pynchon to get in the mood.

[paul_oshea]

or read confessions of an economic hitman, bohs will love that book.....

[Block G Raptor]

Ok Malta is great for relaxing, sight-seeing and recharging the batteries but for a month you'd go out of your mind. was there for a week in jan 2000 and have to say it's an amazing place if you're into history as everybody from the moors to the nazi's via the romans have been in control at one time or another and all have left they're mark. beautiful country and when i was there cheap as chips
70c a bottle of local beer and calzone pizza for about €4 and yep you can get a boat to gozo but there is really only one way to go helicopter for about €50

[sligoman]

Thanks for the info lads, keep it coming! Is there many hostels/cheap hotels/B&B's in Malta? I wouldn't be going with a package deal, just the flight so would need to sort out my own accomodation.

EDIT: Cheapest flight I can get for mid-July is 191euro return with Ryanair. That good or should other airlines do better?

[Block G Raptor]

Buggiba or St. Julians are the main resorty type areas plenty of apart-hotels. I stayed in the Topaz Apart-Hotel in buggiba as part of a package deal but you can book locally too on a self catering or full board basis. Oh did I mention they've the coolest busses on gods earth http://images.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://travelsnapz.tripod.com/images/maltabus_img_2471.jpg&imgrefurl=http://travelsnapz.tripod.com/maltabus.html&h=204&w=300&sz=10&hl=en&start=5&um=1&tbnid=xUSXpzrQtJLfoM:&tbnh=79&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmalta%2Bbus%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26h l%3Den%26sa%3DN

[stann]

Yep, some of them look like they're from the 40's, and that's because they are!
Bugibba's clientele seems to be a bit older, or families. St. Julian's is the party centre. Bugibba / St. Pawl's is where we're headed. :o
And yes Sligoman, regular boats and hydrofoils to Gozo, though the chopper is an idea and a half. Also forgot to say there's regular ferries and hydrofoils to Sicily which has got to be worth a day trip.
Was there in September '99 for the football, so Block G has the more up-to-date info! :D

EDIT: Don't know for sure about flights but 191 return in mid-July seems as good as you'll get. Don't know how cheap or dear hotels are either because it's been packages both times, sorry.
By the way at this time of year be prepared to fry for the month. 44 degrees there yesterday!

[sligoman]

By the way at this time of year be prepared to fry for the month. 44 degrees there yesterday!Yeah, that's what I'm worried about. Thinking I might only go for a week/couple of weeks instead as I wanna be back for our game Vs. Cork City in Cork. Go somewhere else for 2 weeks after that again:D.

[BohsPartisan]

or read confessions of an economic hitman, bohs will love that book.....


Reading it at the moment as it happens! :cool:

[sligoman]

What about car hire in Malta? Any of ye do it? Do ya know if you need a full licence for a year previous to hiring it? If so, do they actually enforce it?:confused:

Websites for good car hire companies?

[stann]

Me mate hired a car for a few days the time we were there so I don't know the ins-and-outs of it, sorry.
One thing I will say is unless you're a seriously nifty driver DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
May have changed since but at the time the roads weren't the best, the hire cars seemed to all be bangers, and they drive like lunatics over there. :D
I think the buses are a good way to get around to things, nothing is very far away from you there anyway.

[sligoman]

unless you're a seriously nifty driverYou know me so well:D.

Ah no, if the bus service is good enough then might just stick to that. Have looked up car hire companies and most seem to require the driver is over 25 so that'd cause a problem for me:(. Just thought car hire would be handiest to get around the whole island for a couple of days or so.

[stann]

No trouble, no dodgy areas, but that was the bones of ten years ago so I don't know what it's like now. I was warned at the time of an area of Valetta harbour known colloquially as 'The Gut' that was a bit dodgy, but that was by an ex-sailor and you'll hardly be headed to the port areas anyway. :D
The main spots might by now be overrun by those nuisance trinket and flower hawking types that infest all the tourist areas of Southern Europe these days.

As regards where you stay, well it comes down to about three main areas. Valetta is the capital but it's not a place I've heard of many people staying in.
St. Julian's to the north of it has (or had) the younger crowd, it's the real 'avin' it large place.
Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul's Bay further along the coast is nice, quieter, and has more families and older types.
Mellieha in the North is quieter again, and has the best beaches IIRC.
You could stay in Gozo too, I hear it's very nice, but you'd have to get to the mainland most days then, would it be worth the hassle?

[mypost]

much of the (really spot-on) population speak English.

Shouldn't everyone there speak English, given it's official language status? :confused:

[stann]

I don't know mypost, I don't run the place. When I was there most of the locals I had dealings with did, one or two didn't. Whether they all should have really isn't up to me. If it was I'd make sure of it for ya! :D

[mypost]

Should be. Even their first names are the likes of "Robert, Carmel, Linda, Olivia, Lynn, Julie" etc. :confused::)

[stann]

We should all speak Irish in that case so. Official status doesn't automatically mean blanket use though.
First names mean nowt either. Many Filipino first names are Spanish for instance - Jesus, Manuel and the like, but they don't all speak Spanish there.

[joeSoap]

I'm heading to Malta next week for a 5 day work junket. Staying in the Hilton Malta in Portomasa. Anyone know anything about this area?

[Sligo Hornet]

As a relatively new scuba diver, and having only dived in the Maldives ( spoilt I know! ) I am going to Malta in May for a long weekend to try diving here.

Anyone have any suggestions for some good sites? ( I will be staying in Bugibba/St.Paul's Bay )

[Block G Raptor]

Stayed in St Paul's bay back in 2000. great spot. never went Diving unfortunately
so cant help you there. will say though make sure and visit Valletta and mdina(the old capital)

[stann]

Don't dive either but you won't lack places to do it there, there's a multitude of sites, from deep and shallow wrecks (incl many WWII ships and aircraft) to superb natural structures. The water there is absolutely crystal!
I remember from the brochures that there's one place on Gozo called the Azure Window / Inland Sea which on the surface has a sea arch and collapsed cave close by each other, but there was supposed to be exceptional diving just on the seaward side of this Inland Sea with a sheer wall going many tens of metres straight down and full of all the exotic kinds of stuff ye fellas like to look at. :)
I might still have that brochure actually, will have a look tomorrow.

[stann]

Can't find the brochure, Hornet, must have thrown the b*****d out, but have a gander here (http://www.seashell-divecove.com/aboutmalta.asp) for ideas, and particularly click on the interactive map on this page. (http://www.seashell-divecove.com/divesites.asp)
The map has (slightly eccentric :) ) descriptions of a load of dive sites, including, I was surprised and delighted to see, the HMS Maori which was one of the destroyers that took part in the sinking of the Bismarck. The vertical wall I was on about can be found at the West end of Gozo, but there seems to be quite a few of these type of dives, as well as caves, reefs, chimneys, planes and ships.
As a guide the prices are still given in Maltese Lira though they are on the Euro there since January 1st. I seem to remember the exchange rate in October was about 2.4 yo-yos to the Lira, so what'd that be, about £1.70, £1.80 I'd think?
Now can do no more for ya. ;)

[Sligo Hornet]

Many thanks Stann.....excellent information, and site links:)....sadly most of the wrecks ( in fact ALL bar one ) are outside my level of experience ( i.e. too deep or too technical )

However, from the info you have given me there are loads of great alternatives, and will help me get more experience.

St.Paul's bay looks good too!

[The Banner Man]

As a relatively new scuba diver, and having only dived in the Maldives ( spoilt I know! ) I am going to Malta in May for a long weekend to try diving here.

Anyone have any suggestions for some good sites? ( I will be staying in Bugibba/St.Paul's Bay )
Was in Malta twice, 1989 & 1990. Stayed in Bugibba, I think the best place for diving would be the Blue Grotto, check Malta Tourism. Try hiring a car, taxis are very expensive. Valetta is a very old & interesting city. St. Pauls & St. Julians are more lively. You can get the ferry to Gozo.

[Sam_Heggy]

Just booking our honeymoon in Malta, herself has been told by a work collegue that its a great place. Anyone on here been there recently?

[Block G Raptor]

was there in 2000. The most romantic, Beautiful place I've been to. Stayed in Buggiba but it's not an issue where you stay as the Island is only a handful of miles Sq. would recommend Medina for the history and architecture and Valletta for those and Shopping
every 2nd shop on the main st is a jewelers and they are Dirt cheap. would also recommend the craft village in the center of the Island were you can see glass blowers and jewelers /artists at work and buy their wares relatively cheap, also it's right next to the stadium were Ireland qualified for Italia 90. if you're looking to party then st julians is the place to be. make sure and use the buses (http://www.philseed.com/images/malta-bus02.jpg) at least once as they are a great experience in themselves. the Mosta cathedral is really interesting also as it has the 2nd largest freestanding Dome in Europe (after st peters) and there is a fantastic story about it: During the war malta was bombed by the Nazi's on one of the Biggest feast Day's in the catholic calendar (may of been good friday can't quite remember) anyway tthe cathedral was packed with about 3,000 malteese when the bombing started, during the raid a bomb dropped on the cathedral, penetrating the Dome(you can still see the hole) landed and rolled up the Isle coming to a rest at the foot of the altar without exploding, they still have the bomb (which I'm assuming was made safe :) ) on display in the cathedral

[Sam_Heggy]

was there in 2000. The most romantic, Beautiful place I've been to. Stayed in Buggiba but it's not an issue where you stay as the Island is only a handful of miles Sq. would recommend Medina for the history and architecture and Valletta for those and Shopping
every 2nd shop on the main st is a jewelers and they are Dirt cheap. would also recommend the craft village in the center of the Island were you can see glass blowers and jewelers /artists at work and buy their wares relatively cheap, also it's right next to the stadium were Ireland qualified for Italia 90. if you're looking to party then st julians is the place to be. make sure and use the buses (http://www.philseed.com/images/malta-bus02.jpg) at least once as they are a great experience in themselves. the Mosta cathedral is really interesting also as it has the 2nd largest freestanding Dome in Europe (after st peters) and there is a fantastic story about it: During the war malta was bombed by the Nazi's on one of the Biggest feast Day's in the catholic calendar (may of been good friday can't quite remember) anyway tthe cathedral was packed with about 3,000 malteese when the bombing started, during the raid a bomb dropped on the cathedral, penetrating the Dome(you can still see the hole) landed and rolled up the Isle coming to a rest at the foot of the altar without exploding, they still have the bomb (which I'm assuming was made safe :) ) on display in the cathedral

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[lofty9]

Just booking our honeymoon in Malta, herself has been told by a work collegue that its a great place. Anyone on here been there recently?

Stayed in the Gillieru Harbour Hotel a few years ago. Nice enough spot. Was at a hotel in Buggiba (can't remember the name) but left it as it was stinking.
At lot of people on our return flight changed hotels at their own costs as the hotels were awful. Be wary, 4 star in Malta is 1 - 2 star. I didn't find the people friendly or helpful either. I enjoyed the food there though.

Medina is beautiful, a wonderful walled town. You get a great view from there of Malta.

[Sam_Heggy]

Stayed in the Gillieru Harbour Hotel a few years ago. Nice enough spot. Was at a hotel in Buggiba (can't remember the name) but left it as it was stinking.
At lot of people on our return flight changed hotels at their own costs as the hotels were awful. Be wary, 4 star in Malta is 1 - 2 star. I didn't find the people friendly or helpful either. I enjoyed the food there though.

Medina is beautiful, a wonderful walled town. You get a great view from there of Malta.


Our hotel is the fortina (sp?) has anyone heard what standard of the hotel is like? Hope to bejaysus we don't end up moving hotels whilst out there.

[stann]

Was there only last October Sam. Have to rush off now but will post up a few bits later.

[stann]

Sorry about the delay.
We were there in late September/early October last year, and I'd been about 8 years before that too. I can't say enough good things about the place to be honest.
I don't know anything about the hotel you're in, but from a quick look it appears to be in Sliema, quite close to the capital, which is handy because it'll be a place you'll have to visit more than once. Valetta is at the tip of a promontory that splits the harbour in two, and I think you'll be on the northern shore of the north (Marsamxett) harbour if you see what I mean. You'll have some view of the walled city from there. It's all quite built up in that area, but many of the hotels have good sized private grounds so it wouldn't feel like that.
There's loads to see and do, specially if you're into snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and such and such. Very few sandy beaches though, and they're mostly in the North. The amount of history packed into such a small place is unreal.
Valetta is worth several trips, make sure you visit St. John's Co-Cathedral with a stunning Caravaggio on display there, the Grand Master's Palace, the Museum of Archaeology, which looked very good but we had to fly through it, and the WW2 museum. There's an audiovisual thingy called the Malta Experience which was interesting enough but had only still photos, nowhere near as good as some of those things you might have seen like the one in Rome. In the summer and early autumn they also put on historical pageants in the city which are supposed to be well worth seeing.
A visit to Mdina is an absolute must. A completely intact medieval walled city which is brilliant to just walk around, but has loads of small museums and churches too. And an excavated Roman Villa just up the road from the entrance gate which is worth a look.
You also absolutely must take the jeep tour of Gozo. A bus takes you to the ferry, which you must take yourselves to the smaller island, and there you hop in the back of a jeep and a local takes you all around the island for the day. As for Paul if you can. :)
The prehistoric temples and tombs like Hagar Qim, Tarxien, Gigantija on Gozo and the Hypogeum should be high on your list if you're into that sort of thing.
AS BGR says, the dome at Mosta, the craft centre in the middle of the island, particularly the glass workshops, and Ta'Qali stadium are worth a look. All of the Premier teams, your Sliema Wanderers, Hibernians and the like, play all their games there if you're there while the season is on.
The food and drink there are excellent, specially if you like fish. You'll have to get the red snapper at least once. Very Italian in style, but there's an undercurrent of Arab influence that can be seen most obviously in the street signs and placenames but is there in the food too. Try the little pea pies called pastizzi that you can get from small takeaways and booths. The local brews are spot on too. Cisk is the best but moreexpensive (not compared to here though). 1565 is cheap as chips but a perfectly suitable replacement. And the sparkling rosé Gellawza Frizzanté is only gorgeous.

The only downsides I can think of would be the heat if you're going to be there in Summer, and the timeshare sellers that are all over the place. I think they've been run out of every other Mediterranean country so theres loads of them. Just say no politely and firmly and move on, really, don't let them get you into a conversation under any circumstances! :D
Oh, and they're on the Euro there since January. And they nearly all speak English. If I think of any more I'll be back.
Or if you have any more questions fire away. ;)

[NeilMcD]

Many thanks Stann.....excellent information, and site links:)....sadly most of the wrecks ( in fact ALL bar one ) are outside my level of experience ( i.e. too deep or too technical )

However, from the info you have given me there are loads of great alternatives, and will help me get more experience.

St.Paul's bay looks good too!



Sligo there is a great spot up in Donegal that has a great Diving School, mean to be a great place to go diving. Its called Muff.

[Sligo Hornet]

Sligo there is a great spot up in Donegal that has a great Diving School, mean to be a great place to go diving. Its called Muff.

Might be too technical for me........prefer to check out known caves!

[paul_oshea]

im setting up a niteclub up there soon too....