| Anyone who has seen the Robin Williams film version | | | | il-Bahar (St Paul's Bay), and brought Christianity to the |
| of Popeye will be at least a little familiar with the | | | | inhabitants in AD 60. |
| Mediterranean island of Malta. The term 'good things | | | | The best time of year for holidays to Malta is |
| come in small packages' certainly can be applied to | | | | June-August, when the temperatures are around 29 - |
| this small yet beautiful land. Malta is only 17 miles long | | | | 31 degrees Celsius and the sea is like a big warm |
| end to end and 9 miles across at its widest point, yet | | | | bath at 21 - 25 degrees Celsius. June and July also |
| has some of the most spectacular views in the | | | | have the least rainfall, so they are the ideal months if |
| Mediterranean. | | | | you want a proper sun holiday. And whether you |
| Malta has a strong Roman Catholic background, and | | | | want relaxation, nightlife or sheer excitement, you'll |
| evidence of this can be seen around the island in the | | | | find something to suit you in Malta. The island has |
| form of elaborate cathedrals in two of the main cities | | | | stunning views over the Mediterranean sea, and is |
| of Valletta and Mdina, and by the festivals which take | | | | surrounded by many sandy and rocky beaches for |
| place on Saint's days. Malta has a mixed heritage, | | | | sunbathing. If you prefer to be under the water than |
| comprising of island-born Maltese, Italians and British. | | | | looking at it, Malta has plenty of scuba-diving clubs |
| The official language is Maltese, but English and Italian | | | | and underwater safaris for the water-loving. |
| are widely understood and used. | | | | If your primary reason for holidays is shopping, you |
| Holidays in Malta are becoming more and more | | | | may be surprised at the lack of larger shops and |
| popular with British tourists, especially those | | | | malls in Malta. Instead, the Maltese favour small shops |
| interested in having a more cultural experience. Malta | | | | and markets. Lace is the nation's primary speciality, |
| has a rich history, and the towns of Valletta, Naxxar, | | | | and there also plenty of craft shops selling pottery, |
| Rabat and Mdina all have fascinating evidence of this, | | | | glassware, filigree jewellery and other expertly |
| many dating from the Renaissance period. There are | | | | crafted goods. |
| archaeological remains which date from around | | | | Malta is a unique blend of modern and ancient, and will |
| 3800BC and it has been established that they were | | | | give you an unforgettable holiday experience in a |
| built by prehistoric man. The islands religious leaning | | | | spectacular setting. Flights and accommodation are |
| comes from the fact that St Paul was said to have | | | | reasonably priced, so have a look on the internet to |
| been shipwrecked on what is now called San Pawl | | | | find a good deal before booking. |