Maltese Magic
If you're looking for a holiday where beautiful beaches and verdant scenery combine with a host of archaeological, cultural and spiritual delights, Malta may just be your ideal destination. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily, the island has been populated by a succession of civilisations since as early as 4000BC. Romans, Arabs and Normans have all left their archaeological and artistic imprint, and you can even see cave paintings that date back to the 4th century BC.
Since the time of Christ, faith has very much been a part of Maltese culture: it was here that St. Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome, and here that the Knights Templar flourished during the Middle Ages. Today, you can still see the remains of their impressive cities and fortresses.
A good place to start your tour of Malta is the capital, Valetta. This city boasts of grand selection of ancient churches – be sure to visit St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church, one of the oldest on the island. In Valetta you can also see the paintings of Attillio Palumbi, which portray episodes in the life of St. Paul, and a piece of bone which, tradition has it, is part of the Saint’s arm bone. Perhaps the most magnificent sight of all is the beautiful Caravaggio painting, The Beheading of John the Baptist, which hangs in the Oratory at St. John’s Cathedral.
A short drive from Valetta is the ancient Roman capital of Mdina, where the Roman governor purportedly lived at the time of St. Paul’s visit. It’s well worth a visit, not only for its historical significance, but also for the beautiful view of St. Paul’s Bay from the ramparts of Mdina. Around here, you will also find a number of secluded sandy coves where you can kick back, relax, and swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea.
No visit to Malta is complete without taking in the surrounding islands: Gozo, in particular, is a prime attraction. Separated from the main island by a five-mile wide channel, it boasts a sleepy, rural environment, far removed from the frantic pace of modern life. Take a trip to the capital, Victoria, where you will see the 17th century cathedral of the Virgin Mary, and then visit the Xewkija church, which has the third-largest dome in the world.
Holidays to Malta are cheap, convenient, and easy to find. Budget airlines fly to the island from both Luton and Gatwick, and there are hundreds of tour operators offering guided trips. Make your visit cheaper still by using a price comparison site to find accommodation and by booking cheap travel insurance with a provider like AA Travel.