Lying between Sicily and North Africa are Malta and her sister islands of Gozo and Comino. There are modern hotels, night clubs, discotheques, an elegant casino and a coastline with first class facilities for swimming and all water sports. But Malta is also the historical island of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem who, from 1530 to 1798, built palaces and churches and defended their fortress against all invaders, including the Turks’ attack during the Great Siege of 1565.
Valletta, the island’s capital, designed by Francesco Laparelli, Michelangelo’s assintant is named after Jean de Vallette, the heroic Grand Master who organized the island’s defences at the time of the Siege. At the beginning of the 19th Century the British came and they stayed until the island was granted independence in 1964.
Climate is high summer can be oven hot, but there’s usually a light breeze. Winter is mild, but you will need a raincoat. Sunshine all the year round. Nearly everybody speaks English, Maltese and Italian.
Lupa Airport is four miles from Valletta. Airport bus service. Taxis are metered. Most hotels charge bed and breakfast, though fulland half pension terms can be arranged. Your travel agent, or the Malta Tourist Board (9 Merchants Street, Valletta) will give you a complete list of hotels. Most hotels add a 10 % service charge. Rates usually lower between November and March.
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