Malta is a small and densely populated European microstate of 419,000 people. The seven Island Archipelago is situated 93km off the coast of Sicily and is therefore located in the Medittaranean. It is popular Malta holidays, particularly Malta package deals.
Malta being in the Meditteranean and central to the ancient world was fought over and held by many ancient cultures. The Phoenicians named the Island Melite which means ‘Honey Sweet’. They held it for 400 years until 400 BC. The Carthagians held the Island until Malta was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 218. Perhaps Malta’s most famous historical movement was when St. Paul was shipwrecked off its coast sixty years after the birth of Christ. The Early middle ages saw Byzantine rule before two hundred years of Arab rule starting in the 9th Century. The 11th century saw Normans take control. Brief control by Swabians, Angevins and the crown of Aragon before Malta was granted by Sicilian King Charles V to the knights of St. John of Jerusalem. After an Ottoman siege and a brief conquest by Napoleon Britain takes Malta under her protection.
Modern history sees Mussolini intending to annex Malta for Italy and the George Cross awarded to Malta by King George VI so as to ‘bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people’. In 1956 a referendum is held about incorporating Malta into the United Kingdom. In 1964 Malta is granted Independence from the UK. In 2004 Malta becomes a member of the European Union and adopts the Euro currency.
Malta has the oldest free standing building in the world. Ggantia Prehistoric temple in Gozo. Many of these type of temples are in the form of five semi-circular rooms connected at the centre. Historians believe that this represents the head, arms and legs of a deity. Statues of rotund women have been commonly found in these temples.
The Meditteranean climate of Malta makes the archipelago a foavourable destination for tourists. Indeed, Malta holidays are a favourite. Water is a persistent problem on Malta. With a large population and little or no rainfall in summer the winter showers usually run off into the sea rather than soaking into the ground. Average temperatures of 32 degrees C make Malta one of the warmest destinations in Europe while in December the temperature only drops to an average of 16 degrees C, which makes Malta a particularly popular for Malta package deals, and winter sun seekers.
The main Islands of the Archipelago are the only ones that are inhabited. Malta, Comino and Gozo are the three inhabited islands. Comino has only 8 inhabitants and has only an area of slightly more than a square mile. Gozo is much more of a rural retreat than Malta but it has a population of 31,000.
Tourist attractions on the Island inlcude Valletta, the nations capital. Founded by a French nobleman and Grand Master of the Order of St. John Jean Parisot de la Valette. Rabat is where St. Pauls catacombs and the Roman Villa reside. For those who enjoy nightlife Saint Julians offers nightclubs and entertainment, and is particularly suite for Malta package deals.
The Golden Bay is one of Maltas most beautiful beaches while the Blue Grotto is a series of caves on the southern side of Malta. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are two stone age temples set on the southside of Malta.
So, whether you seek sun and sand on your holidays, or culture and history, Malta holidays and Malta package deals are sure to please.
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