Malta holidays manage to effortlessly blend a host of cultural influences ranging from Egypt, to ancient Rome, to the Arab world and the legacy of the British. If you enjoy culture, the capital Valletta should go at the very top of your list, before you venture out into the local festas, enjoy some unique shopping, visit the world heritage sites and finally head the beach for some well earned relaxation.
Valletta is the home of Europe’s oldest theatre, the Manoel, which you’ll find contrasted with the modern St James Cavalier Creative Centre. This modern centre houses theatre, cinema, music, the visual arts, literature and special creative activities for children. The wonderful summer Jazz festival enjoys a world-wide reputation, and you should not miss out on Malta’s Arts festival during the first three weeks of July. Then there’s also the Notte Bianca, a night when Valetta’s museums and cultural institutions stay open, and performance artists entertain crowds in the streets. Then the annual carnival started in the 16th century and is still held each year leading up to Ash Wednesday. However, Malta holidays are still not complete without enjoying a local festa.
The local churches are elaborately decorated and bells ring as full-size religious statues are hoisted through the decorated streets. Local bands play, there is confetti everywhere and numerous parties in the streets. The more vibrant, passionate and musical its festa, the more each village is believed to be demonstrating its devotion to its patron saint. Accordingly, visitors are blessed with spectacular events each and every year. The old traditions are truly kept alive, and this also helps give Malta holidays a much better class of souvenir gift.
Visit the Crafts Village at Ta Qali, where the local artisans produce hand-blown glassware to see this heritage in action. Each piece is unique, representing the culmination of hundreds of years of skill honed through each passing generation. The Stone workshop creates ornaments from local polished marble and there are also potters hand throwing ceramics. Here you’ll also find the famous hand made lace, and some equally painstakingly crafted sterling silver filigree jewellery. Once you’ve enjoyed so much living culture, take the time to relax and enjoy the quieter side of Malta holidays.
The Catacombs Complexes were proposed in 1998 as a Unesco listed World Heritage Site. They are believed to date from the mid-third to mid-seventh century AD and they meander under is the modern day town of Rabat. You can also make a straightforward tourist appointment with the tourist authorities to allow you to see the splendour of the burial chambers at the Tal-Minta catacombs at Mqabba. The Hypogeum at Paolo has a full Unesco listing and is believed to date from 3300-3000 BC. There’s also the 15th century Inquisitors Palace, which is currently the only one of its kind open to the public throughout the entire world. Today it is the home of the Museum of Ethnography and is renowned for its Baroque staircase leading to the upper floors. Finally, after all this activity, simply chill out on one of the many clean and pristine white-sand beaches, fringed by the clear blue Mediterranean – or invigorate yourself with the water sports scene.
Malta enjoys warm, clear waters all year round, making it a firm favourite with divers and water sports enthusiasts. If you’ve never tried either before, there are plenty of facilities offering friendly lessons for beginners. When you’re finally ready to do nothing more than soak up the bright sunshine, roll your towel out on the beach, pick up a good book and enjoy watching the boats bob by.
Richard Gamber works with Malta Direct, the leading tour operator for Malta. Their many years’ expertise helps people plan and enjoy a wide variety of Malta holidays.