Malta is a southern European island country consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by water, it lies 80 km (50 miles) south of Italy (Sicily), 284 km (176 miles) east of Tunisia, [15] and 333 km (207 miles) north of Libya. About half a million people inhabit an area of 316 km2 (122 sq mi). Malta is the tenth smallest country in the world by area and the fourth most populous sovereign country. Its capital is Valletta, which is the smallest national capital of the European Union in terms of area with an area of 0.61 km2 (0.24 sq mi). The official and national language is Maltese, which is descended from Sicilian Arabic that developed during the Emirate of Sicily, while English is the second official language. Italian and Sicilian were also previously official and cultural languages on the island for centuries, with Italian being an official language in Malta until 1934 and a majority of the current Maltese population being at least the language of conversation in the Italian language.
Malta has been inhabited since about 5900 BC. Due to its location in the center of the Mediterranean, it was historically of great strategic importance with a succession of rulers including the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of St. John, French and British, among others. . Most of these foreign influences have left some sort of mark on the ancient culture of the country.
Malta became a British colony in 1813 and served as an intermediate station for ships and as the headquarters of the British Mediterranean fleet. It was besieged by the Axis Powers during World War II and was an important Allied base for operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean. The British Parliament passed the Malta Independence Act in 1964, which made Malta independent from the United Kingdom as the State of Malta, with Elizabeth II as Queen. The country became a republic in 1974. It has been a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations since independence and joined the European Union in 2004; it became part of the eurozone monetary union in 2008.
Malta has had Christians since the time of early Christianity, although it was predominantly Muslim while under Arab rule, Christians were tolerated at that time. Muslim rule ended with the Norman invasion of Malta by Roger I in 1091. Today Catholicism is the state religion, but Malta’s constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religious worship.
Malta is a tourist destination with its warm climate, numerous recreational areas, and architectural and historical monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Valletta, and seven megalithic temples that are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
Holiday Deals on Malta
Qawra
Qawra is a zone in St. Paul’s Bay in the Northern Region of Malta. It is close to Buġibba and Salina, and it is a popular tourist resort with many hotels and restaurants.
Around 1638, the Order of St. John built the Qawra Tower at Qawra Point. A battery was built around it in 1715, while a redoubt wall was added in the 1760s. Today the tower and battery are a restaurant and parts of the bulwark can still be seen.
In Qawra you can practice many water sports activities. There are banana boat, speed boat and jet ski tours, you can go kayaking, snorkeling and diving. This area is the most “touristy” of Mata due to the many bars showing British football. Summer temperatures can reach 40 °C (104 °F), with an average of over 30 °C (86 °F). Casinos, bars and clubs are also an important part of this small town. Many people swim and bathe from the rocks, which provide ample space for sunbathing. Many tourists walk along the sea.
Bugibba, the nearest town on Malta
Stay in White Dolphin Holiday Complex
Address: Quawra Coast Road, SPB1904 Quawra, Malta.
General
– Wireless Internet access (extra charge)
– 24 hour reception
– Restaurant
– Swimming pool
– Elevator
– Games room.
Apartments
– Air conditioning
– Livin>g room,
– T.V.
– Kitchenette
– Fridge
– Safe (extra charge)
– Balcony/terrace
– Hairdryer and bathroom
Please note that some of the above facilities may be closed due to weather / seasonal conditions.
XemXija
Xemxija is a suburb in the western part of St. Paul’s Bay, north of Malta. It is quiet and surrounded by the Maltese countryside. There is also a picturesque small fishing port. The resort is the gateway to the sandy beaches of Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay. There are a number of hotels and restaurants in Xemxija.
Mellieha Bay of nearest town
Accomodation in Porto Azzurro Aparthotel
General
– Near beach
– Nearest town is Mellieha.
– Attractions to be reached from the hotel: Golden Sands and Mellieha Bay.
Amenities
– Recently renovated in 2010
– 6-storey hotel with 82 rooms
– 24h reception
– Lobby with bar
– Mini market
– 2 hotel bars
– WiFi for a fee
– Outdoor pool
St Paul’s Bay
Saint Paul’s Bay is a city in the Northern Region of Malta, sixteen kilometers (9.9 mi) northwest of the capital Valletta.
The name refers to the shipwreck of Saint Paul as documented in the Acts of the Apostles.
Burmarrad, Wardija, Qawra, Buġibba, Xemxija, and San Martin, as well as part of Bidnija and Mistra, are part of St. Paul’s Bay Local Council. The area of the place is 14.47 km2 (6 sq mi).
The population is just over 23,000. This increases to about 60,000 during the tourist season.
To the north is Mistra Bay, the headland and St Paul’s Island. If you go west and cross the island towards Ġnejna Bay and Golden Bay, you will find the scenic Wardija Ridge.
Malta aquarium
Stay in Topaz Hotel
Sitting in a peaceful part of St Paul’s Bay, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Bugibba, the Topaz Hotel is the ideal pick for a relaxing holiday on the magnificent island of Malta. Great for families, friends or couples, guests will delight in spending lazy days basking in the sun by the outdoor pool. If you fancy a change of scenery, there is plenty to see and do away from the hotel. You could decide to enjoy a stroll along the seafront promenade, taking in the enchanting seascape. A casino and aquarium can also be found in Bugibba, while you could treat any little holidaymakers with a trip to the waterpark, a short drive away. When it’s time to refuel, the Topaz Hotel boasts a restaurant and pizzeria where you can grab a bite to eat. A bar and pub are also on offer for when it’s time for a refreshing drink. After a day of fun or relaxation, the hotel’s elegant rooms provide all the modern comforts needed for a fantastic stay in Malta and are the perfect place to recharge your batteries ready to make more holiday memories.
