Exploring Malta, MALTA
Airing Date: May 26th, 2003
As soon as you arrive here you will notice the contrast between Malta and other Mediterranean countries. The British played a significant part in Maltese history, and their legacy lives on in many aspects of daily life. From the old-fashioned British phone booths dotted around the streets to the 'local pubs' serving up English pints.
For a taste of the Maltese culture, Marsaxlokk is a great city to explore. It's the main fishing harbour on the island and you'll get to see many Luzzus - traditional fishing boats still used by the locals. The harbour's Sunday fish market gives a fascinating insight into local everyday life as well as having stalls full to the brim with the night's catch giving an endless range of fish to choose from.
After sampling a taste of the local produce you'll be keen to explore the island's other tourist attractions. And being only 27 kilometres long, Malta is an easy and affordable place to explore. Buses can transport you between major sites with a one day pass costing only $6 and a three day pass $13.
A 25-minute bus ride from Marsaxlokk is Mdina, also known as the 'Silent City' because of its quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Considered to be one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city, Mdina offers an unusual mix of medieval and baroque architecture dating back 4000 years.
One of the many fascinating buildings is the St Peter's Convent. This was the place where Benedictine nuns lived in absolute seclusion. They were never allowed to leave the convent and the only men permitted entry were doctors, decorators and the priest. While it's a captivating place to explore, the thought of never being allowed out may be daunting to some.
Mdina also boasts the very British Fontanella Tea Gardens. The caf not only enjoys stunning views of the Mediterranean and Malta's landscape, it offers the best chocolate cake on the island. A rich mud cake and a cappuccino cost less than $5 - now that's a bargain!
Next stop is the Mosta Dome, another 20-minute ride on the bus. The interior of the dome is covered with intricate and beautiful artwork. During World War II a bomb was dropped on this very church. It came through the ceiling with 400 people inside praying. Not only did it completely miss the congregation, the bomb slid along the floor and came to a halt without even exploding.
The bus ride finishes in the Malta's capital of Valetta. The city is busy by day being a commercial and industrial hub to all the Islands, but it still offers a network of narrow streets, and some of the finest of European architecture, including the George Cross Memorial.
The facts
Jetset offer packages flying Cathay Pacific to Frankfurt with connecting Air Malta flights to Malta. Return prices start from $3140 from the west coast and $3463 from the east coast.
Jetset
Tel: 13 63 83
Standard double rooms at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort start from $232 per night, including breakfast.
Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort Malta
Tel: 0011 356 21374894 (international)
