MALTA

The ancient island of Malta is fabled in legends as the island where the Greek hero Odysseus was kept for seven long years after being lured into captivity by the siren Calypso. Today Malta doesn’t have any sea nymphs or none that mere mortals can see, but the enchantment remains as it were. The island continues to lures modern day travelers bitten by wanderlust, to its pretty towns and gorgeous beaches. Malta does have a lot more to recommend it- beautiful bays and harbors, ancient towns with quaint cobble stoned streets, Baroque churches and Roman Catholic festivals and the icing on the cake – a sunny, balmy Mediterranean climate. The cherry on the traveler’s cake is that Malta is still somewhat off the beaten track- it’s comparatively less visited so that much less crowded than many of the Mediterranean sunspots, and is still rather un spoilt and charming. Capital: Valletta Best time to Visit: 1.Malta is crowded with European tourists spending their vacations on the island between June and August. 2.For those watching their purses, it’s a better idea to visit the country between February and June when most places are less crowded. 3.An added bonus is the weather’s is still quite pleasant. September and October can be quite enjoyable too, but the months after tend to be rainy and damp. Minimum Days required: 4 days Places of Interest: 1.Comina 2.Blue Grotto 3. Hypogeum of Paola 4.Megalithic Temples of Malta 5.Valletta Waterfront Climate: 1.Malta has excellent climatic conditions, neither too hot nor too cold, and with just enough rain for it to be pleasant, not drippy. 2. Summers are overall, dry and warm, with the temperature rising highest- around 30 degree C in July; it rarely gets unbearably hot, because the sea breeze tend to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. 3.The winter is coldest in January, when temperatures can drop to about 15 degree C. Snow, fog and ice are unknown, and rain is restricted to late autumn and winter- usually between September and April. Currency: Euro Things to carry: 1.Almost everything you’re likely to need- toiletries, battery cells, camera film, medicines and more- are easily available in Malta, so you needn’t stock up before you leave for your trip. 2.As far as clothing is concerned, Malta’s climate is so equable ranging, through the year, between 15 C and 30 C that you need carry only light clothing. 3.Winters are fairly rainy, so bring along a raincoat or umbrella if you’re travelling during that time. How to get there: Air 1.A few international airlines- nearly all of them European- have flights to Malta but the main airline which links most European cities to Malta is the national carrier, Air Malta. 2. If you are planning to come to Malta from outside mainland Europe, your best bet is to take a flight to any of the larger European airports, and from there catch a direct flight to Malta. In addition, Air Malta flies to the country from Tunis, Dubai, Damascus, and Cairo.