Malta

Anyone any views on going to Malta for a couple of weeks this summer?

A woman I work with was there with her husband last summer and loved it. She's actually gone back this week for another holiday to avoid the lovely winter weather we're having....

www.tripadvisor.com is a good site for queries of this nature.

I was there for a week a few years back. It rained, the food was the worst I have ever eaten and the people were rude. It was by far the worst holiday I have ever had.

... but don't let me put you off.

Was there for 5 days a couple of years ago in end sept. Enjoyed it, particularly the historical sites, the isle of goza and the rickety busses!
Hated the midges and flies though!

Gozo?

Goza

Runner - think you will find it is spelt "Gozo"

Definitely not Gonzo

Zzzzzzzzz.....

How long does the water taxi take to get from Sliema to Valetta, not a great lover of water.

Stayed at the Fortina Spa, also in Sliema, a couple of years ago and had a great time.


Have alook at www.fortinaspa.com (I think)
Water taxi takes minutes only to cross the harbour

For what it's worth, we thought Malta was very good...most of the beaches are rocky rather than sandy...

whatever you do, rent a car if you drive...taxis can be very expensive

Great place, full of places to see and do, however 2 weeks might push it unless you plan to spend a week on a beach!

Depending on your wants, somewhere like St. Julians, St. George's bay is a good spot, great nightlife, clean beach (great for kids), very good selection of restaurants and it's a short trip to the capital, and there are day trips out to various sites.

The people are great, friendly and service is generally of a good standard. I'm back again (for work) in February and would certainly say it's a must do place.

Oh, check out the big Siege of Malta show, and the WWII exhibition.

Unless you book a package, you can fly with Ryanair down and if you want a nice central hotel close to everything, and cheap but good, Hotel Bernard is the spot.

was actually speaking with my father about goin last night as he has been before - he recommended against it as he said it reminded him of the seaside towns in England (a bad version) - food was'nt good, and little to do.

Depends on your circumstances but you could do one week in Sicily and one in Malta. There is a modern ferry between the two that costs €60 per person and takes about 1.5 hours. Note Sicily is a large island so the east of the island is where you'd want to be to avoid a long journey to the ferry.

I was there about 6 yeras ago. St Julians/St Georges area and didn't really like it. Very little to do except the historical sites/churches which I found a bit boring after a few days. No beaches worth going to unless you are prepared to travel.

Once you are outside the main pedestran areas, there are no footpaths to speak of and the standard of driving is the most frightening I have come across outside of the centre of Paris. Certainly not a location for anyone with young kids.

However, the buses are great, Valetta is a beautiful city. Because there are no cars allowed in the city, you can actually relax while walking around and are not in constant fear of being driven over by a local in a hurry.

Gozo, is definately worth a visit as it is so quaint and rustic but again there is very little to do except visit a church or two or do a bit of fishing if you are into it. Sample the local wines.

Edit: We did a day trip to Sicily which was great as Mt Etna was erupting at the time. I considered not going back to Malta.

Have been to Malta twice and loved it both times - 1st time spent a week travelling round on my own (people i had gone to visit ended up having to work) so easy and great fun on the buses - found it very safe (bout 6 years ago) people amazingly friendly - invited into more then one house while waiting on the side of the road for buses. great range of food and very family oriented. children welcomed into every restaurant i was in and made a special deal of. Was there in september the 1st time so lots of the villages had their festivals on while i was there, fireworks, food, dancing etc.

Personally i could not recommend Malta highly enough but I stayed away from the touristy places and went out exploring the country side.

typing this out makes me want to head back, off to check flights.

I've been to Malta twice and absolutely loved it. We stayed in St. Julian's. Beautiful weather, food, sights, beaches, historical sights. You must go to the Avenue restaurant in St. Julian's it is fabulous. Also Golden beach - need I say anymore. And no trip is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon. We also went on an evening cruise around Malta and then onto the Casino. Loads to do, not very expensive as regards food and drink etc. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.