Image: Blue Grotto - Żurrieq - Malta Main Image: The Valletta Waterfront 2 he Maltese Islands made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino lie at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea just 93 km South of Sicily. TThis strategic geographical position has translated itself into 7,000 years of a very rich and colourful history. Most of the world’s greatest civilisations that shaped world history have passed through or settled on the Islands for a spell, and the country’s culture and heritage bear witness to this in every way. The native language, which is Maltese, is of Semitic origin, whilst the grammar stems from Latin and Italian and English words are laced through it. Even the people reflect this melting pot of cultures in the myriad of complexions to be seen. The Maltese Islands boast one of the highest concentrations of historic and cultural heritage per km2 in the world. Luckily the Islands are compact enough to offer the convenience of everything being within easy reach enabling you to make the most of your stay. 3 History & Culture Main image: St. John’s Co-Cathedral Valletta 4 000 years of history are quite literally etched in stone, from the ancient Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, to the unique 7underground temple and burial grounds of the Hypogeum. In addition, the many beautiful architectural monuments; the legacy of various schools of architecture bear witness to this, examples of these gems may be seen in the old village cores and in the form of palaces and churches around the islands. St John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s monuments. This legacy left behind by the Knights of St John, is home to two of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings. The old capital city of Mdina and the ‘new’ capital Valletta are two of the ‘must-sees’ in what is a veritable open air showcase of living history! 5 or their size the Maltese Islands have more shore and boat dive sites within its small radius than any other island or Fresort. With their natural harbours and bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs and reefs, the islands invite you to explore an underwater world of diving sites, a stone’s throw away from one another. One can dive in clear waters all year round, with an annual average sea temperature of 18˚C and a visibility of 30m. Malta attracts thousands of divers per annum, who come to dive in one of the world’s best diving locations. Above water one may snorkel lazily with impressive visibility; whilst sailing, abseiling, rock climbing, cycling or trekking are also an option, even in winter due to a temperate climate. This weather encourages outdoor sports and the use of the various outdoor facilities, so much so that the island is becoming increasingly popular for training camps and international events covering various sports disciplines. You can spend your stay pretty much outdoors bathed in almost all year round sunshine or swimming in the clearest blue Mediterranean Sea! 6 Diving, Sports & Activity Main image: Rolex Middle Sea Race at The Grand Harbour (Kurt Arrigo) 7 Events & Entertainment he Maltese Islands may not only have a rich and chequered history, but are also renowned for being a fun and Tcosmopolitan destination. With many top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets, one is spoilt for choice. Eating out is a treat, not only for the quality and freshness of the food, but for the locations of some of the restaurants with spectacular views and backdrops. Religious feasts in Malta and Gozo are colourful events mixing both the religious with the secular, to offer the visitor a unique atmosphere to sample a taste of Malta. The islands are not short of entertainment either, with an events calendar jam-packed with activities for people of all ages and with all kinds of preferences; concerts like the Isle of MTV Malta Special, theatrical and musical performances, sporting events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a myriad of exhibitions, to mention a few, are on all year round. 8 Main image: Isle Of MTV Malta Special concert Floriana Granaries 9 Gozo 10 Main image: Mġarr Harbour GOZO ome may say that the island of Gozo is Malta’s prettier little sister, as it is greener and more rural than Malta. SJust a 25 minute ferry crossing from Malta or 15 minutes by seaplane, the pace of life feels slower and though smaller, Gozo possesses an equally impressive array of historical sites, culture and things to do. The world’s oldest standing structures are to be found here. The World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples, the oldest standing prehistoric structure on earth dating back over 6,000 years make essential viewing and no visit would be complete without a walk to the fabled Calypso’s cave. Gozo is also favoured by rock climbers and ramblers, as its landscape offers great challenges and lovely views along the way. The sea and diving sites are none the less impressive too. And if you are a ‘foodie’, the local produce is divine. In addition, just a stone’s throw away is tiny Comino, with the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon and its own share of diving sites and bays to enjoy. 11 alta and Gozo boast of some very special venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. With a Mnumber of Quality Assured Destination Management Companies (DMCs) clients can rest assured that programmes for conferences and incentive groups are individually tailored, in order to meet event objectives. Malta’s offer includes a nation gifted with a knack for languages, people with creative flair and a solid track record in hosting conference and incentive groups. Indoor and outdoor venues range from the ultra-modern to the historic; however both are fitted with state-of-the-art facilities. In terms of outdoor locations, one can float a barge in the amazing Grand Harbour or host a gala dinner in a local quaint piazza, with centuries-old historic buildings as a backdrop. The Islands’ suppliers are experienced in organising events which range for anything from a couple of hundred people to thousands of delegates. The Islands can offer a great event and the warmest Mediterranean hospitality possible. Malta: business and more… tailored for you! Main image: Oriflame Conference Floriana Granaries 12 Conferences & Incentive 13 Learning English Main image: Students at Victoria Gate Valletta 14 alta has a long standing connection with the United Kingdom, having been a colony for almost 200 years, Mand still a member of the Commonwealth. English is Malta’s second national language alongside endemic Maltese. This legacy has led to a population which as a majority speaks and understands English, making Malta an ideal venue to immerse oneself in the language. With some 40 language schools in Malta and Gozo the choice of where to learn is ample and the diversity of courses on offer for both youths and adults is extensive; a variety of specialized courses for business, hospitality and such are available. What better way to learn a language than to be able to relax whilst doing it? Whether simply enjoying time out and about, watching a film, eating out or just shopping, one can practice their language skills in a very natural and practical manner. 15 nd if not already convinced of Malta and Gozo’s diverse product offer, the islands’ are also sought after for Aweddings. Numerous indoor and outdoor venues are available, together with excellent catering choices to satisfy all tastes. In addition tens of thousands of cruise liner passengers get a taste of Malta when arriving in the Mediterranean’s favoured port of call, the spectacular Grand Harbour. Many return to visit Malta and experience the Islands for longer. Whatever the reason you choose to visit Malta, rest assured a warm Mediterranean welcome awaits you. But don’t just take our word for it! Main image: Cruise Liner entering The Grand Harbour in front of the Siege Bell Memorial 16 17 Xwejni Bay Qbajjar San Dimitri Bay Point Marsalforn Gordan Salt Pans Lighthouse Bay ŻEBBUĠ MARSALFORN Ta’ Pinu GĦASRI Basilica Ramla GOZO Calypso’s Bay Cave San Blas GĦARB Bay Azure Inland XAGĦRA N Ninu’s Window Sea SAN Cave LAWRENZ Daħlet Qorrot Bay Dwejra Ċittadella Ta’ Kola Fungus Tower Windmill Ġgantija Rock Dwejra KERĊEM Tiġrija Temples Bay i Palazz Gozo Sports NADUR Qala FONTANA VICTORIA General Ground Windmill (RABAT) Hospital QALA Wardija XEWKIJA Kenura Point XLENDI Qala Tower Qala GĦAJNSIELEM Battery Xlendi MUNXAR Point Bay Ħondoq Ir-Rummien SANNAT Heliport MĠARR San Santa (HARBOUR) Niklaw Marija COMINO Fort Bay Bay Ta’ Ċenċ Chambray Blue Mġarr Lagoon Ix-Xini G oz Santa Marija Battery o Santa Marija F e r Tower r y Line Aħrax Point White Tower Bay White Tower Armier Bay Mediterranean Sea ĊIRKEWWA Ferretti Battery Paradise Bay Wied Musa Battery Red Tower Għadira Mellieħa Bay Imġiebaħ Nature Bay St. Paul’s Reserve Islands Popeye’s Għajn Ħadid Tower Village Westreme Battery Qawra Point Anchor MELLIEĦA Bay Mistra Qawra Tower Bay QAWRA Salina Għallis Rocks Bay XEMXIJA ST. PAUL’S BAY Buġibba Temple Għallis Tower MALTA BUĠIBBA Miżieb Qrejten Point Simar Mediterranean Sea Wignacourt Nature Qalet Marku MANIKATA Reserve Tower Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Splash ‘n’ Fun Park Mediterraneo BURMARRAD Golden Bay Madliena Tower tor ia Lines Vic PEMBROKE Roman Baths BIDNIJA GĦARGĦUR Madliena Battery St. George’s Bay Shooting Range Dragonara Point Ġnejna Bay Lippija SWIEQI PACEVILLE Tower Skorba Fort Kaptan Tower MĠARR or ia Lines Vic t Mosta ST. JULIANS ŻEBBIEGĦ Bay Street Complex Balluta St James Ta’ Ħaġrat NAXXAR Bay Capua Temples Palazzo Parisio SLIEMA IKLIN SAN ĠWANN Fort Fomm Ir-Riħ r ia Lines MOSTA Dragut Point Bay ic to Mosta Dome Sliema Ferry ia Lines V GŻIRA Vic tor Mater Dei Hospital Sliema Creek Manoel Marsamxett St.