Malta

Malta’s oldest freestanding temple, Hagar Qim, dating back to 3600-3200BC, is located in the stark and isolated confines of the small village of Qrendi, over a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla. Just 500m away, further towards the cliff face, lies the remarkable Mnajdra, set in a hollow above the southern cliffs. Early viewing is suggested for ease of transportation to and from Valletta bus terminus.

Phone:

+356 2123 1236

Opening hours:

9am-5pm daily; closed on 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan, Good Fri

Address:

Qrendi

After Valletta, these are the hub of activity for the Knights of the Order of St John. Fort St Angelo became the seat of the Order and was to play a heroic role in the Great Siege of 1565. It was from here that a shot aimed at the enemy caused the death of the Ottoman leader Dragut. Relive the torturing of prisoners held at the Inquisitor’s Palace in Vittoriosa, just a few minutes up from the Malta Maritime Museum, right on the splendid waterfront and marina.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua

The Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an enormous subterranean structure excavated circa 2500BC. Believed to have been used as a necropolis, it is an example of architecture in the negative. Viewing is restricted to a maximum of 80 visitors a day due to strict regulation of the microclimate, so book weeks ahead for this must-see attraction on www.heritagemaltashop.com.

Phone:

+356 2182 5579

Opening hours:

9am-4pm daily

Address:

Burial Street, Paola

Home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece Beheading of St John the Baptist, the cathedral is testimony to the talent of the military architect who designed Valletta, Gerolamo Cassar, and Calabrian artist, Mattia Preti, a knight, who designed the intricate carved stone walls and painted the vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John. The cathedral also hosts the tombstones of many of Europe’s noble families on its marble pavimento, including Malta’s premier knight, Jean Parisot De La Vallette, who led the Order in the 1565 Great Siege.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; 9.30am-12.30pm Sat; closed Sun

Address:

St John’s Street, Valletta

The War Museum, located in the historic Fort St Elmo, is one of the most popular tourist venues on the Maltese Islands, documenting Malta’s important military role under British rule, especially during World War II. Relics include an Italian E-Boat, a Bofors anti-aircraft gun and the Gloster Gladiator ‘Faith’. Also on display are the George Cross, awarded to Malta by King George VI, the Book of Remembrance of civilians and servicemen killed during the years 1940-3, and the illuminated Scroll presented to the ‘People and Defenders of Malta’, by President Franklin D Roosevelt in 1943.

Phone:

+356 2125 0026

Opening hours:

9am-5pm daily; closed 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan, Good Fri

Address:

Fort St Elmo, Valletta

The museum’s main collection hosts a remarkable array of works originally displayed in buildings of the Order of St John. The Fine Arts collection ranges from the early Renaissance to modern times. Italian baroque features mainly Mattia Preti and paintings by the Caravaggists Mattias Stomer, Jean Valentin de Boulogne and Guido Reni. Art from the 18th century includes Antoine de Favray.

Phone:

+356 2122 5769

Opening hours:

9am-5pm daily; closed on 24, 25 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan, Good Fri

Address:

South Street, Valletta

The stroll across Valletta’s natural harbour, the scene of battles between Christians and Ottomans, and Allied and Axis Forces, will take you through the lower Barakka (gardens) and to the renovated docks down at the Waterfront, where a buzzing area of bars and well-priced restaurants will crown the evening. Across the harbour, Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities are on majestic display.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

Valletta

Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena quenched the thirst for operas, pageants, theatrical and dramatic productions, which had previously been entertainment reserved solely for the nobility, by erecting what is believed to be the second oldest theatre in Europe. Built in 1731, the theatre which de Vilhena said would serve ‘for the honest recreation of the people’ is still much in use today, also including its very own museum and highly recommended restaurant.

Phone:

+356 2124 6389

Opening hours:

Museum 9am-1.30pm daily; restaurant 11am-2pm daily, 7pm-12am Fri, Sat, Sun

Address:

115, Old Theatre Street, Valletta

Just 30 minutes from Malta on Gozo, Ta’ Frenc is the ultimate in gastronomic delights, with good prices considering its high quality and a fine selection of flambées with the head waiter doing the honours. Located in a 600-year-old farmhouse, surrounded by the idyllic Gozitan countryside, the restaurant has a fabulous wine cellar fully stocked with classics such as Chateau d'Yquiem.

Phone:

+356 2155 3888

Opening hours:

Noon-2pm; 7pm-10.30pm Wed-Mon, closed Tue

Address:

Ghajn Damma Street, Xaghra (Gozo)

Limpid waters, great visibility, natural harbours, wrecks, reefs, creeks and caves makes diving one of the best activities all around the Maltese Archipelago, but a hop to Gozo also offers you a tour of the small sister island after your diving lessons. Here are some 34 of the best dive sites and you will find experienced divers ready to offer lessons for both beginners and experienced open water and cave divers. Check out the interactive map on www.visitmalta.com.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

N/a