Holidays in Malta We have holidayed on Malta on four occasions for week long breaks. Twice in May which incorporated Archery events and twice in February as a break from the British winter weather and whilst Malta isn’t the cheapest destination on a flights only basis, there are deals to be had if you look around, especially on a B&B and Half Board basis.
Once there you will find the Maltese people are friendly and welcoming, and the cost of eating out is certainly cheaper than back home. Malta recently joined the EU and in January 2008 the currency changed from Maltese Lira to Euro’s, and with both Maltese and English being taught in schools, there are very few communication problems to overcome.
Malta is steeped in history and makes the most of it’s links to the Knights Templar and every where you go there are reminders of it’s colourful and also “bloody” past. There is plenty to do and see for all ages too, so even the lack of sandy beeches (I think there are only two) is no problem at all.
The capital Valletta is bustling at most times of the year. There are many major chain stores there as well as a multitude of small shops dispersed throughout its myriad small back streets and lanes. There are shops that are no wider than the width of the entrance door, jewellers making custom jewellery as you wait and countless “gift shops” for those looking to take something for the family back home.
Just taking a walk around the town’s perimeter provides a wonderful insight to the cultural and historical changes that have taken place over the centuries. Restaurants abound, many with alfresco facilities and the choice and quality of the food is generally excellent.
One of the main events of the year is the Carnival of Malta which takes place over a five day period in February and marks the beginning of Lent. Then Valletta bursts into a proper carnival atmosphere with huge decorated floats that parade through the small town streets and then expand as if by magic in the main arena. Each float is accompanied by a group of people all dressed in extremely colourful costumes depicting the theme on which their float is based. The town is crowded with locals from all over the island and nearly all of the children are in fancy dress, even if they are not associated with one of the carnival floats. Some of the children’s costumes have been passed from generation to generation and are beautifully designed.
As the floats parade, they eschew a cacophony of sound of varying beats and styles with the accompanying paraders dancing in formation or just moving to the very loud music. Once the carnival has finished the floats are immediately dismantled and preparations begin for the following years celebrations.
At the same time as all of this is going on there are equivalent parades in Victoria, the capital of Malta’s northern island of Gozo.
We would definitely recommend fitting the Carnival of Malta into your holiday schedule.
Keep a look out for further posts on holidays in Malta as we recount our experiences of this most charming of holiday destinations.
