Malta has long been known for package holidays but this island nation has 7000 years of fascinating and visible history. Updated throughout, this new edition delves into Malta's temples and archaeology more comprehensively than any other guidebook. Packed with historical and archaeological facts it also showcases bird-watching and wildlife opportunities, summer festas, and the less commercialised islands of Gozo and Comino. With new hotels opening in Birgu and across the islands the guide includes greater coverage of accommodation and restaurants. There is more to the island than sun and sea and this guide will help readers to discover the Malta beyond the tourist resorts.
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 History Overview, The earliest settlers 5000 - 4100 BC, Temple period: 4100 BC - 2500 BC, Bronze age: 2500 BC - 8 BC, Phoenicians and Carthaginians: circa 8 - 218 BC, Romans and Byzantines: 218 BC - 870 AD, The Arabs: 870 AD - 1090, Medieval Malta: 1090 - 1530, The Knights of Malta: 1530 - 1798, The French: 1798 - 1800, The British: 1800 - 1964, Independent Malta: 1964 - ongoing
Chapter 2 Background Information Geography and geology, Climate, Natural history and conservation, Government and politics, Economy, People and migration, Language, Religion, Education, Arts and Crafts, Festa, Sports and activities, National/public holidays and other events
Chapter 3 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights and itineraries, Choosing a base, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health and safety, Malta for families, Disabled travellers, Gay Malta, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Museums and historic sites, Sports and activities, Photography, Media and communications, Business, Buying property, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
Chapter 4 Planning for Your Interests Prehistoric Malta and the temples, Roman/Byzantine Malta, Fortifications, World War II, Churches, Swimming, snorkeling and diving, Birdwatching, Spas
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 5 Valletta History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Floriana
Chapter 6 The Three Cities Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat, Birgu/Vittoriosa, L-Isla/Senglea, Bormla/Cospicua, Around the Three Cities
Chapter 7 Sliema, St Julian's and Paceville Practicalities, Sliema, St Julian's (San Giljan) and Paceville
Chapter 8 Southeast Malta Zabbar, Tarxien Temples, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Kordin III Temples, Zejtun, Marsaskala/Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Delimara Peninsula and swimming, Birzebbuga
Chapter 9 South Malta Getting there and away, Zebbug, Siggiewi, Ghar Lapsi, Zurrieq and the Blue Grotto, Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, Buskett Gardens (Il-Buskett) and Verdala Palace, Girgenti, The Dingli Cliffs and Clapham Junction
Chapter 10 Mdina and Rabat Mdina, Rabat
Chapter 11 Central Malta Birkirkara and The Three Villages, Naxxar, Mosta, Ta'Qali, Mgarr, The west coast
Chapter 12 North Malta Mellieha, The Marfa Peninsula, St Paul's Bay, Bugibba, Qawra and Salina Bay, The North Coast Road
Chapter 13 Comino History, Getting there and away, Where to stay and eat, What to see and do
Chapter 14 Gozo History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Shopping, Other practicalities, Outdoor activities, Cultural activities, Mgarr, Ghajnsielem, Victoria/Rabat, Kercem and Santa Lucija, San Lawrenz/St Lawrence, Dwejra, Gharb, Ghasri, Zebbug, Marsalforn, Xaghra, Ramla Bay, Nadur, San Blas, Dahlet Qorrot Bay, Qala, Hondoq Ir-Rummien Bay, Xewkija, munxar, Sannat, Ta' Cenc, Mgarr ix-Xini, Xlendi
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Reading
Index
Juliet Rix has been a journalist for 25 years. She has worked for the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent. She has travelled extensively throughout Malta. Juliet recently won second place in the Malta Travel Awards global magazine category.
"Bang up to date and easy to follow. [...] full of fascinating asides."
- Journal of the International Map Collectors' Society – Spring 2011