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ATTRACTIONS IN MALTA AND GOZO
The Maltese islands, situated in the centre
of the Mediterranean, offer to the tourist the attractions
of clear blue waters, secluded bays and sandy beaches while,
in its towns and villages, medieval walled citadels and splendid
baroque churches and palaces reflect the rich history of the
islands.
Valletta, the capital of Malta, has ornate palaces and museums
protected by massive fortifications of honey-color stone.
Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies
for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave
house-bound women a window on the world of the street.
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The conurbanization around Valletta
varies in character. The Three Cities area of Cottonera has
its Old World charms, while the semi-urban sprawl of Sliema
and St. Julian's bears an unfortunate resemblance to Floridian
overdevelopment.
Southern Malta has prehistoric sites, as well as the stunning
cliffs and waters around the Blue Grotto.
The ancient walled city of Mdina rises out of the centre
of the island. On the way to the Gozo Ferry on the northwest
end, parallel rift valleys alternate fertile terrain with
barren, exposed hills, and sandy or rocky coastline. |
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Gozo is a place to relax, smaller,
but greener and more rural than the main island Malta. Spend
a morning in the walled, hilltop Cittadella, stroll around
Victoria's narrow limestone-walled streets, look inside splendid
local churches, then head down for a swim at Ramla Bay with
its red sand or a boat ride from the Inland Sea at Dwejra
where you can enjoy the adjacent Azure Window and the General's
rock, noted for the healing properties of the fungus growing
on its top.
You can take great walks along the cliffs of Ta' Cenc and
San Lawrenz or hike past the centuries-old salt pans west
of Marsalforn at Qbajjar. Gozo has some superb restaurants,
and local bakeries turn out tasty, crusty round loaves.
The island's traditional craft is lace making, still practiced
by a diminishing number of older women who still make time
for the intricacy of this labour of love. |
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