Malta and Gozo Marco Polo Pocket Travel Guide - with pull out map (Marco Polo Guides) (Marco Polo Pocket Guides)

Product Information

The present flag of Malta was adopted on September 21, 1964. The flag’s design is bicolor, consisting of two vertical bands of white and red. The flag has the representation of George Cross edged in red on the upper hoist-side corner of the white band. Malta Location

Malta’s history is rich with maps that portray the development of the island but also an in depth understanding of how things were, the way of life so different than we live today. It is a fact that today it is considered as for granted fact. Books have been published on this subject. The pioneer for such research is Dr. Albert Ganado who started collecting old maps. Today his son has transformed his father’s collection into an incredible study in collaboration with Emeritus Chief Conservator Joseph Schirò. Maps reveal details that enlighten historians understand the way things developed. Hiking Excursions: Gozo is a small island, and many sights are within reasonable hiking distance. The eight-kilometer hike from Marsalforn to Ramla Bay leads through hillsides and valleys to the coastline, with amazing views along the way. You can also try the five-kilometer hike from Ix-Xewkija to the tiny beach of Mgarr ix-Xini. The most exhilarating hike is the eight-kilometer trail from Victoria via Xlendi to the Ta'Cenc Cliffs. Sightseeing Tours: For tourists wondering how to see all the sights on a short trip to Gozo, an organized tour provides a solution. The Gozo Full-Day Quad Tour with Private Boat offers a delightful seven-hour spin around the island, allowing for stops at highlights such as Dwerja Bay, the Basilica of Ta' Pinu, and Xlendi. To see both Gozo and Comino islands, the Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Safari Malta Tour is a fabulous option.

See Great Walks Malta for a map, trail notes and information on other recommended walks. Around five days are needed for the 50km (30-mile) Gozo Coastal Walk. Marfa Peninsula Best for watchtower history and views of Comino

If you are renting a car, you can see current traffic congestions in various colours. They are marked in three different colours, green (light), orange (medium) and red (heavy). Comino is practically uninhabited but is a popular destination for day visitors. The vast majority go there to swim and admire the Blue Lagoon during the summer months, while others opt to hike outside the hottest months of the year. With an area of 316 sq. km, Malta is the 10 th smallest country in the world. With a population of about 5.15 lakhs people, Malta is the 4 th most densely populated country in the world.Because of its proximity to Europe and Africa, Malta has been a strategic asset to military powers for centuries, including the Romans, Arabs, Knights of St John, and the British. The beaches are usually quiet and idyllic. One of the most beautiful beaches on Gozo is San Blas Beach and is easily accessible by car or bus. Other nice beaches are Mgarr-Ix-Xini and Ramla Beach. Mġarr ix-Xini tower, one of the coastal towers built by the Knights in Gozo. Entrance to the tower can be arranged upon appointment. Bus numbers 221, 223 and 225 will take you from Buġibba to Mellieħa in under an hour. If you’re staying in St. Paul’s Bay, take buses 41, 42 or 222.

You can find a full list of my recommended hotels here: The Best Mellieħa Hotels based on personal recommendations Built in the 20th century, the Rotunda boasts impressive dimensions of 74 meters in height by 27 meters in diameter. Equally amazing is the fact that the dome weighs 45,000 tons. Postcard-perfect images define the island's picturesque coastline of sheltered beaches. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The countryside also has many scenic pathways, ranging from gentle walks to invigorating hikes. Population 493,559 (end of 2018); most densely populated with an area of just 316sq km on both islands. Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa – A 4-star hotel in the centre of Mellieħa, just a few minutes walk from the beach and close to a lot of restaurants on the same street. Facilities include three pools, a gym and a spa.People on Gozo speak Maltese with a slightly different accent from the main Maltese islanders, and people from the different Gozitan villages each have their own different dialect. The Mdina map has a of the places of interest and symbols showing the museums, cathedral, the recommended scenic views, tourist office location and ATM. You don’t like steep uphill walks (or you’re not as fit/mobile). The village sits on top of a hill, so expect to climb steps and walk uphill. Verdant valleys surround this historic hilltop town, which looks out to the Mediterranean Sea. This strategic location was the watchpoint where the Knights of Saint John kept vigil over the channel between the islands of Malta and Gozo. The name of the village comes from the Maltese word that means "to keep guard." To arrive in Gozo, you have to take the ferry from Cirkewwa on the Island of Malta to the seaport of Mgarr on the Island of Gozo. You can then hop on the local buses (and taxis) to get around the island. Buses run less frequently than on Malta, but it's easier than renting a car. Gozo bus drivers know how to navigate the island's hairpin turns and narrow one-lane roads.

Marsalforn's tiny harbor is a popular starting point for scuba diving expeditions. Favorite places to visit for scuba diving trips from Marsalforn include the Blue Hole and the Inland Sea on the Island of Gozo, around Cirkewwa on Malta Island, and the Comino Caves on the Island of Comino. The spacious white limestone sanctuary is sparsely decorated with sculptures and modern paintings. The polished marble on the floor was sourced from Carrara, Italy, and the main altar is also carved in precious marble. Today, this Mediterranean island still fits the description of idyllic scenery, with its quaint fishing villages and peaceful bays. The pastoral landscape features green, rolling hills with a patchwork of small farms that lead down to sandy beaches and small coves. Azure Window on the island of Gozo, Malta The map shows a general view of the three main islands. All the town and village locations including their names and all the main roads connecting them. If you need flexibility and speed in getting around, your best option is to hire a car. (try TRAC +35699826339 or Mayjo car rentals). You need to be over 21 years old and hold a valid driving license. It's fine to travel to the mainland Malta Island with a hired car.Malta does not have any permanent natural lakes or rivers, though during periods of intense rainfall small rivers are known to form. Localities of Malta Map As on Malta there are vineyards on Gozo, one can often buy unlabeled local wines cheaply but be sure to ask to taste them as quality can vary widely. The shops near the citadel in Victoria/Rabat usually have a good selection. Outside the citadel in the more modern area of Victoria is Independence Square, a bustling hub of street vendors and shops.