Discover Malta's Many Faces

DISCOVER SOME OF MALTA’S MANY FACES

Saluting Battery

Malta may measure just 316 square kilometres, but there are delightful spots to be discovered at

almost every turn. Here are three sites that will allow you to look as far back as the island’s early

history; learn of Malta’s resilience during the Second World War; and see one of the most rugged

yet prettiest faces of the island

A SITE FOR THE WAR BUFFS

A stop in the island’s capital Valletta is sure to top every visitor’s

itinerary. But do not limit your city tour to attractions that are

found above the ground, for underground Valletta, which is a maze

of passageways and chambers dating to the Knights of St John

and later used by the British during the war, is equally worthy of

discovery. You can take a journey back in time to the early 1940s,

when Malta was the most heavily bombed place on earth, with

a visit to the recently restored Combined Operations Room and

sprawling underground war headquarters found deep beneath the

Upper Barakka Gardens in Valletta. War and history buffs are sure

to recognise the names of top military figures of the Second World

War; the likes of Vice-Marshals Hugh Pugh Lloyd and Keith Park,

Tip: Combine your tour of the underground war headquarters with

the noonday gun salute from the Saluting Battery in Valletta

A SITE FOR ARCHAEOLOGY APPRECIATORS

The Museum of Archaeology, which is located on Valletta’s principal

street, is another attraction that merits a visit, particularly if you’re

interested in Malta’s prehistory and early history. The museum,

which was constructed in 1571 and served as the official residence

of the Knights of St John who originated from Provence, is presently

housing the temporary Phoenician shipwreck exhibition alongside

other permanent exhibits. This exhibition showcases several

extremely well-preserved artefacts that were retrieved from a

shipwreck which dates to the first part of the 7th B.C., and which was

discovered in 2007 just off Xlendi Bay in Gozo. Adding further value

to the artefacts on display is the depth at the which they were found;

namely 110 metres below sea level, necessitating technical divers

and experts from across the globe to come together to excavate the

shipwreck site over a period of five years!

Tip: Combine your visit to the Archaeology Museum with an

Underground Valletta tour, which starts here on Mondays,

Wednesdays, and Sundays.

A SITE FOR THE SCENERY SEEKERS

If you love beautiful scenery more than museums and the bustling city life, do head down to the spectacular Wied iż-Żurrieq. The drive or walk down to Wied iż-Żurrieq in the south-west of Malta

is breathtakingly beautiful, particularly when the setting sun paints the sky in fiery hues. Proudly guarding Wied iż-Żurrieq is Ta’ Xutu

watchtower, which was built by Grand Master Lascaris in the 17th

century as part of the islands’ defence system. From atop the tower,

which is one of 27 remaining watchtowers dotting the island’s coast, one can get a panoramic view of Wied iż-Żurrieq and the

surrounding cliffs, as well as glimpse the inaccessible islet of Filfla,

which bobs solitarily just across from Ta’ Xutu.

Tip: Combine your visit to Wied iż-Żurrieq with a visit to the

UNESCO-listed temple of Ħaġar Qim, which is located in the

One of the artefacts that were retrieved from the Phoenician Shipwreck

The 17th-century Torri Xutu

EXPLORING SLIEMA

SLIEMA

population of over 20,000. Sliema obtained its name from a

church built in 1855, which assisted local fishermen, since it

served as a reference point. Furthermore, Our Lady of the Sea

(or Stella Maris) is the matrice among other parish churches

in Sliema. The name of the coastal town originated from the

opening words of the Hail Mary prayer, denoting peace and

serenity, in Maltese ‘Sliem Għalik Marija’. The term ‘Sliema’ was

also once used as an informal salute.

Prior to the Great Siege of 1565, Sliema was used as a campo

centre, inhabited by Turkish troops called ‘il-Qortin’. The

Turkish corsair ‘Dragut’, faced death at the tip of Sliema, after

being killed by a mutilating bombardment from Fort St Elmo.

The exact location where the leader of the Turkish troops

died is now famously referred to as the ‘Dragut Point’, which

is where the polygonal Fort Tigné currently stands. This

limestone fort was built by the Order of Saint John around

the end of the 18th century to safeguard the entrance to

Marsamxett Harbour.

Sliema began to gradually evolve into the popular resort that it

is today in the latter part of the 19th century, after attracting a

multitude of affluent Valletta residents to visit the coastal town

in Malta’s canicular days. These wealthy entrepreneurs and

businesspersons built Victorian-style Houses, lining the inland

streets and the three-kilometre sea promenade. While only a

handful still remain since they have been replaced by modern

architectural-style villas and apartments, some traditional

Victorian houses still remain, accentuating the classical beauty

of Sliema.

Nowadays, Sliema is a nirvana for shopping, dining, and

nightlife enthusiasts as it has become Malta’s major commercial

town due to its vast array of nightclubs, restaurants, and

shopping centres. This is a drastic juxtaposition with Sliema’s

traditional roots, as it was once a quaint fishing village.

Sliema’s promontory offers a panoramic view across Valletta

and the soothing view of the open sea. This bustling town is

a must-see location for both tourists and locals, housing an

array of endeavours to please every kind of person, with an

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SLIEMA

FOND GĦADIR

An easily accessible beach ideal for swimmers and snorkelers,

especially the ones who long for a quiet rocky beach. The

first-rate pools are commonly referred to as the Sliema Roman

Baths, yet the pools even date to the Victorian Era. This is

when the idea of sunbathing leisurely became popularised, due

to the hypothesised health benefits surrounding the activity.

SHOPPING

One cannot mention the cosmopolitan town of Sliema without

its packed disposition of shopping centres/malls. From the

biggest shopping mall in Malta ‘The Point Shopping Centre’

to the Plaza Shopping Centre, and the packed shops in Tower

Road Sliema, shopping till you drop takes on a new meaning

in Sliema.

SLIEMA PROMENADE FORT TIGNÉ

Possibly Malta’s most sought-after promenade, the Sliema

promenade is a six-kilometre route, welcoming runners, families,

tourists, and locals all year round. Whether you would like to take

a peaceful amble, or a vigorous jog, the Sliema promenade may be

what you’re looking for! The promenade has also nearby amenities

such as restaurants and outside bars for you to unwind and take in

Built by the Order of Saint John during the 18th century, the

Fort Tigne’s main purpose was to safeguard the entrance to

Marsamxett Harbour. The fort is embellished by its signature

circular keep and diamond-shaped structure. Fort Tigné was

damaged by aerial bombardment during the second world

war but has been restored and is now part of Malta’s list of

DIPPING INTO GOZO'S BLUE SEA

Summer is here and what better way to experience Gozo’s crystal blue warm waters and awe-inspiring

coastal scenery than to get right in it? Get wet, get

your adrenaline pumping, soak up the sunshine and

feel the tang of salty sea air on your skin as you

enjoy water sports easily available along the coast.

Gozo has it all – from swimming and snorkelling to kayaking, diving and knee-boarding. You'll even find

experts who can help improve your freediving skills!

What’s more, Gozo’s award-winning waters are among Europe’s cleanest attracting lots of marine

life, so the deeper you delve the more amazing adventures you’ll find.

Also, did you know Gozo’s a top Mediterranean dive

resort with world famous cave and tunnel diving

sites? So, plunge into our seas where the sunken

splendor of our island eagerly awaits.

KAYAKING STAND-UP PADDLE-BOARDING

A low impact, eco-friendly way to navigate our coast and great

fun for families to participate in together, (youngsters aged 6

to 14 must pair up with a parent in a double kayak, where co-

ordination and teamwork are vital). Don’t worry if you are new

to to the sport; there are a operators on the island who organise

tours with qualified instructors who’ll teach you the basics on

land, before getting you out into the waters accompanied by their

guides. Prefer your fun more vertical than horizontal, then why not try Stand Up Paddle-boarding? Stand Up Paddle-boarding, often called ‘SUP’ is another amazing eco-friendly way to sightsee from the sea! During the summer the waters are usually tranquil and clear, so travelling across them is like paddling over a clear large lake. Dwejra and Ħondoq Bay are two popular bays where you can SUP and, if you’re in Ħondoq, you can even paddle over to Comino!

DIVING

Often described as a diver’s paradise, Gozo is home to some of the

top diving spots in the Mediterranean with a remarkable range of

shore and boat dives. The island’s world class cave and tunnel dives,

complemented by excellent light penetration, make any dive an event

scenic caverns, reefs, caves, and wrecks, make each dive an interesting

one. It is no wonder Gozo attracts divers from across Europe and

beyond – all wanting to explore the sub-aquatic mysteries of this

Mediterranean isle. Time to get into your swimsuits and enjoy Gozo’s

SWIMMING AND SNORKELING

Gozo has busy coastal resorts and secluded beaches, coves and

valleys – all of which are popular for swimming and snorkeling.

If you crave quieter locations then try Għasri Valley – a long, narrow,

deep inlet set within caves further along the coast from Marsalforn.

The valley attracts some spectacular marine life and as the visibility

in our waters is about 20 metres during the summer, who knows what delights you’ll encounter in their waters and surrounding caves.

Other snorkeling sites off the tourist trail include: The Blue Hole,

near Dwejra – a sensational inland sea pool with gorgeous rock

formations leading out to the open sea. Xwejni Bay and Daħlet

Qorrot Bay are also lesser-known gems away from the popular

beaches of Ramla and Ħondoq Bay – which are just as beautiful, but

can become busy with tourists during high season.

Naturally Gozo

Live in the moment