About Malta
The Maltese Archipelago, made up of the island
of Malta, Gozo and Comino, lies in the middle
of a clear and unpolluted expanse of blue Mediterranean
Sea, some 90 kilometres (60 miles) due south of
Sicily. Malta, the largest of the three islands
is known for its natural beauty as well as its
millenarian history. The sister island of Gozo
is famous for its idyllic tranquillity while Comino,
a mere rock surmounted by a medieval tower, is
famous for its Blue Lagoon and crystal clear seas.
Malta has an excellent climate, reaching up to
30°C (86°F) in midsummer (July to August).
The lowest average daily temperature, about 15°C
(59°F), occurs during January. Rainfall is
heaviest from November to February, though it's
low all year-round.
Malta boasts a rich tri-cultural society where
Mediterranean want mixes freely with Italian charm
and Anglo-Saxon efficiency. English is an official
language along with Maltese. Catholicism is the
principal religion and is also the custodian of
many quaint traditions. Magnificent baroque churches
characterise the Maltese skyline, each marking
a town or village. The Maltese summer is a festival
of light and colour thanks to the many village
feast in honour of the local patron saints.
Many linguists trace the origin of Maltese to
the Phoenician occupation of the islands. Maltese,
a Semitic language, has survived the influence
of Romance languages for hundreds of years, though
it bears traces of English, French, Italian and
Spanish.
There is much to discover in Malta and its sister
islands Gozo and Comino that will appeal to the
independent traveller. Valletta is Malta’s
capital city. The city was built by the Knights
of the Order of St. John in the 16th and 17th
centuries, and is home to the most important museums,
the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the celebrated
St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
The 3000-year-old city of Mdina, once the political
centre of Malta, is filled with Norman and baroque
buildings and narrow streets. Perched on a rocky
outcrop about 15km (9mi) west of Valletta, the
so-called Citta Notabile - Noble City - has a
commanding view of the island.
Gozo has a distinct character all of its own.
The countryside is more pristine than that of
Malta, the pace is slower and there are far fewer
tourists. The island has its share of medieval
architecture and prehistoric temples, making it
a great place to visit while experiencing the
best of what Malta has to offer.
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