| Malta, treasure Island |
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With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage. The Islands went through a golden Neolithic period, the remains of which are the mysterious megalithic temples dedicated to the goddess of fertility. Later on, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines, all left their traces on the Islands.
This legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections.
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There are so many areas of heritage and culture to be explored – the 16th century masterpiece Grandmasters’ Palace, which is now parliament, the “Sacra Infermeria”, which is now a fully equipped conference centre, the St. James Centre for Creativity – a superbly restored fortification where contemporary works of art are exhibited against the original rough-textured walls and rediscovered spaces. With these buildings, past and present blend into an enduring and admirable lesson in the art of living.
The arts have always played a large role in Maltese culture and continue to do so with cultural events occurring frequently. The National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in an exuberant Rococo building dating from the 1570’s, exhibits some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance to modern times.
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| Gozo Island |
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Gozo, meaning “joy” in Castilian, is the second largest Island of the Maltese archipelago, with a population of approximately 30,000.
The island is known to provide a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change. The charm of Malta's sister Island is immediately apparent; it's greener, more rural and smaller, with life's rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.
Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey - a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside.
Gozo's rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with some of the Mediterranean's best dive sites.
The Island also comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas, as well as one of the archipelago's best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija.
Gozo also possesses a nightlife and cultural calendar all of its own, with some great dining out.
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Le paysage irrégulier de Gozo et sa côte spectaculaire attirent des explorateurs avec quelques uns des meilleurs sites de plongées de la Méditerranée.
L'île comporte aussi des sites historiques, des forts et des panoramas spectaculaires, avec aussi l'un des sites préhistoriques le mieux préservé de l'archipel, Ggantija.
Gozo a aussi une vie nocturne et un agenda culturel propre, avec d'excellents restaurants. |
| Comino Island |
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Between Malta and Gozo lies Comino, a paradise for snorkellers, divers, windsurfers and walkers. The Isle's Blue Lagoon, with its safe bathing in turquoise waters, makes an idyllic day out by boat. Carefree and car-free, Comino is a favourite escape all year round.
The Island’s main attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water over white sand and a popular day trip by cruise tour or sailboat.
Comino is worth a visit and is ideal for walkers and photographers in winter. Without urban areas or cars, the scent of the wild thyme and other herbs can be picked up on.
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