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Malta
for Honeymooners
Article and photos by Rita Cook
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more romantic getaways in Malta
I'm closing my eyes
and pretending I am back in Malta. A destination like none other
I have experienced in all of my travels.
English-speaking, Turkish-influenced, Roman Catholic roots describe
Malta in words, but no words can describe the terrain, the people
or the feeling one gets of being far away from home in a place
that is really just 60 miles south of Italy - as a map goes.
But it's not the map or the location at all, right in the middle
of the Mediterranean sea in fact, that will describe Malta. No,
it's the state of mind that is Malta.
Honeymoons are meant to be special so as you pick your destination,
choose an exotic, out-of-the-way place where history, beauty and
culture will combine to make your trip unforgettable.
On a recent trip to the Maltese Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino
I found not only breathtaking views, but a group of islands steeped
in history and full of smiling, friendly locals.
 The
Maltese Island's culture and history span over 7,000 years. With
a hint of the cultures that have come before; Phoenicians, Greeks,
Romans, Arabs, Castillians, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem,
French and British there is much to discover as you enjoy the
favorable climate and a carefree atmosphere that is just part
of what makes Malta memorable.
Arriving in Malta meant a trip from Los Angeles to London on Virgin
Atlantic and then connecting to Air Malta to fly on to Valletta,
Malta's capital city. In Malta I stayed at the Radisson SAS Bay
Point Resort, an excellent hotel with breakfast and dinner included
in their package.
But it was traveling around the city of Valletta, through the
silent city of Mdina and the historic three cities of Vittoriosa,
Senglea and Cospicua that really captured my senses.
Valletta was the first planned city of Europe, built by Jean de
La Vallete, the French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights
of St. John, following the great siege of 1565.
 It
is in Valletta that you will get a taste of the history, both
majestic and humbling. The Palace of the Grand Masters is here,
as well as St. John's Co-Cathedral, which was constructed in the
1500's. Flemish tapestries, church ornaments and several paintings
by the artist Caravaggio are housed here.
Walk the streets of Valletta, a perfect setting for a romantic
honeymoon, and discover too St. Paul's shipwreck church where
one can see a bone relic of St. Paul.
Mdina, known as the silent city, is the old capital of Malta with
medieval walls surrounding a city that is at once noble and dignified.
While in Mdina don't miss a moment at St. Paul's Square and the
Cathedral.
Mdina's romance awaits
you as well, and honeymooners should opt for at least one night
at The Xara Palace, where you will experience the feeling of a
17th century palazzo, breathtaking views of Malta and all the
modern amenities.
 The
Xara Palace
Mdina
RBT 12
Malta
(+356) 21450560
www.xarapalace.com.mt
The three cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua hold a special
charm with museums and views around the island that will leave
you enchanted.
Prehistoric Temples
The many prehistoric temples that dot the island of Malta and
Gozo are as  mysterious
as the people who built them. For thousands of years these monuments
have stood as reminders of early man, once living on the Maltese
Islands.
But as surely as early man arrived, he was soon gone leaving us
to wonder about the first settlers.
There are about 45 temples on the islands, but there could have
been many more. On the south side of the island is the Hagar Qim,
built to worship a fertility god or goddess. It's a perfect stop
for any couple and legend is that infertile couples could not
come into the temple because they were thought to be possessed
with an evil spirit.
As I walked among the prehistoric temple in the late evening I
imagined the sights and sound of an earlier time, a lifestyle
forever forgotten, vanished with the first settlers.
The Hypogeum dating back 5,000 years is the largest underground
religious site in the world. It covers about 5,000 square feet
and descends over 36 feet underground, even dating back before
the Egyptian pyramids of Giza. A world heritage site, take a walk
through all the old sites on the islands and enjoy a trip back
in time.
Gozo
From the island of Malta, it's a must to take the ferry to the
smaller island of Gozo for at least one night.
The island of Gozo offers a different flavor and experience than
on the sister island of Malta. In part, this is due to the lush
green hills and spectacular coastline. You don't want to miss
the Azure Window in Dwejra opening up into the ocean.
Greek legend insists that it was Gozo where the nymph Calypso
lured Odysseus keeping him there for seven years as her prisoner
of love. You can see the cave where she was said to have lured
him too, and sun yourself below on the red sands of Ramla Bay.
Romantic and secluded, the Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa
is a good choice for a quiet, romantic night. Built on the far
west side of Gozo, the San Lawrenz overlooks the Dwejra coastline
and it is just minutes away from Fungus Rock and the world's oldest
free-standing stone construction in Xaghra, the temples of Ggantija,
built around 3500 BC and the shopping capital of Victoria.
Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa
Triq Ir-Rokon
San Lawrenz
GRB 104 Gozo - Malta
(+356)2211 000
www.Kempinski-gozo.com
The Knights of Malta
No trip to Malta would be complete without a glimpse into the
history of th e
Knights of Malta. While they are known to the world as the Knights
of Malta, they are Knights of St. John and their story begins
in the 11th century. Both romantic and dangerous, the knights
fought the Turkish invaders, improved trade and commerce on the
island and brought hope to the sick and the poor of the island.
It was finally Napoleon who ended the rule of the Knights of Malta
after 268 years, but nevertheless the knight's rich history on
the island still exists today and will lure the romantic at heart
into the victories and defeats during their rule of the island.
Getting There:
Start with Virgin Atlantic from your originating destination and
fly into London. From London you can transfer to Air Malta.
Enough can't be said about the services that Virgin Atlantic offers.
With a friendly staff, good food as you fly to your destination
and even an in-air massage in upper class there's no other way
to begin your trip.
Places to Stay:
Malta -
Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort Malta
St. George's Bay
St. Julians, STJ 02 Malta
(+356) 21374894
www.islandshotel.com
Le Meridien Phoenicia
The Mall, Floriana VLT 16, Malta
(+356) 2225241
www.lemeridienphoenicia.com
Gozo -
Hotel Ta Cene
Sannat VCT 112
Gozo Island, Malta
(+356) 556819
vjbgozo@maltanet.net
Places to Eat
SB Grotto Tavern Parish
Square, Rabat (+356) 21 455138/ 21 583214 sbgrotto@waldonet.net.mt
Grabiel Restaurant
1 Mifsud Bonnici Street, Marsascala, Malta (+356) 21616368
In Gozo don't miss:
Chez Amand
Seafront Qbajjar Bay
Marsaforn, Gozo, Malta
(+356) 21561188
www.starwebmalta.com
Ta'Frenc
Marsalforn Road
Gozo, Malta
(+356) 553888
Don't Miss:
(If Weather Permits) - The Blue Grotto is situated below the cliffs
of Wied iz-Zurrieq, and boat trips are held regularly.
The Malta Experience - a show highlighting Malta's 7,000 years
of history. A must before you begin your romantic walks around
the islands.
St. Elmo Bastions
Mediterranean Street
Valletta, VLT 06, Malta
(+356)212243776
www.themaltaexperience.com
Get knighted like I did at Synergix Events, a great place to hold
your wedding or reception if you are so-inclined to travel to
Malta for the big event.
A6 Sky Apartments
Marina Street
Pieta MSD08, Malta
(+356) 21248571
www.synergix.com.mt
Copyright article
and photos Rita Cook
Rita Cook is the editor-in-chief
of Insider Magazine and enjoys spending her time traveling on
freelance assignments as well. Living in Los Angeles, Cook is
also a film producer who currently has a film in development "The
Kiss of the Vampire."
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