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This video is about Sliema a sea side resort in the North of Malta. There you can find hotels, bars and resturants for Tourists and Locals alike who wish to spend a night out or a holiday. The soundtrack of the video is Beethoven's Romance
Sliema a Town in Malta
Malta Nightlife,Paceville, Malta
Most of the main bars, clubs, discos, nightclubs and restaurants are are in located in 4 Streets, which radiate out from the main square, where you will find a taxi rank, and usually the central point for a police presence at weekends
* Dragonara Road (Trejqet Dragonara)
* Wilga Street (Triq Wilga)
* St Georges Road (Triq San Gorg)
* St. Rita Steps
* There are also plenty of nightlife venues in the surrounding streets
Get around Malta
By bus
One of Malta's joys (at least in small doses) is the wonderfully antiquated public bus system, consisting of 1950s-era exports from England usually kitted up with more chintz than a Christmas tree plus icons of every saint in the Bible and then some. Fares are very cheap and even the longest ride across the island costs less than €1.30; the only catch is that almost all buses radiate out from Valletta, so you may have to detour back to the capital to reach your next destination. A short question - "To Valletta?" - to the driver when you get on will help you confirm your ending destination, but don't expect them to be friendly, by any means.
Be sure to have change to avoid irritation or even being denied the ride (a ticket typically costs 20-25c and people trying to pay with a €50 note will elicit an unpleasant response), and be sure not to get short-changed as this seems to be a habit of the drivers. It's best to find out which bus stops are regular stops, as the bus system does NOT run on any sort of schedule; if you wait at the wrong stop, you could be standing there for upwards of an hour. However, many stops have buses with varying routes that pass by every 10 minutes or so, again, with many of them headed to the capital.
By taxi
Malta's taxis are a ravenous lot and fares are quite expensive. There are black taxis, which have to be called in advance, and white taxis, which can pick you up off the street. Both have meters that are uniformly ignored, figure on €12 for short hops and not much more than €23 for a trip across the island. Also note that plenty of black taxis break the rule when nobody's looking, and this is the cheapest way to hitch a cab ride. All taxis must have the third letter of their licence plate with letter Y otherwise these aren't authorised taxis and might not be very safe.
By car
You can rent a car on the island. However, unless you are used to driving on the left side of the road and can handle unpredictable driving, you would be better off with a taxi or bus. A good map is a must. However it can be hard to find taxis and they are very expensive, and get used to rip offs. The best way to see around is to rent a car, but beware that even if you have a good map, you will get lost for sure, because the road signs are not good at all. Either there are not enough signs or even they show signs, they are misleading -- for example, they often do not put the major places' names at all. It is very annoying even for locals.
Petrol, as almost everywhere, will seem expensive by US standards.
It is always best to pre-book your car rental online as this works out a lot cheaper than booking when you arrive. According to the Mediterranean markets, Malta has very low rates for car rental. Any driver and additional drivers must take with them their driving licenses in order to be covered for by the insurances provided by the local car rental supplier.
By ferry
There is the regular ferry service between Ċirkewwa on Malta and Mġarr on Gozo, it goes every 45 minutes in the summer and almost as often in the winter. You buy a return ticket at the Malta end for about €4.70. There are also irregular services to Comino.
By seaplane
Regular flights between Valletta Grand Harbour and Mgarr by Harbourair started recently. There is also a planned service to Sicily. The company also offers scenic flights for around 90EUR that take 30mins and provide beautiful views of the Maltese islands. Flights start in Valletta's grand harbor. Check-in and ticket office is at the sea passenger terminal, on the very end of the "Valletta waterfront", behind the cruise ship terminals.
By helicopter
Scheduled helicopter service between Malta and Gozo has been terminated.
By bike
Renting a bike in Malta is a very common and popular practice. It doesn't cost much, but offers enough flexibility to explore.
Modern economy
Possessing few indigenous raw materials and a very small domestic market, Malta based its economic development on the promotion of tourism and labor-intensive exports, though reliance on services and capital-intensive exports has been increasing dramatically for many years. Since the mid-1980s, expansion in these activities has been the principal engine for strong growth in the Maltese economy. Investment in infrastructure since 1987 has stimulated an upswing in Malta's tourism economic fortunes.
Tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings derived from tourism have steadily increased since the 1987 watershed, in which there was growth from the previous year of, respectively, 30% and 63% (increase in terms of U.S. dollars). Following September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attack, the tourist industry did suffer some temporary setbacks.
With the help of a favourable international economic climate, the availability of domestic resources, and industrial policies that support foreign export-oriented investment, the economy has been able to sustain a period of rapid growth. During the 1990s, Malta's economic growth has generally continued this brisk pace. Both domestic demand (mainly consumption) boosted by large increases in government spending, and exports of goods and services contributed to this favorable performance.
Buoyed by continued rapid growth, the economy has maintained a relatively low rate of unemployment. Labor market pressures have increased as skilled labor shortages have become more widespread, despite illegal immigration, and real earnings growth has accelerated.
Growing public and private sector demand for credit has led -- in the context of interest rate controls - to credit rationing to the private sector and the introduction of noninterest charges by banks. Despite these pressures, consumer price inflation has remained low (2.2% according to the Central Bank of Malta 2nd Quarterly Report in 2007), reflecting the impact of a fixed exchange rate policy (100% hard peg to the euro, in preparation for currency changeover) and lingering price controls.
The Maltese Government has pursued a policy of gradual economic liberalization and privatisation, taking some steps to shift the emphasis in trade and financial policies from reliance on direct government intervention and control to policy regimes that allow a greater role for market mechanisms. While change has been very substantial, by international standards, the economy remains fairly regulated and continues to be hampered by some longstanding structural weaknesses.
There is a strong manufacturing base for high value-added products like electronics and pharmaceuticals, and the manufacturing sector has more than 250 foreign-owned, export-oriented enterprises. Tourism generates 35% of GDP. Film production is another growing industry (approx. 1,400,000 euros between 1997 and 2002), despite stiff competition from other film locations in Eastern Europe and North Africa, with the Malta Film Commission providing support services to foreign film companies for the production of feature cinema (Gladiator, Troy, Munich and Count of Montecristo, amongst others, were shot in Malta over the last few years), commercials and television series.[2]
In 2000 the economy grew by 7% in nominal terms and 4.3% in real terms. Unemployment was down to 4.4%, its lowest level in 3 years. Many formerly state-owned companies are being privatized - and the market liberalized.
Fiscal policy has been for some years directed toward bringing down the budget deficit after public debt grew from 24% of GDP in 1990 to 56% in 1999. By 2007, the deficit-to-GDP ratio is comfortably below 3%, as required for eurozone membership.
Economy of Malta
The strengths of the Economy of Malta are its limestone, a favourable geographic location, and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics), tourism and financial services. In 2003, over 1.2 million tourists visited the island[1]. Per capita GDP of $23,200 places Malta just above the middle of the list of European Union (EU) countries in terms of affluence. The island has joined the EU in 2004 despite having been divided politically over the question earlier. A sizable budget deficit was a key concern, but recent initiatives by government have changed the situation dramatically enough for the country to be admitted into the eurozone as of 1 January 2008. (footketballs)
==Economic history==(gugerut) Prior to 1800 the majority of Maltese were engaged in agriculture or fishing, although there was significant trade. Until then, Malta had very few industries except the cotton, tobacco, and shipyards industry. The dockyard was later used by the British for military purposes. At times of war, Malta's economy prospered due to its strategic location.
During the Napoleonic Wars (1800–1815), Malta's economy prospered and became the focal point of a major trading system. In 1808, two-thirds of the cargo consigned from Malta went to Levant and Egypt. Later, one-half of the cargo was usually destined for Trieste. Cargo consisted of largely British and colonial-manufactured goods. Malta's economy became prosperous from this trade and many artisans, such as weavers, found new jobs in the port industry.
In 1820, during the Battle of Navarino, which took place in Greece, the British fleet was based in Malta. In 1839, the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company and East India Companies used Malta as a calling port on their Egypt and Levant runs.
In 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal benefited Malta's economy greatly as there was a massive increase in the shipping which entered in the port. The economy had entered a special phase. The Mediterranean Sea became the "world highway of trade" and a number of ships called at Malta for coal and various supplies on their way to the Indian Ocean and the Far East.
From 1871 to 1881, about 8,000 workers found jobs in the Malta docks and a number of banks opened in Malta. By 1882, Malta reached the height of its prosperity.
However, the boom did not last long. By the end of the 19th century, the economy began declining and by the 1940s, Malta's economy was in serious crisis. This was primarily due to the invention of large ships which had become oil-fired and therefore had no need to stop in the Grand Harbour of Malta to refuel. The British Government had to extend the dockyard.
At the end of World War II, Malta's strategic importance had reached a low point. Modern air warfare technology and the invention of the atomic bomb had changed the importance of the military base. The British lost control of the Suez Canal and withdrew from the naval dockyard, transforming it for commercial shipbuilding and ship repair purposes.
Politics and government
Malta is a republic, whose parliamentary system and public administration is closely modeled on the Westminster system. The unicameral House of Representatives, (Maltese: Il-Kamra tar-Rappreżentanti), is elected by direct universal suffrage through single transferable vote every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the President on advice of the Prime Minister. The House of Representatives is made up of sixty-five Members of Parliament. However, where a party wins an absolute majority of votes, but does not have a majority of seats, that party is given additional seats to ensure a parliamentary majority. The Constitution of Malta provides that the President appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House who is best able to command a (governing) majority in the House.
The President of the Republic is elected every five years by the House of Representatives. The role of the president as head of state is largely ceremonial.
The main political parties are the Nationalist Party, which is a Christian democratic party, and the Malta Labour Party, which is a social democratic party.
The Nationalist Party is currently at the helm of the government, the Prime Minister being Dr. Lawrence Gonzi. The Malta Labour Party is in the opposition.
There are a number of smaller political parties in Malta that presently have no parliamentary representation.
On February 4, 2008 President Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami dissolved the Parliament, acting on a request from Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi[14]. The general elections were held on the March 8, 2008, and four political parties presented candidates on all districts; namely, the two main parties, the Democratic Alternative (Alternattiva Demokratika), and the recently-formed National Action (Azzjoni Nazzjonali). The Nationalist Party won the election by a slim majority of 1580 votes, which were however enough to secure its third consecutive term[15]. The Malta Labour Party conceded the election on 10 March, and Dr. Alfred Sant resigned from the position of Party Leader later that morningBritish rule and World War II
In 1814, as part of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became a part of the British Empire, and was used as a shipping way-station and fleet headquarters. Malta's position half-way between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal proved to be its main asset during these years, and it was considered to be an important stop on the way to India.
In the early 1930s, the British Mediterranean Fleet, which was at the time the main contributor for the commerce on the island, was moved to Alexandria as an economic measure. Malta played an important role during World War II, owing to its proximity to Axis shipping lanes. The bravery of the Maltese people in their long struggle against enemy attack moved HM King George VI to award the George Cross to Malta on a collective basis on April 15, 1942 "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history". Some historians argue that the award caused Britain to incur disproportionate losses in defending Malta, as British credibility would suffer if Malta was surrendered, as Singapore had been.[10] A replica of the George Cross now appears in the upper hoist corner of the Flag of Malta. The collective award remained unique until April 1999, when the Royal Ulster Constabulary became the second – and, to date, the only other – recipient of the collective George Cross.
Activities and Sports
The beautiful Maltese coastline provides endless possibilities for water sports and recreation on the beach. With excellent snorkelling and diving sites available as well as some quality dive schools, Malta is the perfect place to try your hand at exploring the marine life. Those who don’t want to get wet can stay dry on a glass-bottomed boat trip. Diving and Snorkelling Water Sports Bird-watching
The waters off the islands of Malta are rich and diverse in all kinds of marine life, not to mention amazing underwater archaeological sites. This makes Malta one of the most popular spots in the Mediterranean to pursue scuba diving and snorkelling. There are many professional and reliable dive stores that can provide instruction, equipment sales and rental, and there are guided tours to suit all levels of ability.
As Malta enjoys idyllic weather conditions year-round, the islands are a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Prevailing winds make activities such as windsurfing, parasailing and kite-boarding very popular, while boating, sea kayaking and sailing are possible on most days. Off the beach, the warm waters make swimming very enjoyable, while those after more action can participate in waterskiing and surf-skiing.
With its central Mediterranean location, Malta is an important rest stop for migrating flocks of birds, and one of the best places in the region for viewing rare and endangered species. Many species spend the winter here. The pick of the bird-watching locations is the small Ghadira Nature Reserve, which covers just six hectares, but provides an important habitat in which over 200 species have been recorded.
Cities at Malta
Cities at Malta
- Valletta — the capital, named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, a French nobleman who was Grand Master of the Order of St. John and leader of the defenders during the Turkish siege of Malta in 1565.
- Buġibba
- Cottonera (Three Cities) — The name used when referring to Birgu (aka Vittoriosa), Isla (aka Senglea) and Bormla (aka Cospicua), three towns conglomerated by 17th century fortifications called the Cottonera lines.
- Marsaxlokk — fishing village south of the island
- Marsaskala — an enchanting promenade ensures you a pleasant evening here
- Mdina — Malta's well-preserved quiet old capital
- Mgarr
- Rabat — hosts numerous historical attractions such as St. Paul's catacombs and the Roman Villa
- Qormi - a city in central Malta where there are still several old traditional bakeries.
- San Giljan — perfect area for nightlife & entertainment
- San Gwann
- Sliema — shopping centre just north of Valletta
weather in Malta
Malta enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, and the lack of any high areas of elevation means that the weather is usually the same no matter which island or part you happen to be on. Summers in Malta can be scorching, particularly with the prevailing onshore winds that blow heated air along the coast. Even so, this is the most popular time for tourists to visit the islands, with almost no chance of rain, clear blue skies and wonderfully warm seas. With the heat and dryness, care should be taken to keep in the shade and to drink plenty of fluids between June and September, as sunstroke and dehydration are dangers that can easily ruin your holiday. The late spring and early autumn months are when the climate in Malta is at its best. Days are warm, nights are cool and the sea is still comfortably tepid. In winter, temperatures in Malta are very mild, with the skies often cloudy and overcast. Between November and March, there is the possibility of rain showers.
History of Malta
Early settlements of MaltaAncient Mnajdra temples.Ancient Mnajdra temples.
The Maltese islands were first settled in 5200 BC by stone age farmers who had arrived from the nearby, much larger island of Sicily, they were called Sicanians.[7][8] During 3500 BC, these people built the oldest free-standing structures and oldest religious structures in the world, in the form of the megalithic Ġgantija temples on Gozo,[ early temples include those at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. Around 700 BC, there was Ancient Greek culture on Malta, especially around the area of Valletta.[5] A century later the natives were joined on the island by Phoenician traders,[5] who used the islands as an outpost for their trade explorations in the Mediterranean Sea.
After the fall of Tyre, the islands later came under the control of Carthage (400 BC), a former Phoenician colony, and then of Rome (218 BC). The islands prospered under Roman rule, during which time they were considered a Municipium and a Foederata Civitas. Many Roman antiquities still exist, testifying to the close link between the Maltese inhabitants and the people of Rome. The island was a favorite among Roman soldiers as a place to retire from active service. In 60 AD the islands were visited by Saint Paul, who is said to have been shipwrecked on the shores of the aptly-named "San Pawl il-Baħar" (Saint Paul's Bay). Studies of the currents and prevalent winds at the time however, render it more likely that the shipwreck occurred in or around Daħlet San Tumas in Marsascala.[citation needed]
After a period of Byzantine rule (fourth to ninth century) and a probable sack by the Vandals, the islands were conquered by the Arabs in 870 AD. The Arabs, who generally tolerated the population's Christianity, introduced the cultivation of citrus fruits and cotton, and irrigation systems. Arab influence can be seen most prominently in the modern Maltese language, a Semitic language which also contains significant Romance influences, and is written in a variation of the Latin alphabet.
The period of Arab rule lasted until 1091, when the islands were taken by the Siculo-Normans. A century later the last Norman king, Tancredo di Lecce, appointed Margarito di Brindisi the first Count of Malta. Subsequent rulers included the Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese, Castillians who reconstituted a County of Malta in 1283. The Maltese nobility was established during this period; some of it dating back to 1400. Around thirty-two noble titles remain in use today, of which the oldest is the Barony of Djar il-Bniet e Buqana.
Malta overview travel guide
Malta is an archipelago, located centrally in the Mediterranean Sea. There are three inhabited islands; Malta, Gozo and Comina. Due to their strategic value, the Maltese islands were a coveted prize by the various regional powers throughout the past few millennia, with each leaving its own impact on the islands and their inhabitants. Due to its proximity to Italy, much of the language and cuisine has been strongly influenced by the mainland nation, while the Arabs, Knights of St John and British have all left both tangible and intangible traces of their occupation. The Maltese are strongly Roman Catholic, with around 90 per cent of the population practising the religion devoutly. The islands of Malta are relatively flat, with most of the cities and large towns located on the coastline. Valletta, the capital, is located midway along the northeast coastline of Malta, and is very much the centre of business, commerce and politics. Inland, the ancient city of Medina and its suburb Rabat are delightful places, seemingly lost in time. To the northwest of Malta Island lies Gozo, famed for its medieval Citadel at Victoria and Neolithic archaeological sites at Xaghra. Located between Malta and Gozo is delightful Comina, a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Although Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, there are extremely frequent and convenient air transportation links to major European and UK cities, while there are regular ferries plying routes between Malta and Sicily and Salerno. Valletta, the capital, is a fabulous fortified coastal city that was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. Though the city is ancient, modern Valletta has tastefully integrated world-class institutions, facilities and amenities, including excellent healthcare services. The people have a reputation for kindness and are very friendly and helpful, though can be easily offended, particularly in matters of religion. Life on Malta proceeds at a relaxed pace, with great emphasis placed on enjoyment. Quality hotels are concentrated in Malta’s larger cities and resort areas. The St George’s Bay and St Julian’s districts have the pick of the luxury hotels, while the resort of Bugibba has some excellent lodgings. Gozo has some superb hotels at Mgarr, Sannat and San Lawrenz, while Comina has recently attracted some high end developers. more http://www.hoteltravel.com/malta/guides/overview.htm
Weddings in Malta with Discount City Break
Where else can you get married at a traditional Church, in a simple registry office, at the beach or in full 1500AD costume? The answer is in Malta and its cousin islands of Gozo & Como.
Yes, you can really get married in full costume dating back to 1500AD in the beautiful, walled, Medieval city of Mdina! Truly a day to remember, you will feel as if you have been transported in a time capsule to another era of bygone yesteryear. It was here, in AD60, that the Apostle St Paul was rumoured to have lived whilst shipwrecked. A silent city by day, Mdina’s narrow, curved streets housing bastions and palace courtyards are transformed into a glittering, exotic nightspot where you can enjoy a delicious al-fresco meal after your wedding lit up by hundreds of lamps and lanterns dotting this mysteriously decadent city.
Less than a 3 hour flight from the UK and with no visa requirement for British Nationals, Malta has fast become the top alternative wedding & honeymoon destination instead of the Caribbean. Not only is it more economical to get married in Malta but you can also invite your close friends and family along to be part of your Special Day without the added embarrassment of them incurring transatlantic costs.
Malta is predominantely Roman Catholic so the Maltese people love to celebrate weddings. Most weddings in Malta are held in their large churches which can hold up to 500 guests! The Maltese islands, lying between Sicily & North Africa, are surrounded by crystal clear waters and are drenched in year round sunshine and the Maltese scenery with its honey-hued stone structures create the perfect backdrop for your special day!
Malta is a diver’s paradise. What better way to celebrate than to go for a dive in the warm Mediterranean waters with your new spouse and friends and family? Or how about going for a sunset boat ride with some chilled champagne to accompany you?
No matter which country you decide to get married in, there’s always the boring paperwork. Visit mymalta, the Maltese wedding experts, who will take away all the hassle of the legalities and paperwork and organise pre-wedding appointments and let you get on with choosing the perfect spot for your tan and tasting the wonderful local champagne! You can combine very competitively priced wedding & honeymoon packages in Malta at any of the 4 and 5 star hotels around the islands. The Corinthia San Gorg & Marina Resort for those looking for a beachfront location with its extensive choice of watersports and five swimming pools or the Corinthia Palace Hotel for a romantic stay in palatial surroundings are probably two of the best hotels in Malta.more:http://maltaweddings.blogspot.com/
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