Table of Contents Introduction ix PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1 Chapter 1 History 3 Overview 3, The earliest settlers: 5000-4100bc 3, Temple period: 4100-2500bc 4, Bronze Age: 2500-8th century bc 6, Phoenicians and Carthaginians: 8th century bc-218bc 7, Romans and Byzantines: 218bc-ad870 8, The Arabs: 870-1090 9, Medieval Malta: 1090-1530 9, The Knights of Malta: 1530-1798 10, The French: 1798-1800 15, The British: 1800-1964 15, Independent Malta: 1964-ongoing 20 Chapter 2 Background Information 21 Geography and geology 21, Climate 23, Natural history and conservation 23, Government and politics 28, Economy 29, People and migration 29, Language 30, Religion 31, Education 31, Arts and crafts 31, Festa 33, Sports and activities 34, National/public holidays and other events 35 Chapter 3 Practical Information 39 When to visit 39, Highlights and itineraries 40, Choosing a base 42, Tourist information 43, Tour operators 45, Red tape 47, Getting there and away 49, Health and safety 50, Malta for families 53, Disabled travellers 55, Gay Malta 56, What to take 57, Money and budgeting 57, Getting around 59, Accommodation 63, Eating and drinking 64, Shopping 68, Arts and entertainment 69, Museums and historic sites 70, Sports and activities 71, Photography 76, Media and communications 77, Business 79, Buying property 80, Cultural etiquette 80, Travelling positively 80 Chapter 4 Planning for Your Interests 83 Prehistoric Malta and the temples 83, Roman/Byzantine Malta 87, Fortifications 89, World War II 92, Churches 93, Swimming, snorkelling and diving 95, Birdwatching 100, Spas 104 PART TWO THE GUIDE 107 Chapter 5 Valletta 109 History 110, Getting there and away 110, Getting around 112, Tourist information 112, Where to stay 112, Where to eat and drink 116, Other practicalities 119, What to see and do 119, Floriana 147 Chapter 6 The Three Cities 151 Getting there and away 151, Where to stay 154, Where to eat 154, Birgu/Vittoriosa 155, L-Isla/Senglea 164, Bormla/ Cospicua 165, Around the Three Cities 167 Chapter 7 Sliema, St Julian's and Paceville 169 Practicalities 169, Sliema 169, St Julian's (San Giljan) and Paceville 175 Chapter 8 Southeast Malta 181 Zabbar 181, Tarxien temples 182, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum 187, Kordin III temples 188, Zejtun 189, Marsaskala/Marsascala 189, Marsaxlokk 191, Delimara Peninsula and swimming 193, Birzebbuga 194
