Overview
In this most comprehensive guide, author Simon Gaul tours the islands and imparts their secrets with an insider's knowledge--detailing local festivals and spicing history with anecdote. The guide tracks down hidden bays, secluded anchorages, and quiet walks, and seeks out the best local lace-makers, taxi drivers, and boatmen. It explores the monumental remains of prehistoric sites older than the Pyramids and takes a cliffside walk along Malta's striking rocky coast. A frank assessment of every place to eat and stay is provided, along with the lowdown on the Italian-influenced cuisine and even the recipe for a traditional dish of rabbit stew. Cadogan takes travelers to the hottest beaches and most sparkling watering holes, and snoops into hundreds of churches. In addition to the mainland of Malta itself, the guide provides information on lush, green Gozo, and tiny Comino, with its wonderful snorkeling and diving. The guide is full of ideas on how to get the most from this "last splutter of Europe before Africa", a shimmering rock in the Mediterranean Sea.
Readers will uncover:
*Intelligent, entertaining insights into legends, history, and island life
*Information on day trips to the Ionian coast of Sicily: how to get there, what to see, and where to stay and eat
*The best places for diving, swimming, and other water sports in Malta's clear warm waters