One country, three islands, located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea

At a glance
Hotel standard Four stars
Hotel facilities Indoor and outdoor swimming pools,
gym, conference room, disabled friendly rooms, Sauna,
Fitness Centre, Games Room, Massage, Billiards,
Table Tennis, Darts, Jacuzzi, Library, Turkish/Steam Bath.
Meals Half board buffet style
Hotel website www.sanantonio-malta.com
Excursions Excellent
Main flight from Gatwick
Other airports Heathrow, Manchester, Bristol,
  Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast
Flying time 3 hours
Transfer time 30 minutes
Dates 8 & 15 March 2011

There are actually three islands making up the tiny country of Malta - the islands of Comino and Gozo to the north of Malta are much smaller, but each has a unique character of its own. Between them they probably have more history per square inch than almost anywhere else in the world.

Malta’s rocky outcrop with sheer cliffs on the western coast gives way to some sandy bays on the eastern side. The unique topography though has created the biggest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, the Grand Harbour at Valletta, which gives a clue to the island’s military significance. The Knights of St John, retreating from the Ottomans, built this remarkable fortress city.

A street in Valetta

One of the island’s most celebrated visitors was St Paul, who was shipwrecked in what is now known as St Paul’s Bay. Statues of St Paul abound throughout the island, and all kinds of places are named after him - including quite a few that have nothing whatsoever to do with him! If you ever doubted the effectiveness of St Paul’s travels, come to Malta to see the lasting impact his short visit had here!

Bugibba

In the northern half of the island and away from the busy resorts of Sliema and St Julian’s is the village of Bugibba our base for our winter holidays. The village is built along the southern side of St Paul’s Bay and it is a short walk from the hotel into the village centre. In the village are shops and cafes, and from the hotel you can see towards St Paul’s island where it is believed the famous shipwreck took place.
 

Excursions

There is a great deal to see and do, especially for those with an interest in history from pre-historic times to the Second World War. Valletta is probably the place to start. Built by the Knights on a grid pattern, it is heavily fortified with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and a beautiful Cathedral among the narrow streets.

The original capital of Malta is Mdina - the silent city - much of it over 500 years old. Once again a fortress city, it contains another superb Cathedral with incredible wall frescoes. In adjoining Rabat there are caves and catacombs, one of which was reputedly the prison in which St Paul was held.

Don’t miss the Church at Mosta, famous for having one of the four largest domes in the world with a beautiful array of statues depicting Christ’s passion. There is also a (defused!) WW2 bomb which crashed through the roof during a service, but which miraculously failed to explode.

If you have time take a day excursion to Gozo. The short ferry ride from the northern end of the island takes you to this smaller, gentler and prettier island with an imposing citadel at the capital, Victoria and some glorious coastal scenery.

Malta has a selection of extraordinary pre-historic structures scattered through the island – a bit like Stonehenge, but more intricate. Seek out some of these for a fascinating insight into civilisations long gone.

Organised excursions are inexpensive from around £20 for half day trips to about £35 for the visit to Gozo including the ferry cost. Cheaper still are the brightly painted local buses many of which are museum pieces in their own right. Their days are numbered apparently – shiny new buses are steadily being introduced.

The San Antonio Hotel

Our four star hotel is an excellent base for a comfortable and relaxing week. This hotel is just ten years old and has plenty of modern amenities including a heated indoor swimming pool and spa and fitness rooms. The rooms are very comfortable and well planned and include a full sized bath, in the en-suite bathroom. All rooms in our allocation include a balcony and rooms with a sea view are available for £5 per person per night. There are some disabled friendly rooms available on request.

This hotel is exceptional value for money and our holidays here are always popular. Flights are also good value in winter, so try Malta for an inexpensive winter break.

Dates and Prices

Resort: Malta Season: Wintersun 2011 Accommodation: The San Antonio Hotel

Prices are in £ per person and include half board hotel accommodation in a twin room with en-suite facilities, plus complimentary airport transfers. Flights are not included. Child discounts are available for children under 12 on the day of departure sharing with two adults.

Deparure Date 1 wk 2 wks
1 NOV 259 459
8 Nov 249 n/a

Options

All prices are per person per night

Child under 12 - £8
Single room +£13
Sea view room +£5

Flights from about £80. Choice of airports