I was thinking of Malta as a vacation destination. I have never met anyone who has been there, however. Has any Fodorite been to this little island? If so, what did you think? John

Yes, we went a few years ago. It is very different from the rest of western Europe. It has somewhat of a Middle-Eastern feel to it; the language is very unusual (though many speak English); there are many ANCIENT sites (thousands of years old); gazillions of churches (I swear there are more per square foot than Italy!); some great beaches. We loved the country my sister dubbed "Willynillyville". Give up any idea of a tight itinerary, and go with the flow. <BR> <BR>The food's good, too.

Thanks, Elvira. Do you have any idea what the weather would be like in mid-Novermber? It is supposed to be a mild climate all year. Did you stay on Gozo or on the main island? John

To quote the master, " nobody goes to Malta anymore, it is too crowded"

Stayed on Malta, with a daytrip to Gozo. Our Sunday paper travel section recommended Malta in November, saying temps averaged 60 degrees farenheit during the day. There's a great website http://www.visitmalta.com/ <BR> <BR>I'll try to put this as 'delicately' as I can: if you think southern Italy is too rigid, you'll love Malta. And one can only hope and pray the buses are still the same (talk of - er - modernizing them created howls of protest from just about everyone).

Went to Malta this year with my husband for a week. WE had spent ten days in Sicily. We LOVED it! If you enjoy ruins the Maltese have the OLDEST-temples....On Malta and Gozo. <BR> Everyone takes 1940's British buses everywhere! The people are great! The historic import of the island in History is a mind-blower! From the Ottoman Empire &lt;Malta held&gt; to the 2nd World war ! <BR> There is a new Hilton on the water . <BR>Go-you won't be sorry. <BR> Ps They have great beaches&lt;you just have to ask the locals where they are&gt; Nancy

nice try: "nobody goes tehre, it is too crowded". How could it be crowded if nobody goes there? Hm. <BR>Anyway: it is a great place to do a lot of culture. Dont miss the the ruins of Gigantia (on Gozo, a very easy day trip). They are older then the pyramids in Egypt. Now open again after more then 10 years closed are the old graves "Hal Suflien" (spelling?). Also nice is the town of Medina. And for shure La Valetta, the capital. Make shure doing a little harbour cruise. The weather is nice in Nov., less rain, not to hot (we been in June, verrrrrry hot). Beaches? Hm, I dont think anyone goes to Malta for beaching. Dining is very fine (fish for shure), it is a mix of Italy, French and Arabic cuisine. And the wine is cheap ... <BR>have fun <BR>Gar

I just came back from Europe and ended with 4 days in Malta. We stayed at the Meridien - Phoenicia in Valetta, just outside the gates. There is some nice shopping and interesting museums, but Gozo is the place to be!!! Lots of history and ruins and great sights and the food was better. We hired a driver who took us all around the island. Definitely worthwhile. We didn't get a chance to get to spend any time in St. Julian's, although we did pass through it. There seems to be more happening there than Valetta. Maybe next time. Have fun!!! <BR>

I was there 8 years ago and could enjoy the archipelago. I loved the islands, some other tourists were dissappointed because they expected the character and architecture of Greek Islands, but Malta is definitely different, it is a gorgeous mix of Mediterranean and British, and this is nice. Food is nice specially Italian influence ( crusty pizzas, pasta ) and we wondered when we see the amount of incredibly rich churches all around the island ( paintings, marbles, size ). I would reccommend you Gozo ( quieter, beautiful landscape, Victoria is nice ), the turquoise waters of Comino Island ( do not know in November ) and the cities of Valletta and Mdina. Try to go to a Festa if there is anyone that time. A cruise is also interesting. I would like actually to go back.

We spent a week in Malta last February and realy liked it. Very good reasonably priced accomodation [we stayed at Westin and had nice room with huge balcony overlooking sea and all the trimmings of a five star hotel] with many genuinley good restaurants nearby all of which seemed very very cheap [by London standards] <BR> <BR>Valetta turned out to be one of the nicest and least spoilt old towns in Europe and a number of other good sites to visit. Only drawback is that our hotel was in St Julians an OK place but with little inherent charm except by the bay itself. We had a week of glorious uninterupted sunshine in Feb which I think has much same temp as November warm enough to sit outside for lunch in shirt sleeves but not to swim. We were suprised how nice Malta was and will definitely return. <BR> <BR> <BR>