These are the bare essentials you’ll need to see when you go there!

The Blue Lagoon!

Set on the uninhabited island of Comino under the guarding watch of St. Mary’s Tower a fort built by knights of times gone by you’ll find the Blue Lagoon… Comino is Malta’s 3rd largest island and the Lagoon area lies in its north westerly tip. Its crystal clear blue waters are excellent for snorkelling and boat tours of the rest of the island and its famous caves are visible there. If you decide to go on land you should consider venturing around the island a bit. There are some hidden beaches as well as abandoned fortifications to find and explore!

The Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta by Yulia K

The Megalithic Temples of Malta

Considered to be the oldest freestanding temples in the world the megalithic temples are world heritage sites. They date back to 3600 B.C It is unknown who built the temples or how the massive rocks used in its construction were ever used/ No burial sites where ever found, however the remains of animal used for sacrifices were discovered.

Tarxien temples, Malta by Berthold Werner

Valletta

Valletta was built for defence. It is one massive fortress with towering interlocking bastions over mazes of defences. It too has the honour of being a world heritage site. Inside you will find a cultural hub with intricate churches, theatres, galleries, museums, historic palazzi, piazzas and auberges. Its underground is steeped in history too with many passages, shelters and secret spots, some of which have now become open to the public. Valletta has even got good shopping for the ladies and cafes or bars for the men (P.s try the local beer ‘Cisk’ while you’re at it). If you’re really up for doing things differently then try catch one of the traditional boats coming across the harbour from one of the surrounding towns like Sliema instead of catching the bus but be warned Valletta is set on a hill so it’s a good walk up from the dock!

Valletta, Malta by Briangotts

I found Malta to be a great place to stay.  The island has got something for everyone! I stayed at Hostel Jones. It’s central, inexpensive and run by two easy going locals who’ve decked out with unique art a traditional townhouse into what’s can easily be Malta’s best hostel slash modern gallery that you get to live in too!

About the author: Dieter Bulten is an avid writer/traveller or better still an avid traveller/writer with a passion for History, Beaches and Life

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Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta by Simon

A Short History of Comino

The name Comino derives from the cumin seed, which was once prolific on the small island. Most notably, from today’s age to centuries ago, Malta has always been best known for its isolation and tranquillity. For prolonged sections of its history, Comino has either been sparsely populated, privately owned or been completely vacant. During the Roman Times, it was mostly inhabited by farmers, but in the Middle Ages and with the rise in sea faring vessels, Comino became a popular hideout for pirates and looters. This was due to Comino’s rugged coastline, which ran jagged with sheer limestone cliffs, providing the ideal coverage for rouge ships. Comino’s many caves and coves were also used by pirates to ambush unsuspecting ships sailing between the islands of Malta and Gozo.

Comino’s early history is also linked to knights. It was used as the hunting ground for the Knights of Malta and in the 16th and 17th century, it became a place of exile for wayward knights, who were given the tedious task of guarding St. Mary’s tower. The tower was built in the 15th century to help spot invasions and to also deter pirates from hiding on the island.

Comino Caves, Malta by Simon

Tourist Attractions

Malta only has a handful of permanent residents and the majority of people on the island are just temporary visitors, who stay over at one of the Comino hotels. Large sections of the island are cornered off as a bird sanctuary and nature reserve, making Comino a haven for wildlife. Because of its tranquillity and crystal clear waters, Comino is an excellent diving spot, although some of the waters are restricted. The most popular attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a postcard bay that boasts crystal clear waters and a stretch of smooth, white sand. It’s visited by tourists on a daily basis and is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Because of its spectacular beauty, Comino has appeared in many films, notably Troy and The Count of Monte Cristo.

Penny Munroe is an avid writer in travel news and tips. Articles include travelling safety tips to outlining the beautiful holidays Malta offer.

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Disneyland Paris, France by Rene Mensen

When going to Disneyland Paris, the first thing you need to understand is that two parks are within walking distance from each other, so you do not need transportation to go from one to the other. If you like Downtown Disney in California or Florida you will also like the Disney Village here just be aware it is much smaller than its counterparts in the states.

When it comes to Disneyland Paris Hotels, you will find that Disney owns seven different hotels and they have four partner hotels. The hotels have different levels like you will find at Disney World Hotels with different amenities. The Santa Fe and Cheyenne hotels are the lowest priced but they do not have air conditioning. These hotels all offer vacation packages that you can customize to your family and are priced depending on the hotel you will stay in as well as the amenities the hotels has. The closest hotel to the magic of the parks would be the Disneyland Hotel and it would be my first choice of a hotel to stay at. In the end, the farthest walk from the Disney owned hotels is about 15 minutes so distance should not be an issue.

When it comes to food at Disneyland Paris there isn’t much of a benefit of a dining plan so when it comes to food it is good to not have the dining plan. Breakfast does come with the room when you do book a vacation package so I would make sure you eat a good breakfast in the morning to help you with your dining spending during the day. The buffets at Disneyland Paris are very good, and a mid-afternoon buffet will just hit the spot. One restaurant worth trying is the Blue Lagoon, it is in the Pirates ride like Blue Bayou is in Disneyland California. Just make sure you realize that portions in Europe are smaller than in America.

Disneyland Paris, France by Fabio

When you’re staying at one of the Disneyland Paris Hotels and want to visit Paris, the city is about 45 minutes away depending on where in the city you want to go. The metro service in Paris is very convenient.

The weather in Paris can be moderately hot, but it does rain pretty frequently. Make sure you do pack yourself rain gear to prepare for this.

As the Disneyland Paris resort is huge, it really is too big for the demand. I would recommend you check a few months before travel as Disneyland Paris releases discounts like kids stay free and free night packages. Planning too early can result in much higher prices.

Just a warning, the Disneyland Paris parks Disney World and Disneyland are very different from each other when it comes to size and scope as well as the culture. It is best to not compare but to take in all of Disneyland Paris as well as all it has to offer.

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Blue Lagoon, Comino island, Malta by Martin Lopatka

You can choose from two small, sandy beaches with excellent swimming and a stunning lagoon of brilliant turquoise blue water. During the summer this island is overcrowded with day-trippers.

Comino is suitable and also recommended to everyone who loves the sun, sea and water sports. Here you can really enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving and windsurfing. The waters are crystal clear with safe swimming even for the youngest children.

To get to Comino, use one of two ferries from Mgarr (Gozo) or from Cirkewwa (Malta) or any other Chartered Yachts from other parts of the island.

Casal Qala, Gozo, Malta by Martin Lopatka

If you would like to stay on the island and spend here a few days, you will be left with nothing other than use the services of a luxury 4-star Comino Hotel, which is the only accommodation option on the island apart from the small campsite with a basic washing facilities. Its disadvantage is that it is opened only in summer, during the peak tourist season. It was built on a beautiful bay with a sandy beach and offers a variety of sports activities, including swimming pool. The hotel also has several bungalows, about 10 minutes away. Hotel provides windsurfing school during the day, or you can enjoy evening barbecues and dancing in hotel.

In spring the island is covered with flowering herbs, so this time is probably the best for a visit. But be careful, collecting flowers or minerals is strictly prohibited on the island.

Comino has a slightly undulating surface, its highest point is Comino Mayor that reaches an altitude of 75 meters above sea level. The most popular beaches where you can enjoy the sun and lazing by the water are St Nicolas Bay or Santa Maria Bay.

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Aveiro is often called as the Venice of Portugal. Water is the main feature of the city and its surroundings. Typical sign of Aveiro is also contrasting colors, white houses are decorated differently, and the blue lagoon is dotted with colorful boats known as moliceiros. Here you can see the snow-white salt mines. Interesting environment is enhanced by the nearby nature reserve of São Jacinto, which consists of several small islands, sand dunes and abundant vegetation. Those who love the sea and beaches, can go to a nearby popular sandy beach Costa Nova. It is also a popular destination for surf lovers.

In Aveiro there is a number of local historical buildings, such as a former Dominican monastery Convento de Jesús from the 15th century, in which the renowned museum is located, or the Cathedral of Sao Domingos from 15th century as well. A popular tourist destination is also Ílhavo maritime museum, located just a few kilometers away and factory, which produces the famous Portuguese Vista Alegre porcelain. You can also visit nearby lighthouse, which is the highest lighthouse in Portugal and even in the entire Iberian Peninsula.

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