The refurbished and upgraded Hotel Bayview is conveniently situated on the Sliema promenade. The Hotel Bayview overlooks the picturesque fortifications, the historical buildings of Malta’s capital city Valletta and the traditional Marsamxetto harbour. The Hotel Bayview is the perfect base for your holiday; it is within few meters from the Sliema popular shopping centre, cafes, bars and restaurants that offer a wide variety of entertainment and relaxation. The Hotel Bayview is conveniently situated next to several bus stops, which allows full mobility to the entire island. Whilst for night owls St. Julians and Paceville with their throbbing nightlife, the Hotel Bayview is only a stone’s throw away.
The recent upgrading and redesigning to it's modern style has made Hotel Bayview one of the most sought after 3 star properties in the Sliema area and the Maltese islands. It is conveniently situated on the Sliema promenade. The HOTEL BAYVIEW overlooks the picturesque fortifications, the historical buildings of Malta's capital city Valletta and the traditional Marsamxetto harbour. The HOTEL BAYVIEW is the perfect base for your holiday; it is within few meters from the Sliema popular shopping centre, cafes, bars and restaurants that offer a wide variety of entertainment and relaxation. The HOTEL BAYVIEW is conveniently located next to various bus stops, which allows full mobility to the entire island. Whilst for night owls St. Julians and Paceville with their throbbing nightlife, the HOTEL BAYVIEW is only a stone's throw away.
The comfortable inland twin bedded rooms are air-conditioned have a balcony, private facilities, direct dial telephone, television with satellite channels, safe deposit box . Some twin rooms also have a panoramic and sea view and some have a sea view from balcony.
The comfortable self-catering studios have an equipped kitchenette and are air-conditioned have a balcony, private facilities, direct dial telephone, television with satellite channels, safe deposit box . The sea view studios also have a panoramic and sea view and some have a sea view from balcony. All the guests staying in the studios have access to the hotel facilities.
The comfortable self catering one bedroom apartments are air-conditioned have a balcony, direct dial telephone, television with satellite channels, safe deposit box. The apartments consist of a kitchen and dining room, private bathroom and a double/twin bedded bedroom. All the guests staying in the apartments have access to the hotel facilities.
The comfortable self catering two bedroom apartments have a balcony, direct dial telephone, television with satellite channels, safe deposit box and heating. The apartments consist of a kitchen and dining room, private bathroom and a two double/twin bedded bedroom. All the guests staying in the apartments have access to the hotel facilities.
All Facilities are situated in the main building - 24-hour reception service - TV lounge Area - 24 Hours Lounge Bar - 24 Hours Internet Café - 24 Hours Games Room - Restaurant (Serving buffet breakfast. lunch and dinner) - 2 Restaurants - A La Carte (One Chinese + One Indian) - Hairdresser - Outdoor Pool (11meters X 5 meters) with children's section. - Indoor Pool (7.5metres X 4.5metres, Heated Winter Only) - Sunbathing area (Free Umbrellas and Deck Chairs) - Pool Bar (Weather Permitting) - Fitness Room & Sauna - Conference Room (Seating 100 persons)
Bathed in the sun of the southern Mediterranean, between Sicily and Libya, the little archipelago of Malta has a history as significant as its location. Mystery, tragedy and heroism pepper its past; the fate of Malta, more than once, has changed the story of Europe. Conquerors and liberators have been passing through the islands since the Stone Age. There are more archaeological sites than beaches. By any standard, the Republic of Malta is a very small country. The main island is less than a hundredth the size of neighbouring Sicily; The second principal ingredient of Malta's archipelago is Gozo, covering an area a bit bigger than Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Gozo, more fertile than Malta, is less populated and less frequented by tourists, with a character very much its own. The only other (barely) inhabited island, tiny Comino is mostly glimpsed from the deck of the ferry that links Malta and Gozo. The total area of the archipelago comes to 316 sq km (122 sq miles), smaller than the Isle of Wright.
The population is close to 375,000 people, most of whom can speak good English. In the overall scheme of things, Roman remnants are fairly modern relics on Malta. Thousands of years before the Roman empire, the islands were inhabited by people who built grandiose temples. These feats of Stone Age engineering are even more impressive when you consider that they pre-date the pyramids of Egypt and the wondrous complex of Stonehenge. Nobody anywhere else in Europe devised such impressive monuments so early in prehistory. All the more frustrating, then, that the people who left us these old stones finally disappeared. We don't really know who they were or where they went. Early in the 16th century the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St John was expelled from Rhodes by the Turkish forces of Suleyman the Magnificent. The knights, looking for any port in a storm, moved in to Malta. And here they stayed for two and a half centuries, paying an annual rent of one peregrine falcon to the representative of the King of Spain.In 1565, the Turks besieged Malta. For four months both sides, including innocent Maltese civilians, suffered grievous losses, but the island held out.
The triumphant knights, wary of a return engagement, built a fortified city on a promontory overlooking one of Europe's greatest natural harbours. They named it Valletta after their French Grand Master, Jean Parisot de la Valette. Other, even more historic Maltese cities have their own distinctions, and nearly every village is worth seeing. The land in between them all is fairly flat-there are no mountains or rivers-and criss-crossed with dry-stone walls to protect the soil from erosion. In springtime the countryside bursts into colour when the wild flowers bloom.
Valletta - This is the city that the Knights of St John of Jerusalem built after the great siege of 1565. It has something for every interest: The best time to see it is in the late afternoon, when it's at its liveliest and most beautiful, the setting sun turning the stones to gold. Nothing beats Upper Barrakka Gardens, a small 18th-century park perched on the edge, literally, of town. If you look straight down, you'll see Lascaris Wharf and the old Customs House. Among the attractions of the gardens are the greenery, statues and calm Archaeology Museum. The museum occupies the 16th-century Auberge de Provence, the most influential of the French inns of knightly Valletta.The 16th century St. John's Co-Cathedral is literally built on the bones of the Knights of Malta. Hundreds of them are buried in the floor under complex mosaics of coloured marble;, the exterior of the Co-Cathedral may be drab, but the baroque interior is a revelation of dazzling art and decoration. Upstairs in the museum are tapestries of great value, and vestments donated to the church by wealthy knights.
By Malta's standards the Grand Master's Palace is an enormous building, filling an entire city block. Only a small part of it is open to the public; the rest belongs to the parliament. But you can penetrate two peaceful courtyards and admire the statue of Neptune, the fountain, and the 18th-century clock which has figurines of Moorish slaves striking the hours. The State Dining Room is decorated by paintings of British monarchs from George III to Elizabeth II. The main part of the palace that's open to view is the transplanted Armoury of the Knights. Nineteen dummies in armour show off full regalia with swords and pikes. Also to be seen: Turkish shields and swords, trophies from the great siege; muskets, cannon and mortars. Overlooking Palace Square, a 17th-century hostel now houses an audio-visual show documenting the Malta's role and involvement in the first and second World Wars. Newsreel film and special effects tell the story of the bombing, the deprivation, the resistance and the ultimate triumph.
Casa Rocca Piccola - Down Republic Street beyond Palace Square, a family of the Maltese nobility has opened its palazzo to public view. Built at the end of the 16th century, the house has its own chapel and a dining room seating 16 at table. You can visit the four-poster bedroom (with religious paintings and statues), the drawing room and the sitting room.As Valletta first took shape, the Knights Hospitallers of St John, who had begun tending the sick in the 11th century, built a vast hospital near the end of the peninsula. The main ward was 155 m (509 ft) long and, harmoniously, as wide as it was high-11 m (36 ft). At the time it was the longest hall in Europe. The knights took in anyone of any faith who was ill and treated the sick as seigneurs malades (sick lords), with respect and humility. The standard of medical treatment was high, and the patients were given good food served on silver plates. Now the Holy Infirmary has been transformed into the Mediterranean Conference Centre-a lavish setting for conferences or concerts. The banquet hall, under a cross-vaulted ceiling, is most sumptuous.
The Suburbs of Sliema and St. Julian's - The suburb of Sliema has grown bigger and vastly more animated than the capital, Valletta. This is where Maltese and tourists alike go for shopping, eating and drinking, promenading and sunbathing. If the beaches, mostly rocky, do not count among the island's best, the location compensates. High-rise hotels and apartment blocks go on to infinity. From Sliema the view of Valletta-the bastions illuminated by night-is a winner. For a much closer look, take one of the harbour sightseeing tours that depart frequently from Sliema Creek. Beyond Sliema, the former fishing village of St Julian's is as animated at night as Valletta is moribund. The resort has restaurants of many nationalities, no end of pubs, bars and discos, not to mention the island's biggest casino at Dragonara Point. Big international hotels line the rocky shores of St George's Bay.
Inland - Mdina, Rabat, Buskett, Mosta After the vitality-and traffic jams-of the seaside resorts, another world is revealed when you turn inland. Historic towns and villages, well supplied with churches and legends, are scattered across the mostly harsh, rocky landscape. Dry stone walls, skilfully built, go on for miles, dividing parcels of parched earth. Most of the time, except for ploughing or harvesting seasons, the farms seem deserted and the country folk stay inside.
Mdina - Malta's most uplifting sight may well be the view of the ancient walled city of Mdina from the plain below. Hunched on a high ridge, Mdina's bulwarks and domes rule the horizon. Its history is said to go back 4,000 years. Its supremacy dates back to Roman times when the city, called Melita, was the island's capital.
Restrained, warm and beautifully balanced, the façade of St Paul's Cathedral introduces Malta's most majestic church. (Actually, it is a co-cathedral, sharing the honours with St John's in Valletta.) Wandering the streets of Mdina you'll pass patrician houses of the 16th and 17th centuries; what may be the oldest of all, the Santa Sophia Palace, claims to have a ground floor built in the 13th century. Wander at will-the narrow, twisting streets were designed to be shady and to confound invaders-and notice the architectural details representing centuries of style. But don't miss Bastion Square for the view from the city walls. From this vantage point you can see all the way to Valletta and St Paul's Bay; the unobstructed panorama of all the classic invasion routes must have been a sentry's best friend.
Rabat - Its Arabic name still stands, but Rabat was important long before Moorish days. It prospered under the ancient Romans and the early Christians. With no fortifications remaining to hem it in, the town is far bigger in area and population than Mdina, of which it is a suburb. Just outside the gardens abutting the Mdina moat, a Roman villa was unearthed towards the end of the 19th century. Built in the 2nd century bc, the house presumably belonged to a Roman official or merchant; In the atrium are some very interesting mosaics with well-achieved three-dimensional effects, in addition to delicate pictures in tile. In the museum connected to the house you can see Roman glassware and amphoras, an olive press, and Arabic funerary inscriptions-as well as an ancient Jewish tombstone.
St. Paul's Catacombs - Malta's early Christians buried their dead in catacombs they carved out of the bedrock. Reclining like Romans, they held funeral feasts around Agape tables (from the Greek word for "love"). The underground cemeteries are honeycombed beneath Rabat on many levels-as deep as 7 m (23 ft) below the ground. They are full of interesting details (although many have been plundered), but the long, twisting, low-ceilinged tunnels and all-but-total darkness are not for the claustrophobic. Bring a torch to light your way. St. Agatha's CatacombsThe bigger Catacombs of St Agatha are reached through an underground church. The Crypt of St Agatha started as a cave where the future saint-fleeing from her tormentors in Sicily-prayed and slept. It was later greatly expanded into an underground basilica decorated with frescoes of the 12th century. BuskettThe name sounds awfully English, but it's derived from the Italian boschetto, meaning "little woods". This is Malta's only forest, of pines and cedars, and the greenest part of the island, planted with citrus orchards.
At the end of June an enormous festa takes place in Buskett Gardens for the feast of St Peter and St Paul. Folk music, dancing, abundant food and bonfires go on all night.MostaFrom miles away you can see the dome of the parish church of Mosta. Towering improbably over a town of less than 15,000 people, the stupendous Mosta Dome is supposed to be the fourth-largest unsupported dome in Europe - not far behind the likes of St Peter's in Rome. During World War II, with a congregation of several hundred in attendance, a 500-lb German bomb plunged through the dome. It bounced on the floor but failed to explode, to general relief. A replica of the miraculous dud is now on display on the spot.
Prehistoric Sites - Malta's prehistoric sites boggle the minds of archaeologists. The most detached layman must be awed at the sheer age of the neolithic temples, their advanced architecture, their mysteries. There are 33 Stone Age temples on 18 different sites.
Gozo - The island of Gozo is greener and more relaxed than her big sister Malta, and is altogether enchanting. Less than a third the size of Malta, and with a much lower population density, Gozo has a horizon of flat-topped hills punctuated by church bell towers and domes, a flowered landscape where stark, porous ravines widen into lush valleys that produce all the ingredients for an island salad-tomatoes, lettuce, olives, onions and capers.
Hundreds of dry-stone walls sternly separate the fields. Stones were used to build the battlements of the island's citadel (begun in Roman times), the forts, and the Gogantija temples, archaeological wonders of world renown. There are also some appealing beaches. Lacking an airport, Gozo is accessible only by sea or by helicopter from Malta, slowing the jet-set pace and generally deterring the tourist crush. Those who've discovered the secret of the isle wouldn't have it any other way. Comino You'll see Comino from the ferry boat between Malta and Gozo. It may look like a harsh, deserted island-but there's more to it than meets the eye. Especially the well-protected waters, so crystalline that snorkellers and scuba divers are mesmerized. Ashore, in spring, there is the heady fragrance of wild flowers and herbs.The name "Comino" is derived from "cumin", the plant that has always flowered on the isle. There's also thyme, which keeps Comino's bees busy. Comino found its destiny in escapism. A discreet luxury hotel complex exploits the sporting possibilities and the little island's traffic-free charm. Day-trippers invade the snorkelling paradise of the Blue Lagoon, partly shielded by the minuscule uninhabited islet of Cominotto, and visiting yachtsmen can't resist the lesser-known beaches. But it all calms down towards dusk, when the all-embracing get-away atmosphere is restored.
Clothing - Lightweight clothing in summer, particularly in the hotest season from Mid July to mid September. Warmer layers of clothes are necessary for the cooler evenings in the spring, autumn and winter. The Maltese take their Catholicism very seriously so be sure to cover your shoulders and legs when visiting a church.
Credit Cards - Well known international credit cards are widely accepted. There are plenty of cash distributors and traveller's cheques and eurocheques can be cashed at banks and exchange offices.
Health - No vaccinations are obligatory and no special health precautions are called for. One annoyance in summer is the insect populations. Pharmacies have repellent creams and after-the-fact remedies.
Tipping - Restaurants sometimes add a service charge to the bill, but a tip is still appropriate. Waiters appreciate 5 to 10 percent and taxi drivers 10 percent.
Water - It is theoretically safe to drink water from the tap, but not really recommended; bottled water tastes better and is readily available.
The Maltese pound or lira, abbreviated LM, is divided into 100 cents. There are coins from 1c up to Lm1. Banknotes are issued from Lm2 to Lm20. There are restrictions on the import and export of local currency: Lm50 on arrival, Lm25 on departure. There are no limits on foreign currency, but large amounts should be declared upon arrival.
A full British/EC passport with at least six months validity from the date of departure is required for travel. A British Visitors Passport is not acceptable. A visa for entry is not required for British passport holders. Nationals of other countries should check with the appropriate authorities.
Climate This close to North Africa it is usually warm and sunny. The hottest season is from mid July to mid September when the average maximum temperatures climb higher than 30ºC (well above 80ºF). Rain intervenes only briefly; statistically the rainiest months are October through to January.
Who would have thought that breathing below the surface would ever be possible? Diving has been a sport appreciated by many for years, as it is the closest we can get to imagine a life underwater, so if you like to add spice to your life then why not undertake a dive course during your stay here. A number of licensed diving schools in Malta offer you courses to suit all levels of diving. In this manner we can follow through with your particular requests, incorporating the area you are staying in with the type of course you require. The courses taught are certified by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), the most recognised diving certification in the world, they offer all types of courses, underwater photographer, wreck diver, underwater naturalist, and diving instructor to name a few. The wonderful thing about diving in Malta is that it can be done all year round. In the summer months, the average water temperature is 27 Degrees Celcius, which makes for very comfortable diving, and in Winter, it is 15 Degrees Celcius. What really attracts the diver to the Maltese waters is the clarity of the water, sometimes reaching over 50m, which adds to the excitement of taking in your surroundings. Malta is inundated with caves and wrecks that enhance the adventure in your dive and there is one to suit all diving levels. Amongst the various wreck dives that you can explore, the most popular are the Rozi, and the Um El Farud, both sunk for diving purposes, which have built up their own eco-system making your dive a colourful and memorable experience. A dive package would not be the same without a night dive, an opportunity for the more experienced diver that is not to be missed. The thrill of any night dive is the ability to observe different movements, behaviours and colours of the sea-life compared with a normal dive. If you are lucky, you will experience the most fascinating thing, phosphorescence, tiny little shrimp like beings that seem to envelope the diver in an aura of light.
Although sunbathing, swimming and just generally having a good time are to most peoples' taste, there are others that prefer to have a holiday with an element of activity thrown in. If you are looking for adventure, sport or just something different to add to your holiday, then you will be amazed at what Malta has to offer.
Over the years, Malta has become an attractive destination for a number of reasons. Apart from the wonderful climate and Mediterranean life, it caters for a wide range of sports groups and training camps, a small island that offers all kinds of activities to suit all interests. Malta is also a new fishing destination unknown to sport fishing anglers. The blue Maltese waters offer good fishing all the year round for classic fighting fish like Blue Fin Tuna, Swordfish, Albacore, Dorado and bottom fishing for Jewfish, Grouper, Snapper and so on.
Golfing has always been a popular sport, played all over the world. It is enjoyed by people from all walks of life and as well as being a sport, it is a very social game. There are golf courses across the globe which makes for fine travelling, a chance to explore a new place and come away with some good stories of competitions as well as new found friends. Golfing in Malta can be incorporated into a holiday or just a weekend away. Playing golf involves concentration and skill so after a day on the green what better way to relax then perhaps a short drive to a beach for a refreshing swim or even a tasty meal of fresh fish and wine. This is all on offer in Malta, so why not look into including a game or two of golf during your stay here. The Royal Malta Golf Club is situated adjacent to the Marsa Sports Club. It is located not far from the airport and is a private members club run by an honorary committee and staff. These grounds have been the home of golfing in Malta, since the early 1900's and are open to visitors. It is one of the oldest Clubs outside of the UK.
The greens have been replanted with "TiffEagle" grass which provides slick greens all year round. A driving range and practice putting green are provided for those golfers who prefer to gain a little more experience prior to stepping out onto the course. If you are interested in either topping up on your golfing skills or merely squeezing in a lesson or two during your stay, the club provides lessons and courses for those interested. The course is made up of par 68, which provides the enthusiastic golfer with a challenge whilst not creating too difficult a course for the novice. It is an 18 hole course consisting of 5020 metres with a parkland/flat terrain. The facilities include a pro shop where it is possible to hire your equipment, changing rooms and a bar and restaurant that offer the choice of either a quick snack or a long lunch to mull over your game. The club maintains a strict dress code, and they kindly ask that all patrons follow the club rules.
Centuries gone by have seen many a seafaring person step foot on Maltese shores. In the past this may have been to conquer the country because of it’s location but of course things have changed since then and nowadays boats travelling into Maltese waters are welcomed with open arms. Chartering a yacht makes for a different type of holiday. If you are an experienced sailor, there is no better way to discover the beauty of the island then to sail its waters. Consider spending the day in one of the bays that surround the 3 inhabited islands, snorkelling the clean waters with a night sail to the blue lagoon for a romantic dinner under the evening stars followed by a midnight swim in the warm waters. Sailing will give you the opportunity to get a taste of why the Maltese islands were so sought after all those centuries ago. There are no tides that one has to be wary of which makes sailing easier, although reefs and shallow waters are important factors that must be taken into consideration. Chartering a yacht does not necessarily mean that you have to spend your whole time aboard, there is a marina in both Malta and Gozo that offers temporary berths for the passing traveller. After a day at sea the thought of a tasty meal to follow is extremely inviting, you could end your day with a meal at one of the restaurants in Mgarr Harbour Gozo, Portomaso Marina, Ta Xbiex Marina and Vittoriosa Marina in Malta.
Wellness Centre Situated on the 7th Floor, this area comprises of an indoor heated pool (heated winter only), Fitness Room, out door pool with sunbathing area and also shower facilities.
Indoor & Outdoor Pool Situated on the 7th Floor, this area comprises of an indoor heated pool (heated winter only), Fitness Room, out door pool with sunbathing area and also shower facilities.
Fitness Room & Sauna The fitness room is equipped with the most modern machines and advanced technology. Its location next to the indoor pool invites you to have a refreshing swim after all the exercising. The gym also has a sauna (at a charge). Our guests can enjoy a relaxing time. Situated on the 7th Floor, this area comprises of an indoor heated pool (heated winter only), Fitness Room, out door pool with sunbathing area and also shower facilities.
Games Room / 24 Hour Internet Café Kid's paradise and adults, our games room is equipped with a number of amusement machines where children and adults can occupy their time while the parents relax. The Internet is easily accessed and is next to the lobby area. Keep in contact with your loved ones, friends or business associate via internet or just relax browsing at leisure The games room and internet café' are available 24 hours a day every day.
Bars The well stocked bars and our multilingual staff are very popular with our guests and locals for cocktails. The Boulevard 24HR Bar is open 24 hours a day in order to serve you any time you might desire. The Marina Bar is open from 10.00 – 18.00 in the sunbathing area (weather permitting) for cold refreshing drinks or a salads while relaxing near our pool. The Seastar Restaurant Bar is open during lunches and dinners to serve that tasty local wine or any other drink with your meals.
Restaurants All of our Restaurant are renowned for its Buffet Meals, Carvery nights and La Carte Menu with various International specialties. We can organise any type of function with various types of menus. You can choose from our menus or our catering team can prepare a tailored made menu which suits your budget.
European hotels 
