Christmas in Malta at Salina Wharf

The highlight of the week was a magical evening following the coach trip to one of the three cities called Vittoriosa where there were aerial fireworks, brass bands, highly decorated streets, nougat stalls and a gold statue of "our Lady mother of Christ" carried through the tiny cobbled streets. The atmosphere and beauty of this little village festively adorned was breathtaking.

By day though, you have to visit Gozo and experience the past in the Mdina experience. Another highlight has to be Valleta where you can shop til you drop in the wide array of shops or visit the cultural sites in "The Great Siege of Malta and The Knights of King John". You can really imagine and recapture the atmosphere with its sounds, smells and drama of a thousand years. There are audio tapes in 14 languages and visitors are given individual CD players so you can go round in your own pace which is a real bonus if you want to savour the moment. The treat for kids of all ages has though to be "Popeye Village" where its open all year and caters for all ages.

Quick Tips:

Anyone who stays at Salina Wharf has to try the Pig and Whistle pub on the complex. It is fair to say if you try it once you will be hooked with its wide menu choice and wide variety of entertainment.

The different types of restaurants in walking distance varies from British to Chinese to Italian to Mongolian all at reasonable cost. The market at Vittoriosa is also exceptional but I found I had to rush around as the coach had limited time and it was so vast so it could be best to make your own way thee if you enjoy shopping and bartering for you holiday treasures.

Best Way To Get Around:

The buses on Malta are worth experiencing alone and although severely dated they are fairly reliable for foreign buses. Taxi's and local excursions are good value and Malta is packed with things to do and see. Ive now been twice and there are still loads of areas I haven't yet explored.

The jeep safari is equally good fun and not as bad as it sounds as experienced drivers show you the sights and all you have to do is sit there and enjoy it. Unfortunately they weren't available in December but having experienced it in the September they certainly deserve a mention. For the brave who want to drive this too is possible with the unusual driving regulations applying. Finally the boat trips deserve a mention but again these are reserved for warmer months and calmer seas.

Best Things Nearby:
You are lost for choice at the numbers of local bars within easy walking distance and the variety of eateries. For the ones who fancy a gamble the local casino is a 5-minute walk and the not too adventurous can watch the others win or lose. The beautiful bay is the backdrop to the shops and the views are impressive. Local buses are within easy walking distance and taxis are plentiful.

Best Things About the Resort:
The timeshare has an excellent selection of Sky TV where you can keep in touch with events back home or amble down the clubs own Pub called the Owl and Pussy cat where most football matches are televised. On other nights down there; entertainment is available and speciality nights in the pubs restaurant are good value.

Resort Experience:
Salina Wharf is welcoming and friendly and all staff seem to go out of there way to make your holiday memorable. The pool has a shallow end but the majority of it is deep and for poor swimmers like myself you are quickly out of your depth. There is a small children's pool area and bubble pool though I think it would have been better to have extended the shallower end. I went in September and the pool area was very quiet but I could see this been difficult in the height of summer. The same thing applies to the indoor pool though this was heated to near bath temperature when I went in December!!. Maid service was good as was the standard of cleanliness of the complex. It does seem to be the central place all prospective time share owners are shown around though this never feels to be invading your holiday. I had an evening return flight and room vacation was 10am with a maximum increase to 12mid-day and no courtesy rooms which was disappointing and spoilt a bit of the last day.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good