New 2011 Malta Flights For Irish Tourists

Residents of Northern Ireland who enjoy their sunshine holidays have been given the opportunity of low cost flights to one of Europe's top destinations this year, with the launch of easyJet's service to the popular Mediterranean island of Malta.

The new cheap flights to Malta will fly twice a week, on Tuesdays departing Belfast at 14.50 local time with the same departure time on Saturdays. An easyJet spokesman told a Northern Ireland newspaper:

'We're delighted to be launching this new route to Malta, which is a popular destination for leisure and business travellers, and strengthens easyJet's existing destinations from Northern Ireland,' and added about holidays in Malta

'The island has a rich history that is evident in its stunning architecture. For today's visitors, there is also the obvious attraction of clear blue waters and dry, warm summers.'

The attractions of holidays in Malta should ensure the new route is a success, and the airline helped pioneer cheap flights to Malta a few years ago after Ryanair became the first low cost carrier to offer routes from the UK and Ireland to the island, helping to revive the tourist industry.

Since then Malta has earned a reputation for some of the best spas in Europe, and several of the hotels in Malta have won awards. But what else can people from Northern Ireland expect along with the great Malta weather when they visit, other than low airfares?

The island is rich in history, with some artefacts pre-dating Egypt's pyramids. Tourists who like their history will enjoy the variety of treasures and artefacts on display in the museums, some of which are free while others charge a few Euros admission.

Many of Malta's historic churches still stand and are used for worship today. The gardens and historic architecture on Malta and its sister islands, Gozo and Comino, are very big tourist attractions, as well. Mellieha for example, a popular resort with a good sandy beach has an excellent church that's worth a visit for a look around.

If it's relaxing that's the main aim of taking Malta holidays, the hotels are geared up for allowing their guests to have as much leisure time as they want, and like any other Mediterranean destination many are close to beaches, but it's the in-house relaxation that the island has earned a reputation for, with many prople including celebrities enjoying their spas and treatments.

Another niche that Malta and the sister island of Gozo is well known for is diving, and the waters are viewed by the diving community as among the best in the world, so with the new Belfast route the diving clubs might well be taking an interest.

Mellieha for example on the northern coast of the island, offer plenty of interesting dive sites. Cirkewwa is a site where a cavern collapsed, leaving an arch formation. Divers enjoy the arches and caves and the steep drop from 8 to 30 metres.

For people in Northern Ireland who haven't been to the island before, whether it be for a relaxing holiday, history and sightseeing, the beach, spas or activities - Malta offers all this, and is now even more accessible this summer.