Holiday Ideas for Malta

Culture and Heritage
With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage.

This historic legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in the country’s national architecture and collections. There are so many areas of heritage and culture to be explored – the 16th century masterpiece Grandmasters’ Palace, the “Sacra Infermeria”, which is now a fully equipped conference centre, the St. James Centre for Creativity – a superbly restored fortification where contemporary works of art are exhibited against the original rough-textured walls and rediscovered spaces. With these buildings, past and present blend into an enduring and admirable lesson in the art of living.

The arts have always played a large role in Maltese culture and continue to do so with cultural events occurring frequently. The National Museum of Fine Arts – MUZA, housed in the historic Auberge d’Italie, exhibits some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance to modern times. Both established and budding artists are encouraged to display their efforts through publicly-supported programs. There is always an exhibition of some kind running.

Theatre and music are also very popular in the Islands. A variety of theatres – including the Valletta’s Manoel Theatre and two opera houses in Victoria (Gozo) – as well as several open-air venues offer wide selection of plays, musicals, operas and concerts.

Enjoy The Nightlife
Typical of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the locals’ approach to life is to enjoy and celebrate it as much as possible.

Nightlife on the Islands is always bustling – even if the vibrant calendar of events gets leaner during some periods, there are always scores of clubs to visit, excellent wine bars and first-rate restaurants to try.

The Islands have an effervescent calendar of cultural events to see, such as the Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Opera Festival, the Choir Festival and the International Jazz Festival held in July.

Major music concerts starring top international artists are held every summer, attracting massive crowds of both tourists and locals alike.

The Maltese Islands have also become a hub for the clubbing scene. Internationally renowned DJs like Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, Magda, Tiesto, Van Heill appear for guest weekends throughout the year. This scene thrives all year round and is an all-week affair in a variety of venues, from large clubs to quieter bars where some excellent house DJs entertain and the admission is free. The main nightlife clubbing action is in Paceville, on the coast near St. Julians, where the clubs and bars are in abundance.

Classical music is very popular on the Islands and organ recitals take place regularly in the many baroque churches. Regular orchestral, soloist concerts and operas take place in some stunning historic venues.

Band music is one of the most popular traditions on the Islands. Every town and village has at least one band club. Band music is taken seriously on the Islands and the highlight of the year for band clubs is the parish festa. These events are characteristic of the Maltese Islands. Saints, fireworks, food and fun are all part of this cultural phenomenon – try and catch one as they’re not to be missed.

Theatre is a lively and well-represented part of the local cultural scene. The 18th century Manoel Theatre makes a wonderful venue for the performing arts. The open-air Shakespeare performed in the Gardens of San Anton Palace in July is one of the many theatrical highlights. If you happen to be here around Christmastime, check out one of sevela Pantomimes for some fun and great kids’ entertainment.

There is more nocturnal entertainment on offer – try your luck at the casinos, go see a film (blockbuster movies, art house films, re-releases and non-English language films) or dine al fresco at one of the romantic palazzos or bustling harbour restaurants.

Family Fun
The Maltese Islands are great for families. Malta, Gozo and Comino offer a wonderful setting for a holiday in which parents and children can share the joys of discovery, experience the thrill of an action-packed vacation or just savour the simple pleasures of relaxation. All in a safe and tranquil environment that few other destinations can rival.

Summertime in Malta is synonymous with outdoor living. There is no shortage of beaches to choose from: some fully-developed resorts offering all the requisite facilities, others more secluded, quieter and more pristine. And, if going to the seaside seems like too much of a challenge, then one can always opt to spend the day by the hotel pool. Either way, one should never forget to put on plenty of sun-cream, especially on the little ones.

But Malta is so much more than just sun and sea. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, the islands offer endless opportunities for sightseeing and exploration. Prehistoric temples, roman ruins, medieval castles and walled cities, formidable forts, splendid churches and wayside chapels… these are just a few of the historical attractions that families can visit for that unique travel-back-in-time experience. Some of these locations are venues for colourful historic re-enactments, pageants involving dozens of animators dressed as soldiers, noblemen and ladies, knights in shining armour, with their swords and lances, muskets and canons. Not to be missed.

Throughout the year, Malta is alive with events, many of which are perfect for the entire family to enjoy: concerts and open-air music events, arts and crafts, sports and activity, exhibitions and shows, feasts and carnivals, and so much more. Then there are museums and attractions to visit, theme parks and movie sets, open-top tour buses, tourist trains, and harbour cruises, horse-riding, hiking and mountain-bike tracks, and a hundred other fun things to see and do, together.

Filming in Malta
In recent years, Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular film and television locations – dubbed “the Mediterranean’s mini-Hollywood” by the London Times.

The Maltese Islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino – have been home to Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator, U-571, The Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, Munich as well as prestigious dramas and sitcoms such as the BBC’s Byron and ITV’s Coronation Street.

The islands’ beautiful, unspoiled coastlines and breathtaking architecture have ‘doubled’ for an amazing variety of locations on the big and small screens – from ancient Rome to 19th-century Marseille and 1960’s Beirut. Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Guy Ritchie and other renowned directors, as well as a host of A-list celebrities such as Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone, Madonna and Sean Connery, all experienced Malta’s movie making facilities and its many charms.

The Malta Film Commission is a government body set up with the aim of assisting in the production of films in Malta and promoting the islands as a filming location. The MFC offers specific financial incentives in the form of cash rebates to audiovisual productions shooting on location in Malta. For more information contact the MFC directly.

Food and Drink
Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many civilisations who occupied the Maltese Islands over the centuries. This marriage of tastes has given Malta an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking. Although the restaurant scene is a mix of speciality restaurants, there are many eateries that offer or specialise in local fare, serving their own versions of specialities.

Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons. Look out for Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew, Bragioli (beef olives), Kapunata, (Maltese version of ratatouille), and widow’s soup, which includes a small round of Gbejniet (sheep or goat’s cheese). On most food shop counters, you’ll see Bigilla, a thick pate of broad beans with garlic. The snacks that must be tried are ‘hobz biz-zejt’ (round of bread dipped in olive oil, rubbed with ripe tomatoes and filled with a mix of tuna, onion, garlic, tomatoes and capers) andpastizzi (flaky pastry parcel filled with ricotta or mushy peas).

A trip to the Marsaxlokk fish market on Sunday morning will show you just how varied the fish catch is in Maltese waters. When fish is in abundance, you’ll find Aljotta (fish soup). Depending on the season, you’ll see spnotta(bass), dott (stone fish), cerna (grouper),dentici (dentex), sargu (white bream) and trill(red mullet). swordfish and tuna follow later in the season, around early to late autumn, followed by the famed lampuka, or dolphin fish. Octopus and squid are very often used to make some rich stews and pasta sauces.

Favourite dessert delicacies are kannoli(tube of crispy, fried pastry filled with ricotta), Sicilian-style, semi-freddo desserts (mix of sponge, ice-cream, candied fruits and cream) and Helwa tat-Tork (sweet sugary mixture of crushed and whole almonds)..

Malta may not be renowned like its larger Mediterranean neighbours for wine production, but Maltese vintages are more than holding their own at international competitions, winning several accolades in France, Italy and further afield. International grape varieties grown on the Islands include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato. The indigenous varieties are Gellewza and Ghirghentina, which are producing some excellent wines of distinct body and flavour.

The main wineries organise guided tours and tastings. Depending on the season, tours cover the entire production, from the initial fermentation through to the ageing process. They also include wine history museums and opportunities to taste and buy a variety of vintages.

Health and Wellness
Taking time out is what holidays are all about. The Maltese Islands are an ideal destination if you’re looking for some exercise or just wish to revive and relax. The warm climate, clear Mediterranean light and fresh sea air alone help increase energy levels.

It is the aim of some forty health and spa outlets to focus on your overall wellbeing. They provide state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified staff, making it easy to enjoy the best treatments and products.

If you want to raise fitness levels, and enjoy some leisure and culture as well, it’s a great idea to walk or cycle. The autumn through spring season is ideal for enjoying the Islands’ stunning scenery and explorative inland.

The Islands offer opportunities for a wide variety of sports – for amateurs and experts alike. Choose from adventure activities like rock climbing and paragliding to a sociable or competitive round of golf. Malta also plays host to teams seeking a professional but comfortable location to train in, especially during the winter months when the climate is perfect for outdoor sports.

Spa and fitness facilities can be found at most of the five star hotels as well as other private outlets. Most wellness centres offer well-equipped gyms and pools, and will arrange tailor-made programmes to suit individual needs. Beauty, body and spa treatments, dedicated fitness training and physiotherapy are widely available. Many hotels offer packages, which include specialist treatments along with unlimited use of the fitness facilities.

Natural Escapes
Due to the undoubtedly great advantage of fair weather, the Maltese Islands lend themselves well to outdoor activities.

Away from the hustle and bustle of village cores, the Maltese Islands offer various natural spots to be explored and admired, some left almost untouched by modernity. Much of the countryside is dotted with the world’s oldest free-standing structures, so a stroll could prove to be most interesting.

The first rains after the long, hot summer brings the landscape to life with an astonishing variety of wild flowers and plants. From mid-November until mid-May, the Islands are green and lush with fields full of vegetables and waysides carpeted with fennel, clover, wild iris and myrtle.

The Islands offer walkers some of the most stunning views anywhere in the Mediterranean. The first thing to do is to decide what sort of view you prefer – dramatic cliffs plunging into waves, the rocky, scrubland of the garrigue or hidden, lush valleys. En route, you’ll come across mysterious prehistoric sites, medieval chapels and secluded palaces of the Knights.

Gozo is extremely popular with both locals and tourists alike for its serenity and quiet beauty. Often referred to as “the land where time stood still”, Malta’s sister Island is excellent walking country.

One of the best walks is along Dingli Cliffs. It’s truly spectacular to watch the sun set over the sea from the highest area in Malta where the land falls away at a spectacular 220m height. These cliffs offer remarkable coastal views.

The island of Comino was once reportedly the hideout of pirates and smugglers and is only 2.5km by 1.5km in size, so it’s ideal for a good day’s hiking and the ultimate in solitude and views.

For those who are up for a challenge, the Islands offer some testing scenery to tempt the avid rock climber.

Put on walking boots, hire a mountain bike and head out from the village squares on the narrow farmers’ tracks. You’ll find yourself in a timeless landscape, quite alone even in peak season. There is plenty to discover, from ancient farmhouses and wayside chapels to spectacular seascapes. The Islands are hardly large enough to ever really get lost in and there’s always a friendly face to guide you.

Sea Excursions & Boat Charters
Somebody once said that an island can only be called such when viewed from the sea.

This may be obvious, but very true. What is certain is that there is no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Maltese coastline than from the vantage point of a boat.

Valletta and the Three Cities, with their formidable fortifications, the rugged cliffs and secluded bays around Malta, Gozo and Comino… they all look very different from the deck. So hop on a Harbour Cruise or take a longer Island Cruise and experience Malta from a different angle.

Shopping
Shopping is among the favourite activities on many a holidaymaker’s to-do list. Malta offers numerous and diverse opportunities and is sure to satisfy the casual buyer as well as the serious shopaholic.

Retail outlets and shopping centres can be found in all the major towns and villages, but the foremost amongst these are at Valletta in Republic Street and Merchants Street; in Tas- Sliema mostly along Tower Road, Bisazza Street and the Strand; in St. Julian’s and Paceville ; in Paola town centre; in Ħamrun along High Street; in Mosta around the town centre; in Buġibba and St. Paul’s Bay ; and in Victoria (Rabat) in Gozo. Shops are normally open from Monday to Saturday, mornings and evenings. Opening times of shops are usually between 09.00 – 13.00 and 16.00 – 19.00hrs. However, in tourist areas, shops are open throughout the day Mondays to Saturdays, from 09.00 till 19.00 hrs and even later.

Shopping for Crafts
Crafts have undergone a revival in recent years. Not solely because they make interesting souvenirs but also because of their high cultural value to the Islands. Some crafts, such as knitwear, basket-ware and lace, have a long history.

Open Air Markets
Markets are at the heart of Maltese village life and an experience not to be missed by visitors. Almost every town and village has its version. For the locals, they are a place for socialising, catching up with neighbours and local news, as much as for buying daily necessities.

Shopping Malls
The concept of Shopping Mall is a relatively new addition to the Maltese commercial landscape, but is one that has rapidly gained popularity amongst locals and tourists. The comfort and convenience of shopping under one roof has seen a number of malls opening in both Malta and Gozo.

Simply Relax
One of the joys of being on The Maltese Islands is that, no matter where you are, you’re never far from one of the many magnificent beaches or secluded little coves.

There is a choice of both sandy and rocky beaches on the Islands, offering practical areas for the family, scenic spots for the romantics, serene areas for those in want of peace and spots for those who are interested in a bit of summer sports fun.

The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides and the sea temperature averages around 22.8C in summer. Annual rainfall is low, averaging 578mm a year and the length of the dry season in summer is even longer than in neighbouring Italy.

Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea so the Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of more than twelve hours of sunshine in summer and five to six hours in mid-winter.

Summers are hot but often mitigated by cooling sea breezes. June is the ideal time of year to come for sun and sea as the summer season is just getting into full swing and it’s not too hot. July through September are the peak summer months (temperature average: 30C/86F) while August is the hottest and busiest month of summer (average temperature: 40C/104F).

Swimming is possible well in to the Autumn months and the peak beach season can last until mid to late October, which is a great time to visit as the temperatures are bearable, the sun still shines, but the Islands are less populated and more serene.

Spring is a season full of surprises; a touch of rain, some beautiful crisp days and others that are perfect for spending on the beach.

Although Winters are mild, swimming from November to February is not recommended as the water and air tends to be quite fresh, especially when north or north-easterly winds blow from central Europe.