Explore Malta & Gozo like a local

Travel Tips

03 Feb 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Natural Sites, Off the beaten track With No Comments Permalink

Ghadira Nature Reserve

Sticky Post By On February 3, 2014 With No Comments

Most of the sun worshippers that visit Malta know Ghadira for it’s busy sandy beach but just across the road lies one of the most ecologically important areas on the islands.

Ghadire Nature Reserve has significant ecological importance since it encircles wetland and saltmarsh areas, two habitats which are quite scarce in the Maltese Islands. In fact this area of shallow, reedy ponds surrounded by scrub is also an important resting area for migrating birds (over 200 species have been recorded at the site). The name, pronounced aa-dee -ra, means ‘marsh’, and this was Malta’s first national nature reserve an 1978.

The 6-hectare Nature Reserve is open to the public and volunteers accompany visitors for a walk along a nature trail that leads to a birdwatching hide.

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  •     Opening Times: Saturdays and Sundays from November until May. Visiting hours are 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
  •     Public Transport from/to Valletta: Check Arriva.com.mt for latest routes
  •     Entrance is free.

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02 Feb 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Festa Traditions With No Comments Permalink

L-Imnarja – a feast of light

Sticky Post By On February 2, 2014 With No Comments

The Feast commemorates two important Saints in Maltese religious lore, St Peter and St Paul. The word ‘luminarja’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Luminara’ – light source. This was the way people manifested their joy in recognition of a particular feast, such lighting being offered by burning bonfires and candles. This feast has somewhat moved away from the traditional village ‘festa’ style and has developed a different type of merriment which is held in Buskett Garden on the eve of June 29 the day of the feast. This is a tree grove situated some one kilometre away from Rabat and it is typical for the night to be entertained by folk musicians, and traditional cuisine and local wine.

The liturgical services are held in the Mdina Cathedral. During the late afternoon hours, numerous horse and donkey races are held in a country lane situated just below and at some distance from Mdina. The contenders vie for the Palju (a traditional banner that is presented as a trophy to the winners of various categories of races) which in olden times used to be presented to the winners by non other than the Grand Master of the Order.

The feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is also celebrated in Nadur, Gozo, this time in the usual festive manner that is normally held in towns and villages.

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Do not miss the competition at Buskett on the 29th where fresh fruit and farm animals contest for the best in their category. Best to be at Buskett as early at 8:00am to enjoy the full parade. Easy to spot is the Maltese bull for it’s size, and temperament.

Do not miss the traditional donkey and mule race at Saqqajja (Rabat)[/like-gate]

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31 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Events With No Comments Permalink

The Maltese Tenor sings “Xemx Wisq Sabiha”

Sticky Post By On January 31, 2014 With No Comments

The annual Joseph Calleja concert has brought together over the years a number of local and international artists to share the stage with the Maltese Tenor. The island has seen artists like Lucio Dalla, Zucchero, Gigi D’Alessio, Michael Bolton, Ronan Keating amongst others.

The video is an extract for the Joseph Calleja Summer 2013 concert in Malta with Eurovision Winner Gianluca Bezzina. They are singing a Maltese classic ballad by the name of  “Xemx Wisq Sabiha” (Beautiful Sun) by Gozitan 70’s band The Trumps.

Joseph Calleja shall be once again hosting his annual Summer Concert in July 2014.

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30 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in News, Off the beaten track With No Comments Permalink

Malta steps into agri-tourism

Sticky Post By On January 30, 2014 With No Comments

Recently we attended the launch of a pioneering new project in the village of Had Dingli, Malta. The area known as “Diar il-Bniet”  is to become the first agritourism experience of its kind on the Mediterranean island.

Centred around a cafe, restaurant and grocery, Diar il-Bniet will provide an exciting platform for Malta’s finest produce to be sold straight from the farm, in an environment that celebrates the family tradition that encompasses farming in Malta.

While the project has already attracted vaunted interest and investment, Diar il-Bniet is keen to retain the rustic charm that makes it such a special and rare place. The site overlooks a shallow valley on the outskirts of Dingli, where one family has tended the land for generations, but only recently, with the advent of agritourism in Malta, has it become a viable option for the farm to open its doors to the public. The result is a beautiful example of Maltese artisan labour presented through a rustic, traditional and appealing medium.

Among the food that the farm produces, Diar il-Bniet boasts olive oil that would have the finest chef’s from around the world curling their toes. A Maltese staple that has recently attracted interest from names such as Jamie Oliver, the launch of this project is happening at a time where Maltese cuisine is arguably taking its place at the global table.

Stay in a typical village home holiday accommodation.

 

 

 

28 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in News With No Comments Permalink

British Airways’ new flights to Malta

Sticky Post By On January 28, 2014 With No Comments

Britons will have the option of a new summer holiday destination to Malta, with the start of a new direct flight with British Airways to Luqa International Airport, BA said recently.

The daily service starts from 30 March, 2014 in advance of the peak summer holiday season. Hand-baggage only tickets in Euro Traveller (economy) will start from just £55 one-way, including all taxes and charges. Seats in Euro Traveller for customers who chose to take a bag including all taxes and charges start at £67 one-way and in Club Europe (business) one-way fares start at £274.

The new Malta route will be served by a combination of Boeing 737 and Airbus 319/320 aircraft.

Peter Simpson, British Airways’ director Gatwick, said: “We are delighted to be launching this new route to Malta for Summer 2014 allowing us to,return to the island, which we last served in 2009. We believe the convenient timings for the services will make the route attractive to tourists as well as those visiting friends and relatives.

“Expanding our leisure route network at Gatwick is fantastic news for British Airways customers, offering them even greater choice, along with our range of highly competitive fares, generous hand baggage allowances and great onboard service.”

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Air Baltic

Air Berlin

Air France

Air Malta

Alitalia

British Airways

EasyJet

Egytair

Emirates

JatAirways / Air Serbia

Jettime

Libyan Airlines

Lufthansa

Luxair

Monarch

Norwegian.com

Ryanair

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Thomas Cook

Thomson

Transavia.com

Tunisair

Turkish Airlines

Vueling

Wizz

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27 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Natural Sites, Off the beaten track With No Comments Permalink

Cycling around Malta and Gozo

Sticky Post By On January 27, 2014 With No Comments

Cycling is by far one of the best modes of transport in environmental, economical, and health terms. It surely provides the freedom to enjoy your rural holiday by giving you access to villages and rural areas that are otherwise difficult to find by car or public transport.

The islands of Malta and Gozo, both relatively small islands, can be easily enjoyed by bicycle. The landscape also offers spectacular views.

What better way to experience the tranquil and serene feeling of the narrow village streets! Cycling through the Maltese narrow countryside lanes between rubble walls makes one really and truly feel in sync with nature. Combine this with stops at historical and cultural places of interest along the route, and you have the best combination of a healthy, sporty and relaxed holiday. Distances between towns and villages are very short, and are reached with little or no effort at all.

The islands of both Malta and Gozo offer unique opportunities to experience a day’s out cycling with a difference. The landscape changes with every twist and turn, cycling through the gentle undulating slopes, often with country views and sea views on both side of the route.

Cycling in the Maltese Islands as a leisurely or sporty activity is on the increase for people of all ages. Shops catering for the needs of the cyclist can be found in main towns, offering rentals and repair service, as well as organised tours for groups.

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Avoid cycling in traffic, especially in main roads as the infrastructure is not cycle-friendly and can be dangerous

Visit http://www.medinbike.com for 1000km of new cycling routes between Malta, Gozo and Sicily. [/like-gate][/alerts]

26 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Bays & Beaches, Natural Sites With No Comments Permalink

[VIDEO] Underwater Malta and Gozo

Sticky Post By On January 26, 2014 With No Comments

Scuba-diving in the clear blue waters surrounding the Maltese islands is an experience not to be missed. Even if you are not a savvy scuba diver, the island offers ample opportunities to learn and start exploring the underwater marvels of these islands.

Amongst the top scuba diving spots in Malta, one finds Xwejni Bay (Gozo), Reqqa Point, Qawra Point, Ghar Lapsi, and various wrecks such as Um El Faroud, Rozi and HMS Maori.

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25 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Heritage With No Comments Permalink

[WATCH] Aerial Tour of Fort Rinella and the Grand Harbour, Valletta

Sticky Post By On January 25, 2014 With No Comments

Fort Rinella was one of four 100-ton gun batteries built in Malta and Gibraltar for the protection of the harbours. These forts became necessary with the building of two powerful Italian battleships; the Duilio and Dandalo, both armed with four 100-ton guns each in revolving turrets. At the time, Britain used the Mediterranean as a quick route to India and it was feared that the growing naval power of Italy might tip the balance of power in the region.

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Music – Miss You – Winter Moods ft. Joseph Calleja

24 Jan 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in News, Uncategorized With No Comments Permalink

Oranges for Her Majesty The Queen

Sticky Post By On January 24, 2014 With No Comments

To keep with Christmas tradition, the High Commissioner of Malta in the UK has sent a box of Maltese oranges as a Christmas gift to Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

This tradition was revived during the High Commissioner’s presentation of credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 10 June 2009. When Her Majesty received the Maltese diplomat in Audience at Buckingham Palace, she fondly recalled how the late Mabel Strickland used to send her a box of Maltese oranges to Buckingham Palace every Christmas.

This year’s six dozen oranges, which came from the gardens of Mabel Strickland’s former Lija residence ‘Villa Parisio,’ were presented in a hand crafted wooden chest purposely made in Malta for this occasion.