Explore Malta & Gozo like a local

Travel Tips

Nuovi Voli Turino – Malta, Cosimo – Malta

La linea aerea Italiana Fly Hermes ha annunciato che il 25 dicembre 2014 inaugurera il primo volo collegando l’aeroporti Cosimo in Sicilia, e quello di Torino con l’isola di Malta.

I voli schedati collegeranno le 3 destinazioni con voli 6 volte alla settimana.

Malta sites featured in Magical Europe video

One family, 2 cameras, 30 countries, 60 flights, 1000+ time lapse videos, 200,000+ images – almost 20 terabytes of data! Stan Chang from Taiwan compiled this time lapse video over the last two years when travelling across Europe with his wife and son.

Upon publishing the video by the title of Magical Europe, Chang writes “I think that everybody needs to take a trip and have their eyes opened to just how beautiful the world is.”

See how many times you manage to spot scenes from Malta… post your answers in the comments section below.

Magical Europe – Timelapse from StanChang on Vimeo.

Gorgeous Sunset over Gozo

Local videographer Shaun Meilak produced this short time-lapse video on a warm, clear Autumn evening. The video was shot from the hilly village of Nadur and shows the activity across the channel between the two islands of Malta and Gozo as the sun delicately sets over the harbour.


Discover Gozo – rent a villa farmhouse in Nadur, Gozo. Read also about the traditional spontaneous Carnival Festival in Nadur, Gozo and how the locals enjoy the Gozo “pizza” bake from Maxokk.

Walk-Through video of catacombs in Malta

Watch this amazing walk-through video of St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat Malta.

St.Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today’s Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

The cluster gets its name from the myth that it was once connected with St Paul’s Grotto, which was once also partly re-cut into a Palaeochristian hypogeum.

Although much smaller when compared to the catacombs of Rome and other large Roman centres, the catacombs of St Paul are a good example of the Maltese underground architecture, which is the result of an indigenous development which was barely influenced by overseas traditions.

The entrance to the main complex of St Paul’s Catacombs leads to two considerably large halls, adorned with pillars made to resemble Doric columns and painted plasters most of which have now disappeared. On keeping with what seems to have been a norm in most Christian catacombs, these main halls are equipped with two circular tables set in a low platform with sloping sides which resemble the reclining couch (triclinium) present in Roman houses. In all cases found in the main complex and the numerous other Christian Hypogea of the site, both table and couch are hewn out in one piece form the living rock forming a single architectural unit within an apsed recess. Although various interpretations may be found, these triclinia, or Agape tables, were probably used to host commemorative meals during the annual festival of the dead, during which the rites of burials were renewed.

Christmas in Malta

Christmas is a one of the most celebrated feasts on the Maltese islands. It has its high religious significance but also a social aspect bringing the families and community together. During the festive season one can visit various nativity scenes, displays of cribs, carol services and other events organised in each locality on the islands. For the special spiritual evening, join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing.

The spectacular cribs, considered as one of the unique traditions in Malta, are available for display in small chapels, village halls and even in private houses. In fact, visiting the artistic and elaborate crib displays during Christmas-time is a popular activity both amongst locals and visitors. Some of them are a result of long hours of meticulous work by dedicated craftsmen.

Spending the Christmas time in Malta is a memorable experience.

 

NEW: Large Maltese Townhouse in the heart of Malta

This 200 m2 unique Maltese Townhouse is just that perfect place for your stay if you appreciate large, spacious and sun-kissed rooms and prefer central locations enabling you easily reach all different parts of the island either by local transport or rental car. This holiday accommodation property in Birkirkara offers a comfortable stay for up to 6 persons. The central space on the first floor is a spacious sitting area, leading into an adjacent separate living room, 3 bedrooms (with 2 double and 2 twin beds), fully equipped kitchen and a large bathroom.

Guests spending their holiday in this traditional townhouse in Birkirkara, can enjoy all amenities together with large open roof terrace equipped with BBQ facilities and outside furniture. There is also a laundry room available with washing machine.

Secure parking in the garage at the property will be made available for guests who will hire a car for their stay in Malta. Book direct this Typical Maltese Townhouse in Birkirkara

Summer 2015: Finnair flies to Malta

As of 2nd April 2015 Finnair will start seasonal flights to Malta. The routes are now open for bookings.

Flights to Malta International Airport will operate twice a week – Mondays and Thursdays – with Airbus A321 Sharklet aircraft.

“With these new destinations we are responding to growing demand, particularly from Asia, so timetables for each of these new routes are tailored for the best possible connection to Finnair’s Asian flights,” says Petri Vuori, Finnair’s VP Global Sales.

“At the same time of course our Finnish and Baltic Rim passengers will also be able to enjoy what these fascinating destinations have to offer.”

Mdina Grand Prix 2014 – full programme

The following is an overview of the 2014 Mdina Grand Prix programme:

Thursday 9th October 2014
0900hrs to 1600hrs
Hill Climb at Mtahleb & BBQ onsite.


 

Friday 10th October 2014
1100hrs to 1600hrs
Mdina Glass Concours d’Elegance.

Following the fantastic success of the Mdina Glass Concours d’Elegance last year, this glamorous event will once again be held in Mdina. The Island’s best classic cars will be joined by our overseas participants, and a festive atmosphere is guaranteed, with live classical music and owners in period attire.


 

Saturday 11th October 2014
09000hrs to 1600hrs – Practice + Qualifying
1600hrs to 1700hrs – Paddock Area open to the general public

The Paddock area will be situated in the Mdina ditch together with various activities and static shows.


 

Sunday 12th October 2014
0900 to 1600hrs – The racing is on

NEW: Sliema apartment 3 min from harbour

Just 3-minutes walk away from Marsamxett harbour, this bright spacious 3-bedroom apartment enjoys the most central location on one of the most vibrant streets in Sliema. Ideal to enjoy shopping, restaurants and easy access to all parts of Malta.

The 150 square meter apartment is located on the 4th floor (serviced with lift) and welcomes up to 6 guests in 3 separate bedrooms. The property is serviced with bathroom with large walk-in shower and a separate guest toilet. The kitchen is equipped with water kettle, cooker, oven, microwave oven, fridge, freezer and all the crockery and utensils to prepare all kind of meals. The living area accommodates guests around a large dining table and in a comfortable seating area overlooking the central pedestrian area of Sliema.

The apartment offers free WIFI and a cable TV. The guests also have access to washing and ironing facilities. Fresh linen, towels and beach towels are provided.

The guests may enjoy two balconies overlooking the main pedestrian area of Sliema.

The guests are always welcomed on premises by their host on their arrival. In addition, guests are supplied with local information and recommendations. The hosts are available to guests for any questions they may have during their stay.

The apartment is ideal for couples, families and mature guests.

Book direct at: http://maltavillageholidays.com/book/en/rooms/central-bright-apartment-in-sliema/15

Notte Bianca Valletta 2014

Notte Bianca is once again set to light up the cityscape of Valletta on 4th October 2014. This year’s edition promises again a spectacular all-night-long celebration of people, culture and arts. The streets and cultural venues in the Maltese capital Valletta will host a variety of entertainment for all ages.

State palaces and museums will open their doors to delight patrons with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances, while the open-air streets and piazzas will showcase some of the finest local and international musicians and dancers. Cafes and restaurants will be open until late with further food stalls and tables occupying the streets.

All of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, will come alive on Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.