Explore Malta & Gozo like a local

Travel Tips

Where in Malta can you visit farm animals?

The Petting Farm is a family recreation facility situated on the southern part of the Ta’ Qali National Park. It covers a footprint of circa 11,600m2 and offers a great interaction experience with farm animals for children in a beautifully landscaped and relaxing environment. Indeed, the Farm is an opportunity for children to get up close with animals they are not used to in everyday life.

The main farm building hosts amongst other: Haze the horse, Bliss the pony and Muriel the donkey. Llamas, pigmy goats, sheep and Maltese goats are also housed in this building. Children are allowed to feed the animals some fodder which is specifically available on the Farm from dispensing machines.

The rabbit zoo is a separate building hosting as much as fifty different species of rabbits. All on display have, however, an option to sneak on the inside for cover, if they so wish. Occasionally, one is also able to see bunnies venturing outside their warm “burrow”, maybe for the first time.

The Aviary offers a wide variety of colourful avian species normally reared as pets, such as: the Cockatiel, Parakeets, Rosellas, Budgies, Zebra finches and many more. Close by the aviary we have the Emu, the Pheasant and the Helmeted Guinea fowl.

A pair of graciously flowing Swans are housed in the Farm pond, together with a couple of pairs of Red Crested Pochards and Rosy Billed Ducks.

Complementing the ambiance of the Farm are two activity sheds and play equipment integrated within farm animal structures ideal for children between 3-12 years of age.

Opening Hours:
Winter:    06:30 – 19:30
Summer:  06:30 – 20.30

 

Top 5 things to do in Malta with your family

Malta is a idyllic destination for holiday makers traveling with their family. The islands offer a variety of small sandy beaches perfect for the little ones, fun parks, natural parks and public gardens that offer hours of family fun and relaxation.

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Playmobil Fun Park

Did you know that the popular Playmobil toys are manufactured in Malta? The factory is located just outside the village of Zejtun and adjacent to the manufacturing facility, Playmobil has dedicated a small theme park for children of all ages. The theme park may be enjoyed all year round with the facility offering both indoor and outdoor areas. Visit Playmobil Funpark website.

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Popeye Village

The set from the 1980 film “Popeye” starring Robin Williams remains in its entirety cuddled in the cliffs off Mellieha. The film set has been transformed in a theme park with actors from the story offering shows and entertainment all year round. Visit Popeye Village website.

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Splash & Fun Waterpark

Splash and Fun offers swimming pools and water slides in an outdoor facility by the sea on the outskirts of Naxxar. This Summer-only attraction is ideal for a family outing. Visit Splash & Fun website.

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San Anton Gardens

The Presidential Gardens known locally as San Anton are located in the village of Attard and offers a natural setting for a stroll away from the Summer sun. The garden also hosts ponds with ducks, swans and turtles, whilst peacocks wander freely avoiding garden cats lazying round one of the many fountains. Learn more.

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Petting Farm

This is a facility that offers the opportunity to interact with farm animals in a beautifully landscaped environment. The farm most popular attractions are Haze the horse, Bliss the pony and Muriel the donkey. Llamas, pigmy goats, sheep and Maltese goats are also housed in this building. Children are allowed to feed the animals some fodder which is specifically available on the Farm from dispensing machines. The Petting Farm is located in Ta’ Qali, close to Naxxar. Visit Petting Farm website.

Ryanair start flights from East Midlands to Malta

Ryanair, recently launched a new route from East Midlands to Malta which will operate twice weekly from April 2015, and is on sale  on the Ryanair.com website.

Ryanair celebrated this new route by releasing seats on sale at prices starting from €19.99 for travel in September, October and November.

MaltaVillageHolidays.com welcomes these new flights from East Midlands and invites travelers to check their exclusive portfolio of self-catering holiday apartments, village homes and villas on Malta and Gozo


Official statement

Ryanair’s Lisa Cashin said:

“Ryanair is pleased to launch a new route from Malta to East Midlands which will operate twice weekly from April 2015, and will be on sale from next week on the Ryanair.com website.

European consumers and visitors already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice.

Now they can also book their flights on our improved website and brand new app, carry a free small second carry-on bag, enjoy allocated seats, avail of our recently announced new Family Extra product, and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, making Ryanair the ideal choice for families and friends. We also have a new business product coming soon, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.

To celebrate our new Malta – East Midlands route, we are releasing 100,000 seats on sale from €19.99 for travel in September, October and November, which are available for booking until midnight Monday (18 Aug). Since these amazing low prices will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com and avoid missing out.”

Airshow from 13 countries meet for display over Malta

This years’ edition of the airX Malta International Airshow is set to be the biggest edition ever organised.

The public will be treated to 4 aerobatic teams; the Italian Frecce Tricolori, the Spanish Patrulla Aguila’, the Turkish team Turkish Stars and the RAF Red Arrows. This, along with other flying displays such as a Swiss F18, Belgian F16, Czech L-159 alca, as well as the participation of a total 13 countries, will make this years edition of the Airshow the biggest one so far.

The airX Malta International Airshow, which will be held on the 27th and 28th of September 2014 is expected to attract thousands of aviation and photography enthusiasts from all over the world.

Read more at the airX Malta International Airshow website.

Tourist in Malta lost €2000 and iPad. Guess what happens?

Many reports and articles have listed Malta and Gozo amongst the safest destinations in the world. We usually go through these lists with a bit of cynicism, not really understanding the tangible effects of living and holidaying in a place where people are nice to each other and the level of criminal offenses still relatively low.

As the local newspaper Times of Malta reports, Ina Pavlova was returning from the island of Gozo to the main island of Malta when she forgot her handbag containing €2000 in cash, travel documents and a brand new iPad. She had already off boarded the ferry and driven a good 20km when she realized her mistake. On returning to the port, staff helped her get in touch with the ship’s crew who confirmed that a bag was found in the ferry’s cafeteria.

Probability and common sense might suggest that the tourist handbag containing €2000 in cash was empty, but Pavlova soon learnt otherwise.

A member of the crew on the Gozo Channel ferry had not only found the handbag, but he returned it to its rightful owner – with all the money, and other contents intact! He also refused to accept the reward!

Pavlova could not help holding back her tears.

From Grape to Wine (See how it is done)

The village of Siggiewi is known for its agricultural heritage, it’s picturesque bay and the stunning views from Laferla Cross. This same hill that hosts one of the island’s most important landmarks, also hosts numerous vineyards that produce award-winning wines.

For the third year running, the village will be hosting Festa Gheneb – a feast celebrating the crop and its main product – wine. Cuddled in the village’s main square, under the imposing statue of Saint Nicholas, Siggiewi will once again welcome locals and foreigners to enjoy the traditional art of wine making and taste some of its best produce.

The festival is to be held on Saturday 23rd August and visitors are welcome to join in from 7:00pm onwards. Entrance to the event is free of charge.

How a townhouse from the 1960’s was transformed to host holiday makers

The latest addition to the MaltaVillageHolidays portfolio is a traditional townhouse in the core of the village of Zurrieq. Located few meters from the parish church and close to the Xarolla Windmill, this property was purchased by it’s present owners some 12 months ago.

The townhouse was originally built in the early 60’s following the traditional architecture that is common to Maltese townhouses and inhabited by the original family until recent years. However, the present owners little knew about the infrastructural ill-keep of the house and the challenges they had to face in order to return this property to it’s original glory.

The 10-month project had to restore this architectural heritage whilst ensuring modern-day comforts for it’s future tenants. As old limestone walls were being cleaned and older walls re-discovered, the Zurrieq Townhouse was being furnished and decorated to augment the value of the large bright rooms that host 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with walk-in showers, a kitchen overlooking an internal yard, a living area and a roof terrace with views of the village Church.

This traditional Maltese Townhouse is now ready to host guests and holiday-makers who wish to experience a truly Mediterranean holiday on the island of Malta.

Book this Holiday Accommodation in Zurrieq

Kate Middleton to visit Malta

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly planning a visit to the island of Malta.

These reports claim that ever since Middleton married Prince William in 2011, she hasn’t travelled abroad alone. Now she is planning to go to Malta this fall without her husband, reports People.com.

Middleton will head to the island in the Mediterranean in September to mark the 50th anniversary of Malta’s independence.

Join the fun at Malta’s largest Beer Festival

The Farsons Beer Festival is ready to celebrate another summer in a 10-day traditional festival held at Ta’ Qali Park. Featuring the best in local and international award-winning beers, the festival is also a great opportunity to enjoy live music with Malta’s best line-up of musicians and artists.

At the Farsons Beer Festival you cannot miss the popular local brand of lagers and ales; the Cisk. This range of Maltese beer includes Cisk Lager, Cisk Export Premium Lager, Cisk Chill, Cisk Excel Low-Carbohydrate Lager, and classic brews such as Hopleaf Pale Ale and Blue Label Ale.

The festival also features a range of international beers and ciders including speciality brews from the UK. With over thirteen bars, sixty draught installations and fourteen local and international award-winning beer brands, the Farsons Beer Festival, Malta’s largest outdoor event of the year, is truly a celebration of the best beers on the island.

Since 1981, the Farsons Beer Festival has been building a reputation of showcasing top Maltese artists and bands. This year, a selection of talented local and international musicians will perform on two stages every night within the unique setting of Malta’s National Park.

Enjoyed by people of all ages, the open-air Festival is a safe and great family outing or night out with friends and with free entrance and parking provided, it is the summer event not to be missed.

The Festival runs from Friday, 25th July to Sunday 3th August 2014, and opens at 8pm every night.

Download the full Programme for Farsons Beer Festival 2014

Kinemastik International Short Film Festival 2014

The Kinemastik Short Film Festival will be celebrating its tenth anniversary, from July 20 till 27, at the Herbert Ganado Gardens, in Floriana.

Kinemastik is the NGO responsible for bringing to Malta a selection of film d’auteur, and seeks to link young filmmakers in Malta to the world of cinema. Offering local screenings and worldwide distribution of locally produced work, Kinemastik provides local filmmakers with a platform for their work.

A full day-by-day program me is available here.

Kinemastik is supported by the Malta Arts Fund.