Travel Tips

25 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Bays & Beaches, Natural Sites With 1 Comment Permalink

[VIDEO] Natural Bays near Zurrieq, Malta

Sticky Post By Editor On February 25, 2014 With 1 Comment

The Western coast on the island of Malta hosts two gorgeous natural coves, very close to each other – Wied iz-Zurrieq and Ghar Lapsi.

These inlets are swimming hotspots for the locals, but also ideal for diving, snorkelling, fishing and why not – abseiling. The high cliffs offer not just a picturesque setting to these bays, but also protection from the Southern winds.

Take a look at this aerial video of this coastal area.

Hit LIKE to watch Video…

[like-gate]

[/like-gate]

[alerts title=”Where to stay” type=”info”]MaltaVillageHolidays recommends staying at this traditional Maltese townhouse in the heart of Zurrieq, few minutes away from Wied iz-Zurrieq, Hagar Qim Temples and Ghar Lapsi.[/alerts]

24 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in News With 2 Comments Permalink

Pharrell Williams – HAPPY (We are from Malta) “Happy in Malta”

Sticky Post By Editor On February 24, 2014 With 2 Comments

Following the colossal success of the hit song “Happy” by artist Pharrell Williams, the Maltese islands decided to show the world how it looks to be happy in Malta!

Hit Like to enjoy the video…

[like-gate]

[/like-gate]

21 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in News With No Comments Permalink

TripAdvisor: “Gozo Top Island in Europe”

Sticky Post By Editor On February 21, 2014 With No Comments

In it’s annual Travelers’ Choice Award (2014), the popular travel review website TripAdvisor has recognised the Maltese island of Gozo as one of the top 3 islands in Europe.

The 2014 award is based on “millions of reviews” by travellers who use TripAdvisor to plan and review their holidays and trips.

20 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Off the beaten track, Village Life With No Comments Permalink

The Quaint Village of Nadur

Sticky Post By Editor On February 20, 2014 With No Comments

Nadur is situated on the easternmost hill of the small island of Gozo, Malta’s sister-island. Nadur, a lofty, lookout plateau, has a population of around 4,000 people which makes Nadur one of the largest localities in Gozo.

In Nadur, you can still find a lot of farmers and seafarers. Quantities of fresh fruit like apples, peaches, pears, plums, oranges, lemon and melons from the fields of Nadur are distributed around all Malta and Gozo. Along Nadur’s coastline one can see the peaceful bays of San Blas, Dahlet Qorrot and Ramla. Dahlet Qorrot is a delightful small bay from where a lot of fishermen set sail every day. The picturesque boathouses in Dahlet Qorrot were converted from the original caves and ledges underneath the cliffs. It is a wonderful place for all those who love the quite spot.

Ta’ Sopu Tower lies half way through Dahlet Qorrot and San Blas. As the village motto has it, Nadur is in itself a watch house for the island. The Nadurin were watchful sentries who could spot danger in time and call the alarm. There is another tower known as Kenuna Tower. This was built in 1848, and served as a telegraph link between Malta and Gozo and not as a fort. Recently Kenuna tower was completely restored and is now serving for communication purposes.

The new Maltese Garden at Kenuna makes this area a must-see for all visitors. From here one can enjoy one of the most magnificent views in the Maltese Islands.

The feast of Nadur “Mnarja”is celebrated on the 29th of June and by the 1720’s a beautiful area known as “Il-Buskett” (meaning little forest) was the site of the celebrations. The feast was very popular with honeymooners and it’s name seems to suggest that there is a possible connection with the beginning of Summer. It is derived from luminaria (illumination), and in fact it is a festival rooted in Maltese seasonal rituals and customs.

Stay in a Villa Farmhouse in Nadur

18 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Cuisine With No Comments Permalink

Recipe: Maltese bread with tomatoes, olives and mint

Sticky Post By Editor On February 18, 2014 With No Comments

Hobz Biz-Zejt – Slices of Maltese Bread seasoned with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, olives, capers and Mediterranean herbs make a favourite snack for locals but also for all the visitors who get curious about our cuisine and wish to take back home a taste of our Island.

Ingredients
A loaf of Maltese Bread (or any salted, crusty white bread such as Casalinga, Ciabatta or Sourdough bread)
4 ripe tomatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
Green Olives
Capers
Fresh mint
Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

Optional Ingredients
Pickled onions
Tinned tuna in oil
Anchovies

Method
1. Drizzle some olive oil onto a plate
2. Slice bread thickly and dip one side of each slice into the oil.
3. Slice tomatoes in half then rub the cut side over the bread until its red.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, topped with sliced olives, capers and fresh mint.

17 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in News With No Comments Permalink

More flights from Paris, Lyon to Malta

Sticky Post By Editor On February 17, 2014 With No Comments

Air France and Air Malta have signed a code-share agreement whereby Air France will place its code and flight numbers on flights operated by Air Malta between Malta and Paris-CDG and Orly, and also between Malta and Lyon.

Starting on 30 March 2014, this agreement will enable Air France to offer its customers 18 weekly services between the two French cities and Malta. The flights to/from Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly Airports will connect with Air France’s extensive global and French domestic networks.

The flights will be operated by the Maltese airline with Airbus A319/A320 aircraft and will go on sale today 10 February 2014.

With this code-share agreement, the two airlines’ customers will benefit from new services, such as through check-in for passengers with connections. Air France passengers will be able to earn Miles with the Flying Blue loyalty programme.

Commenting on this agreement Philip Saunders, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are excited with this agreement and what it brings to our customers. By combining our flight offerings between the two countries, our customers will benefit from access to many European and inter-continental destinations operated by Air France from its Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Orly hubs. Both Air Malta and Air France share the same reputation and commitment towards their customers, such as superior service and enhanced levels of customer satisfaction. This is yet another milestone for Air Malta on our 40th anniversary of operations/”

“This agreement significantly strengthens our flight offering to Malta, currently served only from Toulouse. Air France is expanding its network in a region with high tourism potential and offers its customers new travel opportunities. This new agreement will also help to increase the traffic of both airlines,” SVP Europe & North Africa Air France-KLM, Henri de Peyrelongue, said.

[alerts title=”Hit LIKE to view the Flight Schedules…” type=”info”]

[like-gate]
Flight schedules (in local time)

Daily

KM478/AF3040: leaves Malta at 6:35, arrives at Paris-CDG at 9:25
KM479/AF3041: leaves Paris-CDG at 10:15, arrives in Malta at 12:55
KM466/AF3042: leaves Malta at 13:25, arrives at Paris-Orly at 16:10
KM467/AF3043: leaves Paris-Orly at 17:00, arrives in à Malta at 19:35

Saturdays

KM476/AF3044: leaves Malta at 15:50, arrives at Paris-Orly at 18:35
KM477/AF3045: leaves Paris-Orly at 19:30, arrives in Malta at 22:05

Sundays

KM476/AF3044: leaves Malta at 17:00, arrives at Paris-Orly at 19:45
KM477/AF3045: leaves Paris-Orly at 20:30, arrives in Malta at 23:05

Thursdays and Sundays

KM454/AF3046: leaves Malta at 7:10, arrives in Lyon at 09:20
KM455/AF3047: leaves Lyon at 10:05, arrives in Malta at 12:10
[/like-gate]

[/alerts]

16 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Events, Festa Traditions, Religious Traditions With No Comments Permalink

The Traditional Carnival in Malta and Gozo

Sticky Post By Editor On February 16, 2014 With No Comments

The traditional Carnival in Malta goes back hundreds of years. We find that already in the 16th century a jousting tournament was held as part of the celebrations. Maltese folk used to celebrate Carnival as did the Knights of St. John as from one week prior and up to Ash Wednesday. The origin of the name Carnival derives from the Italian phrase ‘Carne vale’, which means literally ‘meat is allowed’ due to the fact that during the forty days of lent, the consumption of meat was forbidden according to Roman Catholic religion. Therefore, Carnival was to be celebrated just prior to the fasting period in Roman Catholic countries.

Nowadays, Carnival is celebrated in numerous towns and villages but especially in Valletta, Floriana and Nadur Gozo. It is indeed a kind of explosion of colour in the way of decorated floats and costumes. Carnival serves also as means of merriment and a time when individuals also dress up in all sorts of weird or funny costume and just go out in the streets to join the fray.

[alerts title=”More Information” type=”info”]Malta Council for Culture & the Arts Website: http://www.maltaculture.com [/alerts]

16 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Events With No Comments Permalink

Czech artists for Jesus Christ Superstar

Sticky Post By Editor On February 16, 2014 With No Comments

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that needs no introduction. Written and composed by Tim Rice and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most successful musicals of all time, having more than 3350 repeated performances when it was first introduced in London. Indeed, Jesus Christ Superstar is as well-known and frequently performed as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita, which also form part of Webber’s portfolio of works.

The musical portrays the last seven days of Jesus Christ’s life, highlighting his arrival in Jerusalem, expulsion of merchants from the Temple, the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal, the judgements handed down by King Herod and Pontius Pilate, and of course, the crucifixion.

Malta Arts Events is very proud to be showcasing this timeless musical, through the powerful performances of seasoned artists Dušan Vitázek, Petr Gazdík and Ivana Vaňková, members of the Brno City Theatre in the Czech Republic.

We invite you to attend this thrilling event, which will capture your imagination and bring Biblical times to life.

Venue
Mediterranean Conference Centre

Dates
2014-04-11      Time:    8:00 PM
2014-04-12      Time:    8:00 PM
2014-04-13      Time:    3:00 PM

Artists
Jesus Christ   –    Dušan Vitázek
Judas Iscariot   –    Petr Gazdík
Mary Magdalene   –    Ivana Vanková

Tickets Prices
Balcony: €19
Stalls: €29 and €39
Boxes: €39
Dress Circle: €49 and €59

Note: Children under 12 will receive a 50% discount, whilst Students and Seniors will receive a 20% discount. Patrons are advised that their identification is required at purchase and on show date.

For online Tickets Sales:
Visit www.mcc.com.mt

12 Feb 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Heritage With No Comments Permalink

The Maltese Cross

Sticky Post By Editor On February 12, 2014 With No Comments

The Maltese Cross was officially adopted by the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John in 1126. Its eight points denote the eight obligations of the knights, namely “to live in truth, have faith, repent one’s sins, give proof of humility, love justice, be merciful, be sincere and whole-hearted, and to endure persecution”. With time, the eight points also came to represent the eight “langues” (national groupings) of the noblemen who were admitted into the brotherhood, namely those of Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castille and Portugal, Italy, Baviere (Germany), and England (with Scotland and Ireland).

To this very day, the Maltese Cross remains the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

11 Feb 2014