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3
INSIDE
June & July
10 Events
A list of the major events taking place in the
months of June and July.
12 Cover Story
Summer Nights – This summer’s calendar of
events is jam-packed. Chiara Bonello picks the
best.
17 Interview
“Birgu is a Large Open-Air Museum” –
We meet Birgu mayor John Boxall to find
out more about this historical and rich
maritime city.
p17
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EDITOR
Isabel Depasquale
PUBLISHERS
Content House Group
ADVERTISING
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Leigh Pisani,
Matthew Spiteri
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PRINTERS
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4
DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHY
Art Direction & Design
SWITCH Design & Brand Strategy
Tel: +356 21316770
Photography
Birgu Local Council, Malta Tourism
Authority, Rene Rossignaud
cover picture
Grammy award-winning
guitarist Al Di Meola
to perform in the
Malta Jazz Festival
this summer
Guide Me is published every two months in Malta. The
magazine is the official visitors’ guide of the Malta Hotels
and Restaurants Association. The publication is distributed
free of charge in the individual rooms of three, four and five
star hotels. Guide Me is also distributed for free from MTA
offices in Malta & Gozo. It is also sold at leading newsagents
in Malta and Gozo, including those at The Valletta Waterfront
and at Malta International Airport.
Editorial opinions expressed in Guide Me are not necessarily
those of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association or
of Content House Limited and both organisations do not
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without
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INSIDE
27 On Board
Sea Things Differently – Guide Me takes a look at
what the Maltese islands look like from the sea.
41 Property in Malta
More Foreigners Investing in Property in Malta –
Chiara Bonello finds out what’s attracting foreigners
to invest in local property.
51 Fashion
Summer Vacation Fashion – Guide Me provides
you with practical fashion tips on what you could
wear while on holiday in sunny Malta.
55 Where to Spend It
Guide Me’s recommended shopping listings.
If you intend to shop in Malta and Gozo, make
sure to visit these shops.
p27
66 Gozo
My Gozo – We meet five Gozitan personalities to learn
what Gozo means to them and to uncover some hidden gems.
75 Dining in Malta
Al Fresco Feasting in Malta – Make the most of your stay
and eat with a view. Chiara Bonello selects the best towns
and villages for an al fresco dining experience.
81 Eating & Drinking
Guide Me provides you with tips and recommendations
on where to wine and dine in Malta and Gozo.
91 Nightlife
p91
6
Under The Stars – Clubbers are spoilt for choice this
season, with most parties being held in the splendid
outdoors. Jo Caruana pinpoints the islands’ best clubs
and events happening under the stars.
foreword
foreword
Photo by Fabrizio Novali – www.viewingmalta.com
Welcome to
Malta & Gozo
This is undoubtedly my favourite time of year as the
summer buzz becomes tangible and I start to concretise
my summer plans that have been brewing throughout the
colder months. As a visitor to the islands, the Guide Me
team would like to let you in on how to make the most of
your holiday on our Mediterranean isles with a balanced
dose of history, fun in the sun, culture, dining, shopping
and outdoor clubbing.
This season’s calendar of events is unlikely to disappoint,
with activities ranging from the annual Jazz Festival,
which this year features one of the world’s best guitarists,
Al di Meola, to the unmissable village feasts and from the
classical concert by world-renowned Malta-born tenor
Joseph Calleja to wine and beer festivals. Our pick of the
best events to be held during your stay are featured in our
‘Cover Story’ that starts on page 12. For a further intake of
culture, we suggest you visit the splendid city of Birgu.
8
This rich maritime city is a veritable architectural treasure
trove and features palaces, churches, pretty stepped narrow
streets and a picturesque waterfront. In our ‘Interview’
section we meet the city’s mayor who talks us through the
highlights.
More insider tips are provided by five personalities who hail
from the island of Gozo. After reading what they have to
say in our ‘Gozo’ section you will surely want to take a ferry
ride to visit this enchanting island. Our advice is to go for
an overnight stay to really take in the unique way of life on
the island.
While on the ferry ride to Gozo look out for the caves,
lagoons, cliffs and towers. This is only a taste of the pretty
sight of the Maltese islands from the sea. ‘On Board’ on
page 27 tells you what to expect and how to get the best
views of the islands from the surrounding sea.
And now it’s time for some retail therapy – whether you
want to splash out on property or a fashion item, we have it
covered. If you fall in love with the islands enough to want
to own a piece of them, turn to page 41 to find out how. And
if you’re after the hottest fashion trends, Chiara Bonello tells
you what to look out for on page 55.
43.
Finally it’s all about the splendid outdoors in our ‘Dining in
Malta’ and ‘Nightlife’ sections. There isn’t much that screams
summer more than dining and clubbing al fresco. Read on to
find the best spots in Malta and Gozo for both.
Enjoy your visit!
Isabel Depasquale
Editor
9
C A L E N DA R O F E V E N TS 2 0 1 2
June
01 June
Baroque Concert Series – Maltese-Canadian
flutist Rebecca Hall and co-leader of the
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Nadia Debono,
together with conductor/harpsichord
Michael Laus, keep the audience enthralled
in this series of concerts. Time: 19.30hrs.
Venue: Robert Sammut Hall, Floriana.
Email: [email protected]
01 June-31 July
July
07 June
London Forest Choir – The London Forest
Choir was established in 1950 in Walthamstow, North East London, and it has been
based in that area ever since. They will be
performing a concert of sacred music in
the Parish Church of Siggiewi. Email:
[email protected]
08-10 June
Bridge Bar Jazz Sessions – Once again the
famous Bridge Bar jazz sessions resume on
the cool and atmospheric steps of St Ursula,
near Victoria Gate, Valletta. On sultry
summer nights jazz and music aficionados
gather at Gorg’s Bridge Bar to listen to the
local jazz-cats. The Bridge Bar presents a
lineup of locally established jazz musicians
including Marc Galea, Lawrie Simpson, Walter
Vella, Effie Azzopardi and Eric Santucci.
Venue: The Bridge Bar, Valletta. Email:
[email protected]
Ghanafest – A fabulous concert of
Mediterranean folk roots at the Argotti
Gardens in Floriana, including Maltese ghana
(Maltese folksong), as well as music from
Morocco, Greece and Spain. The festival will
also host a series of workshops on traditional
instruments and a special programme for
children. Three extraordinary international
bands from Morocco, Greece and Madrid
have been invited to participate in this
year’s edition of Ghanafest. Time: 19.00hrs.
Venue: Argotti Gardens, Floriana. Email:
[email protected]
07 June
09-10 June
Sette Giugno – Every 7 June Malta
commemorates the tragic events of 7 June
1919, known as Sette Giugno. This is in
remembrance of the riots of 1919, when the
Maltese people revolted against the British
administration and demanded some form
of representative government for the island.
A commemorative ceremony is held at St
George’s Square Valletta and in Xaghra, Gozo.
Triple Bill – Technically demanding
contemporary work with the rigueur of
classical ballet training.
Fabrics – Bodies intertwined in stretches of
fabric, a study on elasticity and silhouttes.
Intimate Duets – Two bodies exerting high
levels of emotional unison
The Picture of Dorian Gray – Exploring the
notion of narcissism and experimenting
with heights and the elements.
With dancers from San Carlo, Balletto di
Milano. Time: 20.00hrs. Venue: City Theatre,
Valletta. Tel: 2180 8080/7989 8941; Email:
[email protected]
22 June
AFM Band Display and Changing of the
Guard – The new guard together with the
AFM Military Band will leave Valletta City
Gate at 10.00hrs and should take position in
the forecourt of the Presidential Palace (St
George’s Square) at around 10.15hrs. Once
there, a formal ceremony takes place in
which sentries providing ceremonial guard
duties at important institutions are relieved
by a new batch of sentries. After the
ceremony of the changing of the guard, the
AFM Military Band will then head back to
City Gate together with the old guard.
Venue: Valletta.
24 June-08 July
Violin and Friends International Music
Festival – The Festival will take place in
Manoel Theatre, Mediterranean Conference
Centre, Museum of Fine Arts and The Malta
Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
(Valletta), and will include pieces of baroque,
classical, romantic, jazz, folk and new music.
Artists from USA, Italy, Switzerland, Ukraine,
Japan and Malta are going to perform. Venue:
Valletta. Email: [email protected]
25 June
Isle of MTV – Will.i.am will be headlining
this year’s edition of Isle of MTV, while
Miami-based rapper, Flo Rida and Canadian
super-star Nelly Furtado will also take to
the stage of what promises to be another
summer spectacular. They will be supported
by US recording artist Cassie and promise
to delight the crowd with summer anthems
such as Wild Ones, Big Hoops (Bigger the
Better), T.H.E (Hardest Ever) and King of
Hearts. Venue: The Granaries, Floriana.
Email: [email protected]
For the full online Malta Calendar of Events please go to: www.visitmalta.com/events-calendar
27 June
Bernstein and More – A dinner-concert
dedicated to the brilliant music of the
American composer Leonard Bernstein.
The performers will be the versatile soprano
Marita Bezzina, harpist Jacob Portelli and
cellist Gilmour Peplow. Dinner will be
prepared by the Xara Palace Relais and
Chateau caterers, who are renowned for
their quality and refined food. Time: 20.30hrs.
For tickets phone 7968 0952 or send an email
to [email protected]/events@
xarapalace.com.mt
27 June-08 July
The Malta Trade Fair – The 55th edition of
the Malta Trade Fair will be held at the Malta
Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali.
Email: [email protected]
29 June
L-Imnarja – This feast commemorates two
important saints in Maltese religious lore,
St Peter and St Paul. It has somewhat moved
away from the traditional village festa style
and developed a different type of merriment
which is held in Buskett Garden (a small tree
grove situated some one kilometre away
from Rabat) on the eve of 29 June. The
liturgical services are held in the Mdina
Cathedral. During the late afternoon,
numerous horse and donkey races are held in
a country lane situated just below and at
some distance from Mdina. The feast of St
Peter and St Paul is also celebrated in Nadur,
Gozo, in a festive manner. Venue: Rabat.
Email: [email protected]
01-18 July
Malta Arts Festival – A bonanza of
performance, music, dance, and other
artistic forms by local and overseas artists
and performers. The event has also over the
years opened up little used and special
venues, such as the Old Opera House ruins
in Valletta and Argotti Gardens.
www.maltaartsfestival.org
04-08 July
Malta International Music Competition –
The aim of the competition is to assist
emerging pianists, violinists and chamber
ensembles in their artistic development, to
encourage them to pursue careers in music
and to provide a forum for their talents. The
winners of the competition will receive
medals, diplomas and various prizes. The
prize giving and finalists concerts will be
held in the Manoel Theatre and The Malta
Society of Arts, Valletta.
06 July
Changing of the Guard – The new guard
together with the AFM Military Band leave
Valletta City Gate at 10.00hrs and take
position in the forecourt of the Presidential
Palace. Once there a formal ceremony takes
place, in which sentries providing ceremonial
guard duties at important institutions are
relieved by a new batch of sentries.
Venue: St George's Square, Valletta.
07 July
Annual Joseph Calleja Concert – In this year’s
concert Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja will be
joined on stage by Irish superstar Ronan
Keating and Neapolitan crooner Gigi
D’Alessio. Venue: The Granaries, Floriana.
Tel: 8007 4117; www.nngpromotions.com
19-21 July
Malta Jazz Festival – The Malta Jazz Festival
has a special place in Malta’s events diary
having, since its inception 22 years ago,
attracted true, international greats of the
jazz scene to Malta. Venue: Ta’ Liesse Wharf,
Grand Harbour; www.maltajazzfestival.org
26 July
Classics Under the Stars With the MPO
– The much awaited yearly appointment with
the Malta Philharmonic Orchesta returns
under the starry skies in the beautiful
gardens of the Girgenti Palace. This year’s
programme features well loved classics by
Glinka, Rossini, Khachaturian and Bizet, under
the direction of Brian Schembri. Venue:
Girgenti Palace, l/o Siggiewi.
27 July-05 August
The Farsons Great Beer Festival – The best
beers produced and imported by Farsons, a
wide variety of food stands and the best local
artists contribute to a night to remember at
The Farsons Great Beer Festival. This annual
festival attracts large crowds, as it offers a
great way to spend a summer evening.
Venue: Ta’ Qali National Park.
cover story
cover story
Left & below: photos by Rene Rossignaud – www.viewingmalta.com
Left & below: Isle of MTV 2009
Balluta feast by night
Photo by www.viewingmalta.com
Summer Nights
Summer, for most people, means sunshine, donning shorts and flip-flops,
enjoying lunch in the sun and sipping a glass of wine by the sea in the evenings.
For the Maltese and the islands' visitors, summer also brings with it a calendar
jam-packed with events. Chiara Bonello looks at what’s on in Malta this summer.
The Maltese summer, with long hours of sunshine
and cool evenings, is an ideal season to visit the islands.
Besides taking in Malta’s rich history and enjoying its wonderful beaches by day, it is worth looking into the colourful
calendar of events. It features anything from musical events
to village feasts, arts festivals and parties galore, guaranteeing
plenty to do for visiting tourists and a jam-packed summer for
the locals. Here we pick the top events.
Għanafest, the three-day Malta Mediterranean Folk Music
Festival to be held on 8, 9 and 10 June, sets the summer off to a
good start. The festival presents a selection of local folk ensembles, Maltese songwriters and folk musicians from neighbouring Mediterranean countries.
12
Set in the marvellous surroundings of the Argotti Botanical Gardens in Floriana, the festival is organised by the Malta
Council for Culture and the Arts. It will include Maltese għana
(folksong), Persian music, Turkish folk-jazz fusion and music
from Sicily, and will host a series of workshops on traditional
instruments and a special programme for children.
The next major event on the local calendar is Isle of MTV.
This year’s headline act will be Will.i.am, a prominent music
producer and Black Eyed Peas lead singer. This will be the
sixth Isle of MTV concert held in Malta, with past editions
having welcomed Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias and Maroon 5,
among others.
Malta Jazz Festival 2009
Flo Rida, one of the most recognisable international artists today, renowned
singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado and
newer artist Cassie will also be taking
to the stage during the 25 June concert
on the Granaries in Floriana.
Irish singer Ronan Keating, of
Boyzone fame, and Neapolitan singersongwriter Gigi D’Alessio will peform
with internationally-renowned Maltese
tenor Joseph Calleja (who has wooed
audiences at New York’s Metropolitan
Opera, London’s Royal Opera House
and several other prestigious opera
stages, and whose golden voice has been
described by the Associated Press as
comparable to “legendary singers from
earlier eras: Jussi Björling, Beniamino
Gigli, even Enrico Caruso”), for his
annual summer concert which has
become an annual fixture on Malta’s cultural calendar. This year it will be held
on 7 July on the Granaries in Floriana.
Between 13 and 15 July the Marsovin Summer Wine Festival takes place
at Hastings Garden in Valletta, a wonderful opportunity to taste some of the
wonderful wines Malta has to offer.
The first three weeks of July are
also synonymous with the Malta Arts
Festival (1-18 July), an event which sees
local and overseas’ artists and performers side by side. The fact that it is held
during the summer months enables
most events to be held in the open air.
13
Cover Story
Mount Carmel feast
Photo by Mario Galea – www.viewingmalta.com
Hardly a summer weekend goes by without a town or
village in Malta and Gozo celebrating the feast of its patron
saint. The Maltese festa (traditional feast) season starts at the
end of May and lasts well into September.
On the occasion of the village festa the roads are decked
out in banners and festoons, and statues raised on decorated
wooden columns are carried through the streets in a festive
procession to the sounds of jovial band music. Some inhabitants also choose to decorate their balconies and rooftops with
flags, lights and statues or pictures of the village patron saint.
The closing concert of the festival will be held on
Wednesday 18 July at the Mediterranean Conference Centre,
with music by George Gershwin.
This event is closely followed by the Malta Jazz Festival
(19-21 July), held with the picturesque backdrop of Valletta’s
Grand Harbour. The festival showcases the contemporary
jazz scene in all its forms, from cutting-edge jazz to flamenco
fusion and from vocal to Latin jazz.
An evening at the festa promises to be fun, with fast food
stands set up by the side of the road. They typically sell products such as Maltese type nougat, candy floss and other delicacies. Evenings often end with ground-mechanised fireworks,
which are always spectacular to watch.
The summer calendar is also replete with other events
and festivals, and the local nightlife scene rivals that of many
larger European cities. If Malta is your chosen destination for
summer 2012, there is plenty to keep you occupied during
your stay.
Highlights this year include the well-known Al di Meola
(pictured on this issue’s cover), who will perform rhythmically-charged flamenco and tango inspired originals on 19 July,
while Terri Lyne Carrington and Chano Dominguez will close
the festival with a combination of flamenco and jazz.
Local artists will also perform throughout the festival.
This year, the Off Fringe Festival, coordinated by renowned
local musician Andrew Alamango, will precede the Malta
Jazz Festival.
Another highly-anticipated summer event is the Farsons
Great Beer Festival, which brings together some of the best
beers produced and imported by the local company Farsons,
and also features a wide variety of food and some of the
islands’ best local artists. The festival will be held at Ta’ Qali
National Park between 27 July and 5 August, and offers a great
way to spend an unforgettable summer evening.
14
Ghanafest 2011
Photo by Ray Attard – www.viewingmalta.com
Birgu Waterfront
interview
Photo by Roberto Bennetti – Birgu Local Council
“Birgu is a large open-air museum”
Birgu mayor John Boxall speaks to Chiara Bonello about the rich history
of Birgu, what this maritime city has to offer the visiting tourist and why
he is proud to be its mayor.
According to Birgu mayor
John Boxall one can sense the city’s
history and the fact that major things
happened here in centuries past just by
walking through its well-lit streets by
night, though by day the city’s allure is
by no means lost.
The city is home to a number of
highly interesting attractions, such as
the Maritime Museum, which is the
only one of its kind on the island. This
museum is of a very high standard
because its curator regards it as his
pet, Mr Boxall explains. Similarly the
energetic mayor has taken it upon himself to put Birgu on the tourist
map, striving to grant this beautiful,
quaint maritime city, which was the
Order of St John’s first base in Malta,
the recognition it deserves.
I meet Mr Boxall at the former
Auberge de France, which is currently
undergoing extensive and meticulous
restoration, and which will serve as the
Local Council offices once restoration
works are finished. (An auberge was the
official seat of the Knights of the different langues or nationalities).
The council works hard to ensure
that Birgu, and Malta, receive the maximum international exposure possible.
Birgu Mayor John Boxall
Photo provided by Birgu Local Council
Its website, which is highly informative,
also carries testaments from foreigners
who visited or lived in Birgu, answering
the question why you simply must visit.
The Collacchio area (a network of
narrow streets replete with majestic palaces, churches and other historic buildings), where most of the auberges are
found, is the zone which was reserved
17
interview
Below: Photo by Chen Weizhong
– www.viewingmalta.com
Below: Fort St Angelo by night
Photo by Melvin Degiorgio – Birgu Local Council
Photo by Jurgen Scicluna – www.viewingmalta.com
for the Knights and is definitely not to be missed. The British
Auberge currently serves as a well-equipped regional library.
and contains mediaeval remains dating back to the
pre-Knights period.
The entire area is to be upgraded as part of a project that
should commence over the coming months. This, and various
other projects, contribute to the increased value of property in
Birgu, Mr Boxall says, adding that Birgu is where the story of
an occupied Malta started and ended, hence the city’s
rich history.
“I would describe Birgu as a large open-air museum
starting from the three gates area (Advance Gate, Couvre
Porte and Main Gate). The only country which also has a
three-gate entrance to a city is Rhodes,” he explains.
Plans are afoot for a number of hotels to open in the city,
including a five-star boutique hotel and a five-star luxury hotel. According to Mr Boxall this shows that investors are seeing
Birgu’s potential. Birgu is also witnessing foreign investment
as a number of foreigners and retired couples, particularly
former members of the Navy or the RAF who served in Birgu
during the last world war, are moving to the city.
Another historical highlight not to be missed is the Inquisitor’s Palace. It is the only one of its kind in Europe
18
Above: The Maritime Museum
There are a number of other must-see spots, such as
Fort St Angelo, currently undergoing restoration. “Its position
at the centre of Grand Harbour renders it incomparable to
any other historic site, like a monument rising from the sea,”
the mayor explains enthusiatically.
Fra John Edward Critien, the Knight representative of the
Sovereign Order of St John, still resides at Fort St Angelo, and
his quarters have been restored. Once the entire fort's restoration will be complete it will be a major attraction.
Other attractions include the Norman Window in
interview
St Lawrence parish church
Photo by: Peter Vanicsek – www.viewingmalta.com
Photo by Guido Bissattini – www.viewingmalta.com
Tramuntana Street within the Collacchio, the Second World
War shelters and museum, the Church of St Lawrence and
the unique fortifications.
A clock tower which used to adorn the main square was
one of the casualties of the Second World War. Although the
council’s intention has always been be rebuild it, financing
was lacking. “Nevertheless the plan remains to rebuild this
landmark and in fact, a considerable number of clock parts
are in our possession,” he states.
“I definitely think that the Maltese appreciate Birgu, an
appreciation which is due to the hard work of past local
councils. There was a time when people would judge you
negatively for saying you were from Birgu, however thanks to
the efforts of the local council, which involved the residents
directly, as well as to the help received from private entities
and the government, today the city of Birgu has become a
touristic destination in its own right. A great deal remains to
be done, but nevertheless huge steps forward have been taken,”
Mr Boxall explains.
Mr Boxall believes that the city’s revival started with the
organisation of the first ‘Clean up the World’ activity, which
saw many people, including very young children come together to clean up Birgu.
“I believe that day sowed the seed of awareness of Birgu,”
he says, inviting me to have a look at the many plants that embellish the streets. He explains that the plants have been placed
there and are maintained by the residents, and this gesture,
according to Mr Boxall, testifies to their sense of pride.
Those who fancy an alternative route to reach the city
may consider a dgħajsa tal-pass (a Maltese boat) or a water
taxi. This means of transport offers an easy and scenic option
to cross to Birgu from Valletta.
“The message I would like to deliver is that despite
our size, we have real potential,” is Mr Boxall’s parting note.
A visit to this intriguing city will convince you why.
Top 3 things to do
and see in Birgu...
1.
Visit the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Maritime Museum
and the historic St Lawrence Parish Church.
2. Roam around the Collacchio and don’t miss the
following streets: Triq Hilda Tabone, Triq il-Majjistral,
Triq il-Palazz tal-Isqof and Triq it-Tramuntana.
3. Walk along the waterfront and watch the world go
by at one of its bars and restaurants.
20
EVENTS
yachting
Cruise the Maltese
waters while on holiday
ACL Yacht Charters specialise
in skippered, catamaran and private
yacht charter for groups of four up
to 14 people.
Santa Clara, the Lagoon 400
catamaran which recently returned
from a season in the Caribbean, will
spend the summer cruising our
beautiful Maltese islands. A typical day
charter will pick your group up from
near your hotel or from Sliema or Birgu
at around 09.00hrs. During the day you
will have the chance to enjoy the
coastline of the Maltese islands, visiting
places like the Blue Lagoon, San Blas
or Selmun. You will anchor in one of
our blue water bays and enjoy lunch
and drinks; stopping in a quiet spot
for an afternoon swim before returning
at around 17.00hrs. As your group will
be the only passengers on the boat, the
skipper will tailor the trip to suit your
particular wishes. Evening sunset
charters are also offered.
A catamaran offers many benefits
over traditional monohull sailing boats.
The boat sails flat, for added comfort
and safety, and there is plenty of space
Malta Jazz
Festival 2012
for sunbathing or sitting in the shade
if you prefer.
Those who would like to see the
boat and discuss their day out with
the skipper may contact Dan on
tel: 9921 1188 or 9908 3055; email
[email protected]; or visit
www.aclyachtcharters.com
A cocktail of different musical styles,
including vocal jazz, flamenco, hard-bop,
fusion and Latin jazz come together in
this year’s Malta Jazz Festival to be held
between 19 and 21 July at Ta’ Liesse.
Al di Meola and Terri Lynne
Carrington, whose album Mosaic
Project just won a Grammy Award for
Best Vocal Jazz Album will be this year’s
highlights. Grammy award-winning
world class guitarist Al di Meola will
perform on 19 July, accompanied by
virtuoso pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba,
while Terri Lynne Carrington will
perform on Friday 20 July. The Jeremy
Pelt Quartet, an established force in the
modern jazz world, will also perform
on 19 July and the Tigran Hamasyan
Trio, considered one of today’s most
vital and original young jazz artists,
will perform on 20 July.
Will Vinson Quartet will perform
on 21 July. Will Vinson is one of the
most exciting alto players on the New
York Scene. Chano Dominguez will
close the festival with his combination
of flamenco and jazz. He will present
his latest album which pays homage
to Miles Davis.
Malta Arts
Festival 2012
Currently in its seventh edition the
Malta Arts Festival, to be held between
1 and 18 July 2012, features an extensive
programme of excellent artistic events,
including music, theatre, dance and a
visual arts exhibition.
Testament to its commitment to
presenting its audiences with events of
the highest quality, it has invited top
performers of international repute.
The festival direction is confident
that the programme of events, covering
an array of diverse styles and genres, will
appeal to audiences of all demographics.
www.maltaartsfestival.org
Għanafest 2012
A concert series of Mediterranean
folk roots will liven up Argotti Gardens,
Floriana, on 8, 9 and 10 June with
Maltese għana (Maltese folksong), and
music from Morocco, Greece and Spain.
Besides Maltese folk music, the
festival presents a programme of local
musicians and ensembles. This category
includes the Nisga Project with an upbeat programme of World Music, Middle Eastern influences, flamenco, jazz
and local traditional instruments. Another ethnic combo is Hamam, led by
Andrew Alamango featuring musicians
from Malta, Italy and Turkey. This year’s
programme will also present a selection
of Marċi tal-Festa, an important part of
Malta’s musical heritage.
www.maltafolkmusicfestival.org
FESTIVAL OFF – Jazz in different
pubs and restaurants in the weeks
preceding and following the Jazz
Festival. More information from the
website. www.maltajazzfestival.org
23
Events
The Farsons Great Beer Festival
Friday 27 July-Sunday 5 August 2012
Summer brings with it one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year:
The Farsons Great Beer Festival – the largest and most diverse open-air
beer and music festivals organised in Malta.
Beer lovers are spoilt with
a variety of local beer brands, from
the award-winning Cisk range of beers:
Cisk Lager, Cisk Export, Cisk Excel
and Cisk XS, to classic beers such as
Hopleaf and Blue Label – special ales
brewed with passion since 1928.
International beer brands such as
Carlsberg, Budweiser, Guinness,
Kilkenny, John Smith’s Extra Smooth,
Beck’s and Corona Extra are also
available at the festival, as well as cider
brands Strongbow and Bulmer’s
Original Cider.
A food court offers a mix of dishes
from all over the world to complement
the selection of beers.
after year, is sold at the bars with the
beer of choice or at the souvenir stall
selling other branded merchandise.
Beer takes the centre stage at The
Farsons Great Beer Festival, however
this hugely popular event is also an
important showcase for top Maltese
talent. Popular and talented local
artists and bands perform on two
stages every night.
The festival opens from 20.00hrs
onwards each night and is held within
the Ta’ Qali National Park. Entrance is
free and free parking is available.
Visit www.facebook.com/
thefarsonsgreatbeerfestival for
the latest news and information
A limited edition official beer
festival mug, collected by many year
A taste of Gozo’s summer culture
As summer approaches, Gozo’s
cultural vibe becomes stronger than
ever! Every town and village celebrates
the feast of its patron saint with indoor
religious functions and outdoor
festivities, characterised by processions,
ground and air fireworks, band marches
and revelry. Festas are held every
weekend throughout the summer.
There are two particular events
which are not to be missed during the
month of June: Għanafest – the Malta
Mediterranean Folk Music Festival 2012
and Il-Ħġejjeġ ta’ San Ġwann –
St John the Baptist’s traditional bonfires.
24
The Għana festival, on Saturday 3
June, will host a concert of traditional
instruments and songs, and a special
programme for children. It promises to
be a unique event for the whole family,
complemented by the marvellous
surroundings of the Villa Rundle
Gardens in Victoria.
The feast of St John the Baptist is
marked in Gozo by a traditional event
known as Il-Ħġejjeġ ta’ San Ġwann,
which has today become part of Gozo’s
cultural calendar. The traditional
lighting of the bonfire, on the imposing
Citadel bastions with scenic views of
Gozo, provides a unique backdrop to
this annual event that will be held on
Saturday 23 June. Locals and visitors
will be regaled with an evening of
music, folk and traditional Gozitan
gastronomy.
Wied iz-Zurrieq. Photo by Mario Galea – www.viewingmalta.com
on board
Sea Things Differently
The coast around the Maltese islands is dotted with geographical and
historical treasures best appreciated from the sea. Jo Caruana goes
aboard to take a closer look.
Life in Malta is characterised
by one endless constant: the sea.
From the food and traditions to the
architecture and culture, everything is
somehow touched by this omnipresent
force.
Due to the islands’ small size you’ll
never be more than a few minutes away
from the sea at any given moment, so
why not put that gorgeous stretch of
coast to good use?
There are 197kms of coast to explore around Malta and 56km around
Gozo, and the sea is definitely the place
from where to view this rugged
beauty at its best.
Malta’s sea has always been its
primary pull. The island’s first inhabitants, in prehistoric days, likely reached
here on rafts or simple canoes. Since
the waters around Malta have proven
to be a very important thoroughfare
between Africa and the rest of Europe,
the islands have long been integral to
trading in the region, and people have
often settled here as a result. It’s no
surprise, therefore, that the islands’
coastal regions are some of the country’s busiest and most built up.
Blue Grotto, Wied iz-Zurrieq
Photo by Mario Galea – www.viewingmalta.com
If you plan on exploring the coast,
you can start somewhere central, like
Sliema or Valletta. Endless boats –
which you can charter or join as a daytripper – leave the Sliema Ferries every
day for jaunts around the harbour and
further afield. From here you’ll be able
to admire the Valletta bastions, which
were built by the Knights of St John
and many of which have either been
27
on board
Valletta skyline. Photo by Clive Vella – www.viewingmalta.com
restored to their former glory, or are in the process of
being restored.
As you leave Marsamxett Harbour you’ll find that this
vantage point gives you a whole new impression of Valletta,
including the sparse coastline below this very dense city. Your
next stop will be Grand Harbour (known as il-Port il-Kbir).
This natural harbour is arguably the island’s greatest geographic asset, and a prime factor in Malta’s history. As you
sail through it, you’ll spot the areas of commercial activity,
such as the shipyards, as well as the military architecture of
Valletta on your right and the Three Cities on your left. The
latter have provided a safe haven for boats and trading since
Phoenician times. As you leave here keep your eyes peeled
for Fort St Elmo, Fort St Angelo and Fort Ricasoli, all of
which were built by the Knights of St John, as well as the
two lighthouses marking the entrance.
Of course these built up and busy parts of Malta are not
the only ones best seen from the sea, as both the northern
and southern coasts promise plenty of magnificent scenery.
Photo by www.viewingmalta.com
Towards the south you’ll catch glimpses of Hasan’s
Cave, Pretty Bay, Dingli Cliffs – the highest point in Malta –
and the breeding ground of the Blue Rock Thrush (Malta’s
national bird), among the glorious stretches of open coast.
On the north side it’s more about picturesque bays and
inlets, as well as views of Mellieha, Popeye Village (the 1970s
film set for the movie Popeye, which has been transformed
into a family attraction), St Paul’s island and St Julian’s Bay.
What lies beneath...
For a completely different view of the coast and sea, why not
pop below the surface? The Maltese islands were, in 2011,
voted the best diving destination in Europe by readers of Diver
Magazine in America. This is down to the blend of clear, warm
waters, more than 30 underwater sites, reefs, fish, caves,
lagoons and numerous wrecks.
28
on board
Meanwhile, boat trips around Gozo also offer plenty of
stunning spots to look out for. From the sea you’ll be able
to get a closer look at gems including the Dwejra cliffs and
the inland sea (which can be accessed by little fishing boats
going through a rather precarious-looking cave). Around this
area you can also look out for the Azure Window (which has
featured heavily in numerous international blockbuster films
including Troy), Fungus Rock and the Blue Hole. Finally, no
boat trip is complete without a quick stop-over (and swim)
in Comino’s Blue Lagoon, which is renowned for its crystalclear, turquoise waters.
Fancy taking to the sea to
view the islands better?
Here are our top tips…
• Aside from swimming, there are so many different
ways to make the most of the coast around Malta and
Gozo. You could charter a yacht, join a cruise around
the Grand Harbour, around Malta or to the Blue Lagoon,
see below the surface on an underwater safari, take a
water taxi, do-it-yourself on a pedalo, kayak or
canoe, or go scuba diving.
• Rates for all of the above will vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, the craft to be used and the
facilities included (such as lunch on board or hotel
transfers). It’s best to shop around for the best options,
and to book ahead, especially at this time of year.
Above: Azure window, Dwejra, Gozo
Photo by Maurizio Modena – www.viewingmalta.com
• While touring around Malta note the coastal watchtowers built by the Knights of St John in the 17th century.
The positioning of these towers was planned so that
those on watch could see both neighbouring towers,
which acted as an early warning system against
invaders.
• Gozo boat trips will usually take you past the Azure
Window and Fungus Rock, which are both well worth
looking out for. But for a more quirky sight, keep your
eyes peeled for Crocodile Rock – a formation that
literally looks like a large lizard jutting out to sea!
Below: Watch tower on Comino
Photo by www.viewingmalta.com
Above: Photo by www.viewingmalta.com
30
transport
Do it all
Malta is a country dotted with baroque churches, stone cottages, some of the world’s oldest human
structures and enough historical sights to keep you constantly
busy. Here you can check out the locations where films like
Gladiator, Brad Pitt’s World War Z and Spielberg’s Munich
were shot, enjoy the beach and later savour the nightlife.
Indeed, you can do it all… and you can do it without the stress
of driving (and trying to park…) in what has become one of
the most car-dense countries in Europe. How? Malta’s bus
operator Arriva has introduced to the islands a 300-strong
fleet of modern air-conditioned buses, with the latest in
passenger comfort and safety standards.
Reaching practically every corner of Malta and Gozo,
Arriva buses allow you to enjoy your holiday for very little:
€12 will get you around for seven days. Arriva also provides
express routes to the airport and the Gozo Ferry, all tourist
Check out www.arriva.com.mt
or call on tel: 2122 2000.
attractions and destinations, and a separate night service.
Buy your tickets from resellers all over the islands, or Arriva’s
ticket booths which you will also find at the airport’s arrivals
lounge… and board quicker!
in malta
The Malta Pass –
A Whole Country on one Card
The Malta Pass is a sightseeing
card which gives visitors to the Maltese
islands the opportunity to see all the
best Malta and Gozo have to offer.
From temples to trackless trains,
from museums to Maltese falcons,
from classic cars to catacombs, from
sightseeing buses to staterooms, the
Malta Pass is simply the most costeffective way to enjoy the history,
culture and sheer joy of the Maltese
islands.
The Malta Pass is part of an
international group of over 20 city
passes BUT with one big difference.
The Malta Pass offers you a whole
country on one card, with almost 50
34
attractions for you to experience
and enjoy.
The Malta Pass is available in
one, two, or three-day versions, each
of which can be used at the entire
range of attractions, rides and
experiences.
During your entire holiday you
can also use your Malta Pass to save
money on a whole range of other activities including diving, water sports,
power boat trips, jet skis, pleasure
flights, Segway tours and many others.
Similarly your Malta Pass gives you
discounts at many of Malta’s best
restaurants. Just show your card and
smile!
The Malta Pass is available
online at www.maltapass.com.
mt or from the Malta Pass office
at the Valletta Cruise Port.
For more information visit the
website or call 2744 2233.
You can now ‘add on’ additional sightseeing bus tours
when you buy the Malta Pass
and save even more.
Very simply put the more you
see and the more you show your
card, the more you save and the
more you smile.
music
things to do
Malta Philharmonic
Orchestra In Concert
June and July signal the end of the indoor season
in the main theatres, and the time for mass concerts in some
of the most spectacular open-air venues on the island.
The MPO Baroque Concert Series on Friday 1 June,
is in fact the last of the series featuring resident conductor
Michael Laus at the harpsichord in an eclectic programme
of works. JS Bach’s Concerto for flute, violin and harpsichord
shares the stage with lesser known, but equally sublime
works by Zelenka, Fux and Boccherini. This concert will be
held in the 19th century Robert Sammut Hall, Floriana, a
former Methodist Church, built in a Neo-Gothic style and
now houses the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets
start from just €5.
On Friday 29 June, the MPO will be
presenting the first open-air concert in the
elegant Pjazza San Gorg in front of the
Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. The
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra joins
forces with the Malta Youth Orchestra in
a concert of popular classics by Copland,
Rossini, Brahms, Jenkins and Gershwin.
British conductor Philip Walsh will be
directing the 100-strong orchestra for an
evening of well loved classics. Concert
starts at 20.30hrs and entrance is free of
charge.
The much awaited yearly appointment Classics under
the Stars in the beautiful gardens of Girgenti Palace will be
held on Thursday 26 July. This year's programme features
well-loved classics by Glinka, Rossini, Khachaturian and
Bizet, under the direction of Brian Schembri. Girgenti was
built by Inquisitor Onorto Visconti in 1625 and commands a
superb view of the surrounding country, and its gardens
offer the perfect setting for a concert. This unusual concert
venue houses the country residence of the Prime Ministers of
Malta, and is rarely open to the general public. The concert
starts at 20.30 hrs, free entrance for ticket holders.
For more information please visit
www.maltaorchestra.com or call tel:2124 4473.
Excursions with Captain Morgan
Welcome to the Maltese islands and to Captain Morgan Cruises, the company that
has been around for 38 years.
When planning your excursions with us, please take some time to choose the excursions that are most suited to your individual requirements. Should you require any
assistance do not hesitate to contact us. Captain Morgan Cruises is your guarantee for
a safe and exciting experience.
We, at Captain Morgan Cruises, wish you a memorable holiday on the Maltese islands!
Captain Morgan Cruises, c/o Dolphin Court, Tigne Seafront, Sliema.
Tel: 2346 3333; email: [email protected]; www.captainmorgan.com.mt
The Fish Lounge – St Julian’s/Bugibba
Experience the unique sensation of over a 100 little fish gently nibbling away at superfluous skin on your feet. Not many things that are good for you are this much fun!
As our little ‘skin specialists’ gently suck away unwanted dead skin, leaving your feet
feel soft and healthy, they also help increase circulation and stimulate the nervous
system, which relaxes the body and releases fatigue. Being the most hygienic Fish
Spa on the island, we boast powerful UV-filtration that sterilises all the water every
six minutes, making the treatment absolutely safe. A truly fascinating and not-to-bemissed experience that will definitely keep you smiling!
46, Triq San Gorg, St Julian’s or 210, Triq San Xmun, Bugibba. Tel: 2137 7444;
Open daily 10.00-22.00hrs; www.TheFishLounge.com
Valletta Living History
Valletta Living History is a high definition multilingual audio-visual show depicting
the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese. It is showing everyday at
the Embassy Complex right in the heart of Valletta, the must see capital city of Malta.
Relive the Great Siege between the brave Knights and fierce Ottomans, The French
and British rules, and World War II till today. Open seven days a week at 10.00, 10.45,
11.30, 12.15, 13.00, 13.45, 14.30 and 15.15hrs.
Valletta Living History, Level 2, The Embassy Complex, St Lucia Street, Valletta.
Tel: 2722 0071; www.maltaattraction.com. Get a free drink at Cinnabon after the
show (Terms and conditions apply).
36
37
things to do
A water sports experience to remember
San Remo Beach Club is situated in Mellieha Bay
and offers its clients an extensive Water Sports Centre
coupled with a relaxing day by the water’s edge. Water sports
facilities include boat trips to Comino and St Paul’s islands,
and private charters with a qualified skipper. Also available
are sausage and ringo rides, paddle boats and canoes. Water
skiing lessons and wakeboarding lessons are also on offer. We
pride ourselves on having an excellent, qualified and
experienced team who are fantastic at making your water
sports experience one to remember!
Il Padrino Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine
coupled with spectacular views overlooking Mellieha Bay.
Tel: 2157 3326; 9982 3988
San Remo Restaurant and Snack Bar specialises in
catering to those who would like to spend a day relaxing
at the beach, whilst participating in any of the water sports
on offer.
photography and re-enacted motion clips interspersed
throughout the 43-minute presentation. To complement this
production, the company initiated further product development in its multi-lingual system and currently offers a choice
of 16 simultaneous narrations to suit the ever-growing
nationalities visiting the island.
The Malta Experience
Malta's most popular audio-visual heritage attraction
‘The Malta Experience’ – An international
award-winning audio-visual spectacular has delighted over
4,000,000 visitors since its original creation back in 1980.
Now in its fifth edition, the latest theme brings together
the element of the sea as the island’s natural resource to
portray Malta’s unique 7,000 year history. This new version
uses the latest in digital technology combining sensational
38
The attraction is ranked among the island’s most popular
tourist destinations, securely positioned as the ideal start to
one’s sightseeing itinerary. The Malta Experience is aptly
housed within the Mediterranean Conference Centre,
formerly the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of St John. It
has a separate entrance from the main road, leading onto a
terrace commanding superb views of Malta’s natural Grand
Harbour. The Sacra Infermeria is open to the general public
to admire its architecture as well as its history. Visitors to The
Malta Experience may add a nominal fee to include a tour
after the show. Guided tours are held regularly throughout
the day.
The company’s philosophy seeks to relate the island’s rich
history in an informative and educational way keeping
within the parameters of cultural entertainment.
Property in malta
Ta' Monita. Photo provided by Tumas Group
More foreigners
investing in property
in Malta
It is clear that property in Malta is fast gaining popularity among
foreigners – Finance Minister Tonio Fenech recently announced that in
2011 foreigners investing in property in Malta had increased by 11 per
cent over the previous year. Chiara Bonello speaks to the experts.
Malta’s attractiveness to
foreigners seeking a home abroad has
been put down by several people in the
industry to its desirable climate, a low
crime rate, friendly people, good
medical care and various tax incentives.
What with its comfortable and
relaxed lifestyle, and its small size,
coupled with the fact that the cost of
living remains one of the lowest in
Europe, it is no surprise that foreigners
are increasingly looking to own a piece
of property in Malta.
Various fiscal incentives are also
responsible for leading more individuals to relocate personal and business
interests to Malta, thanks to a legal
framework which offers EU and nonEU citizens the option of acquiring
property in Malta easily.
“It is not the first time that Malta
has caught the eye of many a foreign
investor,” Darryn Portelli from Tumas
Group explains, adding that Malta’s climate, which was voted Best Climate on
Earth by International Living Magazine,
its safety and strategic position, are not
all the island has to offer.
It also has a stable government and
economy, and a modern health service,
factors which all exert a strong pull for
wealthy Europeans looking to get away
from their frosty climates. Thanks to all
this, and to Malta’s historic harbours,
restaurants and summer nightlife, foreigners are coming to Malta in droves,
he says.
For those who have been weighing
up the pros and cons of investing in
property in Malta, only to arrive at the
41
Property in malta
Photo provided by Cassar & Cooper
conclusion that this is a step they would like to take, what’s
available?
people choose to rent in Malta, these areas have become
excellent, good-value choices,” she says.
When buying a property there are a number of
factors to consider; location, property size, facilities available
and what type of property one is looking for. Some foreigners are actively seeking the charm of a townhouse or house
of character replete with traditional features, while others are
looking for a modern finished apartment.
“You can expect to purchase a lovely two/three bedroom
apartment with open views with an investment of around
€150,000-€200,000. For €300,000 or more the sky is the limit,
and more central areas guarantee instant rental potential,” she
advises.
“Both Malta and Gozo promise excellent investment
potential – coastal regions are especially popular for their
sea views, and apartments are all the rage with foreigners keen
to enjoy the best the Mediterranean has to offer or with those
seeking to rent a property on a short- or long-term basis,” Sara
Grech from Sara Grech Limited says.
“Locations such as St Julian’s and Sliema may be more expensive than inland destinations and traditional villages, but
have so much to offer high-end buyers that the investment
quickly becomes well-worth it,” she says.
“Lower-end budgets can do very well in the north and
south of the island, where property tends to be cheaper. You
can get more for your money in towns such as Marsaxlokk
on the southern coast or Ghaxaq in the countryside. Mellieha
and Xemxija remain popular choices in the north. As more
42
You can expect to purchase a lovely two/three bedroom
apartment with views ultilising an investment of around
€200,000 to €350,000 and guarantee instant rental potential
in Special Designated Areas, John Cooper, joint Managing
Director of Cassar and Cooper Ltd explains.
He adds that such properties will be easier to sell in the
future, being close to all amenities and commercial activities.
In fact for €150,000 one can buy a one-bedroom apartment in a Special Designated Area or a two-bedroom apartment in a central area. Then for €200,000 or €300,000, one can
acquire a two-bedroom penthouse or a three-bedroom house
of character in a village, Cassar and Cooper Sales Manager
Alessandro Aloisio asserts.
Francis Raeymakers, CEO of Malta Property Insight,
which offers a tailor-made house-hunting service, feels that a
Photo provided by Cassar & Cooper
Property in malta
areas, but for that price one could also
become the owner of a two-bedroom
apartment in Sliema – it all depends
on what you're looking for.
good investment for an overseas investor would not cost less than €300,000.
“Return on investment in the rental
market ranges from 2.5 to five per
cent, depending on location. If one is
prepared to put in the effort for ‘holiday
rentals’, return on investment can range
from seven to 15 per cent. But it is hard
work!” he warns.
“There are a number of properties
in Malta and Gozo currently worth
buying, but the trick is finding one
of them, which is why we are in the
property search business. A sea-front
property is always worth considering,
although some are overpriced,” he cautions, adding that sometimes a seller’s
expectations are not met by the buyer’s
valuation.
A good investment can come in the
form of dilapidated old housing, as with
professional input and design one can
increase property value in monetary
terms, according to Chris De Micoli of
Danda Build Limited.
“What we are known for is adding
value through design and that’s how we
are successful, so my advice for a good
return on investment is simply purchasing something with potential,” he says,
adding that other factors such as buying
on plan and consulting professionals
are equally important.
Mr De Micoli explains that the
property market is littered with choice
and in fact there is a surplus of apartments. At €150,000 one could expect
to find a two-bedroom house in some
He adds that the more predominant
areas for investment are typically St
Julian’s and Sliema, which are the most
popular – however it’s always good
to keep your eye on the market for
upcoming localities and special circumstantial property purchases.
It is also important to keep government initiatives in mind, for example
Valletta, with the ongoing City Gate
project that should soon be finalised, or
Qawra, with its new aquarium investment.
The lifestyle concept in Malta was
pioneered by George Fenech, Tumas
Group’s Chairman, who had a €140
million dream. He wanted to enhance
the quality of life for those buyers who
could make the right investment decision, Mr Portelli explains.
Property in malta
Sara Grech
The legal aspect
John Cooper, joint Managing Director of Cassar and Cooper
Ltd, speaks about the legal aspects tied to the purchase of
property.
• A konvenju (promise of sale agreement) is signed.
Tas-Sellum. Photo provided by Tumas Group
His vision of the Portomaso marina brought Malta to the
attention of the international property market, with the Oscar
of the property world – a Gold Award in the Best Marina
Development Category – awarded to the project in the 2005
International Property Awards.
As a result Portomaso became among the most exclusive addresses in Malta, and also home to the well-heeled,
international celebrities and footballers. Those who bought at
Portomaso in 2000 have seen the value of their property rise
by over 400 per cent. Rental returns, too, have risen by 10 to
12 per cent, he explains.
A prestigious project in the north is Tas-Sellum Residence in Mellieha and in the south is Ta’ Monita Residence,
in the popular seaside village of Marsascala. These are Special
Designated Areas (SDAs), Mr Portelli explains, meaning that
non-Maltese buyers have the same rights as Maltese citizens,
do not require a government permit, may purchase more than
one property and can rent it out.
Keith Buttigieg, Managing Director of RE/MAX Malta,
explains that in the present market an ideal investment area
for both rental and capital appreciation would definitely be
in one of the SDAs. Foreigners purchasing in an SDA will be
able to rent the property out without restrictions, maximising
their return on investment. In the case where a buyer would be
looking for capital appreciation, as today is a buyer’s market,
one is in a position to find many interesting opportunities.
A one- or two-bedroom apartment in a high-value project such as Portomaso, Tigné Point or Fort Cambridge,
46
property in malta
• On signing buyers pay one per cent provisional stamp
duty, as part payment of the five per cent, and an
agreed deposit (generally 10 per cent).
• Citizens of EU member states who have resided in Malta
continually for a minimum of five years at any time preceding the date of acquisition may freely acquire more
than one immovable property.
• EU citizens who intend to make the property their
primary residence do not require a permit.
• Minimum price for buyers from non-EU countries
or when property is not to be a primary residence –
€169,205 for a house or villa and €101,551 for
apartments or maisonettes.
if bought right, could guarantee the maximum rental return,
he explains, which can range anywhere from four to seven per
cent, depending on the purchase price.
He adds that Fort Cambridge is an interesting prospect
at the moment, as apartments are finally being finished and
people are moving in. Reasonable pricing is still available. In
the near future, when Tigné Point’s Business Tower (which
is adjacent to Fort Cambridge) is finished, it will generate a
great demand for reasonably priced high-end serviced apartments such as those located at Fort Cambridge. Of course, it is
important to have an eye for a good deal, he says.
“Malta's infrastructure is solid; therefore the advantages
of investing in Malta by far outweigh the disadvantages.
RE/MAX Malta has experienced considerable consecutive
growth from the foreign market over the years, thanks to
plenty of satisfied investors,” Mr Buttigieg explains.
– Helping you find your ‘perfect fit’ property
If you’re enjoying your time
in Malta, then you may be considering
purchasing or renting property here
– and that’s a great move. Whether as
a permanent residence, long or short
let, holiday home or rental investment,
the Maltese islands promise a great
opportunity.
We at Sara Grech are here to help.
Our highly-trained team will guide you
every step of the way – from choosing
the property that’s a perfect fit, to the
nitty-gritty of sorting out bank loans
and other formalities.
As for your dream property, you’ll
be spoilt for choice. As one of Malta’s
leading real estate companies, we have
a huge variety on our books, including sea front apartments, top-quality
developments, houses bursting with
local character and charm and sprawling villas with a pool.
Based on your requirements and
our expertise, we will whittle the options down to the ideal choices for you
and can provide all the local knowledge
you need to make a sound decision.
So, if you’ve decided to rent or
buy a Maltese property, then we can
make it happen. Contact us now on
2347 0000 to book an appointment or
visit www.saragrech.com to view our
updated online database.
Introducing a specialised property
search service – www.maltapropertyinsight.com
Malta Property Insight Ltd
is the first company in Malta to introduce the concept of a specialised property search service, always representing
the buyer or tenant, never the seller or
the landlord. This is a concept that has
become very successful in the United
Kingdom and France, especially in the
South of France, Italy and Switzerland.
After careful consultation with the
client, establishing the precise parameters of a desired property, the company
then sources potential candidates from
all the major Maltese estate agents, as
well as off-market properties where
owners may not wish to publicise their
intent to sell.
“We offer a bespoke, made-tomeasure service that usually saves our
clients countless wasted viewings of
properties that could never be suitable,
and we draw a selection of potentials
from all the top agents on the island
which would otherwise take many
viewing weeks, if not months, to cover.
Our advice is always geared to assist
the buyer in achieving the best possible
result,” says Francis Raeymaekers,
CEO of Malta Property Insight Ltd.
47
made in malta
A World of Light &
Colour in Glass
Ever since it opened the islands’ first glass
factory way back in 1968, Mdina Glass has endeavoured to
establish and maintain a reputation for artistic innovation,
quality and consistency in each and every individual piece
of glassware produced by its artisans. Their wide range of
hand-made products, made by specialist craftsmen, includes
plates, vases and bowls, decorative tiles as well as delightful
ornamental gifts.
The exceptional high standard, quality and design interpretation of these glassware products have made them highly
sought after by visitors to the islands, many of whom take
them back home as a memento of their visit. Today, these are
available not only from the Mdina Glass factory in Ta’ Qali,
but also from their outlets in Merchants Street, the cruise
liner terminal in Valletta, as well as their shops in Sliema,
Mdina, Bugibba and Victoria in Gozo. Mdina Glass creations
can also be bought from the comfort of your home by accessing their site at www.mdinaglass.com.mt.
Since its inception, Mdina Glass has grown and expanded its operations substantially, both locally and overseas.
However, at the end of the day they are still artisans, and every piece of glassware is a unique creation brought to life by
craftsmen. This philosophy is underlined by initiatives which
highlight the artistic nature of their creations, and earlier on
48
this year Mdina Glass won Malta’s National Artisans Award
on the strength of the design and production of a fountain
glass installation made of over 1,600 glass spirals bringing
together a blend of transparent and matt glass varieties. This
creation also marked a first for Mdina Glass as far as outdoor
installations are concerned.
Last December, Mdina Glass had already caused a sensation with the setting up of a seven-metre high Christmas
tree, composed of some 2,000 glass baubles, in Great Siege
Square in Valletta. The tree was inaugurated by Malta’s Prime
Minister, Lawrence Gonzi. Meanwhile, Malta’s leading glassware producer was again in the limelight in March, thanks
to its impressive shop window installation at Harrods in
London, during the successful Malta promotional event held
at the premises of the world’s most famous luxury department store.
fashion
Carlo Miele
Donna Karan
BCBG Max Azria
Michael Kors
Charlotte Ronson
Prada
Summer
vacation fashion
Malta’s scorching summers,
with an average temperature of 30°C,
attract scores of tourists to its shores.
So what top summer catwalk trends
can best be adapted to the Maltese
summer?
Light dresses and skirts – especially appropriate for a climate such as
Malta’s – remain must haves this season
and they come in different lengths,
styles and colours, providing every
woman with an opportunity to find
something to suit her tastes.
Consider dresses which adopt the
retro 50s American style. Think pretty
A question many tourists ask is what to wear when holidaying
in a sunny country such as Malta, in order to strike that perfect
balance between fashionable and comfortable. Chiara Bonello
looks at wearable trends for summer 2012.
florals and prim plaids, and complete
your outfit with cat’s eye sunglasses.
Maxi dresses may have been summer favourites for the past few years,
but this has not detracted from their
popularity. Made of chiffon, organza
and other sheer fabrics maxi dresses
come in a variety of colourful prints,
such as those by Emilio Pucci and Just
Cavalli.
Versace and Alexander Mc Queen
are just two designers who have done
peplums this season (see page 52). They
have become bigger and bolder this season, coming in both casual and evening
dresses.
The print trend has also become
very popular, whether in a head-to-toe
outfit or in a blend of two different
prints. Stripes, florals, spots and geometrics have dominated the catwalks
this season; just look to D&G, Diane
von Furstenberg or Alexander Wang
for inspiration.
Adopt the trend in racer back vest
tops and light flowing skirts. A pair of
bright statement print trousers is another way of working this trend, with cuts
ranging from straight and sleek to light
and billowing, as seen in the Salvatore
Ferragamo and Fendi collections.
51
fashion
Salvatore Ferragamo
Summer is the time for bright hues. The bright trend
in fact continues in one of the season’s hottest colours –
orange, a colour proposed by almost all of the fashion designers. It is a great colour to wear when you have a tan,
so your holiday in Malta may be the perfect time to put
some orange into your wardrobe.
If brilliant colours and patterns are not your thing,
then take it easy with nudes, beiges and off-whites. The
entire Calvin Klein collection for this season, from
daywear to cocktail gowns, comes in these shades.
Typical of the warmer weather, white in a variety of
fabrics and styles is a major trend in summer 2012. One
fabric that stands out in white is lace, and the good news
is that lace is also big this summer.
Dazzle at the beach
Print, cutout, metallic, high waisted, one-shoulder and
retro are just some of the swimwear trends for this sizzling
season.
When it comes to swimwear all kinds of prints look
amazing, ranging from florals and geometric patterns to
wild, tribal prints. Incorporate two trends in one and opt
for a one-shoulder swimsuit or a bandeau bikini. Cutout
swimwear is attention grabbing and looks good, flattering a long torso and flaunting a trim waistline. Ruffles are
another popular trend, which should be avoided by anyone
who wants to look slimmer than they are. When going to
the beach a bag is a must-have. Opt for a trendy beach bag
which is big and has a bright floral or abstract print.
Heavenly fabrics, large flowing prints and vivid colours,
as well as soft neutrals and pastels are all in fashion this season, so pick up some of these for your summer vacation.
52
Peplums on the Summer 2012 catwalk
OUR PICK OF THE LOCAL STORES...
Teatro
Maximalist is the keyword for one
of the themes from Marc Cain,
which features a plentiful array
of colours and patterns. Loud
pink and ocean blue contrast with
white and clear sandy shades.
Particular highlights include
luxuriant macro flower prints
in strong colours, as well as
jacquards with flower patterns.
Guess
The Guess underwear and
beachwear collections for her this
spring/summer are inspired by
college days, and sport and sunny
vacations in California, with its
magical beaches and unique
atmosphere. The collection is
characterised by matt and shiny
materials, and sequin embroidery
on the one hand, and washed-out
and faded colours on the other.
The male collection has a smoky
colour palette and a sporty feel.
Calvin Klein
The new collection is all about
cutting-edge design, innovative
fabrics and exceptional fit and
quality. This is a sexy range of
vibrant colours with a fresh,
modern dimension to men’s
underwear and sleepwear.
where to spend it
BOSS Black Menswear
Headlined ‘Art Trip to Korea,’ the new BOSS Black Collection was inspired by the
colours, textures and details of contemporary Korean art, including the work of Sun
Mu and Hyung Koo Kang.
The collection features two clearly delineated themes. ‘Real Summer’ is a satisfying
blend of tradition and innovation that reinterprets classic styles for a new generation.
In ‘Real Summer,’ BOSS Black brings together elegance and ease, playing with
formal and informal modes of dressing. Two and three-button single-breasted suits
are prominent, with a strong emphasis on half-lined jackets, sometimes washed. The
field jacket is a highlight for the season. Details are beautifully conceived throughout
the collection, with superb workmanship highlighting both the inside and outside of
every piece.
A full range of accessories complements the collection, including suede moccasins
and woven weekender bags.
The BOSS Store Malta, 2, Ross Street, St Julian’s.
Open: 10.00-20.00hrs Mon-Sat; Fri extended hours till 21.00hrs.
BOSS Green Menswear
BOSS Green offers premium sportswear for men; the twin focuses are casual
fashions and golf performance wear. A signature design with aesthetic appeal has
enabled BOSS Green to discover the perfect niche intersecting lifestyle and sports.
The design of the BOSS Green summer collection features a mix of stripes and
checks in bright, energised colour combinations that are paired with companion
nuances or white.
For fabrics and patterns, BOSS Green presents a range of jerseys mixed with nylon.
The collection is full of playful takes on the stripe theme in shirts and jackets. Matte/
shiny contrast is a hallmark of this richly varied collection, as is the hand-drawn
BOSS Green lettering of the logo.
Available exclusively from BOSS Store Malta, 2, Ross Street, St Julian’s.
Open: 10.00-20.00hrs Mon-Sat; Fri extended hours till 21.00hrs.
55
where to spend it
Calvin Klein Jeans
Modern, confident, adventurous. Introducing the men’s and women’s Calvin Klein
Jeans for Summer 2012.
Cool and cultivated. A strong, edgy attitude meets a luxurious free spirit. This season,
skinny, shrunken and slouchy denim are the essential fits.
For women, silhouettes combine skinny and super skinny denim with flowing tops,
juxtaposing a tough sturdiness with a sense of ease. Layering and mixing textures and
fabrics are key this season. A black leather jacket over a skinny vintage graphic tee
with an open neck sweater, paired with a skinny zipper jean is the ultimate rebel look.
The men’s silhouette mixes structured skinny jeans with relaxed weekend apparel.
The slouchy cargo and soft easy fitting shirts offer a smart, urban style. A light dust
coated tailored jacket over a checked shirt and slim chino lends a more polished
sophistication. The men's collection also has a rebellious side – a motorcycle leather
jacket worn with a ripped vintage tee and skinny rider pant makes a bold statement.
All are complemented by the fresh, newly launched Calvin Klein Jeans footwear and
accessories, including bags and jewellery.
Available from CK Jeans, Pjazza Tigné, Tigné Point, Sliema.
Ck Underwear
Since its inception, Calvin Klein Underwear for men and women has led the market
by offering consumers cutting-edge design, innovative fabrics and exceptional fit
and quality. Calvin Klein Underwear was formed in 1982 and would forever alter
the way the world viewed and bought men’s underwear. Once a utilitarian product,
men’s underwear suddenly became an object of desire. Known as the world’s finest
designer underwear for men and women, Calvin Klein Underwear is synonymous
with quality. Men’s fabrics range from comfortable cottons to edgy sheer as well as
fashion trend-forward prints and styles.
Available from Calvin Klein Jeans Store, Pjazza Tigné, Tigné Point, Sliema.
Guess
The Guess underwear and beachwear collections for her this Spring/Summer 2012
feature graphics, colours and details that recall the swinging 50s and the more
recent 80s thanks to the use of matt and shiny materials, and sequin embroidery.
In contrast a second mood becomes more wild and romantic, inspired by the warm
desert climates of Arizona and New Mexico as well as of sunny Florida. The collection
for him offers casual, easy-to-wear items with folk theme accents, garment dyed
pieces and a smoky colour palette. The latest arrival this season for both him and her
is the ‘Fitness Concept’. A variety of garments perfect for either loungewear or the
gym, adorned with 80s prints, are offered in cotton jersey.
Guess, The Point, Sliema; Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.
56
where to spend it
French Connection Menswear
The collection starts with a subdued tonal palette of greys mixed with splashes of
India Ink blues to give an industrial gothic feel, before developing into a riot of bright
and vibrant colours. Graphic prints channel the collection’s gothic feel with skeleton
details and handwritten logos featuring throughout, layer under overdyed check
shirts or fingerprint spot knits for a strong, defined silhouette.
As the season develops the collection draws more on vintage sportswear; traditional
rugby stripes are reworked in varying sizes and colour combinations to give a
modern feel to this sportswear classic.
Bold colours seep into the collection, with vibrant greens, blues and yellows being
used to add that summer vibe. Lightweight knits are updated in block colours with
contrasting stripe details to be layered over playful graphic tees and paired with
simple cargo shorts or loose fitting denim, for a contemporary yet rugged feel.
The essential summer trilby is re-worked in coloured straw as well as natural canvas
– all with a contrast ribbon trim. Lightweight summer scarves are patterned with
abstract stripe details and dot prints, which mirror the main collection, or simple
block colours perfect to add a subtle pop of colour to any outfit.
French Connection, Level 0, Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.
Open; 10.00-22.00hrs every day; French Connection, Malta International Airport,
Departures Lounge.
French Connection Womenswear
Colour blocking continues to be key for Summer 2012 with bold asymmetrically
printed silk tunics and blouses, as well as classic full colour separates in reds,
oranges, and greens – perfect for layering to achieve a modern colour clash.
As the season develops bold colours make way for washed out hues of burnt
orange, pastel pink and eggshell whites with tone on tone embroidery and subtle
embellishment adding a textural element. Dip dyed linen blouses and maxi skirts
are teamed with muted separates and faded denim, while simple tunics and tiewaisted dresses are updated with folk inspired embellishment and kitsch patterns.
Traditional broderie anglaise is reworked and used to add a modern twist to simple
shifts.
Refined canvas totes, classic leather satchels and chic embellished clutch bags are
perfectly suited to the sophisticated, contemporary side of the range. Playful graphic
prints continue to feature adorning simple jersey scarves, essential beach cover-ups
and classic swimwear; pair with an oversized raffia sun hat or a reworked straw visor
– both with contrasting ribbon trim to add instant glamour on the beach.
French Connection, Level 0, Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.
Open; 10.00-22.00hrs every day; French Connection, Malta International Airport,
Departures Lounge.
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where to spend it
Mexx Boys
The maritime theme continues as Mexx’s Summer Boyswear collection pulls into
Mexx Harbour. Time to pull out all the stops to greet the summer.
Key items this time around are chinos and T-shirts with graphics centring on the
harbour and life on and near the sea. Application work and badges continue to
feature as a carry-over from the spring collections, while inside prints make their
entrance.
Colour-blocking splashes are over, this time offset with contrasting ribbing and
marine stripes of course. Fabric mixing comes into play, both as a design element
and to emphasise the line’s easy-to-wear fits.
Colours have a summertime maturity to them and range from heather red, white and
macchiato to dark and oxford blue. Heather grey and twine hues provide a balanced
background and offer plenty of mix-and-match opportunities as the summer really
gets under way.
Available from Mexx, Level 1, Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.
Mexx Girls
Mexx Girlswear Summer collection takes us to the seaside. And with plenty of tiedying thrown in for good measure, this is a collection that is bound to serve up some
marine fun in the sun.
Given its theme, this collection is styled with abundant maritime details and heavy
stitching – not to mention crotched tape. Smocking, gathering and fabric mixing carry
over from the preceding months for some extra mix-and-match options.
Besides fabric mixing, the collection also combines fits, with woven and allover print
maxi dresses and skirts set off against hot pants and cropped blouses. The collection
also features jumpsuits, which can be found in woven and knit overall prints too.
Drop-crotch knit pants and short length dungarees complete the look.
Graphics stick to the marine theme with water, beach, photo prints. Spray effects and
glitter keep things playful.
As far as colours go, white and indigo are heavily present with pops of ruby red and
orchid pink, while grey storm and corn starch tones balance things out.
Available from Mexx, Level 1, Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.
60
where to spend it
where to spend it
MEXX Menswear
Bay Street Complex
The Mexx Menswear Summer collection goes nautical, with the collection centring on
inspiration taken from the ocean and sailing. The theme is clearly conveyed through
the inclusion of key pieces such as the casual blazers in lightweight baby canvas and
cube checked shorts with multiple stitching details. Summer has definitely arrived
with the new Mexx collection.
In the heart of St Julian’s, Bay Street is a shopping and leisure complex with more
than 60 shops ranging from high street fashion to designerwear, jewellery and shoes,
sportswear and electronic equipment, music and software, perfumes and other
speciality shops; and in between all the shopping, a variety of cafés, restaurants and
bars provide a much needed break. Bay Street Complex also boasts a specialised
artisan market and a large games room, and hosts several events and attractions.
The collection continues with the nautical feeling through v-neck fineline t-shirts
with maritime back prints, shorts with varying bleach effects and linen shorts. Shirts
are also key to the collection with the use of double fabric, creating the contrast of
the outside puppy tooth and inside contrast solid colour.
Colours for this season consist of the classic sailing shades such as Riviera red and
yachting blue. Along with those are the renewed bleached berry, summer grape and
fresh green.
Available from Mexx, Level 1 Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s;
Pjazza Tigné, Tigné Point; Mosta and Valletta.
It is the only shopping mall in Malta where shops open from 10.00 till 22.00hrs,
and catering and entertainment establishments open till late.
Teatro Boutique
Teatro Boutique is the designer shop which is always ready to offer you the best
selection of some of the world’s leading fashion brands, such as Escada Sport,
Marccain from Germany renowned for their quality and style, and Italian brands,
Anna Rachele and Elena Mirò, the only plus-size women’s fashion brand to show at
the Milano Moda Donna fashion week. At Teatro you can always find evening and
casual dresses, skirts, pants and jackets, as well as handbags, belts and shoes at
very good prices. Visit us today!
Teatro Boutique, 88, Tigné Street, Sliema. Tel: 2755 8899; Savoy Shopping Arcade,
Valletta. Tel: 2123 9798.
MEXX Womenswear
Mexx goes all romantic for summer, with a focus on 50s neo romantic, a collection
which is full of feminine floral prints and Vichy checks.
Key outfit combinations for the Summer are the cigarette pants and cropped blazers
along with the summer dresses and cardigans.
The 50s floral prints are used throughout the collection and pair perfectly with the
drainpipe coloured denim, a great alternative to a blue denim through the summer
months. Throughout the collection details such as smocking and lace edging are
added to the pieces, for that extra touch of femininity.
Some key colours for summer are light carnation, lemon soda and hortensia,
combined with floral prints to bring an outfit to life.
Available from Mexx, Level 1 Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s;
Pjazza Tigné, Tigné Point; Mosta and Valletta.
The Point Shopping Mall Turns Two
This year, The Point Shopping Mall hit its second
year running. Since its inception in March 2010, the largest
shopping mall in Malta has succeeded in firmly establishing
itself as the shopping destination of choice on the island. The
Point has been innovative and bold in its strategy and
marketing campaigns, giving customers an unprecedented
shopping experience and becoming a popular destination for
all the family. The wide variety of top brands, the comfortable
ambience, ease of access and ample availability of parking
spaces, are only some of the components that helped The
Point achieve its success.
Always customer-centric, the team at The Point manages
to put together a vast calendar of events targeting various age
groups and tastes. Competitions and offers are also available
from various outlets and the mall itself on a regular basis. The
62
Point Shopping Mall offers a cool experience like no other for
customers who are looking for a good mix of outlets within
any budget!
For a full calendar of events one can visit
www.thepointmalta.com and The Point’s Facebook
Page www.facebook.com/ThePointShoppingMall
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shopping in malta
Spring-Summer 2012 Collections
for a Luxury Lifestyle
Rebelli is the leading fashion
boutique in Malta for first line designer
labels, offering the very latest collections
to complement your lifestyles with
luxurious clothes and accessories from
the fashion houses of New York,
London and Milan.
The new Spring/Summer 2012
creations by Roberto Cavalli, Gianni
Versace and the Versace Collection are
synonymous with the excellence,
elegance and glamour that are the
hallmark of ‘Made in Italy’.
These are just three of the top
brands along with Elisabetta Franchi,
Peuterey, Pinko and Serafini plus the
more casual but smart and easy-to-wear
styling by Blauer USA, Brian Dales,
Dsquared, Fixdesign and Moncler. And
when it comes to denim, JFOUR present
a more aggressive approach to wearing
blue jeans.
Walk into Rebelli and you will
realise that spring is in the air as you are
greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours
with shades ranging from pastel and
sorbet, to the bright and vivid. Some top
designers have also mixed in black and
white. There’s a variety of floral, graphic
and ethnic prints to choose from.
Lace is back in a big way, from lace
tops to dresses and on bags and shoes.
It’s very feminine and classy, with Kate
Middleton recently wearing a lace
creation. When it comes to hemlines,
maxi, midi and mini are all in vogue this
season along with sexy plunging backs
and the one-shoulder look.
The choice specifically for men is
equally vast: from formal wear with a
classical touch, to impeccable Italian
tailored suits by Armani Collezioni,
Canali and Pal Zileri. Lab by Pal Zileri
is younger and more casual while
Dsquared, Paciotti USA and Stone
Island provide a more sporty-streetwear
look.
At Rebelli you’ll find the right
fashion item suitable for a wide range of
ages, for every occasion and time of day
or night. You may even sip a glass of
Italian wine or an espresso while
deciding what will make you look good
and feel good.
Everything here reflects a luxurious
lifestyle, but it’s not just about enjoying
the exclusive designer wear and
accessories. It is also about the standard
of service and attention to detail that we
offer while the highly trained Maltese
staff make every effort to ensure that
you have a comfortable and enjoyable
luxury shopping experience at Rebelli,
situated in St Julian’s facing the exclusive
Portomaso Complex.
65
gozo
Photo provided by MTA
gozo
My Gozo
Gozo is often described as an all-year round destination – ideal for beach, cultural,
eco and walking holidays or simply an opportunity to get away from it all. Guide Me
speaks to five Gozitan personalities about what this tranquil island means to them.
Alex Scicluna – Entrepreneur/Cafe Jubilee owner
Which is your favourite spot in Gozo?
En route to the picturesque village of Għasri and beyond
the winding road to the island’s lighthouse ‘Il-Fanal’, there is
a rarely frequented viewpoint that looks west across unspoilt
countryside, to the wide expanse of the Mediterranean on the
north and west of Gozo.
If you had foreigners visiting you in Gozo for a day,
where would you take them?
Following a traditional Maltese coffee at It-Tokk square (in
Victoria), I would take my group to the old town of Victoria,
in particular the Mandraġġ area where small winding alleyways are steeped in a secret history and offer a genuine rustic
66
backdrop. I would then move on to my
favourite viewpoint at Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs
where the horizon is endless and the
silence is broken only by the sounds of
the seagulls. For crystal clear snorkelling
the secluded Għajn Barrani is my bay of
choice, although I would also squeeze
in an hour or so at the quaint and
undisturbed Cable Bay in Qala. Taking
in a relaxing stroll is also a highlight
and two great spots are Għadira ta’ San
Rafflu and Xlendi Valley, which affords
beautiful views.
What, for you, is it that makes
Gozo unique?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel far
and wide, however Gozo is a location
unlike any other I have experienced. Beyond its unique landscape that is lush
green and sprinkled with wild flowers,
fruit and herbs in the winter and shades
of burnt orange and ochre in the summer, the island’s life source is its people.
In a chaotic and confusing world, Gozo
is a sanctuary within Europe and exists
in a world of its own, far from the fears
and concerns of many other places. The
old adage ‘a stranger is a friend you just
haven’t met yet’ rings true in Gozo, and
is one of the island’s charms to many of
my visiting friends.
Do you have a favourite local food
speciality?
Rare to find in any restaurant, a
truly traditional home-made favourite, seasonal at the end of March and
beginning of April, is stuffed artichokes.
Made simply from local artichokes,
filled with parsley and garlic, and
poached in salted water, this typical
dish should be indulged in by anyone
lucky enough to be offered it.
Where in Gozo do you go to relax?
There is a quiet spot that is far from
my usual haunts in Gozo that sits high
above Mġarr and enjoys views across the
channel. I always head there on a perfect
day for a glass of white wine and to relax. There is something splendidly calming about a sea view, but I particularly
enjoy the interaction of the boats leaving
and entering the gateway to Gozo.
Franco Mercieca –
Leading Ophthalmologist
surrounding a hamlet of buildings, with
a small church in the centre. There are
magnificent views of Gozo while walking on its walls.
Favourite local food speciality
My favourite plate is rabbit fried
in garlic and wine or cooked in a stew.
However my mum’s Gozitan style pizza,
called ftira beats them all, with a base
of home-made dough covered with
sliced potatoes, tomatoes, capers, garlic,
anchovies and olive oil.
The perfect spot to watch sunset is...
Xlendi, while having an early bite
or a coffee at one of the lovely restaurants and bars by the seashore. A still
captured at sunset is the pride of every
photographer.
What’s special about living in Gozo?
On arriving in Mġarr Harbour, the
slower pace of life in Gozo is immediately apparent. The intense community
belonging, combined with the beauty of
the extended family life, is a magnet to
most Gozitans, even after long years of
emigration.
An unmissable spot in Gozo...
The beauty of Gozo is that wherever
you are, you can enjoy fantastic views.
The Citadel in Victoria is one spot I
make sure any friend who is visiting
does not miss. Perched on a hill it offers
a mixture of impressive fortifications
The Gozitans are...
Due to our double insularity,
we go through more hardship to succeed in life, as our youngsters have to
migrate to Malta in their late teens
for studies and work. However many
Gozitans convert it into a positive force,
which pushes them to succeed. Some
Gozitans, particularly those who never
venture beyond our shores, tend to
be more submissive and feel the little
brother effect.
67
gozo
Photo provided by MTA
Keith Vella – Musician and Producer,
Fellowfish vocalist
What would you say is Gozo’s unique charm?
It’s the picturesque scenery in spring, the breezy beaches in
summer, the year round slow pace of life, the great restaurants,
funky little bars and friendly people.
Are any areas of particular inspiration to you? Why?
It’s more about the vibe than anything else. However if
I had to pick one place it would have to be the bay next to
Il-Ġebla Tal-Ħalfa in Qala. That’s a great unexplored spot
and it’s perfect to be on a boat under the rock’s shade.
Is there a Gozitan beach which you are particularly
fond of?
Ħondoq ir-Rummien is a bay I grew up in and am very
fond of. All the piers to jump off from and the dynamic sea
bed to snorkel and dive in are really special to me, particularly
Ta’ Bamberin, with cliffs to dive from and caves to explore.
Lou Bondi – Journalist, TV producer and Presenter
What is the local music scene like?
It’s constantly growing. More and more people seem to
appreciate inspiring original music rather than mind-numbing
music. More and more bars have live music and are playing
great new tunes to accommodate a music appreciative crowd.
The best night out in Gozo would be...
Grabbing some beer, a blanket, some friends and heading
out to Ramla Bay. Ordering a pizza from Kċina tar-Ramla
and hanging out until 04.00hrs around the statue of the
Madonna in the middle of the bay (pictured above). Drinking, chatting and just watching the stars and the occasional
satellite slowly pass by.
68
Which is your favourite historical spot in Gozo?
By a mile, it is the Citadel. What sparks my imagination is
its relatively small size, ironically giving it a more defiant and
proud look than Mdina. It is also fascinating how it appears to
have grown out of the hill, rather than having been built on it.
This is particularly evident from the Żebbuġ approach.
Do you have any insider’s tips for tourists visiting
the island?
My recommendation is to veer off the beaten path, in
every sense. It never ceases to amaze me how many Gozos
there are which remain hidden to so many, including to me.
Photo provided by MTA
gozo
What does Gozo mean to you?
I have always defined myself as a
Gozitan first and foremost, even when
I was battling snow storms trying to
get to the library of the University of
Toronto in Canada. But now that I’m
getting on in years the bond and the
pull are getting stronger still. Gozo is
my being.
If you are having lunch in Gozo,
what do you pick off the menu?
Where do you like to eat in Gozo?
On the whole I try to avoid fine
dining in Gozo. Not because there aren’t
good ones but because somehow my
culinary tastes equate the island with
home cooking. In fact, the best food in
Gozo comes out of Maria’s kitchen, my
mother’s. And I say this honestly and
without a hint of sentimentalism. Beyond her kitchen, my absolute favourite
home cooking restaurant, well sort-of
restaurant, is Rosina’s in Sannat. Her
rabbit and broad beans and sultana pies
are just divine. I say sort-of restaurant
because Rosina, the matron whose
personality is larger than the restaurant
and who I love dearly, will cook for you
only if it strikes her fancy. Unless you’re
Gozitan, of course.
‘D place to be in Xaghra’
Dvenue Restaurant & Lounge is a
true taste of finest Gozitan cuisine
situated in the heart of Xaghra square,
right beneath the impressive church
walls. Dvenue Restaurant is the new
modern establishment with a warm
atmosphere that blends traditional
Gozitan taste with a contemporary,
chic environment.
Dvenue offers a split-level dining
experience al fresco with a unique and
sizeable terrace. Strip away the
ambience and the superb service of
Daniel’s team and you are left with
attentively prepared dishes including an
assortment of freshly home-made pasta
using the finest ingredients, carefully
70
selected meats that are cooked with
flair and a selection of fresh fish served
to your liking. Dvenue offers the tastiest
of traditional dishes with rabbit being a
specialty and local baby lamb… to top
it off there is an exclusive and extensive
wine list of continental, local and new
world wines.
Dvenue is a popular venue with
Gozitans, Maltese and tourists who visit
the historic village of Xaghra. Everyone
receives a warm welcome at Dvenue!
Open For Lunch and Dinner Tuesday
to Sunday 12.00-15.00, 19.00-23.00.
DVenue
32, Victory Square, Xaghra, Gozo
Tel: 2156 6542; Mob: 7955 7230
Email: [email protected]
www.dvenuerestaurant.com
Have you seen Gozo change over
the years? How?
I know that it is trendy to say that
Gozo has been ruined by overbuilding
and there is some truth to this. Nevertheless, if you know where to look, the
soul of the island is still there – quiet,
clever, never in a hurry. It is the same
soul I grew up with when as a boy I used
to see farmers selling milk door to door,
with a goat in tow.
Morena Camilleri – Singer and
Malta’s Representative at the
Eurovision Song Contest, 2008
Gozo is great for...
Being simply... Gozo!
If you had a day off in Gozo,
you would...
Start the day by going to the
Victoria market ‘It-Tokk’ and I’d just sit
right in the middle enjoying a cup of
tea and a Gozitan ricotta pie, watching
the so-called ‘busy life’ go by! Chances
are there will be a popular guitarist
who improvises lyrics to every young
lady passing by! After that I’d go for a
walk in the countryside, perhaps to Ta’
Ċenċ cliffs, Il-Wied tad-Dwejra, Wied
il-Għasri, Ta’ Lourdes in Għajnsielem
or Il-Qala. Then off to lunch in the sun
in Marsalforn or Xlendi. To burn the
calories I’d have a swim in my favourite
secluded beach, San Blas. It’s quite a
hike to reach it, but once there it’s truly
worth the hassle and sweat. I’d stop for
dinner in a restaurant in a village square
in Xagħra, Qala or Victoria, followed
by a drink in one of the nearby bars if
I’d have the energy after a day like that.
For a dose of culture I would visit the
Ġgantija Temples and the Cittadella
(pictured above).
The perfect spot to watch sunset is...
Dwejra is most definitely one of the
best options; it’s pure bliss to sit and enjoy the rich colours while the sun melts
away in the horizon. Watching sunset
from Xlendi or Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs is also a
beautiful experience.
Which are your favourite spots
in Gozo for a great night out?
If I’m in the mood for relaxation,
I usually go to St George’s Square in
Victoria and chill out at Grape’s Wine
Bar or else go to Marsalforn and pick
a bar with an amazing sea view. On
the other hand, if I’m in the mood to
dance and party till my feet hurt I go to
Paradiso or La Grotta.
71
A taste of Malta
Cisk Lager
Cisk Lager, a beer of excellent quality, rich in tradition and heritage. It is brewed to
the highest standards using only the choicest raw materials Cisk Lager is a goldencoloured, bottom-fermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character.
Its rich hop aroma and pleasant bitterness, combined with a mild astringency,
make it an outstanding thirst-quencher. Alcohol content is 4.2 per cent. Today Cisk
Lager has developed and progressed considerably since its launch in 1928 and the
range also includes Cisk Premium – a smooth, well balanced and exceptional beer,
Cisk Excel – a low carbohydrate beer and Cisk XS – an outstanding extra strong
premium lager with a 9 per cent alcohol content. www.cisklager.com
Kinnie adding taste since 1952
Over the past 60 years, Kinnie has evolved to become one of Malta’s leading and
much loved brands. Launched in 1952 by Simonds Farsons Cisk, amid an influx
of globally recognised brands, Kinnie from the start set out to be different from
the rest of the competition. Its story is as unique as is its distinctive taste and
flavour, and this year marks another important milestone in its heritage as Kinnie
celebrates its 60th anniversary. It is an opportunity to keep on sharing, enjoying and
celebrating in the lives of past and future generations.
The island in your pocket!
Planning your next trip to the beautiful islands of Malta? Not sure which beach is
closest to your hotel? Want to find those free Wi-Fi hot spots and tweet about the
amazing weather in Malta? Then you are surely going to find the MaltaonDmove
iPhone app very useful. In order to keep things simple and lively the App is called
‘MALTA’ on the iPhone App store. The App showcases a list of ‘Things’ closest to your
current location, achieving this by geo tagging each ‘Thing’ on the App whether it is a
speed camera, public restroom or nightclub.
Download the App if you have an iPhone or keep up to date with Facebook, Twitter
and maltaonDmove.com until we launch the Android App.
A Unique snack ‘Twistees’
Twistees is indeed unique as it’s an extruded rice-based snack, oven-baked and coated
electronically, to give an overall coating with real cheddar cheese. This delicious snack
has a pleasant crunch and moreover leaves a clean taste, unlike other cereal snacks.
It’s no wonder that Twistees is Malta’s number one favourite snack.
Other variants include ‘Lite’, with less salt and fat, and also BBQ and chicken flavours.
72
dining in malta
Al fresco
dining
An integral part of the Mediterranean summer is
dining out under the stars, better still, by the water’s
edge. Chiara Bonello looks at what local cuisine is all
about and at what’s on offer for those looking to dine
al fresco in Malta.
Malta has been described by some as a microcosm
of the Mediterranean, reflecting its rich history as well as its
more modern facets. One aspect of Maltese culture which has
various influences, largely due to the island’s variegated history, is its cuisine.
Tre Angeli - Specialising in Maltese Cuisine
If you are looking for a fun
and award-winning venue that offers
Maltese specialities and value for
money, Tre Angeli is a must for you.
Conveniently located in Sliema at The
Strand, with inside or outside seating
and offering sea views, Tre Angeli has
a tempting choice of food and drinks.
Patrons may choose from a wide
selection of dishes including pasta,
pizza, grills and fresh fish as well as
Maltese dishes such as braġjoli, rabbit,
ravioli and beef stew. Tre Angeli also
offers a variety of snacks, baguettes
and sandwiches. Tre Angeli excellently
74
combines good food with friendly
service and a pleasant atmosphere,
thus making it the right place for
anyone.
Tre Angeli Restaurant, 91,
The Strand, Sliema. Tel: 2731 4753;
Email: [email protected]
Open seven days a week from
09.00hrs till late.
Pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas),
bebbux (snails), torta tal-lampuki (fish pie), bragjoli (beef
olives) and rabbit cooked in wine and garlic or in a stew, are
some specialities associated with Maltese cooking, but through
the years the Maltese culinary scene has been influenced by
various other cuisines.
When the Knights of St John (who hailed from various
European regions) were in Malta, they brought with them
their own chefs and ingredients, and although the native
Maltese had little to no direct contact with the Knights, they
worked in their kitchens and learnt a lot. This knowledge
was then re-interpreted and adapted to the local cuisine.
and pizzerias, and places serving steak, fish, rabbit and other
delicacies. Eating out in Malta is often reasonably priced, with
many restaurants offering the added bonus of an outdoor terrace for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
Over the centuries, though, as in all other countries,
international cuisines, including Italian, French, Greek and
Oriental, among others, have found their way in with the
opening of several restaurants. Eateries are not in short supply
on the island, ranging from fast food outlets to pasta houses
So where should you head to for an al fresco dining experience? Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is a blend of culture and
commerce. Besides its many museums and churches, it also
hosts a number of smaller restaurants and cafeterias which
offer the possibility of dining outside. Restaurants along
75
dining in malta
Valletta Waterfront
Photo by Clive Vella – www.viewingmalta.com
Merchants Street offer seating in designated areas of the pedestrian street where one can sit and enjoy a bite to eat, while
soaking in Valletta’s history; others provide seating within
squares including St John’s and St George’s Squares; while yet
others serve food on terraces affording fantastic sea views.
Restaurants along the busy Valletta Waterfront give diners
the opportunity of dining at the water’s edge, quite literally.
There are various cuisines on offer, ranging from Mediterranean to local cuisines, American fare and Chinese delights.
A little further along the coast are the towns of Sliema and
St Julian’s, two major tourist areas which offer an abundance
of coffee shops and restaurants in close proximity of the sea.
Restaurants dot the promenade which leads from Qui-Si-Sana
in Sliema to St Julian’s, ranging in cuisines from authentic
Maltese fare to a variety of wonderful Mediterranean-inspired
eateries.
A drive further north towards St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha
will lead you to some of the best eateries on the island, often
with the added bonus of a beautiful sea or country view.
Highlight destinations for a meal to remember under the stars,
where you will come across one or several highly recommended eateries are Salina, Golden Bay, St Paul’s Bay, Mistra,
Armier and Mellieħa.
Towards the south of the island is another treasure trove
of restaurants. A trip to Marsaxlokk to try out one of the
delectable fish restaurants is definitely well worth the drive, as
this quaint natural bay, replete with traditional fishing boats,
hosts restaurants serving the freshest fish on the island. The
bonus is that many of the restaurants offer outdoor seating,
right next to the sea.
And if you’re after more fish for dinner, move on to the
popular summer seaside resort of Marsascala, renowned for
its excellent fish eateries.
A trip to Malta is incomplete without a visit to Gozo. This
also holds true for foodies as the island is teeming with restaurants, and perhaps here the choice of eateries with outdoor tables is relatively higher than what’s on offer in Malta. Favourite
hot spots include Xlendi Bay, Marsalforn, Mġarr ix-Xini and
the Mgarr Harbour for great food with sea views, and pretty
village or town squares in Xaghra, San Lawrenz and Victoria
for a combination of exquisite cuisine and outdoor dining.
The important thing to keep in mind is to carry out your
research, to listen to the advice of friends and family who may
have visited before you, or to ask the friendly locals. Alternatively just follow your instinct, you never know, you might
uncover a hidden gem!
Tips for dining out
in Malta…
• It is possible in Malta to eat well on a decent budget –
so always do your research well beforehand.
• If you don’t want to spend too much on lunch, a cheap and authentic snack is the Maltese pastizzi – pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas.
• Keep in mind that many restaurants in Malta are closed on a Monday.
• When in Malta, do as the locals do! Try to find restaurants which are popular with the locals – ask
around if need be – as this is your best bet when it
comes to finding genuine local food.
76
traditional cuisine
Maltese Stew
This delicious Maltese stew has been prepared by the Caruana family that runs
Le Malte Restaurant in Sliema. Chefs: Jeanpaul, Jairo and Alberto Caruana.
Ingredients
2 medium onions
4 cloves garlic
2 medium carrots
1 medium courgette
2 medium potatoes
2 medium peppered goats cheese
450g pork loin
2 rashers bacon (collar)
2 medium Maltese sausages
850ml vegetable stock
100g plain flour
50g butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Preparation
Finely chop the onions and garlic.
Cut the carrots, courgette, potatoes and
pork loin into cubes. Cut the Maltese
sausage and peppered goats cheese
into slices.
Method
Fry the onions, garlic, bacon, carrots and courgette in butter for five
minutes. Add the pork loin and cook
for another seven minutes. Add the
Maltese sausage and cook for another
five minutes. Mix in the flour, reduce
the heat and keep on mixing for one
minute. Add the stock and increase the
heat to bring it to a boil. Simmer for
15 minutes.Add the potatoes and parsley, and simmer for another 15 minutes
or until the potatoes are cooked. Add
the peppered goats cheese and stir
until the stew is nice and thick.
Serve with toasted bread and enjoy.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Method Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Le Malte Restaurant, Tower Road, Sliema
(Next to Europa Hotel). Tel: 2134 2242.
Email: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook: Le Malte
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eating & drinking
Al Molo
Al Molo is one of Malta’s most celebrated eateries, with a reputation for providing
an unmatched menu of delicious dishes prepared by our multi award-winning chef,
Victor Borg, served with sophistication and in chic surroundings. Located in the
picturesque Portomaso Marina, much of the Al Molo experience is inspired by the
sea. In fact, our menu is predominantly fish based, though we are also renowned
for our melée of dishes, with something to suit all palettes – from hearty vegetarian
meals to delectable end-of-meal treats. Al Molo, Portomaso Marina, Portomaso.
Tel: 2138 4300; mob: 9953 3000; email:[email protected]
Complimentary underground parking facilities are available for diners at Portomaso.
De Robertis Roof Top Restaurant
De Robertis is one of the longest established restaurants in Valletta. Located on the rooftop of the Castille Hotel, the restaurant is well known for its refined cuisine. The open-air
terrace dining area has spectacular views of the Valletta Grand Harbour, and provides a
romantic setting at night with the glimmering lights of the towns surrounding the Grand
Harbour. The menu includes a fusion of Italian, Mediterranean, French and local cuisine
beautifully presented in a lavish way, yet at reasonable prices. One can choose between
à la carte or set menu. Open for lunch from 12.00 to 14.30hrs and dinner from 19.00 to
22.00hrs. De Robertis Roof Top Restaurant, Castille Hotel, Valletta. Tel: 2124 3677/8.
Great news for Sauvignon Blanc lovers
Delicata’s new 2011 vintage Sauvignon Blanc wines, Gran Cavalier and Medina, are now
available, having been out of stock since last September. Both of these refreshing, fruit
packed, crisp dry white wines are classified D.O.K. Malta and are produced using stateof-the-art stainless steel fermentation. The Gran Cavalier, however, is made exclusively
from grapes grown in selected vineyards that have undergone a process involving
skin contact, called maceration pelliculaire. This process heightens the grapes varietal
characteristics and increases the body and flavour of the resulting wine.
Il-Kartell Restaurant
Since 1973, Il-Kartell Restaurant, in Gozo, has become the venue where friends meet to
enjoy fine food and wine in an ambience of well-being. The chefs treat our Mediterranean
and Gozitan cuisine with great care. Our menu offers a wide selection of antipasti, soups,
pasta, meat dishes, fresh fish, as well as lobsters, oysters, cozze and vongole fresh
from our aquarium, all at a reasonable price. Our extensive wine list includes Ta’ Mena
Wines produced in Gozo using grape varieties grown exclusively on the island. Il-Kartell
is beautifully placed in the picturesque left corner of Marsalforn Bay on the water’s edge,
with an indoor option also making it an ideal winter retreat. Outside catering events are
available. Booking is recommended. Il-Kartell Restaurant, Marina Street, Marsalforn
Bay, Marsalforn. Tel: 2155 6918/7900 1965; email: [email protected] or
[email protected]; www.il-kartellrestaurant.com
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eating & drinking
L’Aroma
Situated on the Sliema seafront, L’Aroma Restaurant is tucked away from the hustle
and bustle of Malta’s shopping centre. L’Aroma prides itself on the preparation
of traditional Mediterranean cuisine using recipes passed down through the
generations. The menu comprises a selection of mouth-watering fresh fish, fine meat
cuts and pasta dishes all at a great value for money. One of the house specialities,
the traditional rabbit dish, is regarded by many locals as the best in town. Whether
for a relaxed dinner or a lazy lunch L’Aroma is a great spot to sit down, unwind and
watch the world go by. L’Aroma, 17, Ghar il-Lembi Street, Sliema. Tel: 2131 7633;
email: [email protected]
Palazzo Preca
Palazzo Preca, owned by Charles Preca and his daughter Ramona of Tal-Familja
Restaurant (a multi-award winning restaurant in Marsascala) fame, welcome you to their
newest venture to experience dining in a 15th-century palazzo in the heart of Valletta.
Palazzo Preca regales its patrons with fresh oysters, scallops, prawns, mussels and
other exquisite seafood, as well as a variety of Mediterranean and Maltese dishes such
as pasta (the pasta with sea food is highly recommended), colourful salads, Irish beef
fillet, traditional cooked rabbit, fresh fish and shellfish. And for a romantic night, candle
light dinner experiences are organised every Wednesday night. Palazzo Preca, 54, Strait
Street, Valletta. Open for lunch and dinner. Tel: 2122 6777; mob: 9984 6866.
Point de Vue
A haven for meat lovers, Point de Vue in Rabat is renowned for its mouthwatering
meat dishes and the biggest steaks in Malta: the 1.5kg T-bone steak and the
750g rump steak. The menu also includes a great selection of seafood, traditional
Maltese dishes, chicken dishes and combos with a tempting range of meat, chicken,
ribs, prawns and calamari. Every Thursday, between June and October, Point de
Vue serves delicious suckling pig cooked in a traditional South African spit braai
(barbecue rotisserie). Opening hours Butchers Grill: Lunch daily 12.00-15.00hrs;
Dinner 19.00-23.00hrs; Java Lounge and Terrace: 08.00-11.00hrs. Seating: indoor
and outdoor. Point de Vue, 2/7, Saqqajja Square, Rabat. Tel: 2145 4117; fax: 2145 0195;
email: [email protected] or [email protected];
www.pointdevuemalta.com
Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro
Right in the heart of Sliema lies Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro, serving
wholesome home cooking at unbeatable prices. Chef patron Chris uses the freshest
ingredients to create tasty Maltese dishes like Dad’s Famous Bragjoli, thick beef stew,
veal escalopes and rabbit. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with the daily specials
ranging from fresh fish to beef fillet and various pasta dishes. All at this price-worthy
restaurant is served in the unique setting of a former bakery. Ta’ Kris is one of the best
rated restaurants by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants. Open daily for lunch
and dinner. Ta’ Kris, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema. Tel: 2133 7367; mob: 9984 7713;
www.takris.malta-europe.com
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eating & drinking
Ta’ Marija Restaurant
Ta Marija has been awarded Best Maltese Food Restaurant from 2005 to 2012.
A stone’s throw away from the majestic Mosta Dome the superb Ta’ Marija
Restaurant is run by a charming family who hasn’t just got the recipes in the kitchen
right, but has also succeeded in concocting and mastering a unique recipe of running
a top-notch eatery. Every Wednesday and Friday night, Ta’ Marija organises a Maltese
traditional extravaganza night with musicians and singers, followed by a Maltese
folklore dance show. Transport from and to your holiday accommodation can be
arranged directly with Ta’ Marija. Reservations are recommended.
Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta. Open for lunch and dinner.
Tel: 2143 4444; email: [email protected]; www.tamarija.com
Terrazza Restaurant & Wine Bar
Terrazza Restaurant & Wine Bar offers friendly service, great food and the very best
views of Spinola Bay. Discover the soul of Mediterranean dining whilst taking in the
breathtaking view of Malta’s most charming bay. Perched above the water and away
from the noise and bustle, Terrazza has been a favourite of locals and visitors alike
for more than 10 years. At Terrazza, you will enjoy the relaxed, romantic atmosphere
whilst indulging in our skilfully prepared dishes or sipping a glass of fine wine.
Open for lunch and dinner every day. Terrazza, Spinola Bay, St Julian’s. Tel: 2138 4939;
mob: 7949 7914; email: [email protected]; www.terrazza.eu
Facebook Group: Terrazza Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Dine at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel
Superior 4 Star Hotel
Rhapsody Café, in the heart of Paceville, offers
a wide selection of food and drinks at very competitive
prices. While enjoying a relaxed drink with your family or
friends, you can enjoy our selection of food dishes which
include meat, fish, salads and much more. Halal food is
also served. Open: 11.00-23.00hrs.
84
The Boat House Restaurant
Located in the picturesque bay of Xlendi on the west coast of Gozo, our restaurant takes
Mediterranean dining to a new level of satisfaction. We have in fact been recognised as
one of the top 40 restaurants on the Maltese islands by The Definitive(ly) Good Guide.
Look out for the house specialities: fresh fish and seafood, live lobster and shellfish,
fresh pasta, suckling pig, fresh Argentinian and Irish beef, and over 200 local and foreign
wines. Babies and children are welcome and we offer highchairs and baby changing
facilities, as well as wheelchair access. Bookings are recommended.
The Boat House Restaurant, Xatt ix-Xlendi, Xlendi Bay, Gozo. Open daily 12.0022.30hrs (last orders). Tel: 2156 9153 or 2756 7207; mob: 9947 7207 or 9982 6303.
The Joint
The Antonio’s Restaurant is considered the beating
heart of the hotel. We offer one of the best buffets on the
island at a very competitive price, together with free parking.
We specialise in Sunday lunches with over 20 dishes on the
menu for just €19.50 per person.
the wonderful view of St Julian’s Bay and its surroundings,
Settimo Cielo Roof Top Restaurant is the perfect place.
Treat yourself to our lavish barbeque buffet every Saturday
evening for just €19 per person while listening to live entertainment and enjoying the wonderful view by night.
If you wish to enjoy a pizza, some pasta, a plate of
grilled food or just a drink for a great price while taking in
Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel, Dragonara Road,
St Julian’s; Tel: 2137 8100; www.goldentulipvivaldi.com
Inspired by the rugged glamour of 20s New York, The Joint is a vibrant and welcoming
steakhouse, overlooking Spinola Bay, with an outdoor dining area that’s right on the
water’s edge. Here meat is obviously the main event, and the finest cuts of the world’s
best types of beef are served up simply and traditionally by award-winning chef Victor
Borg and his team. However your meal doesn’t have to be about steak – there’s a
never-ending menu of other delights to choose from, too.
The Joint, 135, Spinola Road, St Julian’s. Open all day Tuesday-Sunday.
Tel: 2138 4780; mob: 9988 5396; email: [email protected].
Complimentary parking at Portomaso is available for diners.
85
Take Note
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS DURING June and July
7 June – A holiday commemorating the 1919 riots in which
four Maltese men were shot and killed by British troops. On
this day the National Assembly was founded, and a formal
request for self-government was made. Commemorative
ceremonies are held in Malta and Gozo.
29 June – The feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is the
largest, traditional summer festivity and is celebrated at
Buskett as a country harvest and folk festival, as well as a
religious holiday.
BANKS AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Banks are normally open between 08.30 and 13.30hrs MonThur, between 08.30 and 15.30hrs on Fri, and up to 12.00hrs
on Sat. Some banks open for longer hours. International
bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily
exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and
exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands.
USEFUL AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NOS
00356
112
1182 1152
195
2124 9600 International Code
Emergency Services
Directory Enquiries
Overseas Operator
Time Check
Flight Enquiries
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES IN MALTA
Malta Tourism Authority-run offices may be found at:
Valletta
229 Auberge D’Italie, Merchants Street. Tel: 2291 5440/1/2
Malta International Airport
Arrivals Lounge, Luqa. Tel: 2369 6073/4
Gozo
17 Independence Square, Victoria. Tel: 2291 5452/3
Mdina
St Publius Square. Tel: 2145 4480
Mellieha
Misrah iz-zjara tal-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II-26 ta’ Mejju 1990.
Tel: 2152 4666
Valletta Waterfront
Pinto Wharf. Tel: 2122 0633
Public hospital in Malta
Mater Dei Hospital, B’Kara By-pass, B’Kara.
Tel: 2545 0000; email: [email protected]
Public hospital in Gozo
Craig Hospital, Victoria.
Tel: 2156 1600; fax: 2156 0881
CHEMISTS
Chemists are found throughout the islands and are open
during normal shopping hours. On Sundays they operate on
a roster from 09.00 to 12.30hrs in Malta and from 07.30 to
11.00hrs in Gozo. Details of the roster are available on the
local Sunday newspapers.
SMOKING
No smoking is allowed in any entertainment establishment,
including bars and restaurants, unless there is a smoking
designated area.
POSTAL SERVICES
Most towns and villages have post or sub-post offices. Branch
Post Offices in Malta and Gozo are open between 07.30 and
12.45hrs Mon-Sat. Sub-Post Offices are open between 08.00
and 13.00hrs and 16.00 and 18.00hrs Mon-Fri and between
08.00 and 13.00hrs Sat. Stamps can be bought from post
offices, local newsagents, souvenir shops and hotels.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin
rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are
very easy to find.
87
nightlife
Gianpula – open air clubbing
Gianpula Fields Festival Headliner on 14 August – AVICII
Gianpula complex is Malta’s
biggest open air venue. A firm favourite
with both locals and the thousands of
tourists who visit the Maltese islands,
this is the essence of Maltese nightlife.
The ideal Mediterranean climate allows
for this open air club to be enjoyed during the extended summer months and,
with a capacity of 4,000 people, the
party masses certainly take advantage
of this.
The whole complex is a combination of five different venues – The
Gianpula Main Room, Groove Gardens,
Marrakech Molecule and Gianpula
Fields. The original building is an old
farmhouse with extensive grounds
spread over 30,000 square metres of
land. Features include gardens with
rich vegetation, swimming pool, 11
bars, elevated VIP areas, champagne
huts, seating areas, parking facilities,
restaurants and state-of-the-art sound
and lighting systems.
The complex is in the limits of
Rabat situated in the valley below
Malta’s old capital and the medieval
town of Mdina.
Gianpula Main Room and Groove
Gardens are open every Friday and Saturday. On Fridays the music policy is
R&B, commercial and House Music.
Entrance is €6. On Saturdays the entrance fee depends on the event. Check
www.gianpula.com for exact prices.
Marrakech Club which opens on
Saturdays and Sundays ticks all the
boxes when it comes to classifying a sophisticated open-air nightclub: besides
being immersed in an idyllic luxury
garden and surroundings, Marrakech is
blessed by a cool summer breeze (even
in the peak of August).
All in all Marrakech is a true VIP
destination offering supreme tunes by
carefully selected DJs, luxury VIP tables
and champagne huts, flawless service
and an exclusive crowd (both local and
visiting). All are key elements which we
believe will enhance your nights out in
order to let your hair down and have
that great clubbing experience until
the early summer hours.
Saturday nights – Vocal House;
entrance fee before midnight €6
and after midnight €10.
Sunday nights – music policy is
Tech House; entrance fee €5.
We also organise our own
Gianpula transport. Prices from
Sliema/St Julian’s area €13 one
way for five people. Tel: 2345 6789.
For VIP tables or any queries email
[email protected] or 9947 2133.
Opening times 22.30–04.00hrs.
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Nightlife
Lady Gaga at Isle of MTV 2008
Photo by Rene Rossignaud – www.viewingmalta.com
Under The Stars
Nothing says ‘Mediterranean’ more than a fantastic night spent al fresco with
friends. So, as summer 2012 rolls around, Jo Caruana puts on her dancing
shoes to discover the Maltese islands’ best outdoor clubs and events.
From cocktails on the beach
to dancing under the stars, outdoor
clubbing events have already set the
scene for a fantastic summer. And
there really is no denying the fact that
open-air venues make summertime
socialising that bit more special – and
the Maltese islands seem to do that
brilliantly.
So, from the weekly upmarket
events that chic international crowds
clearly love, to the huge annual concerts that have come to attract over
50,000 revellers every year, there’s
definitely a lot to look forward to
throughout summer 2012.
Gianpula Fridays every Friday
– Gianpula, Rabat
Bringing you the best dance music
and top local and international DJs,
Gianpula Fridays are back for another
must-attend season of Friday night
events at this popular outdoor club.
A season pass costs €25, with weekly
Friday tickets available at the door.
For a full list of events on at Gianpula
this summer, including at the Gianpula Fields and Groove Gardens, visit
www.gianpula.com.
Bedouin, St Julian’s
Lovesexy Lido Sundays every
Sunday – Amazonia, Bugibba
The perfect wind-down to a
week of clubbing, Lovesexy attracts
a cosmopolitan crowd. Party-goers
enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, with
deckchairs, cocktails, two large swimming pools and chillout house music
from early afternoon till sunset.
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nightlife
Gianpula, Rabat
Boogie Nights 2 June – MFCC, Ta Qali
Now a name synonymous with great nights out, Boogie
Nights ensure you do just that – boogie! There’s a great lineup of top local DJs booked, including Mahoney, Sandro and
Owen B, as well as Steve Caesar in the VIP area. Doors open
at 22.00hrs.
Bedouin by Privé every Wednesday and Friday
from 2 June – the Westin Dragonara Resort
Known for their upmarket events and international
crowd, Privé launch their new summer season on 2 June
with Bedouin Fridays. At their newly-refurbished location
down at the water’s edge, you’ll find a luxurious all-white
environment, cocktail bar and extended VIP area. The music
will be largely house and lounge, and it will come courtesy
of DJs Panelli and Ibiza-based Vince. On Wednesdays,
Reef Rhythms will feature a more dancy atmosphere with
a soundtrack of pure R&B and hip-hop, with sets by top
local DJ Toni Toni. Privé Events will shortly become the first
local events company to launch an iPhone and Android app
aimed specifically at foreigners (available through iTunes),
which will keep visitors to the islands up-to-date on the
latest parties and activities, and can even give temporary
membership to many of the island’s best events.
Marrakech by Privé every Saturday from 9 June
– the Gianpula Complex
Another Sunday staple frequented by a chic and international crowd, Marrakech is a unique outdoor clubbing experience in Malta. The season kicks off with The White Party
on 9 June, and guests can look forward to a sophisticated
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atmosphere with VIP booths, gazebos and waitress service.
This year the club will welcome numerous top international
DJs including Juan Diaz – official resident DJ for Pasha
Ibiza, DJane Lora – a top celebrity DJ who has recently
performed for the likes of Mick Jagger and Kim Kardashian,
and DJane Nadine from Hungary – currently ranked the
fifth top female DJ in the world. This summer the club’s resident DJ will be Kirmo, who is also from Hungary. Entrance
to this event is free for members and €10 otherwise. A strict
door policy is exercised, so dress to impress!
Bedouin, St Julian’s
nightlife
Lady Gaga at Isle of MTV 2009
Photo by Rene Rossignaud – www.viewingmalta.com
Isle of MTV
Photo by Mario Galea – www.viewingmalta.com
Tuesday 26 June. A late-night after-party will follow the
concert, taking place at Club Numero Uno in Ta’ Qali and
featuring Felix Da House Cat (tickets are free to those with
a pass, or €5 at the door). Finally, the week rounds off with
Size Matters, a party at the Gianpula Complex in Rabat
featuring Steve Angello, AN21 and Max Vangeli (tickets are
€25/€30/VIP €50, for more information visit
www.freshevents.info).
Isle of MTV – Malta Special 26 June
– The Granaries, Floriana
Once again, this well-loved event (which is largely credited with doubling the number of tourists under 24 years of
age visiting the island) will be zooming into Malta with an
A-list line up of international stars. Now in its sixth edition,
Isle of MTV has come to attract crowds of up to 50,000
and has put Malta’s name on the global pop concert map.
The line-up for 2012 includes the likes of Flo-Rida, Nelly
Furtado, Will.i.am and Cassie. This open-air concert is free
and you will not need a ticket to get in.
Malta Music Week 22-28 June – Various
Isle of MTV actually forms part of a larger musicfuelled event in Malta and Gozo this summer – the fourth
edition of Malta Music Week. Although some of the events
do form part of the general summer clubbing calendar, each
is likely to be ‘bigger and better’ on the days in question.
Things kick off with G7 Fridays on 22 June at Gianpula in
Rabat, with a live performance by John Martin – the voice of
Swedish House Mafia (tickets are €6, for more information
visit www.gianpula.com), followed by the Gozo Special Edition at La Grotto in Xlendi (tickets are €8). The week continues with a free open-air concert in the main Bugibba Square
on Sunday 24 June featuring some of Malta’s most up-andcoming bands, and followed, of course, by Isle of MTV on
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Love Brunch every Sunday from 15 July
– Xara Lodge, Rabat
This new concept venue opens its doors for the first time,
promising party-goers an exclusive new haunt and experience in this sophisticated country club. The Love Brunch
kicks off at about 11.00hrs every Sunday, and patrons can
enjoy a relaxed brunch or lunch as they relax by the pool or
on the lawn. The party starts as the afternoon turns to evening, and continues into the night and under the stars.
Below: Gianpula, Rabat
nightlife
PRIVÉ SUMMER TOUR 2012
BEDOUIN FRIDAYS @ Bedouin
Lounge (The Westin Dragonara Reef
Club, St Julian’s) Every Friday Night –
Opening Friday 1 June
Privé Events are all about drawing
together the finest crowd on the island
and attracting the most discerning
party goers! The Bedouin Lounge is
renowned for its surreal beauty and
great atmosphere by the water’s edge,
to which we bring the hippest summer
tunes.
Open every Friday night 21.30hrs02.00hrs from June to September.
For VIP table reservations visit:
www.privepromo.com or download
our ‘Privé Events’ App for iPhone and
Android from the scan box to keep up
to date with all the events happening
during your stay in Malta!
MARRAKECH SATURDAYS @
MARRAKECH Club (Gianpula complex,
l/o Rabat) – Every Saturday Night
Grand opening ‘White Party’
Saturday 9 June
Marrakech Club ticks all the boxes
when it comes to classifying a sophisticated open-air nightclub: besides being
immersed in an idyllic garden, it also
offers VIP tables with waitress service,
hosts some of the most renowned local
and foreign DJs, and attracts the most
gorgeous local and foreign crowd! Be
sure not to miss the now famous Grand
Opening ‘White Party’ on 9 June for a
great start to the summer. Ibiza comes
to Malta on 14 July with International
Superstar DJ from PACHA IBIZA –
JUAN DIAZ! Another celebrity international guest DJ LORA (London) (www.
djlora.com) will be gracing our shores
with a very exclusive set at Marrakech
on 28 July.
Reef Rhythms @ Bedouin Lounge
(Westin Dragonara Reef Club,
St Julian’s) Every Wednesday Night –
July and August
Reef Rhythms every Wednesday
night, where the coolest R&B delivered by Malta’s finest DJs Tony Tony
and Justin will get you bumping and
grinding by the water’s edge! Mid-week
partying at the Bedouin Lounge, where
the sexiest tunes for summer will get
you in the right mood to let yourself
go and enjoy the great summer
vibe! Opening 4 July.
For more information
visit www.privepromo.com or
www.bedouinbarmalta.com.mt.
Download our ‘Privé Events’ App
for iPhone and Android from the
scan box.
Open every Saturday night 22.3004.00hrs. For VIP table reservations
visit www.privepromo.com or www.
gianpula.com or download our ‘Privé
Events’ App for iPhone and Android
from the scan box.
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Getting Around
Malta is about 27 km long and 14.5 km wide. Short
distances make it possible to make the most of your stay
at a relaxed pace. The network of buses within the public
transport system covers nearly all the islands. Car hire rates
in Malta are good value. You may also enjoy a relaxing trip
on the calm, blue Mediterranean Sea by taking an island or
harbour cruise or cross between Valletta and Sliema by ferry
at half hourly intervals.
BUSES
Arriva Malta, part of pan-European Arriva Group, operates
public transport services in the Maltese islands, on a
network offering multiple connections and main termini
in Malta’s capital, Valletta, and Gozo’s capital Victoria. Ten
routes operate in Gozo, including Route 301 linking Victoria
and Mgarr Harbour every 30 minutes.
Arriva’s services run between 05.30hrs and 23.00hrs, with
night buses in some areas, and five express routes (X1, X2,
X3, X4 & X5) linking various localities to the airport and the
Gozo Ferry in Cirkewwa. Various off-bus ticket options are
available from retail outlets all over the islands. More details
at www.arriva.com.mt
TRAVELLING TO GOZO
A regular ro-ro ferry service carries passengers and cars
between Malta and Gozo. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
For information and time-tables contact The Gozo Channel
Company on tel: 2210 9000.
A seaplane service between Malta and Gozo, Harbour Air,
also operates from the Valletta Sea Terminal in Malta and
Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Visit www.harbourairmalta.com
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CAR HIRE
Most international car hire companies have a branch in
Malta. Local companies too offer this service, with or
without a chauffeur. Car hire rates are very reasonable
compared to those in other European countries.
TAXIS
Taxis are identifiable by their all-white livery. All taxis are
fitted with meters and should charge government-controlled
prices. However, you should agree the fare before starting
the journey. Any complaints should be addressed to the
Public Transport Authority, tel: 2143 8475. Over recent
months, a number of private companies have been set up to
offer competitive chauffeur-driven services.
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