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The Southern Part of Malta

Cottonera

When you arrive in Malta by plane, you will land at our Malta International Airport which is located in Luqa, in the south of Malta. Most probably your hotel will be in the central or northern part of the island and it won’t take you so long to arrive and settle in your accomodation. From one end to the other of the island, it is a short trip by car or taxi .

Most tourists mainly visit the northern areas but the south is full of locations worth visiting whilst on holiday in Malta.

Today we shall be exploring the southern part of this lovely island, an area which was not so popular with the tourists in the past. Nowadays one can find various landmarks which should not be missed.

As already described in one of the previous blogs (7000 years of History ), the oldest form of ‘buildings’ in the world, Hagar Qim and Imnajdra, have been standing here for thousands of years. Other historical sites one can visit are ‘Ghar Dalam’ and admire the view from close to the cave called ‘Ghar Hasan’.

This is a place surrounded in mystery, as the legend states that it was a hideaway for a saracen man who captured a young woman. When the locals came to get her back he flung her in the sea below and rather than get captured he jumped after her.

Along the same stretch of cliffs out at sea one can also observe a tiny island. It is called ‘Filfla’. This is a protected natural reserve. Boat trips can arrive close to it but no one can disembark on this island.

There is also the Blue Grotto and Wied iz- Zurrieq which are worth a visit. Boat trips are organised here in summer and one can even enjoy a scuba diving excursion in this area. Once ready, anyone can enjoy the majestic views and have a delicious lunch or a dinner at sunset at the restaurants nearby.  Close-by is another natural bay, that of ‘Ghar Lapsi’ in Siggiewi.

Another place worth visiting in the same locality is the Limestone Heritage which is full of remains of ancient quarrying with an agriturismo touch. Also in Siggiewi there is a family run zoo which is of high standards and hosts various animals. The main attraction are the tiger cubs, sometimes they even had rare tigers like a white tiger cub.

If one wants to relax by taking a walk, it is easy to do so both in Marsascala where there are a number of cafeterias or restauarnts along the promenade that one can choose from. Another locality of interest is the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Here one can observe fishermen bringing in their fresh catch of the day and selling it at the fish market.  Tourists and locals alike can speak with these fishermen to learn more about their work and their experiences at sea.  Most restaurants in this area specialise in authentic local and mediterreanean fish dishes.

Another place where one can taste some fresh fish or local dishes is the Birgu Waterfront. This place has recently been restored and transformed into a high class Yacht Marina.

Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, forms part of the Cottonera, the 3 cities overlooking the Grand Harbour. Vittoriosa is also renowned for the Inquisitor’s palace, the Victory square and its church dedicated to St Lawrence, the Fort st. Angelo and the Maritime Museum.

Walking along the Marina, one can easily access the promenade in Cospicua, also known as Bormla. In Bormla there is the docks that are still being used to repair ships and boats.

Senglea which also forms part of the three cities that surround the Grand Harbour,is a natural peninsula. Its narrow streets which are a characteristic of Cottonera take you back to the times of the Knights where one can enjoy unobstructed views of the harbour and Valletta. There is a beautiul gardiola (a lookout point in the bastions) from where one can view the whole port beneath .

Close by, in Kalkara one must visit the Rinella water tanks used for a number of films which were shot in Malta. There is also the Royal Navy Hospital which is now. ‘Esplora’, an interactive Science Centre.

Once your experience of the southern part of Malta is fulfilled, you can easily catch the ferry from Cottonera that will take you back towards the Capital city of Valletta.

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Exploring Gozo and Comino

Comino Blue_Lagoon

In our blog we have been speaking mainly about Malta.  In today’s Blog we are going to give a shout out to its neighbours… Gozo and Comino.

Comino is a small island accessible only by boat.  It is inhabited by just one family that lives there all year round. In summer it comes alive as locals and tourists visit to enjoy the unblemished natural beauty of this island.

The island also has one hotel which is open in summer for those that want to immerse themselves and fully explore every inch.  For the more adventurous there is a designated camp site with all the amenities at hand.

Whilst on the island, one can enjoy walking around, admiring the views of the sea or exploring the flora and fauna that is found on the island.  The sea around the island with its clear azure waters are excellent places for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

The highlight of every person visiting Comino is to swim in the crystal blue waters of the Blue Lagoon which connects Comino to the islet of Cominotto.  This world famous natural mixed rocky and sandy beach, which hosted the set for ‘Helen of Troy’ (mini series) and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ is definitely a must see.

With almost no light pollution at night, it is also excellent for stargazers and photographers alike.

Summer Love Boat Parties take advantage of these clear blue waters to hold most of its boat parties around the island.  Here you can enjoy a drink with your friends whilst listening to the latest music.  A dive in the sea is also allowed and encourged.

Another place one can visit only be sea is Malta’s Little sister island.  Gozo, is another gem that differs greatly from Malta.  It is less populated with almost 33,000 people. Villages in Gozo are all set on hill tops with untouched valleys all around.

It is accessible by ferry, one can choose whether to go with a private car or else catch the bus to Cirkewwa, then board the ferry on foot and travel around the island by bus using the local public transport.  The transport is very efficient and can take you to every inch of the island.

The inhabitants are very welcoming and will easily put tourists at ease.  The old generation might find difficulty understanding English, being traditionally of low literacy, but the rest of the population will have no problem answering any questions you may have.  Its people are very friendly and helpful.

Although the island is small there is something to see in every village.  The largest town is also Gozo’s capital city, Victoria, or as the locals call it ‘Rabat’.  Visitors can find here all the high street brands and international franchises one also finds in Malta.  There are shopping malls, restaurants, bars and traditional cafes.  Most Gozitans go here for their regular shopping.

As one leaves Victoria however the scenery immediately opens up and one can enjoy the views of the hills and valleys.  Gozo, like Comino, was also used as a film set for various epic movies such as Gladiator (the flashback scene near the end of the movie), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s By the Sea and TV Series like Game of Thrones (Drogo and Daenerys’s Wedding took place in Dwejra).

Important landmarks to visit are the Cittadella in Rabat and Ggantija temples in Xaghra as mentioned in our previous blog. (7000 Years of History).  Whilst in Xaghra one can also visit the Kola windmill which is next to the temples and Ninu’s Cave which is an underground cave full of stalactites and stalagmites as well as other unique features.

There are also other places of interest such as the salt pans in Qbajjar, Marsalforn, a natural rocky window in Wied il- Mielah, a traditional crafts village in San Lawrenz and traditional lace making.

If you are feeling hungry we can suggest some mouth-watering options that the locals flock to.  These include agriturismo style dining set in decade’s old farmhouses, traditional bakeries that still use wood to bake bread, pizza and also baked sweets.  One must definitely try the Maltese traditional Pastizzi which in Gozo are made with sheep’s cheese instead of ricotta.

There are a number of restaurants and bars in the larger villages of Rabat, Nadur, Xaghra and Marsalforn.  All kinds of cuisines are catered for, so you are sure to find a restaurant that cooks to your linking.  For the energetic and party loving tourists there are also a few clubs where you can enjoy a drink and party all night.

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Malta: Leisure and Hospitality

SummerLoveBoatParties

Malta boasts itself of having very hospitable people. The locals are Maltese speaking but English is also the official language of Malta.  The Maltese have adapted to speaking various languages in the past.

The economy has evolved over the years and the country has become multicultural.  Tourism in Malta has been one of the strongest pillars of the Maltese economy for a long time.

This is perfect if you intend to visit the island, you will find help from the time you set foot on the ground, upon requesting transport, checking into your accomodation, whilst you enjoy your dinner and even during shopping, clubbing or sightseeing.

The Maltese are Mediterranean and peaceful people.  So if you are here and find yourself lost or needing information do not hesitate to ask the first person you see in the street, it is very likely that he will reply back in English.

The Maltese also find it easy to strike up a conversation so if you have spare time do not hesitate to talk with the locals and get to know them better. You will learn more about the traditions and customs of the place as well as be up to date with all that is happening in that particular town or village.

Malta’s climate makes it ideal to visit all year round, with mild winters and hot and sunny summers. Malta guarantees 300 days of sun every year so even if you are staying only for a few days, you will definitely enjoy a day of sunshine.

Your holiday can be packed with fun and interesting journeys.  Sightseeing , trekking, shopping , visiting places of interest, cultural events or even themed nights in various localities (organised mostly during weekends). In Summer you must absolutely visit some of the lovely beaches around Malta.  Whilst in Malta one has to attend to the local village ‘festas’ and watch the colourful fireworks.  Malta’s world renowned fireworks factories produce a dazzling display of aerial as well as ground fireworks so don’t miss out.

During the evening you can also enjoy the Maltese nightlife especially in summer… even though the country is small, locals and tourists alike have a wide range of entertainment venues. Most of them are concentrated around the Sliema & St. Julian’s area but it does not stop there.

Should you wish to join us on one of our parties – both at sea or open air venues, you are most welcome to do so. You will immerse yourself in SummerLove Vibes, listen and dance to the beat of the best music in town and make new friends from all over the world.  Most important… you will have FUN….

The staff will make sure it is a night to remember with all your friends.  They will also give you tips on what else you can do while on holiday here.

Well if you keep following this weekly blog you will make some interesting discoveries which will help you prepare for your vacation …

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More than 7000 years of History in just 246 square kilometers

Malta Temples Equinox

Welcome back to our weekly appointment… today we are going to focus on the Top Maltese Historical Sites that one can visit whilst on the island.

Malta offers an array of treasured locations that fascinates history buffs and culture enthusiasts. The size of the island further helps visitors experience more places during short stays.

Dating back to 3600 B.C the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola was used as a sanctuary and for burial purposes. This underground temple yielded a wealth of artefacts such as pottery, bones and ornaments. This monument is considered as an essential prehistoric place to visit in the world.

There are other historical sites located in the south of Malta. Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex composed of prehistoric chambers, a single megalith weighs approx. 20 tons. This prehistoric observatory overlooks the sea and the islet of Filfla. The famous ‘fat lady’ statues along with other artefacts were found in Hagar Qim.

A short walk will take you to the temple of Mnajdra. In this well preserved temple archaeologists found a large amount of flint knives and animal bones suggesting it was used for religious, sacrificial and ceremonial rites. The world famous spiral carvings are also found here and one can observe the Equinox in March and September.

Ghar Dalam cave and museum in Birzebbuga has by far the oldest artefacts found in Malta. In the lower layers of the cave which date back 500,000 years one finds the only specimens of Ice Age animals on the island. These include dwarf elephants, micro mammals and birds.

Gozo is renowned for the oldest standing structure in the world, the Ggantija Temples. This site is older than the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge in England. Two other sites worth visiting while in Gozo are the Cittadella (dating back to the middle ages) and a naturally hewn window shaped rock in Wied il-Mielah, Ghasri.

Back to Malta and similar to the Cittadella is the old capital city of Mdina. This fortified city boasts its own range of historical places to visit, such as, the bastions, the architecture, the National Museum of Natural History, the cathedral, dungeons and views of the surrounding countryside.

Also known as ‘the Silent City’, Mdina takes you back in time due to its vehicle restriction and silent streets. Found within walking distance is Rabat where one can visit the Domus Romana and St Paul’ s Catacombs.

From the old to the ‘new’, Valletta is the current capital city of Malta, also European Capital of Culture in 2018. Once in Valletta, one is immediately immersed in its history. This UNESCO world heritage site was built by the Knights of St John. There is a new experience around every corner.

Notable places to visit are St John’s Co Cathedral with the famous painting by Caravaggio, the various Auberges especially Auberge de Castille (Office of the Prime Minister), Auberge d’ Italie which houses the Malta National Community Art Museum (MUZA), The Grandmaster’s Palace which houses the Armoury of the knights and the old Parliament Building.

Another important landmark is the National Library where all the important documents and manuscripts from Malta’s history are kept. Overlooking Malta’s majestic grand harbour is Fort St. Elmo. This celebrated fortress is remembered for the role it played in the Great Siege of 1565.

From Valletta one can easily board a ferry that will take you to Vittoriosa. One of the three cities directly facing Valletta. Otherwise you can also board a traditional boat to feel the grandeur that the bastions surrounding the cities impose.

In Birgu there is another important fortress named Fort St. Angelo which also had a crucial role in the Siege. Whilst in Birgu one must visit the Inquisitor’s Palace. This extremely well preserved palace showcases the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798.

This whirlwind historical tour is just a taste of what Malta can offer. So pack your bags, charge your camera and immerse yourself in our history.

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Welcome to Sunny Malta … but is it true?

Welcome to Sunny Malta_ Summerloveboatparties

Whilst hoping you enjoyed our first blog we wish to give you some insight about the weather conditions of this small island.

Currently the temperature is already hitting the 15°C to 20 °C [or 60 °F to 70 °F ] and the days are mostly sunny even though we are still in winter. However there are occasional drops in temperature and strong wind spells.

The winters are not so cold here in Malta, but sometimes the temperature feels close to 0 °C [or 32 °F] due to the high humidity and winds coming from central Europe. Still, Malta never experiences snow, it experiences some hail storms on rare occasions at the beginning of the year.

Annual rainfall amount is quite low as well. The wind is the element which can cause more damage especially since the Maltese climate is highly influenced by the sea.

When compared to other countries the climate is mild and typically mediterranean. Since the island is small in size, the weather changes frequently and even though the weather forecasts are quite accurate, there might be a scorching sun on one end of the village whilst the other side is covered in dark clouds.

Sometimes, in winter, you even see some tourists walking around in the streets with sleevless tops and flip-flops, even on the coldest days in Malta. Some opt for swimming during the winter days as the winter in the Maltese Islands is similar to the summer in other countries with an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day, which doubles in the summer.

Spring is cooler than summer and is occasionally a little windy whilst autumn is often cool except when the African Scirocco winds blow on this small mediterranean island.

Malta has a pleasantly sunny climate summers are hot, very sunny and dry. The sea breezes manage to relieve this feeling and cool down the place. Bathing can be enjoyed during all the summer months and beach season can be enjoyed until late October.

Maltese residents and tourists alike can enjoy this superb weather whilst foreign students come here to learn English ,older couples come here to retire and many employees from all over the world especially nordic countries relocate to work in Malta.

The climate, especially in summer allows the enjoyment of a great outdoor life full of cultural and social events even by the sea. One can enjoy the numerous beaches, walks along the seafront promenades and al fresco dining is a must.

So if you decided to pay a visit… pack a light jacket in winter and your lightest clothes in summer but definitely DON’T forget to pack your swimsuit… it doesn’t take much space anyway 😉

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MALTA … A Small Island … A Cocktail of Culture

The_Grand_Harbour_Malta Summerlove

Just like a cocktail is created by mixing a variety of ingredients that together provide an ideal combination, so is the Island of Malta.

Malta is the smallest nation in Europe however it boasts a mixture of cultures and traditions that date back to more than 7000 years. It caters for all travellers who visit this small island in the heart of the mediterranean, 2.6million tourists in 2018.

It can be reached by many airlines, it has its own natural Cruise port and there is also a Catamaran service which arrives directly from Sicily.  If you are looking for a short break, Malta is the perfect location for you.  It boasts to be the ideal destination for many Hollywood Movie Sets and recently even Bollywood Movies have been filmed here.  Gladiator, Assassin’s Creed and Game of Thrones to name a few.

Malta hosts historical sites including Hagar Qim and Imnajdra which are possibly older but similar to Stonehenge.  Heritage Malta Sites are open to the public and easily accessible.

Maltese architecture has evolved throughout the millenias of different rulers that this island experienced.  Most notably is the baroque and gothic style of the Knights of St John and the Victorian and Elizabethan style under British rule.

Other nations that have ruled over Malta in the past include the Romans, Spanish and French, each leaving an impression on the Maltese Culture. The Maltese people have managed to merge these traits and at the same time create their unique identity and language. Maltese hospitality is renowned worldwide even because they can speak multiple languages.

Malta has an efficient means of transport which makes it so easy to travel from one location to another in no time. It’s a must to visit Malta’s fun packed locations and the vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs and restaurants found in every village but mainly situated in the Central Sliema and St Julians areas. In winter there are places to unwind such as valleys , secluded cliffs, open space and woodland areas.

Sunny Malta, as the Island is often called, offers sandy and rocky beaches all around Malta and Gozo, then there is also the well known Blue Lagoon in Comino. Summertime offers the possibility for swimming, boat trips, snorkeling or scuba diving in picturesque locations.

So if you want a perfect holiday location… if you want to learn more about Malta… Follow this Blog, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @summerloveboatparties.

Come and join us and together let’s Discover Malta…

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