Lucienne’s guidebook for your stay in Malta
Neighborhoods
Qawra and Bugibba : It is well-connected to other parts of Malta through the bus Terminus, situated 6 minutes by walk away. There is a number of restaurants catering for all tastes and pockets. Prices are very reasonable. You can enjoy a stroll along the 3.5km promenade and could easily enjoy a 1.5 hour evening comfortable walking this lovely promenade. We recommend a visit at the Malta National Aquarium situated at Qawra Point, very near to Ta' Fra Ben Beach. There is also a historical Watch Tower overlooking the small bay. It is a rocky beach but still a great place to go for a swim. Great spot for snorkeling too.
Qawra
Qawra and Bugibba : It is well-connected to other parts of Malta through the bus Terminus, situated 6 minutes by walk away. There is a number of restaurants catering for all tastes and pockets. Prices are very reasonable. You can enjoy a stroll along the 3.5km promenade and could easily enjoy a 1.5 hour evening comfortable walking this lovely promenade. We recommend a visit at the Malta National Aquarium situated at Qawra Point, very near to Ta' Fra Ben Beach. There is also a historical Watch Tower overlooking the small bay. It is a rocky beach but still a great place to go for a swim. Great spot for snorkeling too.
St Paul's Bay : Is very near and is a quieter, still retaining some of its original fishermen's village characteristics. From here you can take a boat trip to Comino Island
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Saint Paul's Bay
St Paul's Bay : Is very near and is a quieter, still retaining some of its original fishermen's village characteristics. From here you can take a boat trip to Comino Island
Comino, is a very small island midway between the islands of Malta and Gozo. It is mostly visited for a day trip. One can spend a day hiking across the island as the entire island classified as a wildlife sanctuary nowadays. Comino island is known for the famous Blue Lagoon bay with its crystal clear and azure-coloured water. Also other popular bays are Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay.
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Comino
Comino, is a very small island midway between the islands of Malta and Gozo. It is mostly visited for a day trip. One can spend a day hiking across the island as the entire island classified as a wildlife sanctuary nowadays. Comino island is known for the famous Blue Lagoon bay with its crystal clear and azure-coloured water. Also other popular bays are Santa Maria Bay and San Niklaw Bay.
Salina National Park and Kennedy Grove : Situated on the edge of Qawra, towards South. Nearby you can also find the salt pans (Is-Salini) and a Bird Park. While the salt pans aren't really worth a visit, the Bird Park might be of more interest. It houses a variety of local bird species that you can admire.
Is-Salina
Salina National Park and Kennedy Grove : Situated on the edge of Qawra, towards South. Nearby you can also find the salt pans (Is-Salini) and a Bird Park. While the salt pans aren't really worth a visit, the Bird Park might be of more interest. It houses a variety of local bird species that you can admire.
Airport
Airport 1 station
The Airport is 45-60 minutes away by bus, Route X. A ticket costs Euro 2 each
Sandy Beaches
Sandy Beaches in the North of Malta : If you are a sun seeker and wish to discover Malta's best sandy beaches we recommend : Ghajn Tuffieha , Paradise Bay , Gnejna Bay , Golden Bay, Armier and Mellieha (Ghadira). All these bays are approx. 20 minutes by car from our location.
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Għajn Tuffieħa
Sandy Beaches in the North of Malta : If you are a sun seeker and wish to discover Malta's best sandy beaches we recommend : Ghajn Tuffieha , Paradise Bay , Gnejna Bay , Golden Bay, Armier and Mellieha (Ghadira). All these bays are approx. 20 minutes by car from our location.
City/town information
Valletta :Malta's capital city. A must see, beautiful during the day, and worth a visit in the dark hours as well. For those who love architecture the capital is rich. Visiting the office of the prime minister ( Auberge de Castile ) followed with a stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens where you will have a magnificent view of one of Europe's prettiest grand harbors. Equally beautiful at night when the bastions are all lit. One may visit various auberges in the capital , the Museum of Archaeology , St John's Co Cathedral where the world famous Mattia Preti painting ( the beheading of St John) is displayed. The Cathedral museum and its tapestries are also a must. Only minutes away are the presidents palace and the House of Parliament . If you feel tired, a stop at one of the coffee shops will surely revive you. Most coffee shops offer the traditional Maltese Pastizzi, ricotta or pea filled filo pastry which is a delicacy taken with a cup of tea/ coffee. Further down, one may also visit the Mediterranean Conference Center and few meters away, you may stop for an audio and visual show, The Malta Experience. There is also an Open Market in Merchants street which runs daily.
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Valletta
Valletta :Malta's capital city. A must see, beautiful during the day, and worth a visit in the dark hours as well. For those who love architecture the capital is rich. Visiting the office of the prime minister ( Auberge de Castile ) followed with a stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens where you will have a magnificent view of one of Europe's prettiest grand harbors. Equally beautiful at night when the bastions are all lit. One may visit various auberges in the capital , the Museum of Archaeology , St John's Co Cathedral where the world famous Mattia Preti painting ( the beheading of St John) is displayed. The Cathedral museum and its tapestries are also a must. Only minutes away are the presidents palace and the House of Parliament . If you feel tired, a stop at one of the coffee shops will surely revive you. Most coffee shops offer the traditional Maltese Pastizzi, ricotta or pea filled filo pastry which is a delicacy taken with a cup of tea/ coffee. Further down, one may also visit the Mediterranean Conference Center and few meters away, you may stop for an audio and visual show, The Malta Experience. There is also an Open Market in Merchants street which runs daily.
Rabat and Mdina : I recommend at least half a day here. Rabat : if you have your own car, it takes about 25 minutes to get there. There is the Roman Villa, The St Pauls and St Agatha's Catacombs ( open daily) and 5 minutes drive is Buskett Gardens on one side, and further right is Dingli Cliffs. A beautiful not to be missed spot. Back to Rabat, a 2 minute stroll takes you to the gate of the silent city Mdina. You will be surprised and taken back in time when walking along the streets of this place. Palaces are old and very well preserved, a handful of restaurants and an open air coffee shop ( Fontanella) with country views extending to the south of the island. This shop is known for its delicious cakes, and if you feel like eating something small, why not try local bread with tomato paste, tuna, olives etc. St Paul's Cathedral lies in the heart of the city and you will find a number of shops selling all sorts of souvenirs. Mdina is the place where you relax, but, if you still have time, a visit to Ta' Qali Crafts village is very interesting. You may see glass blowing, lace and other products that are manufactured locally.
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Rabat
Rabat and Mdina : I recommend at least half a day here. Rabat : if you have your own car, it takes about 25 minutes to get there. There is the Roman Villa, The St Pauls and St Agatha's Catacombs ( open daily) and 5 minutes drive is Buskett Gardens on one side, and further right is Dingli Cliffs. A beautiful not to be missed spot. Back to Rabat, a 2 minute stroll takes you to the gate of the silent city Mdina. You will be surprised and taken back in time when walking along the streets of this place. Palaces are old and very well preserved, a handful of restaurants and an open air coffee shop ( Fontanella) with country views extending to the south of the island. This shop is known for its delicious cakes, and if you feel like eating something small, why not try local bread with tomato paste, tuna, olives etc. St Paul's Cathedral lies in the heart of the city and you will find a number of shops selling all sorts of souvenirs. Mdina is the place where you relax, but, if you still have time, a visit to Ta' Qali Crafts village is very interesting. You may see glass blowing, lace and other products that are manufactured locally.
Marsascala : This is another small fishing village situated at the south of the island. Prices at restaurants here are reasonably cheaper than of similar restaurants in other tourist localities. There is also a family park and a children's playground and if you want to go for a swim, there is St Thomas Bay sandy beach within a short distance. You can enjoy a stroll along the lovely promenade .
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Marsaskala
Marsascala : This is another small fishing village situated at the south of the island. Prices at restaurants here are reasonably cheaper than of similar restaurants in other tourist localities. There is also a family park and a children's playground and if you want to go for a swim, there is St Thomas Bay sandy beach within a short distance. You can enjoy a stroll along the lovely promenade .
Marsaxlokk & Birzebbugia : Marsaxlokk open market on Sundays is very popular with tourists flocking to see the fish displays and much much more. This is another fishing village and is a must go. Different during the weekdays when the market is much smaller. If lucky, you might see fisherman landing their catches. Once at Marsaxlokk ( which is 45 minutes drive from Qawra) one can drive to close by Birzebbugia and enjoy its lovely Pretty bay and its surroundings.
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Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk & Birzebbugia : Marsaxlokk open market on Sundays is very popular with tourists flocking to see the fish displays and much much more. This is another fishing village and is a must go. Different during the weekdays when the market is much smaller. If lucky, you might see fisherman landing their catches. Once at Marsaxlokk ( which is 45 minutes drive from Qawra) one can drive to close by Birzebbugia and enjoy its lovely Pretty bay and its surroundings.
The Three cities ( 35minutes from Qawra) : Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea, boasting a wealth of history. Just walk along the streets of these cities, meet the locals . The Inquisitor' s Palace and the Maritime Museum are in Vittoriosa as this used to be the capital city during the era of the nights of St John. There are also few churches which are some of the finest we have on the island.
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Cospicua
The Three cities ( 35minutes from Qawra) : Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea, boasting a wealth of history. Just walk along the streets of these cities, meet the locals . The Inquisitor' s Palace and the Maritime Museum are in Vittoriosa as this used to be the capital city during the era of the nights of St John. There are also few churches which are some of the finest we have on the island.
Sliema : a very much sought place by tourists. Shopping ? you name it and you will find it here. Beautiful promenade, hotels, coffee shops ,shopping malls etc. We recommend a boat trip from the strand. Daily trips around Malta, to Comino, harbour cruises etc are all available there.
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Sliema
Sliema : a very much sought place by tourists. Shopping ? you name it and you will find it here. Beautiful promenade, hotels, coffee shops ,shopping malls etc. We recommend a boat trip from the strand. Daily trips around Malta, to Comino, harbour cruises etc are all available there.
Sightseeing
Pre Historic sites : Hal Saflieni Hypogeum World heritage : ( 30 minutes drive from Qawra) Advance booking is required, during peak periods even more than a month or so in advance.
Tarxien temples (no advance bookings needed). At Zurrieq you will find Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. Just minutes before arriving at the temples ,you will get an amazing view of Filfa, an uninhabited island off the coast of Zurrieq. In older days, it was used as target practice by the British forces , but, today, the island is a protected bird sanctuary and wildlife zone. On your way stop
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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Pre Historic sites : Hal Saflieni Hypogeum World heritage : ( 30 minutes drive from Qawra) Advance booking is required, during peak periods even more than a month or so in advance.
Tarxien temples (no advance bookings needed). At Zurrieq you will find Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. Just minutes before arriving at the temples ,you will get an amazing view of Filfa, an uninhabited island off the coast of Zurrieq. In older days, it was used as target practice by the British forces , but, today, the island is a protected bird sanctuary and wildlife zone. On your way stop
Blue Grotto - Wied iz-Zurrieq : The Blue Grotto is a complex of sea caves along the Southeastern part of Malta and is a popular (must-visit!) tourist attraction. On sunny days, the reflection of sunlight on the white sandy seafloor lights up the caves in bright blue hues, which is a true spectacle to admire!
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Blauwe Grot
Blue Grotto - Wied iz-Zurrieq : The Blue Grotto is a complex of sea caves along the Southeastern part of Malta and is a popular (must-visit!) tourist attraction. On sunny days, the reflection of sunlight on the white sandy seafloor lights up the caves in bright blue hues, which is a true spectacle to admire!
Gozo : ( a definitely must go and 1 full day is required) Qawra to Cirkewwa ( from where you take the ferry) is approx. 25 minutes drive, followed with a 25 minute ferry crossing. I recommend an early start for this tour. On arrival at Mgarr Harbour 5 minutes drive takes you to Ggantija Temples : UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malta’s best preserved prehistoric temples dating back to 2500 BC. It is Considered as one of the oldest free standing monuments in the world preceding Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
From Xaghra, a short drive to Calypso Cave and afterwards to Ramla l-Hamra Bay ( a dip is a must). Close by is Qala , easternmost village in Gozo and boasts fabulous views over the sea to Comino and Malta as well as a long history of settlement since earliest times - though the present settlement dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century. Il-Qala means port and probably refers to the nearby bay and landing stage of Ħondoq ir-Rummien, now a popular swimming place. Breath taking views can be enjoyed from the il-Qala Belvedere. Gozitans are also very helpful and they will assist you with any directions. It takes only 20 minutes to cross the whole of this small sister island. From Ramla Bay ( known also as red sand bay) a drive through the picturesque bays of Qbajjar, Marsalforn with a stop at the salt pans and then uphill to Zebbug, this quaint village that like most of Gozo makes you feel relaxed and back in time.
Just follow the signs to Victoria, the capital city, where you will find the daily Open Market and opposite is the Cittadella. The Citadel has been at the centre of activity on the island since possibly Neolithic times, and was certainly fortified during the Bronze Age around 1500 BC. It was later developed by the Phoenicians and in Roman times, it was a complex Acropolis. Gozo was a privileged Roman Municipality. Once at the top , you can enjoy the open country views of Gozo. From here, a drive to San Lawrenz Village, Dwejra and the Azure Window which is another must see. Xlendi Bay is another place not to miss followed with Ta Cenc Cliffs that are are another marvel. By this time you should have done a lot and I am sure that you have fond memories of our sister island and what it has to offer.
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Gozo
Gozo : ( a definitely must go and 1 full day is required) Qawra to Cirkewwa ( from where you take the ferry) is approx. 25 minutes drive, followed with a 25 minute ferry crossing. I recommend an early start for this tour. On arrival at Mgarr Harbour 5 minutes drive takes you to Ggantija Temples : UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malta’s best preserved prehistoric temples dating back to 2500 BC. It is Considered as one of the oldest free standing monuments in the world preceding Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
From Xaghra, a short drive to Calypso Cave and afterwards to Ramla l-Hamra Bay ( a dip is a must). Close by is Qala , easternmost village in Gozo and boasts fabulous views over the sea to Comino and Malta as well as a long history of settlement since earliest times - though the present settlement dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century. Il-Qala means port and probably refers to the nearby bay and landing stage of Ħondoq ir-Rummien, now a popular swimming place. Breath taking views can be enjoyed from the il-Qala Belvedere. Gozitans are also very helpful and they will assist you with any directions. It takes only 20 minutes to cross the whole of this small sister island. From Ramla Bay ( known also as red sand bay) a drive through the picturesque bays of Qbajjar, Marsalforn with a stop at the salt pans and then uphill to Zebbug, this quaint village that like most of Gozo makes you feel relaxed and back in time.
Just follow the signs to Victoria, the capital city, where you will find the daily Open Market and opposite is the Cittadella. The Citadel has been at the centre of activity on the island since possibly Neolithic times, and was certainly fortified during the Bronze Age around 1500 BC. It was later developed by the Phoenicians and in Roman times, it was a complex Acropolis. Gozo was a privileged Roman Municipality. Once at the top , you can enjoy the open country views of Gozo. From here, a drive to San Lawrenz Village, Dwejra and the Azure Window which is another must see. Xlendi Bay is another place not to miss followed with Ta Cenc Cliffs that are are another marvel. By this time you should have done a lot and I am sure that you have fond memories of our sister island and what it has to offer.
Night Life
Night life : If you want to spend one or more of your nights out partying, there is not better place than Paceville, the gem of Maltese nightlife, a place littered with bars, night clubs and places of entertainment. Its a 20 minute drive to get there, starts late and is very lively till the early hours. The best nights are Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays.
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Paceville
Night life : If you want to spend one or more of your nights out partying, there is not better place than Paceville, the gem of Maltese nightlife, a place littered with bars, night clubs and places of entertainment. Its a 20 minute drive to get there, starts late and is very lively till the early hours. The best nights are Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays.
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Hop-on/hop-off Buses
Hop-on/hop-off Buses are and easy way to do your sightseeing. Please check iseemaltadotcom for more info.