July, 2009

Uncategorized — No Comments
29
Jul 09

Malta Harbour Cruises




If you are planning your holiday in Malta and want to see as much as you can, what better way to see the Maltese Islands than to go in style on a cruise boat?
Join one of the Harbour cruises which will take you to some of the most beautiful and fascinating spots around the coast from the Grand Harbour to Comino and around Gozo. Some cruises will make a stop at the Blue Lagoon in Comino where you will be able to get a dip in the crystal clear blue sea. If you are interested in history you can select a cruise which goes around the two natural harbours on either of Valletta – Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. Some cruises offer a detailed commentary which will make the bastions, forts and creeks around the harbour and the Three Cities come alive.
Most cruise boats leave from what is known as the ‘ferry’ in Sliema. Each company has a small kiosk with information of the different cruise trips that they offer. If you are staying in Valletta catch a ferry from Marsamxett which crosses over to Sliema from where the cruise boats operate.
There is no better way to visit the incredible Maltese archipelago than from the deck a sailing boat; so make your homework before deciding which cruise to take….

http://www.captainmorgan.com.mt/

http://www.alliancecruises.com/

http://www.officialluzzucruises.com/

Uncategorized — No Comments
28
Jul 09

New Seafront Hangout near Valletta – La Vecchia Dogana



The general rule used to be: the better the view, the worse the food.

And we can only appreciate the irony of that now as tasty spots like the Valletta Waterfront are starting to populate our long-ignored waterfront.

Here to help the cause: La Vecchia Dogana, your new harbour-side fish restaurant formerly the old customs house dates back to the 15th century. The sleek interior design contrasts the newly restored building which retains all of its charm and
excellent location.

While you might have already gotten your early morning snack, you’ll want to remember the restaurant when you’re looking for a place to lunch.

When the sun goes down, is when things start to get interesting. Take advantage of the open terrace at the water’s edge and enjoy the days catch of fish which is presented to you before it is cooked.

La Vecchia Dogana is located below Valletta bastions on Marsamxett side.

Uncategorized — No Comments
23
Jul 09

Caffe Luna – Malta’s Stylish Restaurant





Nothing compares to the experience that you get when visiting Palazzo Parisio. The newly restored Palazzo with its gardens, fountains and terraces and of course Caffe Luna, which is undoubtedly the most stylish restaurant and tea room on the island. It is no wonder that Ophra Winfrey chose this venue for her sojourn on the island. Peaceful and yet with an air of grandeur which reflect times gone by. It offers a tranquil space and a peep through a bit of Maltese history. This magnificent Palace in the centre of Naxxar is still the home of the Marquis Scicluna family.

Caffe Luna is chic in every sense… a table outside offers the pleasant atmosphere of a Maltese traditional garden with crisp white canopies, and charming waiters serving food on fine china. The menus are predominantly Italian with Maltese specialities adding a local flavour. All is fresh and … so try one of its best dishes …. Carpaccio di Pesce Spada, Filetto di Manzo al Pepe Rosa or a simple but tasty sandwich.

If you fancy an afternoon traditional English tea… this is the place where you can have a real feast – homemade cakes, scones with strawberry jam and fresh cream not to mention the fine selection of China and India teas.

Palazzo Parisio is a place where dreams are made, sit back and relax. Even if it is for just a short time you feel that for a moment you have been treated like royalty.

Bus number 54 will take you directly from Valletta to Naxxar in less than 30 minutes.

www.palazzoparisio.com

Uncategorized — 1 Comment
17
Jul 09

Architect Renzo Piano unveils plans for Valletta

View our exclusive clip showing Renzo Piano’s models and plans for Valletta’s City Gate, House of Parliament and Opera House. The exhibition is at the Museum of Archeology in Valletta – open till end of July 2009, entrance free.

View on YouTube in HD here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGzTSKz_flo
Uncategorized — No Comments
7
Jul 09

Rubino – Best rated restaurant in Valletta

Rubino is one of a kind. It is a small restaurant with just three rooms and four to five tables in each of these rooms. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the food excellent. The menu changes according to what is in season, however if you are visiting Malta for the first time this is the place to taste the National dish stewed rabbit. Rubino is easy to find and situated at no 53 Old Bakery street. It still has a nineteen thirties facade with the title ‘confectionary’ of its previous owner… so do not be mislead. It is best to make a reservation as it is a favorite place for the locals and can be difficult to find a table at times.
Dinner starts at 2000hrs.

Uncategorized — 1 Comment
7
Jul 09

Malta Island Guide

Must Do’s

  • Stay in the historic capital Valletta, lots to see and do; magnificent views of the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens
  • Explore the medieval city of Mdina – the silent city – have a rest at Fontanella located on the bastion walls, the best tea room with views.
  • Stroll along the seafront from Sliema to St Julian’s
  • Eat on the water’s edge in the traditional fishing village of Marsascala
  • Visit Marsaxlokk – the picturesque fishing village.
  • Take a boat to Birgu from Valletta Water front and explore the Three Cities
  • Visit the Hypogeum in Tarxien – unique underground caverns.
  • Spend a day on the quieter island of Gozo
  • Visit Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar – if Oprah visited it … so must you! Nice tearooms and gardens.
  • Take a boat to the Blue Lagoon off the island of Comino to swim in the azure waters

Sandy Beaches

  • Golden Sands, Ghajn Tuffieha, and Riviera are the islands top sandy beaches
  • Paradise Bay in Cirkewwa, close to the ferry boat to Gozo
  • Armier also in Cirkewwa (Forty minutes by bus from Valletta.)

St Julians Restaurants

  • Dolcevita, St Julians, for fresh fish with views of the bay
  • Terazza, Spinola Road, St Julians, for fresh fish on the bay
  • Zest 12 St George’s Road, Spinola Bay, for sushi where East meets West at Hotel Juliani
  • Peppinos St George’s Road, Spinola Bay, a little trattoria serving Mediterranean food

Valletta Restaurants

  • Rubino, 58 Old Bakery Street Valletta.
  • Fumia, Manuel Theatre Old Bakery Street Valletta.
  • Two-twentytwo, Valletta http://www.two-twentytwo.com
  • Valletta Waterfront, http://www.vallettawaterfront.com
  • Da Pippo, 136 melita street Tel 21248029 for Mediterranean food in a local trattoria
  • Cafe Cordina, best coffee house in Valletta http://www.caffecordina.com
  • Sicilia Bar, for a simple lunch with stunning views on the bastions, down St Pauls street


Birgu Restaurants

Uncategorized — No Comments
6
Jul 09

Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta – October 2009



The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic and is a “must do” race. With the spectacular Marsamxett Harbour as its backdrop this year’s edition will start on the 17th October. The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the Middle Sea Race as “the most beautiful race course in the world.”

It is always best to book your accommodation ahead of time. Valletta Suites offer superb self catering apartments which will make your stay unforgettable.