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The local soft drink in Malta is an unusual tasting mix of bitter oranges and herbs. The ubiquitous drink is sold everywhere in the country from small kiosks to bars and restaurants. I have to admit I didn’t like it at all and after a couple of gulps couldn’t finish the rest. It’s apparently lovely mxed with vodka!!!
The ever watchful ‘Eye of Osiris’ is a popular sight in Egypt and Turkey but I was a little surprised to see it used so much in Malta. The tradition which was actually brought over from Egypt, is common throughout the islands, especially carved onto the bows of the colourful Maltese fishing boats. You will also see the eye over doorways of homes, in cars and on jewellery. The superstition is meant to bring luck and to ward off evil spirits.
Malta is famous for its colourful fishing boats. There are different kinds of boats – The luzzu is pointed at both ends, the kajjik is only pointed and one end and the smaller dghajsa looks similar to the Venetian gondola with high curving bows. The best place to see these boats are at Marsaxlokk and around St. Julians and Sliema.The owners of these boats are very proud of their boats and their spend a lot of time and effort painting and ,maintain their boats. The red, blue, yellow and red paint is constantly touched up and you rarely see one of the boats with flaking or faded paint work.
The Maltese buses are famous in their own right. A huge number of the buses are very old classic buses from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. The old Bedford, Leyland and AEC buses are brightly coloured in orange and yellow on Malta with more subdued grey and red buses on Gozo. They rattle and shake and are often noisy and uncomfortable but I love them. I noticed several newer modern city buses and I hope they aren’t planning on replacing all the old buses. They are a great experience in themselves and it would be a shame to lose them. To alert the driver that you want to get off, there is usually a cord which runs along the roof of the bus and is connected to an old bell. Pull the cord and the driver will let you off at the next stop, if he isn’t too busy wrestling with the gear stick or steering wheel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Maltese are a very conservative society when it comes to religion. As one of the oldest Christian societies in the world (Christianity reportedly came to Malta in 60AD with St. Paul accidental arrival on Malta after being shipwrecked) the Maltese are a devoutly Catholic community and you must bear this in mind when entering churches. The Maltese are very strict on dress code when entering a church. You will often be refused entry to Malta and Gozo places of worship if you are dressed in shorts, skirts, t-shirts, flip-flops etc. If you plan on visiting Malta’s churches you will have to cover up when entering a lot of them.
In the Alexandra hotel they handed out martini glasses with a redish drink free so me and Emmie drank a few thinking it was martini and it was alcoholic we both felt a bit stupid when it was kinnie and had no alcohol we both said what's the point drinking that. If you don't like martini's don't drink kinnie if you do like them give it a try.
If you like partying then definitely stay somewhere in Sliema or St Julians as this is close to the party central of the island - Paceville. It will be packed with people in the Christmas season as students will be out of school and many workers will be on Christmas shutdown. Sliema is also well connected by buses. There's also lots of shops and restaurants.People in Malta celebrate New year's eve with a bang here. Bars will be packed - prices might be higher too!!There will also be plenty of organised parties which are usually open bar (or with tokens on purchase of tickets) or you can go for a gala dinner at a hotel or restaurant - which are usually very formal (lounge/black tie attire). If you're interested in the parties or dinners you would need to book abit before however as they get booked up pretty quick.On 1st January all places (except restaurants/bars,etc) will be closed -...
Here is a photo of a tree that looks like it has Jesus on the cross on it.The photo isnt very good but Ian was driving past at quite a speed so I was lucky to get it at all.The tree is on the road up to Mdina on your right.
Every New Year I have visited the cat home this year because Malta joined the Euro I put all my Malteese money in the box for cat food.In the photo only one cat is visable but the cat home houses quite a few.I almost forgot to write the location it is in Triq Spinola, if you are walking up the bank past Papparazzi it is the first road on your right, just walk right to the end you can't miss it.
The stone watchtower, or Vedette, at Senglea Point has eyes and ears sculpted on it to keep it ever watchful and alert. Vedette is literally the French for a mounted sentry, positioned ahead of the troops to serve as a scout.
Hotel Phoenicia Malta Valletta
6 Reviews and 726 Opinions We stayed at the Phoenicia for 7 nights and I was happy we did. It is ideally located just outside...
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Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort & Spa Gozo
2 Reviews and 264 Opinions Good room, huge bed. Booked direct with hotel and beat best Internet prices! Am writing this from my...
The Xara Palace Mdina
5 Reviews and 81 Opinions I did not stay in this hotel, but I passed by it, when walking through the old town of Mdina. b.t.w....
Reviews and photos of Malta attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Malta sightseeing.
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Q: Hello, A question on Xlendi for those who know it. Looking at photos, I get the impression that you need to climb the steps set...
A: Xlendi is a village in Gozo. There is a beach and a rock you can climb if you like to see the sea from afar. You can avoid to do thins thing. I liked this little...
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