MALTA EYEWITNESS
alternativeMalta
Far from the madding crowd, Malta offers visitors a slice of genuine Mediterranean charm, says Laura Gelder
M
alta is a quintessential Mediterranean destination, with its sun-scorched buildings,
cornfl ower-blue sea and rustic countryside. Famous for its guaranteed sunshine, cheap and cheerful nightlife and deep-rooted history, Malta should have far-reaching appeal, but it is often discounted as an ex-pat enclave or a destination for retirees. But away from the main resorts, Malta and sister islands Gozo and Comino offer cuisine to rival neighbouring Sicily, a calendar of quirky events and heaps of unspoilt villages, bays and beaches to explore.
Malta Night owls
Malta’s pulsing nightlife around St Julian’s popular Paceville is not for everyone, and there are plenty of other options for those who like to stay away from the ‘main strip’. Gianpula is a huge outdoor superclub just outside Rabat and situated in the valley below Malta’s old capital, the medieval town of Mdina. The old farmhouse includes grounds expanding over an area of 30 acres of land encompassing lots of smaller clubs like Marrakech and the Groove Gardens. Flamboyant entertainers and big-name Djs make this a must for clubbers. For those who aren’t interested in clubbing there are plenty of sophisticated bars for low-key cocktails and tapas – like 222 in Valletta. Pronounced two twenty- two, it’s set in a former grain store in the city’s thick bastion walls. The bar/restaurant
has tables looking across the city, with purple lights illuminating the entrance arch and music videos projected on the walls. Malta boasts a vibrant theatrical calendar
of plays, musicals, operas and both classical and modern music concerts. There are various venues, such as the 18th century National Theatre or the subterranean Mediterranean Conference Centre, and the islands’ guaranteed sunshine means outside venues are popular. Open-air Shakespeare in the Baroque Gardens of San Anton Palace in July is a thespian highlight. Typically Mediterranean, Malta is big on
fresh, seasonal food and its restaurants serve up excellent Med favourites like pizza and pasta. But many people miss the local cuisine, which is rustic and seasonal: such as fi sh pie, rabbit stew and bigilla, a pate of broad beans and garlic. For real foodies, a trip to Marsaxlokk fi sh
market on Sunday morning is a treat. Here, visitors can try Aljotta (fi sh soup) and enjoy fi sh as varied as bass, stone fi sh, grouper, red mullet, swordfi sh and tuna. Malta isn’t famous as a wine
destination, but its soil yields well known grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as indigenous kinds like Gellewza and Ghirghentina. Northern Europe is only just discovering Malta’s produce so wine buffs will love the chance to learn more. The main wineries, including Meridiana Wine Estate, Montekristo Estates and Tal-Massar Winery offer tours and tastings. Far from being a convalescence
zone for the elderly, as Malta is often labelled, the islands’
rugged landscape and the surrounding sea actually make it a playground for adventure seekers. From mid-November until mid-May the
islands are at their greenest, with wild fl owers and herbs in abundance. Hikers will fi nd a countryside often untouched by modern life, with farmers using traditional
Where to Book It Belleair Holidays 0845 365 3412
www.belleair.co.uk
Making Tracks
Gozo’s Dingli Cliffs are a spectacular spot to watch the sun set from the highest area in Malta, with remarkable coastal views
Seven nights at the Grand Hotel Gozo costs from £677.50pp for B&B, based on two adults sharing, return fl ights from Gatwick, transfers and entrance to a Malta attraction (departure August 28).
From the Front Line Emma Yorke
National Sales Manager, Belleair Holidays “Gozo is a great destination
to explore off the beaten track. Put on walking boots, hire a mountain bike and head out from the village squares on the narrow farmers’ tracks. You’ll fi nd yourself in a timeless landscape, quite alone even in peak season. There is plenty to discover, from ancient farmhouses and wayside chapels to spectacular seascapes. Dingli Cliffs are a spectacular spot to watch the sun set from the higest area in Malta, with remarkable views.”
28 July/August 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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