Many people visit Malta for its sun-filled skies and fascinating historic sites which give an insight into past rulers and the lives of those who have inhabited the islands over the past six millennia, but there’s a lot more to experience in this Mediterranean archipelago, and here we are going to highlight how best you can enjoy an all-round stay in this magnificent destination.
Three inhabited islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino make up the half a million plus population and its location between Sicily and North Africa means that it’s a popular tourist destination for those seeking out a sunny place to spend some time while learning about its past, wandering the streets, which have been used as film sets for numerous productions, and dining on the excellent food that is available there.
Capital city Valletta is the smallest national capital in the EU by area and population and its harbourside location promises many a monument and museum to discover – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason – while St Julian’s is the place to head to for nightlife, beaches and luxury boutiques rolled into one. Historic ruins, inviting rural hiking paths, scuba diving sites, beaches, unspoilt nature at its finest is what you’ll find on Gozo, while Camino is certainly worth a visit for days spent snorkelling, diving, walking, bathing in the blue lagoon and undertaking a variety of other water sports.
Entertainment
When relaxing days are preferred so that long nights partying can be enjoyed, then St Julian’s and its Paceville area is where you should go. Boasting casinos, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and bars, you needn’t look elsewhere for some fun when the sun goes down. If you like to spend your time at the poker table, slots or other then you’ll no doubt be pleased to learn that Malta has become a top casino destination and with leading companies in the industry, like Red Tiger Gaming being based there as well as brick and mortar establishments, there’s certainly a lot of fun to be had.
For some in-person action at the gaming tables and slots, Casino Malta, Dragonara Casino and Portomaso Casino are all worth checking out as they all offer something unique to the other. Dragonara Casino is set in a former palace, built in 1870 as a summer residence for the Scicluna family, and sits at the end of a peninsula thus offering stunning sea views. The first casino in Malta, opening in 1964, the palace provides a vast floor of table games, over 700 slots, videos, jackpots and more, in addition to dining, cocktails, a lounge, and a VIP room.
Casino Malta is another seaside venue and holds a casino, poker club and lively sports bar alongside comfortable lounges and bars to while away the hours, while the modern Portomaso Casino offers the usual entertainment in a welcoming setting with a restaurant that is sure to please the palate with its Mediterranean fare.
To continue the fun on the dancefloor into the early hours, clubs such as Havana, with its two dance floors and six bars; Sky Club Malta – Malta’s largest indoor club – with space for 3,400 visitors; Shadow Club with three bars and winning cocktail list; and TwentyTwo for great views and an elegant atmosphere, are sure to please.
Stay
Of course, you’ll need to find a sumptuous abode for your southern Mediterranean adventure, and Malta is blessed with a range of fantastic hotels to choose from with a great selection of amenities and dining options to keep visitors blissfully happy. There are the famed international brands if you like the familiarity, but the Maltese know they are lucky with hospitality great AX Hotels on their doorstep. Made up of eight four- and five-star hotels across the islands, guests can expect nothing less than luxurious interiors, top-notch facilities and great dining, with each hotel offering a different identity.
Valletta is host to the five-star Rosselli AX Privilege, while Sliema benefits from having the five-star AX The Palace. At the former, guests can expect Michelin Star dining at Under Grain, designer suites and rooms, a rooftop bar, terrace and pool, and services such as private butlers and gastronomic tours. The latter luxe hotel blends city lifestyle with those charming Med views, stunning suites, ninth-floor restaurant TemptAsian, rooftop bar Lounge 360, and much more to provide guests with an all-round stay.
