Malta Attractions - Walking Trails

Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean has made the Island a hub of history - from the landing of St Paul; through the times of the Knights of St John; to the modern epic of Gallant Malta.

A cultural mix makes Malta unique. Its language is based on Arabic, but English is widely spoken. There is a rich variety of country walking allowing visitors and locals alike to explore the Maltese Islands’ landscape of small ridges and valleys, seamed by tracks among stone walls and little farmsteads as well as lovely panoramic coastal paths. There are a number of attractive country walks in Malta. The ideal period for walks is autumn to spring as the weather would not be as hot and the countryside turns into a green paradise with blossoming wild flowers.

Gozo is greener, without the bustle of large towns. With some great walking across irrigated farmland, steep valleys, terraced fields and table-top hills, there is no better way of discovering the best the island has to offer. Through walking tours you may explore the hidden and secluded areas around the island and discover stunning views and hidden valleys. You may come across wayside chapels and old forts as well as villages that have remained practically untouched where elderly men and women still work the fields. There are also many historical and archaeological sites with breathtaking views.

If you are planning your next Malta holidays the Chauffuer Driven Service at this superior Malta Hotel can assist you with your Malta Walking Tours.

72 hours in Malta continued - Gozo

If you're planning a short visit to Malta we recommend you check out a few of Malta's highlights. Today we will be giving you some tips on what to do in Malta on Day 2.

Day 2 – Gozo You cannot really understand Maltese culture without a visit to Gozo, Malta’s more traditional and peaceful little sister. Be at Cirkewwa early to take the ferry across, so as to make the most of your day. The crossing takes only half an hour and passes by Comino island and you can catch a glimpse of the Blue Lagoon.

Victoria’s main square is home to a daily market selling all sorts of things. Check out the tiny shops around the area which sell handicrafts, and make sure you get lost in the back streets! Head up the hill to the Cittadel, the Medieval walled city, and visit the Old Prisons and some of the other interesting museums it houses. Finally walk to the bastions to get a 360 degrees bird’s eye view of the whole island! Have lunch in one of the several restaurants or cafes that offer traditional Maltese food and then head off to the village of Xaghra.

Xaghra has plenty to offer, starting with Ggantija Temples, the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Not far off is Ta’ Kola Windmill which has been lovingly restored and turned into a museum, and in the heart of the village you will find Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto with a marvel of stalactites and stalagmites. Weather-permitting, now would be the ideal time to head to Ramla Bay for a swim. Ramla Bay is remarkable for its dark orange sand. But the real must-see is Dwejra with its Azure Window being the most photographed view in the Maltese Islands. This is the location of the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, as well as the Blue Hole, a worldfamous diving spot. It is really striking to watch the sunset from this point, and it offers a myriad of photo opportunities! At the end of the day you can dine in one of many restaurants in pretty Xlendi Bay nearby, and don’t worry about catching the ferry back... it runs regularly till late and occasionally through the night!

Tomorrow we will be highlighting what to see and do in Marsaxlokk and Mdina. Two places that are distinct and with their own personality. Definitely worth visiting during your Malta Holidays! So visit the Blogs of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta to stay updated.

Should you wish to experience one of these Exclusive Malta Tours during your holidays kindly contact the chauffeur driven service at this Luxury Malta Hotel on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.



Discover the beauty of Malta & Gozo

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers a great opportunity to discover the beauty of Malta & Gozo with our executive chauffeur driven service.

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Price 2 to 4 persons - €180.00

Price 5 to 6 persons - €200.00

During your Malta holidays should you wish to experience the Gozo Tour kindly contact our chauffeur driven service on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

A unique Christmas experience in Gozo

Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem is not worth missing

Make this Christmas a special one for you and your family; experience the life of Jesus of 2000 years ago.

Attractions include the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, an open-air market selling seasonal fruits, fish and a wide selection of vegetables, a local crafts area promoting traditional local skills and folklore, a wine-tavern and a typical ‘Gozitan farmhouse’ with panoramic roof.

Fresh water will be flowing along these structures through a small stream with various water features to enhance the surrounding atmosphere.

 

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this re-enactment in Ghajnsielem Gozo. During your Christmas holidays at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta kindly contact Our Transport office on transport@excelsior.com.mt and they will organise your transfers. This activity can be also conducted with Our Gozo Excursion.

Lampuki - A Traditional Maltese Dish

This month our Executive Chef, Roger Friggieri participated in a local competition called Chef’s Challenge. Roger was provided with four items including the “lampuki” with which he had to create something special.

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The lampuka is Malta’s most popular Autumn fish, with its delicate and coveted meat ready to be prepared in a variety of ways. The lampuki season, which starts at the end of August and runs well into November, brings out early-morning hawkers with their typical cry of “lampuki hajjin” (which means ‘lampuki alive’), plying their fresh wares to the Maltese housewives.

This particular fish, also known as the dorado or mahi-mahi, migrates past Malta and Gozo during the late Summer and Autumn. The local fishing technique used is rather particular. Palm fronds are cut and woven into flat rafts, which are then taken out to sea by the fishermen aboard their luzzu boats. The raft is put into position and left a while. Once the sun is high in the sky, the frond rafts create a lovely shaded area, which the lampuki find hard to resist. Sheltering under it in large shoals, the lampuki are then quickly caught with surrounding nets, to be then sold early next morning on the Maltese market. This method, known as kannizzati, has changed little over the past two millennia.

Experience our renowned Sunday buffet Lunch at one of Our Superior Malta Restaurants.

Gozo - Excelsior Malta Excursions

Gozo, meaning “joy” in Castilian, is the second largest Island of the Maltese archipelago, with a population of approximately 30,000.

Though separated from mainland Malta by a 5km stretch of sea, Gozo is distinctly different from Malta. The Island is a third the size of Malta, more rural and simple, its culture and way of life rooted in fishing, as well as in primitive pastoral and agricultural activity.

Exuding a relaxed pace of life, Gozo is the ideal secluded safe haven and at just 25 minutes or so by ferry from Malta, the hop can easily be made for even the shortest stay.

Gozo and its inhabitants have their own distinct character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, accents and dialect. Gozitans are known for their friendliness and welcome to visitors, going out of their way to indicate a direction or help a visitor find their destination.

The real beauty of Gozo, apart from its stunning seascape and interior, lies in the villages. Here, it seems as if time really does stand still. The locals treasure their peace and the villages are tranquil, proving to be a wonderful respite from the trials and tribulations of everyday life for visitors.

Village bars open early in order to cater for the early risers who attend the first mass of the morning and close fairly late at night, catering for the socialising needs of locals and visitors. These watering holes have stayed unchanged for decades, the only sign of time passing by being the food and drink displayed for sale on the solid shelves and the Edwardian glass cases.

All roads in Gozo lead to Victoria, also known as Rabat, which is where the fortified citadel sits atop a summit.

Restaurants abound in Rabat, Mgarr and the fishing villages of Marsalforn and Xlendi, as well as in several other places.

Check Out Our Gozo Tour:

Price for 2 to 4 persons: 160 Euro, or

Price for 5 to 6 persons: 180 Euro.

Should you wish to experience one of Our Special Malta Tours kindly contact our chauffeur driven service on: +356 2125 0520 or concierge@excelsior.com.mt.

Life is the Bubbles… Under the Sea…

Diving in Malta

Set like precious gems in a sea of purest blue, the five islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla offer a diverse and captivating experience, both above and below the water. The warm clear blue Mediterranean surrounding the Maltese Islands beckons divers down to discover many hidden delights most of which are world renowned and frequented by thousands every year.

Safe tideless water offer year round accessibility with Summer presenting its own character and charm. The Islands are honeycombed with stunning caves, caverns and grottos to be explored and enjoyed by those who know where to find them.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced diver, we can help you do the right choice to immerse yourself in this splendid underwater world.

Check Out Our Malta Diving Package and for more details kindly visit Our Dive Malta Page.

Time to “Festa” - Feasts & Holidays in Malta

With nearly 60 festas in Malta on the annual calendar “mostly during the summer months and nearly 20 festa events on the smaller sister island of Gozo”, the Maltese festa, a religious celebration organized by the local parish, is a typical scene of the hot summer months on the island, and very much an iconic part of culture in Bands, processions, the ringing of church bells, firework displays and, in some instances, street parties are the focal point of these happy, religious celebrations.

Street-side stalls along the approaches of the church sell a motley assortment of cold, refreshing drinks, ice cream and food, including a sweet traditionally associated with the Maltese Festa: the qubbajt (traditional nougat) available in very hard or soft versions.

The climax of any Maltese Festa is the procession and the carrying of the heavy life-size statue of the patron saint by an eight-man team.

For Best Offers during July & August Check Availability & Book Now. Prices start from 117 Euro per night when staying 3 nights & more. Book Now as Prices will increase!!!

For details about Feasts and Things to do in Malta during your holiday please contact Josette or Chris at our Executive Chauffeur Driven Office on 00356 2319 2260 or on josette.bartolo@excelsior.com.mt.

Carnival in Malta - A Main Highlight in the Malta Events Calendar

An important highlight to the Malta Events is Carnival which is celebrated in different towns around Malta and Gozo; with a major focus on the capital city of Malta, Valletta. The Grand Hotel Excelsior is on the doorstep of all this activity. Whilst staying at this Luxury Malta Hotel enjoy all the festivities taking place a few minutes' walk from the hotel.

 
Visit this Malta Hotel's Website for more information: http://www.excelsior.com.mt/