Guide Me Malta

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 €3 MALTA'S LEADING INDEPENDENT visitors’ guide

Discover the islands’ beautiful beaches Culture

Celebrate a traditional feast as the locals do

Cuisine

A tour of the best ice-cream spots

your guide to events | fashion | eating & drinking | shopping

A Guide to Investing in Malta

INSIDE

August/September 2019 page 17 EDITOR Martina Said PUBLISHERS Content House Group ADVERTISING Director of Sales & Business Development Matthew Spiteri Senior Brand Sales Executives Jean Mark Meli, Matthew Sciriha Operations & Client Relationship Manager Elena Dimech Art Direction & Design Antoinette Micallef Box Design – T: +356 7969 1212

Mġarr ix-Xini, Gozo - Photo: Joseph Caruana - viewingmalta.com

14 Calendar of events

The major events taking in place in Malta and Gozo throughout August and September 2019.

17 Cover story

27 Culture

The queen of festa season – Find out all about Malta’s popular, traditional, annual feast of Santa Marija, and celebrate as the locals do, with Sarah Micallef’s insight and tips.

Golden shores and crystal waters: 10 of Malta’s most beautiful beaches – Rebecca Anastasi tours the islands for the best spots to lay down your towel.

Cover picture:

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Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mrieħel, BKR3000.

T: +356 2132 0713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt W: www.contenthouse.com.mt

Published since 2005, Guide Me Malta is the largest and the leading independent guide for visitors in Malta and Gozo. The publication is published every two months. This issue covers the period August to September 2019. Guide Me Malta is distributed free of charge through leading hotels around Malta and Gozo. The publication is also distributed for free from MTA offices in Malta and Gozo. It is also sold at leading newsagents in Malta and Gozo, including those at the MIA and Gozo Channel ferries.

page 27

Photo: viewingmalta.com

Photography Albert Camilleri, Brian Grech, Elisa von Brockdorff, Malta Tourism Authority, Tonio Lombardi

The stunning Blue Lagoon in Comino.

Photo: Tonio Lombardi Model: Emma at Models M

Editorial opinions expressed in Guide Me Malta are not necessarily those of Content House Group and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising content.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

INSIDE

page 65 page 81

August/September 2019 47 Investing in Malta

Investing in Malta guide – Looking to invest in the Maltese islands? Our business guide will provide all the details.

65 Cuisine

The big scoop on Malta’s best ice-cream joints – From familyrun outfits to Instagram-worthy cones, Rebecca Anastasi has the low-down on where you can get the best ice-creams on the island.

74 Guide Me reviews

Susurrus – exceptional sea view dining – Jo Caruana pays a visit to Susurrus, a brand new restaurant in Malta with a strong personality.

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81 Fashion

Splash around in style with these 8 sizzling swimwear trends – Metallics, high-cut bottoms and animal prints are among the coolest swimwear trends this year, as Martina Said finds out.

89 Nightlife

What to do… after dark – The Maltese summertime calendar is chock-full of fun and festivities.

Jo Caruana highlights the must-attend events to add to your holiday itinerary.

page 89

FOREWORD

Welcome to the Maltese islands!

ISSUE

86 August/September 2019

Riviera Bay, Mġarr - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

S

ummertime on the Maltese islands is at its peak at this time of year, when temperatures soar and the best – dare I say only – way to truly cool off is by heading to the nearest beach and plunging into the refreshing Mediterranean Sea. Of course, you could always stay indoors, but where’s the fun in that? Turn to page 17 for our pick of some of the best beaches that should make it to your list.

But it’s not just about the beaches. The islands are bursting with events and attractions to be enjoyed throughout August and September, many of which make the most of the great outdoors, including myriad feasts, parties

and festivals. Speaking of feasts, one of the most anticipated ones of the summer, known among locals as the feast of Santa Marija, takes place in August, and is a recommended highlight if you’re on the islands during that time.

Find out how the locals celebrate it, as well as other feasts in the coming months, on page 27.

From a whistle-stop tour of some of the best ice-cream places in Malta to a round-up of the after-dark events you shouldn’t miss this summer, and much more, we hope you enjoy this issue of Guide Me Malta.

Martina Said EDITOR 13

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 Until 3 August

3 August

Farsons Beer Festival – For 10 days each summer throughout July and August, locals flock to the Beer Festival organised by local brewers Farsons. Thousands of families gather to enjoy the locally produced beer outdoors, with no less than 30 bars and food stalls around the venue, and plenty of entertaining acts.

Admission is free. Venue: Ta’ Qali. www.farsonsbeerfestival.com

Gozo Ceramics Festival – Back for its seventh edition, the Gozo Ceramics Festival gathers local and international ceramic artists for one night in Gozo to showcase their magnificent talents of sculpting, hand-modelling and more. Expect a night full of ceramics, art, music and entertainment. Venue: Xlendi, Gozo.

Until 29 August Inspired by China – The China Cultural Centre in Malta (CCC) is hosting an exhibition of works by Maltese artists Debbie Bonello, Andrew Borg, Damian Ebejer and Lucienne Spiteri, who, following a trip to China, transformed their first-hand experience into a tangible creative expression through painting, sculpture and photography.

Venue: SkyParks Business Centre.

Until 31 August Exploring the Phoenician Shipwreck off Xlendi, Gozo – Following a 10-year-long exploration of the exciting Phoenician shipwreck off Xlendi in Gozo, this exhibition highlights some of the innovative techniques used, as well as stories of trade, exchange, production and consumption in the Archaic Mediterranean. Objects recovered from 110 metres below the surface are also on display. Admission is free. Venue: Gozo Area Office Exhibition Hall, St Martin’s Quarter Street, Cittadella, Gozo.

8-11 August Delicata Wine Festival – Local wine producers Delicata will be hosting their annual wine festival to celebrate the year’s harvest. Visitors can savour great wine and local food, and enjoy live entertainment in the scenic Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta.

Venue: Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta. www.delicata.com

9 August Notte Italiana – The Malta Concert Orchestra presents Notte Italiana, a concert brimming with talented local singers who will be performing some of Italy’s all-time favourite tunes, under the direction of MCO Associate Conductor, Joe Brown.

Venue: Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta.

11-17 August Summer Daze Malta – The second edition of Summer Daze Malta will host some of the biggest pop acts and DJs across various venues, including house duo The Martinez Brothers, underground legend Paul Kalkbrenner, BBC Radio

1’s Monki, local DJ Carl Bee, as well as pop favourites David Guetta, Tyga and James Arthur. Venue: Various locations across Malta.

14-16 August Glitch Festival 2019 – Electronic music enthusiasts from all over the world will gather on the island for the fourth edition of Glitch Festival. From rooftop pool parties to secret cave raves, this festival attracts scores of revellers for three days of sun-soaked partying. Venue: Gianpula Complex, Rabat. www.glitchfestival.com

15 August Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady – The feast of the Assumption, better known among locals as the feast of Santa Marija, is both a religious and a public holiday across the islands. It is celebrated with great pomp in eight villages simultaneously, namely Attard, Mqabba, Qrendi, Gudja, Għaxaq, Mġarr and Mosta in Malta, and Rabat in Gozo.

23-25 August Gozo Film Festival 2019 – Now in its third edition, the Gozo Film Festival aims to promote Gozitan, Maltese and foreign filmmakers, with a whole new section dedicated to children and teenagers.

The festival is set to take place on the picturesque bastions of the Citadel, in the heart of Rabat, Gozo. Venue: The Citadel, Gozo.

For the full online Malta Calendar of Events please go to: www.visitmalta.com/events-calendar

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24 August Joseph Calleja in Concert – The Maltese tenor of global fame, Joseph Calleja, will take to the stage for his annual concert at The Granaries in Floriana, accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as special guest and legendary Italian singer-songwriter, Andrea Bocelli. Venue: The Granaries, Floriana. www.nngpromotions.com

30 August-1 September Malta Craft Beer Festival – If you love a good pint, head to Fort St Elmo in Valletta for this three-day festival that celebrates craft beer, where you’ll also find delicious street food and enjoy live music, all within a historic fort. Venue: Fort St Elmo, Valletta. www.craftbeerfestival.mt

30 August, 27 September Changing of the Guard – Held every last Friday of the month, this ceremony is symbolic of the formal handing over of responsibility from one guard to another at the Presidential Palace in Valletta, led by the Armed Forces of Malta Band which marches down Republic Street towards St George’s Square. Venue: St George’s Square, Valletta. www.visitmalta.com

6-15 September Malta Pride Week – From riots to rainbows, the annual Pride Week is a fun and colourful celebration of Malta’s LGBT community. The week-long event includes sports tournaments, informative discussions and a drag lip-

sync battle, culminating in the pride march and celebration in Valletta on 14 September. Venue: across Malta and Gozo. www.maltapride.com

civilisations, 21 September marks the day Malta obtained its independence from Britain in 1964. During this national holiday, various activities take place all over the island, including Valletta.

8 September Feast of Our Lady of Victories – Commemorated annually on 8 September, Victory Day marks the birth of the Blessed Virgin, as well as three important events in Malta’s history: Malta’s victory at the Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottoman Empire, the end of French occupation in 1800, and the end of the siege by the Axis powers in 1943. Every year, a competitive regatta is organised at Grand Harbour in the afternoon, while evening festivities are held in Senglea, Naxxar and Mellieħa in Malta, and Xagħra in Gozo. Venue: Various towns and villages across Malta and Gozo.

20-22 September Malta Military Tattoo – The Malta Military Tattoo provides a weekend of entertainment with precision marching, formation displays and good music for all ages to enjoy. Following last year’s success, the 2019 edition will be held at St George’s Square, Valletta, against the magnificent backdrop of the Grandmaster’s Palace.

Venue: St George's Square, Valletta. www.maltamilitarytattoo.org

26-30 September Malta International Folk Festival – Various folk groups, pipe bands and flag-wavers will participate in street parades and performances during this four-day festival. Festivities will take place across the Maltese islands.

28 September Żejt iż-Żejtun – The Maltese town of Żejtun will be celebrating the start of the olive-picking season and pressing of oil through this annual festival which celebrates a revived rural heritage closely associated with the southeast of Malta. Witness oil pressing and savour, for free, Maltese ftajjar (flatbread) dressed in freshly pressed olive oil. All this occurs amid folk music, singing and dancing. Venue: Żejtun.

28 September Rockestra – This annual rock concert, organised by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, brings local artists together for a night of rock classics at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali. Past performers included Paul Borg Bonaci of Fakawi, Mikaela, Red Electrick and Ira Losco. Venue: MFCC, Ta’Qali.

21 September Independence Day – Following almost two millennia of domination and colonisation by various

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Mġarr ix-Xini Photo: Joseph Caruana - viewingmalta.com

COVER STORY

Golden shores and crystal waters

10 of Malta’s

most beautiful beaches With summer at its peak at this time of year, there’s no better place to keep cool and fresh than in the beautiful waters of the Med. And, whether you’re travelling solo or with family, Malta’s stretches of seaside are there to suit every type of sunseeker. Rebecca Anastasi tours the islands’ best spots.

MELLIEĦA BAY, MELLIEĦA A family favourite, Mellieħa Bay includes the Blue Flag beach known as Għadira Bay, an expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters, perfect for families with young kids, who will enjoy splashing around while you lounge on the sunbeds under an umbrella. These can be rented from the myriad stalls on the beach, though you can also take your own, saving the money for any snacks, lunch and drinks offered by the restaurants and kiosks.

The bustling bay is also popular with water sports enthusiasts: kayaking, windsurfing or waterskiing will have your adrenalin pumping well into the evening.

GOLDEN BAY, MĠARR This sandy haven in the north of Malta is a hive of activity from

April until October, as visitors and locals alike savour its thick expanse of soft sand, beautiful waters and nearby amenities. The imposing five-star resort hotel near the beach, the Radisson Golden Sands, commands the view from the enclave’s cliff-face, while its Italian eatery and lido are perched by the bay, offering food and shelter from the sun. The kiosks and stalls lining the periphery of the beach also serve up refreshments.

RIVIERA BAY, MĠARR This spectacular beach, boasting deep ochre sand and turquoise waters, is a local favourite which shows off its brightest aspect early in the morning, well before the crowds set in as the day edges towards noon. Its dramatic cliffs envelope the sand dunes, accessible via a long flight of crackly steps,

which makes it a bit difficult for families travelling with children or those with mobility issues. At the foot, a rustic bar serves up refreshing spritzes and mouthwatering pizzas, while umbrella and sunbed rentals are also available. ➜

Handheld guide Download the free iMalta app to help you find your way around the islands by suggesting the best places to visit and sights to see.

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COVER STORY ĠNEJNA BAY, MĠARR Beyond the clay slopes framing Riviera, Ġnejna Bay may probably be the least known to tourists visiting the islands, though its natural charms should put it on anyone’s ‘must-see’ list. One of Malta’s few remaining freshwater springs flows through the valley here, while the shore’s blue, shallow waters are ideal for children. Do watch out for the underwater currents though – they tend to get strong and unforgiving at this end of the island. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, banana rides and ‘crazy sofas’ – large inflatables, which are whisked across the bay by speedboat – can also be rented, by the hour. ➜

Mellieħa Bay - Photo: Clive Vella - viewingmalta.com

Golden Bay - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Riviera Bay

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COVER STORY

Ġnejna Bay - Photo: Pauline Dingli - viewingmalta.com

Anchor Bay, Popeye’s Village

ANCHOR BAY, POPEYE’S VILLAGE, MELLIEĦA Not your typical sandy beach, Anchor Bay, otherwise known as Popeye Village, is an entertainment hotspot which will keep your kids screaming with laughter for many an hour. The village, which was used as the set of the 1980 film, Popeye, starring Robin Williams, may be more famous for its vibrant wooden shacks, but its underwater world is perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts and divers looking to enjoy the dynamic marine wildlife.

RAMLA BAY, LIMITS OF XAGĦRA, GOZO Deep, rich sands plunge into startling aquamarine waters at Ramla Bay, a stretch of ochre ensconced in the lush countryside leading up to Calypso’s Cave in Gozo, where the nymph Calypso allegedly held Odysseus captive for seven years.

Today, centuries after the myth was first told, Ramla l-Ħamra (literally, Red Sand), as it is known in Maltese, is a Blue Flag bay which offers modern amenities, such as sunbed and umbrella rental, water sports, public conveniences, as well as a spate of snack bars, kiosks and cafés. ➜

Ramla Bay - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

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COVER STORY ĦONDOQ IR-RUMMIEN, GOZO A small, well-loved, beach, just beyond the village of Qala in Gozo, Ħondoq ir-Rummien (which can be translated into the poetic Pomegranate Moat in English) is a pebbly beach, whose waters are crystalline. The bay is popular with divers and snorkelling enthusiasts, due to its caves at water level, and its snack bar will ensure you’re not left wanting, but it can all get quite busy during the summer months. The sea can be accessed by ladder from the rocks, and you can always follow your dip with a walk through the Gozitan countryside to the salt pans on the same coastline.

PETER’S POOL, MARSAXLOKK One of Malta’s pristine rocky beaches, Peter’s Pool, at the tip of Delimara Point in Marsaxlokk, may not have the amenities of its more popular cousins – with a dearth of snack bars and cafés – but its natural luxuries work in tandem to create a unique spot which has been enjoyed by generations.

The unspoiled bay is a snorkeller’s paradise, due to the striking emerald waters, while the smooth limestone rocks above are the perfect surface on which to lay your towel.

FOND GĦADIR, SLIEMA The rocky coastline forming the spine of the seaside town of Sliema is perennially popular, but its Blue Flag status may not be known to most, although its deep blue tones and stark, honeycombed stone are a small oasis within the chaos of this cosmopolitan town. The salt pools are a refreshing choice in which to take a quick dip, but it’s the dramatic shore which scores high points in our books.

Be sure to take your own towel and umbrella, as well as any ➜ 22

Ħondoq ir-Rummien - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

Peter’s Pool - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Fond Għadir - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

COVER STORY snacks you may want: while Sliema is full of restaurants and cafés, the beach is free from commercial establishments.

MĠARR IX-XINI, GOZO Once used by the Knights of St John as their principal harbour, the coastal inlet known as Mġarr ix-Xini in Gozo is flanked by rolling green hills, rising above its immaculate waters. Every weekend, the bay hosts locals and tourists looking for a secluded swimming spot, with snorkellers and divers relishing the rich marine life which calls this spot home. A well-known restaurant close to the beach serves Mediterranean cuisine, but the bay isn’t teeming with a plethora of drinks stands or ice-cream vans, which means peace is assured.

Mġarr Ix-Xini - Photo: Joe Zammit - viewingmalta.com

Photo: viewingmalta.com

CULTURE

The queen of festa season

If you’ve never experienced a traditional Maltese festa and are visiting the islands this summer, you’re in for a treat.

These authentic community celebrations in honour of the patron saint of each town or village are a quintessential part of a Maltese summer, but while each locality has one (or two, or three) feasts, the queen of the season has got to be Santa Marija in August. Sarah Micallef reveals how and where to experience this unique local festa.

The Feast of the Assumption, also known as the feast of Santa Marija, is celebrated every year on 15th August, and in religious terms, commemorates the ascent into heaven of the Virgin Mary.

This popular feast marks the peak of the summer season of religious village feasts on the islands, and is celebrated in an incredible seven towns and villages, namely Għaxaq, Gudja, Attard, Mosta, Mqabba and Qrendi in Malta, and Rabat in Gozo. That’s right, there’ll be celebrations practically everywhere!

Helping the local celebratory spirit is the fact that Santa Marija is not solely a religious feast, but also a public holiday, considered by many as the high-point of the Maltese summer. Many local businesses also shut up shop for their summer break during Santa Marija week, adding to the festive mood.

For festa enthusiasts, there’s

no better week on the islands, with celebrations in some towns starting a full two weeks before the big day! Over the years, each locality has developed its own way of celebrating, attracting locals and visitors to witness the spectacle every year. Not sure which one to visit? Here’s an overview of what to expect, and where. ➜

Over the years, each locality has developed its own way of celebrating, attracting locals and visitors to witness the spectacle every year.

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CULTURE Għaxaq The southern village of Għaxaq has been celebrating the Santa Marija festa since the 1800s, and much of its festive finery – street decorations, statues and pedestals – are over a century old. This year, among the festa celebrations to look out for in Għaxaq are a concert by the titular band club, Għaqda Mużikali Santa Marija, Ħal Għaxaq, amidst the festive revelry at Pjazza Santa Marija on the evening of 11th August; a band march followed by a confetti and fireworks show on 12th August; and the much anticipated spectacle titled The Convoy 2019 – a synchronised fireworks and music show starting at 9.45pm on 14th August in Valletta Road. Finally, at

noon on 15th August, don’t miss the yearly tradition dating back to the 19th century, featuring a statuette of the Assumption popping out of an elaborate sarcophagus!

Gudja The village of Gudja, also in the southern region of Malta, is another great destination come Santa Marija week: from its decorated parish church – interestingly, the only church in Malta with three bell towers – to fireworks displays, band marches and processions.

Worthy of note is the parish’s statue of Our Lady: sculpted out of solid wood by Maltese sculptor Vincenzo Dimech in 1807, it holds the record for the oldest titular

statue of the Assumption, and the festa is the perfect time to have a good look! This year, celebrations will kick off with a festa tat-tfal (feast for children) on 9th August, featuring a mass and a viewing of the statue of the Assumption.

Attard The central town of Attard is another of the localities which will be decked out in its festa best on Santa Marija week. The town’s parish church, built between 1613 and 1624, is regarded by many as the finest Renaissance church on the island, so it should be your first stop. This year’s feast will feature the inauguration of a new titular statue in commemoration ➜

Feast of Santa Marija - Photo: Ted Attard - viewingmalta.com

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CULTURE

Feasts in August and September

If you’re visiting at the moment, these are the other festi you could attend.

AUGUST 4th Our Lady of Pompeii, Marsaxlokk St Peter in Chains, Birżebbuġa Our Lady of Lourdes, San Ġwann St Joseph, Qala, Gozo St Dominic, Valletta 6th - Christ Our Saviour, Ħal Lija 10th - St Lawrence, Birgu (Vittoriosa) 11th St Lawrence, San Lawrenz, Gozo San Gaetan, Ħamrun

Feast of Santa Marija, Mosta - Photo: viewingmalta.com

of the 125th anniversary of the brass band La Stella Levantina.

Highlights of the festa programme include appearances by Valletta’s King’s Own band club and Sicilian band Associazione Culturale Musicale Gelese Francesco Renda on 12th and 13th August.

Mosta Another favourite locality to visit during Santa Marija week is Mosta, and celebrations here start as early as 29th July, when the titular statue is removed from its niche, signalling the start of the feast. Head over on the 14th for the mechanised ground fireworks display outside the church at 11.30pm, and while you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the spectacular Mosta dome decked out in its festa finery.

On the actual feast day, mass is celebrated by the Archbishop

of Malta at 9.15am, while the procession with the titular statue starts at 6.45pm, making its way through the old streets of Mosta.

Mqabba Perhaps one of this southern town’s greatest claims to fame is the stunning fireworks displays come festa time. On 14th August, the eve of the Assumption, locals and visitors alike flock here to see the main fireworks display synchronised to music at 9.15pm, followed by an impressive display of mechanised Catherine wheels.

Much the same as in the other localities celebrating the feast, 15th August sees the procession with the religious statue of the Assumption take to the streets, accompanied by the traditional brass bands and daylight fireworks, starting at 7.15pm. ➜

18th The Assumption of Our Lady, Comino Our Lady Star of the Sea, Stella Maris Parish, Sliema Assumption of Our Lady, Mġarr Assumption of Our Lady, Dingli Our Lady of Lourdes, Paola St Helen of Constantinople, Birkirkara 21st - St Pius X, Santa Luċija 25th St Bartholomew, Għargħur St Joseph, Manikata Maria Regina, Marsa Conversion of St Paul, Ħal Safi St Julian, St Julian's St Dominic, Birgu (Vittoriosa) St Leonard, Kirkop Assumption of Our Lady, Żebbug, Gozo

SEPTEMBER 1st St Catherine, Żurrieq St Gregory the Great, Sliema St Francis of Assisi, Qawra Our Lady of Loreto, Għajnsielem, Gozo 8th - The Nativity of Our Lady (National Holiday) Naxxar Mellieħa Isla (Senglea) Xagħra, Gozo 15th - Our Lady of Graces, Żabbar 22nd - St Augustine, Valletta, (Parish of Santu Wistin)

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CULTURE Qrendi Another locality that takes its festa fireworks very seriously is Qrendi, and this year, the locality promises a unique spectacle titled The Conquest of Darkness.

On 14th August, traditional fireworks will be followed by a pyro-musical show and ground fireworks with a ‘unique pyromusical closing’ starting at 9.30pm, while on the feast day, the grand finale will take place at 7.15pm.

The celebrations will start a few weeks earlier though, with a festa tat-tfal on 28th July, which will also mark the inauguration of the parish’s new titular statue.

Rabat, Gozo If you’re heading over to the sister isle, the capital, Rabat

Photo: viewingmalta.com

will also be celebrating the feast.

Here, the celebrations centre around the cathedral within the majestic Citadel, making for a perfect excuse to visit. Festa celebrations in the Gozitan

capital also feature traditional horse races along Republic Street – something you won’t see in many of the other localities nowadays, as well as religious processions and band marches.

HERITAGE

FROM THE KNIGHTS TO THE COAST POLICE

TA’ XUTU TOWER IN WIED IŻ-ŻURRIEQ HAS SEEN HISTORY UNFOLD Dotting the Maltese islands at strategic intervals are a number of watchtowers commissioned by five different Grandmasters so as to provide the archipelago with a robust defence system. While some of the original structures were demolished or collapsed following years of disuse and neglect, 27 of these towers have stood the test of time to become iconic features of the Maltese coastal landscape.

Although very similar to one another in appearance and layout, certain internal and external differences, possibly reflecting the 34

preferences of the Grandmaster and architects who were involved in their construction, can be noticed. The majority of the small coastal towers are set on two floors, with the lower one having been used for ammunition and the upper one having accommodated the soldiers on duty.

Located in a Natura 2000 site in picturesque Wied iż-Żurrieq is one of these watchtowers: Ta’ Xutu. Having proudly looked out in the direction of the islet of Filfla, and the Ta’ Xutu rocks from which it gets its name, since the

reign of Grandmaster Lascaris, Ta’ Xutu was not only used during the times of the Knights of St John in a military role and as a look-out post for smugglers.

The tower went on to be used by the Coast Police as an observation post when the Mediterranean was in the throes of World War II and, more recently, as a police station. While the 17th-century tower succumbed to neither enemy attack nor fury of the elements, Ta’ Xutu’s proximity to the sea, coupled with its neglect, took a visible toll on the once-

HERITAGE

impenetrable defence structure.

Recognising the importance of this tower and the area in which it is located, just minutes away from megalithic temples and the Blue Grotto sea caves, the Malta Airport Foundation agreed to support local NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa with the restoration of this historical building. While the restoration itself was challenging, what was even more trying was the boundary landscaping that was undertaken around the tower, which included the start of a rehabilitation process of the very sensitive cliff garigue vegetation.

The tower re-opened its restored doors in July 2019, giving the public the chance to take a peek inside the 17thcentury building and enjoy some breath-taking views of Wied iż-Żurrieq from the rooftop. Although Ta’ Xutu is the smallest surviving watchtower, it is architecturally important as it was the first coastal tower to be built with a barrel vaulted

ceiling, which equipped it with enough sturdiness to carry a cannon on its roof. Ta’ Xutu, in fact, served as the prototype for the 13 watchtowers built by Grandmaster De Redin, two of which – TalĦamrija and Wardija – can be glimpsed to the East and the West of Ta’ Xutu from the rooftop.

Having seen the dawn of four centuries and being located in one of the most idyllic spots in the southern part of the Maltese islands, boasting spectacular geological features, a visit to Ta’ Xutu tower should be high on the itinerary of history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Ta' Xutu was the first coastal tower to be built with a barrel vaulted ceiling, which equipped it with enough sturdiness to carry a cannon on its roof.

Visitors can take a tour of Ta’ Xutu tower for free during the opening hours: Mon-Thurs, Sat-Sun 10am-noon; Friday 12.30pm3.30pm. To discover more Malta Airport Foundation projects, visit www.maltairport.com 35

CULTURE

TEATRU MALTA’S JAM-PACKED CALENDAR It's already been seven months since Teatru Malta launched their programme of events last January.

Time flies when you're busy making theatre! Coming off the success of last February’s children’s opera Il-Qtates ta' max-Xatt, April’s soldout children’s theatre festival Trikki Trakki, June's monster musical VII (Sette) having practically sold out on all six nights with standing ovations each night and July seeing the legend of Pope Joan staged as part of the Malta International Arts Festival which has just come to a close after a successful sixnight run, we’re definitely out of breath, but while you’re trying to catch it, this might leave you wondering what Teatru Malta still have lined up for audiences throughout 2019; a lot actually!

VII (Sette) - Photo: Albert Camilleri

Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt - Photo: Elisa von Brockdorff

September will present an adaptation in Maltese of Eugene Ionesco's absurdist classic: Rhinoceros. This production will become Teatru Malta’s second classic to be translated to Maltese after Andre Agius directed Pinter's The HotHouse in Maltese with a translation

by Simone Spiteri in 2018.

Rinoċeronti, which will be taking place at Esplora’s Planetarium Hall and performed in Maltese will be directed by Michael Fenech and translated by both Clare Azzopardi and Albert Gatt.

October is the month when witches come out to play, and we have a sinister surprise waiting for everyone with Ruben Zahra’s Min Hi? which will run until

early November. Anthony Burgess’s cult classic A ClockWork Orange will be ŻiguŻajg festival’s teen play for 2019; translated by Wayne Flask to Maltese and re-invented for a contemporary teenage audience under the direction of Sean Buhagiar.

So, does that mean Teatru Malta are taking a break for the summer? Of course not! Other events include monologue masterclasses as part of the Il-Klassi tas-Surmast programme with Stella Pulo in August, and street performance production Xilallu premiering its first two sketches during Notte Bianca this October.

The rest of 2019 is looking bright and we’re excited! Want to find out more? Then visit teatrumalta.org.mt for more information.

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TAKE NOTE

Cisk Lager

turns 90 Cisk Lager, the award-winning, iconic Maltese beer and flagship brand of the Farsons Brewery, is celebrating its 90th birthday this year with a number of planned public events around Malta and Gozo, and limited-edition packaging marking this milestone.

Cisk was launched in 1929 after Scicluna’s Bank took over the operations of one of its clients who was granted a temporary exclusive licence to manufacture Pilsner and Munchener type beers.

The company became known as The Malta Export Brewery.

The story of Cisk however, started much earlier than that, when Malta’s first privatelyowned bank was established by Giuseppe Scicluna in 1840, who became known as Iċ-Cisk (The Cisk). The Malta Export Brewery merged with Simonds Farsons Ltd 20 years later to become Simonds Farsons Cisk. Cisk Lager has since become a key brand in the portfolio of the company.

Cisk Lager is a goldencoloured, bottom-fermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character, with its recipe remaining unchanged since 1929. It is brewed to the highest standards using only the choicest raw materials.

The Cisk family now includes Cisk Excel, a low carbohydrate

Cisk Lager is a golden-coloured, bottomfermented lager with a distinctive and well-balanced character, with its recipe remaining unchanged since 1929.

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beer; Cisk Premium Pilsner; Cisk Export Premium Lager; Cisk Strong Premium Lager and Cisk Chill, a range of flavoured beers, including Lemon, Berry and Ginger and Lime.

The portfolio has won several major international awards over the years, with the latest coveted recognition being awarded to Cisk Strong Premium Lager just last month by this year’s edition of the International Brewing Awards.

The 90th birthday limited edition packaging is currently on sale at all outlets in Malta and Gozo. Follow our Facebook page for more information on Facebook.com/cisk The Brewery, Mdina Road, Mrieħel.

T: 2381 4114; www.farsons.com

THINGS TO DO

Fun in the Sun with

Mediterraneo Marine Park Mediterraneo Marine Park offers adults and children a great way to better understand marine life and its inhabitants through edutainment. Spend a fantastic and unforgettable day at the Marine Park in Malta where you can swim with dolphins, and see sea lions, exotic birds, reptiles and more.

As Malta’s only marine park, Mediterraneo is a leading island attraction with tourists and locals alike. Boasting an enviable coastal location, the park promotes interactive participation with a varied selection of marine mammals including dolphins, sea lions, parrots and reptiles.

Making the most of Malta’s sunny climate, the Mediterraneo Marine Park remains open all year round.

The park is conveniently located just off the main coast road, which has good transport links from most hotels and tourist accommodation.

Part of the Costa Edutainment Group (since July 2012), The Mediterraneo Marine Park advocates animal welfare through an interactive learning environment inspired by their motto ‘Education, Emotion and FUN’. Visitors may participate in various animal interaction programmes which provide superb entertainment whilst increasing awareness and conservation responsibilities.

The park has three main programmes which are held daily: The Dolphin Presentation, The Sea Lion Presentation and

the Parrot Presentation. All of these presentations offer an amazing experience to aid a better understanding of the animals and an appreciation of their individual characteristics. The highlight of any visit to The Mediterraneo Marine Park has to be the Dolphin SWIM programme – a truly unique and

once-in-a-lifetime experience that is not to be missed! Some of the other species that visitors can also expect to see include green wing macaw, amazons, snakes, tortoises, turtles, frogs, toads, spiders, scorpions and lizards. www.mediterraneopark.com 41

TAKE NOTE

Why not car share in Malta?

Love the idea of being more environmentally friendly while still whizzing around the island during your holiday?

Car sharing could be the perfect option for you – and GoTo’s new Roundtrips make car hire even easier!

We’re all looking for ways to do what we love doing, while being more eco-friendly. Now, Malta’s leading car sharing service GoTo has announced the introduction of a Roundtrip service that includes different cars, an alternative pricing model and a dedicated booking system; it is perfect for visitors keen to explore the islands of Malta and Gozo.

GoTo’s One-Way service has proven extremely popular with tourists and locals alike, offering an affordable and accessible alternative to owning a car or traditional car hire. The new Roundtrips aim to provide a longer-term hire option that is simple to book and doesn’t break the bank.

A fleet of 30 hybrid vehicles are now available to GoTo users, who can download the brand-new GoTo app – www.goto.com.mt/download – to locate the nearest cars and available parking spaces easily.

Roundtrip cars can be booked up to three months in advance, so this important part of your trip doesn’t have to wait till the last minute.

When using the Roundtrips, you can use your booked car as often as you like and pay per hour of use plus a small surcharge per kilometre. Decided to spend a quiet day of relaxation by the pool? Your car will be waiting for you when you’re done – ready to take you to a restaurant, for an evening drink, or back to your hotel for a rest.

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No driving in circles to find a drop-off point or waiting in line at the rental office. Enjoy hassle-free and cost-effective personal transportation in Malta with GoTo car sharing!

GoTo has launched this Roundtrip service alongside its One-Way service, which makes 180 vehicles available across the islands. The latter is a perfect solution for short trips or as part of a multi-mode commute.

Once your stay on the islands is over, simply return the car to the private parking area you picked it up from, lock

the car and you’re on your way! No driving in circles to find a drop-off point or waiting in line at the rental office. Enjoy hassle-free and costeffective personal transportation in Malta with GoTo car sharing!

For more information about GoTo car sharing, visit www.goto.com.mt.

Download the new GoTo app on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

HERITAGE

Discover Malta Located in Malta’s capital city, Valletta, within what was once the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of Malta, is The Malta Experience. This audio-visual spectacular is one of the largest attractions in Europe in terms of duration, system and language commentaries.

The 45-minute presentation can be listened to in one of 17 languages. In a purposely-built auditorium with a panoramic screen, sensational vision and a gripping commentary, The Malta Experience brings 7,000 years of history back to life. Shows are every hour on the hour, and after each show, one can also enjoy a tour of the Sacra Infermeria.

Today, this beautiful building is known as the Mediterranean Conference Centre, but you can still step back in time and visualise its revolutionary past on a guided tour, and visit the longest hospital ward in Europe, measuring 155 metres in length and holding 247 beds.

The Malta Experience, St Elmo Bastions, Mediterranean Street, Valletta. www.themaltaexperience.com

Ta’ Ġawhar Tower Gold, Bread and Fire

At least five ancient round towers have survived in various degrees of preservation on the island of Malta, with most of them lying in the area of Żurrieq, Mqabba and Ħal Safi. The function of these towers is still a matter of debate, especially since it is not clear whether they formed part of a defensive system.

Heritage Malta’s latest exhibition ‘Ta’ Ġawhar Tower – Gold, Bread and Fire’ focuses on one of these towers which is located on a stretch of land between Ħal Safi and Ħal Far. The exhibition sheds light on the archaeological excavations which were carried out on site in 1960, the objects that were discovered, and what is known about the site’s beginning and end.

Visitors will also be able to learn about the new studies which are currently underway by Heritage Malta in an attempt to further enhance knowledge of this site, together with the archaeological potential which is encapsulated within it and its artefacts.

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The exhibition is open until 28th September 2019 at the National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta. Opening hours: 9am-5pm (last admission at 4.30pm). Admission is free of charge. www.heritagemalta.org

INVESTING in

MALTA guide

INVESTING IN MALTA GUIDE

WELCOME TO MALTA – YOUR NEW HOME Malta has welcomed people from all four corners of the globe for thousands of years, and in the 21st century, it is now a trans-continental hub for trade, a popular tourism destination and an overperformer when it comes to hitech industries such as financial services and iGaming, blockchain, cryptocurrency and Artificial Intelligence.

Over the past two decades, an influx of expats has made the social and economic landscape truly exciting, diverse and cosmopolitan – could you be the next to join?

Whether you’re searching for a fresh start in life, or simply looking to grow your business, Malta could be the stepping stone you’ve been waiting for. But before you pack up your bags and head to the airport, here are some things you need to know.

ABOUT MALTA Population 475,700+ Area 316sq km Currency Euro Real GDP Growth 6.6 per cent Unemployment rate 3.5 per cent

FINDING A JOB Unemployment in Malta is extraordinarily low, and most large companies have vacancies begging to be filled. iGaming, hospitality and financial services are among the easiest industries to find a job, and entry-level work

as well as higher-paying, specialised job vacancies are both abundant. You’ll need a job contract before you get a residence card and set up a bank account. If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to apply for a residence/ work permit at the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

SOCIAL SECURITY AND ID NUMBER Applying for a Maltese social security number is an essential part of becoming a working resident in Malta, and brings you one step closer to applying for a residence card. The resident ID card is extremely important and simplifies a lot of your day-to-day life in Malta. To apply for a residence card, you’ll first need to have your employment status confirmed by Jobsplus.

Next you will need to visit Evans Building in Valletta where you can apply for your residence card. To apply for your residence card, you will need Form A and Form ID1A, as well as an original and copy of your passport, your work contract, your Jobsplus employment certificate, and your Maltese tenancy agreement.

SETTING UP A BANK ACCOUNT Setting up a bank account becomes a lot easier once you’ve received your residence card. Most banks will require your ID card, a letter of reference from a bank or your employer, and a minimum deposit into your account to set it up.

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INVESTING IN MALTA GUIDE

1. Deciding between self-employment and setting up a limited liability company A limited liability company gives your business a more trusted face and protects you as a shareholder in case of defective products or lawsuits. On the other hand, there are more bureaucratic steps to follow when creating such a company (as opposed to starting a business as a self-employed person), such as undergoing an annual audit, so make sure your business is viable before registering it as LTD. You need to be at least two shareholders to register a company.

HEALTHCARE Healthcare in Malta is free to all citizens and registered working residents, so once you have your social security number and your residence card, you can visit healthcare centres free of charge. If you prefer private healthcare services, health insurance in Malta is relatively inexpensive.

ALL ABOUT SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN MALTA

With a well-established regulatory environment based on EU law, a favourable tax regime, attractive government incentives and a well-educated and highlymotivated workforce, Malta is a very attractive place for a foreigner to set up a business. Doing business in Malta does not only mean access to trade in the EU, but also gaining access to Africa and the Middle East, as Malta has developed healthy business ties and beneficial fiscal agreements with various countries in these two regions too. For those who wish to start a business in Malta, there are seven stages to keep in mind:

2. Preparing for registration If you are going to proceed with a limited liability company, then you need to draft the company’s memorandum and articles of association. These documents are important for registration, but they also detail what the company, its shareholders and its directors can and cannot do. It’s very important to identify the right legal, accountancy and audit firms, as well as business consultants to guide you during this stage.

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INVESTING IN MALTA GUIDE

6. Getting a VAT number and PE number You also need to register with the VAT Department in order to obtain a VAT number. Furthermore, if you have a limited liability company and you intend on hiring personnel, you also need to register as an employer and obtain a PE number. Both of these steps are free of charge and can be done online.

3. Depositing the minimum share capital Every company needs some capital to start off, however small. As a new business owner, you need to open a bank account in the company’s name, and inform the bank teller that you are depositing your share capital.

The money will go into a holding account until the company is properly registered. The receipt issued will need to be presented in the next stage.

7. Registering with Jobsplus Jobsplus is responsible for all employment registration in Malta. You need to fill in a form for each employee upon registration, and again upon termination. The process is quick and free of charge.

Government department Business First can help you with all of these steps, and can be easily reached through the website – www.businessfirst.com.mt or over email.

4. Presenting documentation to the Registry of Companies The filled-in company registration form, together with the memorandum and articles of association, and the share capital deposit slip need to be presented to the Registry of Companies. Registration is done within two to three days and the registration fee depends on the size of the company.

FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY

5. Obtaining licences and a tax identification number Once the trade name is approved and the memorandum and articles of association are filed with the Registry of Companies, the company is almost ready to start operating. However, before that, one must also check if any special licences are required.

Furthermore, each business in Malta has to have a tax identification number. While this is free of charge, once a year you will need to fill in a tax return form. This is another step where the assistance of a trusted accountant, audit or legal firm is invaluable.

Once you’ve decided to move to Malta, you’ll set about finding the perfect property for you and your family, or the new headquarters for your business. But what will that involve?

The cost of living in Malta remains lower than most European countries, but rent has become more expensive in recent years. You can expect to pay at least €800 for a flat in a central part of the island, and far more if it’s in one of the more in-demand locations such as Sliema or St Julian’s. Office or commercial spaces have seen less of a spike in prices, but as with homes, are largely dependent on location.

Most people start their search through a property agency, of which there are countless ones on the island.

Some specialise in commercial properties, others in residential. It’s worth noting that many properties are listed with several estate agents, so you may end up viewing the same property several times if you’re not careful.

Once you’ve viewed a few different properties, settled on one that you want to buy, and your offer has been accepted, you will be asked to sign a promise of sale, known in Maltese as a konvenju. This is a legally binding agreement between you and the seller, and will involve a notary public.

At this point you are obliged to pay 1 per cent of the 5 per cent provisional stamp duty. The total sum is payable upon completion of the sale. You will also need to pay a

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deposit which is usually around 10 to 15 per cent of the agreed sale price.

You don’t need a permit to buy a house here unless it’s a secondary residence. But if you are not a citizen of an EU country, then you will need an Acquisition of Immovable Property in Malta by Non-Residents Permit (AIP).

You must also obtain a permit if you are considering renting your property as a holiday home, and any earnings must be declared to the authorities for tax purposes.

WHERE SHOULD I LIVE?

While Malta is a tiny island, slow-moving traffic during peak hours, reliance on private cars, and vast differences between one area of the island and another make it necessary to think deeply about what you want from your new hometown. Here’s a guideline of what to expect from different parts of Malta.

Sliema and St Julian’s The natural choice for most expats. These two towns have a large expat community, an exciting social life, and are close to many businesses and places of work.

However, they’re the most expensive addresses in Malta, and if you’re looking for a quiet place to settle down, they’re probably not it.

You don’t need a permit to buy a house here unless it’s a secondary residence.

Valletta The capital city of Malta has undergone a renaissance in recent years, and it is now one of the most exciting places to be. All buses end their journey in Valletta, so the public transport situation is excellent. However, be prepared to pay – it’s not cheap. The neighbouring suburb of Floriana may have more reasonably-priced options.

Southern areas such as Marsaxlokk, Marsascala and the Three Cities The southern part of the island is worth considering if you’d like to live in a charming, traditional village or town. However, fewer expats tend to live here, so if you’re in search of a community of fellow emigres, this may not be for you. Having your own transport becomes essential in this case, and learning at least a few words and phrases in Maltese will endear you to the local, close-knit community.

Central towns such as Birkirkara, Attard and Mosta These areas are located in the middle of the island and have good transport links to most other towns and villages in the island. Prices are moderate, and they are mostly residential, perfect for raising a family.

Gozo Quiet, peaceful and with plenty of green spaces which Malta is sorely missing, the island of Gozo is accessible via a ferry that leaves Ċirkewwa every 45mins. Since the commute may be tiring to do every day, it’s perfect for retirees, people who are planning to work from home, as well as a holiday residence.

Buġibba and Mellieħa Plenty of expats – particularly from the UK – live in these towns. Since both of them can be considered resort towns, it’s worth noting that they get particularly hectic in summer with the influx of tourists, but are quieter throughout the rest of the year.

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INVESTING IN MALTA GUIDE

What about blockchain?

Dubbed as the ‘Blockchain Island’, Malta was the first country in the world to issue a comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines on blockchain, Initial Coin Offerings, technology arrangements and financial assets. Today it is reaping the results of this proactive stance through the influx of applications for FinTech companies to operate from the island.

Three bills were passed into law in 2018 which set up the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) Act, the Innovative Technology Arrangements and Services Act (ITASA) and the Virtual Financial Asset (VFA) Act. The MDIA acts as a communicator between key national bodies such as the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), other relevant Government regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and operators.

It also regulates new and emerging technologies. The ITASA is geared towards regulating technology service providers, while the VFA Act regulates Virtual Financial Assets.

Such laws limit the scope for fraudulent activity, provide certainty to investors and also provide a legitimate legal framework in which operators can do business.

The first Virtual Financial Asset (VFA) agents were recently approved by the MFSA, whose role is to act as a liaison between the financial regulator and an entity wishing to issue a token or become a service provider in the crypto space. VFA agents conduct fitness and properness tests, providing investors and the regulator with peace of mind.

In the Summer 2019 edition of the industry publication

SPOTLIGHT ON FINANCIAL SERVICES

The financial services sector is one of the major contributors to the Maltese economy. In 2018 alone, the sector registered growth of 9.5 per cent when compared with 2017. When taking ancillary services linked to the sector into account, as a whole it contributes 11.6 per cent to the Gross Value Added, making it one of the highest-ranking contributors to the Maltese economy.

Indeed, with the sector employing 12,000 people, 1,000 of which were new jobs generated in 2018, its share of local employment makes up 5.3 per cent, nearly double that registered for other EU member states, which has an average of 2.9 per cent employment share.

The sector has not been without challenges over the past few years, with international policy-makers such as the EU and the OECD pushing for more transparency and accountability. Despite added pressure on the financial services sector, the industry continues to grow and thrive in Malta.

Taking into consideration the hub of skilled workers that have been attracted to the island due to opportunities in the sector, and the government’s willingness to support it, Malta could be your destination of choice should you be looking to invest in the financial services sector in a jurisdiction that is truly a global hub.

Broadly, the thriving sub-sectors within the financial services industry include banking/financial institutions, funds and asset management, insurance and reinsurance, pensions and wealth management, and tax management.

Whether you wish to set up a company, invest in a fund or search for opportunities within this sector, there is a wealth of options to explore through thousands of operators.

The financial services sector is one of the major contributors to the Maltese economy. In 2018 alone, the sector registered growth of 9.5 per cent when compared with 2017.

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If you’ve got a healthy risk appetite, investing in AI in Malta in these early stages could ultimately yield better results, before competition begins to grow.

If you would like to get a better feel for the industry and the network of people within it, Malta is hosting a number of conferences related to AI between September and November.

Blockchain Island the CEO of the MDIA, Stephen McCarthy, shared that “the feedback of companies working in the field is overwhelming and this can be seen from the high numbers of such companies already opening operations here in Malta.” He also revealed that “the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) received around 340 notifications, of which 259 are being processed as we speak,” and argued that “given these numbers, the size of trading in cryptocurrency and token trading in and from Malta is expected to match the volume of trading registered by the gaming local industry within a few years.”

Esports A regulatory push for all-things digital makes Esports another niche area with interesting investment options.

The number of skilled software developers, graphic designers and IT proficient workers makes Malta an attractive option for investors. And with an exciting enough project, it should not be difficult to find skilled workers to fill the roles.

As of 2018, there were around 20 Esports companies employing some 200 workers in Malta. A push to attract more talent to the island is being made through the proposal of personal incentives, while talk has also been circulating about state investment into education by establishing a gaming incubator for video game development.

Artificial Intelligence While there is currently less buzz within the Artificial Intelligence industry in Malta than financial services, blockchain and gaming, a Government push to develop a national AI strategy could see that change.

Plans are in place to explore AI as a new economic niche, replicating what has been done in the blockchain sector. In the meantime, local businesses are starting to make use of AI to trim costs, such as having a chatbot as the first point of contact for customer queries.

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Are you ready for Malta’s Delta Summit Tech Week?

In view of the great strides and milestones Malta has achieved in the span of just a few months, the second edition of DELTA Summit, Malta Government’s Official Blockchain and Innovation event, is significantly predicted to be even bigger and better than the first.

Last year’s edition managed to put Malta at the epicentre of the tech world; it was a phenomenal success which attracted over 4,500 visitors from around the globe and 180 top speakers who sparked off discussions on a subject which is now dominating world-leaders’ agendas. Building on last year’s significant achievements, this year’s DELTA Summit edition is built on the theme ‘Bigger and Better’, and will be transformed into the Government Tech Week between 30th September and 6th October.

Soon after putting into effect the blockchain laws, successfully leveraging our country’s firstmover advantage as one of the first nations to offer comprehensive regulation for distributed ledger technology, at a time when legal uncertainty still prevails, the Maltese Government set the exploration of new economic niches such as Artificial Intelligence, in its sight.

The Malta AI Task Force was set up and tasked with the drafting of the National Strategy, explicitly aimed at putting Malta amongst the top 10 nations in the world to have a strategy in this emerging sector. Unveiling the launch of the AI National Strategy, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri, commented, “Malta aspires to become a place in which local and foreign companies and entrepreneurs can develop, prototype, test and scale AI, and ultimately showcase the value from their innovations across an entire nation primed for adoption.

Our ambition is to create the conditions for AI to springboard from Malta to the world.”

However, retaining the all-critical competitive edge requires an all-encompassing awareness of the fastpaced technological advancement happening across the globe. It is with this visionary outlook that Government has progressed onto the serious exploration of the commercial potential related to space and the eventual creation of a competitive legal regime favourable to the

development of this sector within our country and the myriad opportunities this offers to our economic growth.

It is also to this end that our country is delving into the Esports and video game development phenomenon; an industry which manifests so much potential in terms of value-added contribution to the economy, as well as the creation of new job opportunities in the ICT and the Digital Arts sector.

Malta’s vision for video game development aims at growing the industry from 0.1 per cent to 1 per cent of GDP in 10 years, while creating up to 3,000 new jobs.

The Government’s firm commitment towards the embracing and nurturing of these new emergent technologies remains steadfast and it’s not for nothing that our country has earned the appellation of ‘Blockchain Island’. Serious entrepreneurs in the blockchain, cryptocurrency and distributed ledger sphere require the all-important legal security that has thus far proved elusive elsewhere. Malta’s new laws have provided such legal certainty, but not only; these laws go beyond financial focused technologies and have a broad scope while dealing with ICOs, cryptocurrency exchanges and digital currencies.

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It is now widely acknowledged that a Maltese licence is one which bequeaths a certain amount of prestige, while improving the credibility of those operators, businesses and investors who make the grade and acquire such a licence.

The ultimate goal is to provide companies the assurance of legal certitude and the ability to work within a holistic, regulated ecosystem; a stand which ultimately elevates Malta as the jurisdiction of choice for operators within this space.

The Delta Summit is the one-stop platform for investors and entrepreneurs to have all regulators under one roof and explore all the possibilities our country has to offer within this sphere. The Summit will be relocated to the MFCC, the largest conference venue on the island, with a capacity of more than 8,000 people.

In an ever-evolving landscape, DELTA has also adapted its ambit to accommodate upcoming trends within the industry, including new emerging topics such as Esports, game development, AI, IOT and of course blockchain.

Each topic will be covered in detail throughout the threeday Summit through keynote speeches, delivered by the best in the industry, as well as experiential areas where attendees will be able to fully understand the concepts behind the technology and test out the innovative

cutting-edge processes. Moreover, Esports and game development will have their own dedicated area wherein game development companies will be showcasing their latest tech and games.

A new addition to DELTA Summit this year is the introduction of two additional stages; ‘Pyramid Stage’ and ‘Lightning Stage’ where both exhibitors and new, fledgling companies will be able to display their new technology in a demonstration format. All attendees are cordially invited to attend these educational, informative and insightful sessions.

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CUISINE

The big scoop on Malta’s best ice-cream joints

From family-run outfits to Instagram-worthy cones, the Maltese islands offer top-end parlours and gelaterias pledging to satisfy your ice-cream cravings.

Rebecca Anastasi has the low-down on where you can get the best licks.

For most of Malta’s islanders, memories of childhood summers include blissful days on sandy beaches, building castles on the shore; hours spent in the cool waters, long after our fingertips had withered and wrinkled; and icecream. Lots of it. Whether bought from one of the myriad seaside kiosks, or scooped up from a large tub drawn out of our grandmother’s freezer, the lush, milky consistency of flavoured cream was inseparable from the sweet delight of holidays and time spent with our family and friends. And, this has not changed over the years, with a wave of ice-cream parlours opening up on

the islands. Here, we sort out the soft serves and vibrant toppings, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of Malta’s best scoop spots.

HAAGEN DAZS, VALLETTA AND PACEVILLE First launching its flagship outlet on the main thoroughfare in the capital, Valletta, Haagen Dazs was a long time coming to the island!

The ice-cream legend opened just over a year ago, but its rich cones and inventive flavours have earned it a cult following. Its creamy creations are made using natural ingredients, with a spate of frozen yoghurts – such as the

dairy-free kiwi and mango – as well as vegan options also available.

The international ice-cream powerhouse has, now, even opened in Paceville, St Julian’s, so you can keep licking well into the evening on both sides of the harbour.

AMORINO, VALLETTA Right across the street in the capital – and with queues stretching for hundreds of metres, at all times of the day – Amorino, an international franchise, must produce the most Instagrammed sweet treat on the island. The innovator of the ‘Amorino Rose’, a coned ice-cream with scoops shaped into colourful ➜ 65

CUISINE

Amorino, Valletta

rose petals, often topped up with a bright macaroon, you’ll often see couples and selfie addicts take a shot of themselves with the iconic slurp. But, what about the flavours? Luckily, those also deliver in spoonfuls: Dulce de Leche, Mango Alphonso from India, and Vanilla Bourbon from Madagascar top our list.

SOTTO ZERO, THE GELATO FACTORY, BUĠIBBA AND SLIEMA At its soft serve outpost in Buġibba, Sotto Zero has created an icecream fan’s paradise, and, the return custom proves that this Italian gelato factory can do no wrong. Open from quite early in the morning – you can even grab your breakfast there – this ice-cream parlour is a frozen favourite with those stepping off the beach after a day in the sun or sauntering back home post-dinner.

And if you’re not based on this end of the island, it might be more convenient for you to head off to its recently opened sister outlet on The Strand in Sliema to savour the genuine, home-made fare.

RIVARENO GELATO, ST JULIAN’S Scrumptious gooey pancakes and creamy Italian ice-cream inject a heady sugar rush at Rivareno Gelato in the heart of St Julian’s, a stone’s throw away from the entertainment capital of Paceville. The indulgent treat is made fresh in this outlet’s scientifically sounding ‘gelato lab’ within their store, every single day, but their artisanal produce also includes fruit-flavoured granitas and ice-cream-based desserts to wow any dinner party.

BUSY BEE, MSIDA AND MRIEĦEL A confectionery institution on the islands, Busy Bee has been serving up dollops and scoops of unbeatable creamy goodness since 1933, firmly establishing itself as a member of every Maltese family, with its stunning fare a guest of honour at countless celebrations or Sunday lunches. Today, apart from the original outlet on the Msida seafront and a brand-new, bold eatery in Mrieħel, Busy Bee also serves its 45 soft serves from a gelateria a few metres away from where it all started. Don’t leave the island without trying their traditional Maltese ice-cream, flavoured with candied peel and roasted almonds. We guarantee you will be back for more.

LA GELATERIA LUNGOMARE Describing their ice-creams as ‘scoopalicious’, La Gelateria Lungomare has been delighting young and old alike ever since it was opened by the Grech family in the 1980s. Today, many adults have fond childhood memories of

running into the store to pick their favourite slurp, after a long day at the beach during their summer holidays. And, though the outlet has since been sold, the current owners – known as the Bartoli brothers – have recently revamped the classic gelateria, keeping much of the original style, and making the outlet feel like it wouldn’t look out of place on the Stranger Things set. ➜

Busy Bee, Msida and Mrieħel

Rivareno Gelato, St Julian's

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CUISINE BEN & JERRY’S, VALLETTA American ice-cream giant Ben & Jerry’s have been making some headway into the Maltese islands ever since they opened a soft serve outlet in St Julian’s a few years ago. And, while that outlet has

since closed, their new stall at the entrance of Valletta in Triton Square couldn’t have come at a better time, with the capital experiencing a renaissance. Gluten- and dairy-free flavours are available here, but for those with no such worries, this scoop shop also serves familiar favourites such as Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel and Brownie.

PJAZZA GELATERIA, SLIEMA Artisanal gelato doesn’t get much more original than this. Pjazza Gelateria, just off The Strand in Sliema, serves up knock-out flavours based on Maltese favourites such as ħobż tal-Malti (Maltese bread) and bajtra tax-xewk (prickly pear). For those looking further afield, Guinness ice-cream is also available here, as well as a soft serve

Ben & Jerry's, Valletta

based on Mulino Bianco’s pan di stelle, popular Italian chocolate biscuits, sprinkled with sugar in the form of stars. The gooey scoops are all made in-house, and they can even be savoured in freshly baked brioche buns.

EATING & DRINKING

La Sorpresa La Sorpresa is a family-run restaurant and pizzeria where customers are welcomed like friends and family. Colin and Doreen pride themselves on making consistent, high-quality food and service a priority. La Sorpresa restaurant offers both a Mediterranean-based à la carte menu, as well as a variety of set menus designed to suit every guest’s preferences. Our à la carte menu includes pasta dishes, mouth-watering steaks and other carvery dishes, fresh local fish, homemade pizzas, traditional Maltese dishes and other special dishes which change frequently.

Our little guests have their own kids menu and gluten-free options are also available.

Open Monday to Saturday 6-11pm; Sunday 11.30am-3pm, 6-11pm.

La Sorpresa, Tourists Street, Buġibba.

Contact Nicholas Farrugia on T: 2157 7301; M: 7925 4324.

Luna – The Restaurant at Palazzo Parisio The Luna Restaurant combines a variety of culinary concepts set in one of Malta’s finest privately-owned stately homes. Every corner assures you luxury, grace, elegance and a taste of history by the mouthful, offering breakfast, snacks, lunch, traditional English afternoon tea or dinner. Choose between the sublime interiors and the beautifully shaded tables on the garden terrace basking beside fragrant orange blossom and flamboyant bougainvillea. Luna, in all its forms, offers relaxation and understated luxury in an incredible and refined ambience.

29, Victory Square, Naxxar. Book your table on T: 2141 2461 Ext 2; E: fb@palazzoparisio.com; www.palazzoparisio.com

Maltese Mama Maltese Mama serves authentic Maltese and Italian cuisines complemented by great service in a relaxing atmosphere. To start, patrons are offered a complimentary plate of traditional Maltese antipasti, served with fresh bread and galletti (water crackers).

Starters include home-made soups, octopus, scallops, clams, the speciality shellfish platter and pasta dishes. A variety of main courses is also available, with specialities including fish and traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit and braġjoli (beef olives).

Maltese Mama, 19/2, Paceville Avenue, St Julian’s.

T: 2737 7024; M: 7780 5312; E: eltonspiteri@hotmail.co.uk

Old Bakery’s Kitchen This little café-style restaurant is great for casual meals from a small menu which offers gourmet burgers, pasta and pizza. The pizza is made fresh in a pizza oven right in front of customers, and only fresh egg pasta is used. Old Bakery’s Kitchen is the perfect, quaint little eatery to visiit while exploring Valletta’s charming streets.

Old Bakery’s Kitchen, 28A, South Street, Valletta.

T: 2123 3983; M: 7780 5312; E: oldbakerys@gmail.com

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EATING & DRINKING

Palazzo Preca Restaurant Palazzo Preca Restaurant is repeatedly awarded as one of the best restaurants in Malta and Gozo. It is situated in one of the best-known historic streets in Valletta, within a beautiful 16th-century palazzo in Strait Street. An extensive and creative menu provides mouth-watering choices of food and fine local and foreign wines – and do not miss out on our delicious home-made desserts! Professional, dedicated and attentive staff will ensure that your visit is a completely enjoyable experience. Wednesday is our special night when the lights are turned off and the restaurant is entirely lit by candles, creating an intimate and romantic ambience. Open Tuesday to Saturday 12.30-3pm; 6.30-10.30pm. Closed Sunday lunch and open Sunday evenings.

Bookings are recommended and are to be confirmed by phone. Palazzo Preca, 54, Strait Street, Valletta. T: 2122 6777; M: 9986 6640; www.palazzoprecarestaurant.com

Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro Right in the heart of Sliema lies Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro, serving wholesome home cooking at unbeatable prices. Chef patron Chris uses the freshest ingredients to create tasty Maltese dishes like Dad’s famous braġjoli (beef olives), thick beef stew, veal escalopes and rabbit, and for those with a sweet tooth, the deliciously crunchy imqaret – a must-try date-filled pastry. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with the daily specials ranging from fresh fish to beef fillet and various pasta dishes. Everything at this price-worthy restaurant is served in the unique setting of a former bakery. Ta’ Kris is one of the best-rated restaurants by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants.

Booking is recommended. Set menus for special occasions can also be arranged upon request.

Open Monday to Sunday 12.30-11pm. Ta’ Kris, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema.

T: 2133 7367; M: 7933 7367; www.takrisrestaurant.com

Ta’ Marija Celebrating more than five decades of excellence, Ta’ Marija restaurant offers the ideal venue for colleagues, friends and family to celebrate any occasion with sumptuous food in welcoming surroundings, complemented by our exceptional service and merrymaking. Enjoy our all-inclusive carvery buffets on Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches for just €30 per person, or indulge in a Maltese extravaganza every Wednesday and Friday evening with a spectacular traditional folk dancing show and our mandolin and guitar duo! You may also choose to dine al fresco, enjoying views of the Mosta Dome, whilst savouring one of our signature cocktails and exquisite degustation menus.

Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta.

T: 2143 4444; E: info@tamarija.com.mt; www.tamarija.com.mt

Terrone Terrone is a restaurant in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk that combines rustic charm with contemporary, regional cuisine. Focusing on southern Italian and local Maltese cuisines, and hand-picking the best local and organic produce, we aim to recreate a healthy and enjoyable way of dining.

We are open every day for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast on weekends (8-10.45am). The restaurant is situated on the Marsaxlokk seafront.

Open Monday to Friday noon-11pm; Saturday 8am-11pm; Sunday 8am-10pm.

Terrone, 1, Wilġa Street, Marsaxlokk. T: 2704 2656; E: info@terrone.com.mt; www.terrone.com.mt

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guide me reviews

Susurrus exceptional sea view dining With stunning unobstructed vistas out to sea and an extraordinary menu of Mediterranean and South America-inspired dishes, Susurrus is a unique place to dine on the island, as Jo Caruana discovers.

Photos: Brian Grech

Susurrus evokes joy in me from the second I arrive. Driving straight into the underground car park at the Marina Hotel Corinthia in St Julian’s makes getting here a breeze, and there’s anticipation in the air as we take the lift up towards this rooftop eatery.

Susurrus, another brainchild of renowned and multi-awardwinning chef Marvin Gauci, instantly conjures the best of the Mediterranean. Inspired by nature, the sea feels omnipresent 74

– with a vast terrace for diners to enjoy, as well as indoor seating for cooler evenings.

We’re walked to our terrace table

by Nikolai, who is as friendly as he is professional and keen to ensure we understand what Susurrus does differently. He explains the menu is inspired, in part, by South America – but that it also pays homage to the richness of the Mediterranean and Middle East. As expected, the result is tantalising and exciting – fabulouslooking starters and sharing items,

fascinating fish dishes, and a dynamic mix of flavours that certainly make the experience stand out from the outset. We’re excited to check out our options, and Nikolai brings over expertly-mixed G&Ts for us to sip while mulling the options.

Truth be told, though, for the first few minutes, we don’t fully take in the menu because we’re too busy admiring the view. The vistas here really are one of the stand-out aspects of Susurrus; the terrace looks out over the pretty pool area of the

guide me reviews Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay below and the open sea beyond it. It offers an opportunity to gaze at the boats bobbing in the water, and those G&Ts come in handy as we settle into the inimitable atmosphere of the place.

Of course, food isn’t far from our minds for long – especially as our waiting team arrives with crusty bread and home-made hummus to whet our appetite. This is our chance to really assess our options, and Nikolai politely guides us through our choices – confirming my fish and vegetarian options, as well as my carnivorous guest’s affinity for meat. The great news?

There is plenty for everyone – with a menu that equally pleases the vegans and vegetarians in your party, as well as those after a great steak or some fish.

The service here is smooth, and it’s barely moments before our first dish is placed in front of us, along with carefully-paired wines. Ceviche, it transpires, is one of the house specialities, and there are several varieties to sample. We’ve chosen two – Seabass The Exotic – with mango and passion fruit ‘leche de tigre’, purple onions, coriander and fresh chilli, and the Bloody Meagre – with

its beetroot and balsamic ‘leche de tigre’, guacamole, tomato hearts, green chilli, apple and feta cheese foam.

We loved the selection of raw items on the menu – premium caviar, oysters, and salmon and tuna tartare – but decided to opt for something from the Machu Picchu section, in which items are given a ‘South American touch’.

The obvious choice is the Salmon Trufado with hand-carved salmon dressed with ponzu salad, black truffle and wakame seaweed gel. A pure and sophisticated taste of the sea!

Onto the mains, my guest and I

were both excited by what we’d ordered – although it was hard to narrow an option down between the Los Pollos tacos, Maltese pork tamarind fresh pasta, and Lobster Popcorn. In the end I opted for the sea meagre in champagne and curry (what a combination!) which was rich and satisfying, while my dining partner chose the milky veal in Chermoula sauce, with parsley, thyme, red chilli and lime juice – an electric permutation.

As always, dessert felt like both a pleasure and a chore – but we couldn’t resist sneaking a peek from the pretty framed dessert board (another special Susurrus touch) placed in front of us – from which the matcha fondant stuck out (and we were very pleased it did). Much like the rest of the meal, it was the perfect blend of the familiar and the astonishing, and it expertly completed our dining experience. The pièce de résistance? A wonderful, warm goodbye from Nikolai and his team, the sound of waves lapping as we walked off, and the pleasure of not having to walk far back to our car!

Susurrus, Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. Open daily from 6.30pm to midnight. T: 2728 3342; M: 7728 3342; www.susurrus.com.mt 75

TAKE NOTE

TAKE NOTE

BANKS AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE Banks are normally open between 8.30am and 1.30pm Mon-Thur, between 8.30am and 3.30pm on Fri, and up to noon on Sat. Some banks open for longer hours.

International bank cards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands.

USEFUL AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NOS 00356 International Code 112 Emergency Services 1182 Directory Enquiries 1152 Overseas Operator 195 Time Check 2124 9600 Flight Enquiries TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES IN MALTA Malta Tourism Authority-run offices may be found at: Valletta MUŻA (MUŻew Nazzjonali tal-Arti – The Malta National Community Art Museum), Merchants Street.

T: 2291 5502/3 Valletta Information Kiosk – Triton Fountain Area.

T: 2291 5504

CHEMISTS Chemists are found throughout the islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays they operate on a roster from 9am to 12.30pm in Malta and from 7.30am to 11am in Gozo.

Details of the roster are available on the local Sunday newspapers.

Malta International Airport Arrivals Lounge, Luqa. T: 2369 6073/4 Gozo, Mġarr Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal.

T: 2155 4538 Gozo, Rabat 17, Independence Square.

T: 2291 5452/3 Marsaxlokk Xatt is-Sajjieda. T: 2165 1151 Mdina St Publius Square. T: 2145 4480 Mellieħa Misraħ Iż-żjara tal-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II 26 ta’ Mejju 1990. T: 2152 4666 Sliema Info Desk Plaza Commercial Centre.

T: 2136 3691 St Paul’s Bay Misraħ il-Bajja (Buġibba).

T: 2141 9176 Valletta Waterfront Pinto Wharf. T: 2122 0633 Birgu (Vittoriosa) Inquisitor’s Palace, Main Gate Street.

T: 2180 0145

Public hospital in Malta Mater Dei Hospital, B’Kara By-pass, B’Kara.

T: 2545 0000; E: mdh@gov.mt Public hospital in Gozo Gozo General Hospital, Rabat.

T: 2156 1600

SMOKING No smoking is allowed in any entertainment establishment, including bars and restaurants, unless there is a designated smoking area.

POSTAL SERVICES Most towns and villages have post or sub-post offices. Branch Post Offices in Malta and Gozo are open between 7.30am and 12.45pm Mon-Sat. Sub-Post Offices are open between 8am and 1pm, and 4pm and 6pm MonFri, and between 8am and 1pm Sat. Stamps can be bought from post offices, local newsagents, souvenir shops and hotels.

ELECTRICITY The electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain.

Adapters are very easy to find.

TIPPING Gratuities are usually in the region of 10-15 per cent, as in most European countries. As a rule of thumb: taxi drivers – not expected, but up to 10 per cent; porters – €0.50 per piece of luggage; restaurants, unless a service charge is added to the bill, 10 per cent.

77

FASHION

SIZZLE THIS SUMMER with

Charles & Ron

Charles & Ron is a contemporary lifestyle brand of high-end clothing and bags with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a dedication to superior quality. Maltese culture is an integral part of the Charles & Ron design ethic, and the brand‘s vision is to inspire customers to be part of the ‘love affair’ with the brand’s instantly-recognisable Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean identity “Malta has always been of enormous inspiration to our work, and throughout the years, we’ve enjoyed designing with inspiration from the Mediterranean and all it offers. For us, it’s important to incorporate certain aspects of culture, architecture and tradition, and show them in a different and unexpected way. We’ve incorporated these references into our brand since the beginning – they define us as a brand, and it’s important to embrace and appreciate your heritage.”

Celebrities and feminine shapes “In the past year, we’ve had the pleasure of dressing many international celebrities, including singer Jessie J, Kelly Rowland, Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), singer Ashanti, Ally Brooke (Fifth Harmony) and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s

Child). These moments have been very satisfying for us as designers, however, we take pride in designing for all women. The Charles & Ron woman does love statement pieces with a feminine silhouette and is never afraid to stand out in a crowd.”

By taking home one of our bags and/or scarves, you will truly be taking home the spirit and beauty of the Maltese islands!”

The importance of accessories “Key items in our range are our Malta-inspired luxury scarves and our leather bags. Our handbags are made from the finest Italian leather and hand-crafted in Malta.

Charles & Ron, 58D, Republic Street, Valletta. T: 2124 0184.

Minus3, The Point Shopping Mall, Sliema. T: 2015 1706.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard. www.charlesandron.com 79

FASHION

Splash around in style with these

sizzling swimwear trends

From metallic one-pieces to high-cut bikini bottoms, there are plenty of daring swimwear trends to explore this summer. Martina Said picks her favourites.

1. Neon What better way to glow on the beach – and be visible in the water – than with a neon swimsuit or two-piece?

Neon colours are everywhere this summer, so you best get on that train.

Mango

image

2. Animal prints With animal prints of all kinds trending in couture, it’s no surprise they’ve also made a hit in swimwear collections, beach cover-ups and beyond.

Sydne Style

3. High-cut legs Channel the evertrending ‘80s with a sexy, leggy swimsuit – or two-piece – featuring a high cut above the hip that elongates the legs and exposes some cheeky extra skin. ➜ 81

FASHION

Hit the shops

Check out Malta’s top shopping destinations.

VALLETTA

Melissa Odabash

Our stunning capital city offers so much more than history and architecture. In and around the beautiful Baroque buildings that line the city’s streets lie several highstreet outlets for a dose of retail therapy amid the culture and history lessons.

Don’t miss: Republic Street and Merchants Street

www.worthtryit.com

4. Knotted details Knot details have made waves in 2019 swimwear collections, as well as accessories such as headbands, adding a flirty and feminine touch, as well as an element of customisation to tops and bottoms.

SLIEMA Sliema is the undisputed shopping centre of Malta. Look out for the main streets that house a variety of highstreet and designer brands, as well as the islands’ biggest shopping malls.

Don’t miss: Bisazza Street, Tower Road, The Plaza Shopping Centre and The Point Shopping Mall

ST JULIAN’S 5. Anklets Doesn’t this trend feel like a throwback to your school summer holidays, when you’d finally ditch your uniform and bring out all the accessories you couldn’t wear throughout the year? Anklets are on trend – and the daintier, the better.

For the more discerning shopper, the area opposite the upmarket complex of Portomaso is home to a selection of designer shops that beckon you to explore what’s on their rails. A shopping complex just down the road from the nightlife capital of Paceville is also open on Sundays.

Don’t miss: Bay Street Shopping Complex and Portomaso www.fashionista.com

Free People

6. Metallics Thought neon was a flashy trend?

Wait till you try on metallic swimwear! Despite their shiny, reflective appearance though, silhouettes in this fabric are simple and sleek, allowing the material to do the talking. ➜

Elite Daily

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FASHION

Versace

Refinery29

8. Futuristic sunglasses Supermodels and celebs have been sporting skinny sunglasses of late, featuring horizontally slim lenses in triangular and rectangular shapes, giving a cool and quirky futuristic effect to your ensemble.

Oysho

7. One-pieces Never have one-pieces been as popular as they are now, featuring all manners of patterns, cuts, designs and embellishments, including ruffles, rings, buckles and even sleeves.

Ace & Tate

WHERE TO SPEND IT

The Point Shopping Mall Celebrating NINE years of growth and success

Since opening its doors in 2010, The Point Shopping Mall has become Malta’s favourite shopping destination, attracting 2.5 million local and overseas visitors every year. Exuding a stunning five-star ambience, it offers a wide variety of shops in the latest range of fashion, beauty, health, lifestyle, and food outlets for convenience and shopping pleasure.

The Point hosts family retailers such as flagship store Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Costa, alongside designer boutique stores like Armani Exchange, Lacoste, Guess, CK Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Massimo Dutti, Ted Baker, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tru Trussardi. More affordable, trendy and fast fashion brands like New Look, River Island and Bershka are also available, together with sportswear retailers such as Adidas and Nike.

The Point’s extensive array of food outlets has also

been handpicked to appeal to a cross-section of tastes and budgets. Ample parking with 24-hour security completes a package that is the last word in comfort, service and convenience for The Point’s visitors.

The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point, Sliema. www.thepointmalta.com

NIGHTLIFE

What To Do… After Dark The Maltese summertime calendar is chock-full of fun and festivities, so there’s truly never a dull moment. Jo Caruana lays out the many night-time events for you to add to your holiday itinerary.

Life in Malta begins after 7pm.

Sure, most of us have to trawl to work in the heat (while others among us can enjoy days on the beach!). But, for the most part, it’s the evenings that really define the season for us – from rooftop barbecues and wine festivals, to club nights and concerts. These are the ones we’re most looking forward to.

Clubbing & Dance Festivals Lazy Pirate Boat Party

Lazy Pirate Boat Party Fridays 2-23 August, Sliema to Comino According to HostelWorld.com, this is one of the best parties in Europe. So, hop aboard this Turkish gullet with over 200 other fun seekers and dance the night away with a stocked bar, top DJs and a moonlight swim in Comino.

If you like reggaeton, urban Latin music and a party, this one is for you. www.lazypiratemalta.com

Robin Schulz 11 August, Café del Mar To those in the know, black sunglasses and a baseball cap flipped backwards can only mean one thing: Germany’s biggest pop star and world-renowned DJ Robin Schulz is performing.

Backdropped to stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and St Paul’s island, Schulz will perform his remix of Waves, as well as other hits, in the gorgeous setting. www.showshappening.com/ G7/Robin-Schulz-2019 ➜

Glitch

89

NIGHTLIFE

called it the ‘craziest party in the world’ and we can see why.

Elrow creates experiences where spectacle, music, colour and happiness come together, and it has become an instantly-recognisable party brand as a result. Stand by for their ‘psychedelic’ edition this year and stay tuned for the line-up to be announced.

Facebook.com/elrowofficial

Elrow Techno Festival

Summer Daze 11-17 August, Ta Qali National Park This new dance music festival presents a big-name line-up and headliners from the world of EDM, pop and house music. It will feature David Guetta, James Arthur, Tyga, Green Velvet, Loco Dice and Paul Kalkbrenner, among others.

Highlights include the sunset pool party on the 16th, while entrance is free on the 14th and 15th. www.summerdazemalta.com

editions, Glitch returns – and party lovers can’t wait. Electronic music enthusiasts from all over the world will gather at the gates of the mystical house-and-techno fortress for a ‘sonic adventure’, with rooftop pool parties and secret cave raves, as well as energetic boat parties. It’s certainly been nicknamed a ‘house and techno paradise’ for a reason! www.glitchfestival.com

Glitch 14-16 August, Gianpula Village Back for one full-on weekend and following three successful

Elrow Techno Festival 14-15 September, Uno Village, Ta’ Qali Past fans of this festival have

The Farsons Beer Festival

90

Foodie Events The Farsons Beer Festival Until 3 August, Ta’ Qali National Park This outdoor festival brings together the best local music, beer and entertainment, and is one of the island’s most highly anticipated annual events. Aside from the excellent choice of 50 award-winning beers, over 50 artists will perform live across the park, and there will be plenty of street food to sample too. www.farsonsbeerfestival.com ➜

NIGHTLIFE

The Malta Craft Beer Festival

Delicata Wine Festival 8-11 August, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta; 23-25 August, Nadur, Gozo This festival is organised annually by the island’s oldest family-run winemaker, and this will be its 18th edition. Both locations – in Malta and Gozo – are absolutely lovely, giving you the chance to sample over 20 wines in glorious surroundings. Entrance is free, but you will need to purchase a purse of 24 wine coins and a souvenir glass (yours to keep) for €16 – a bargain in our books! There will be live music and cooking stations too. www.delicata.com/wine-festivals

The Malta Craft Beer Festival 2019 30 August-1 September, Fort St Elmo, Valletta Once again, the ‘beer fort’ opens its majestic gates to welcome you to three days of the finest brews, delicious food and sweets, awesome live music, informative workshops, and a new pop-up shop with beers and merchandise to take home. Organised by Lord Chambray and The Craft Beer Company, this very special festival is a collaboration between the top local craft beer brewers, importers and distributors. www.craftbeerfestival.mt

Concerts Joseph Calleja 2019 with Special Guest Andrea Bocelli 24 August, Il-Fosos, Floriana Although there are many concerts taking place on the islands throughout summer, this is the classical music highlight of the season. Home-grown Grammynominated lyric tenor Joseph Calleja will once again join musical forces with world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, famed for having one of the most beautiful voices on the planet. They will perform under the stars, with ➜

Delicata Wine Festival

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NIGHTLIFE

More Festivals & Events Malta Pride Week 6-15 September, Valletta and other venues Pride Malta has become a weeklong event, with everything from Pride parties to fashion shows, concerts and open mic nights taking place throughout the week.

It culminates in the march on 14th September from the Triton Fountain to Pjazza San Ġorġ in Valletta, followed by a concert. The line-up will be announced soon, so stay tuned! www.maltapride.org Malta Pride Week

music by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. www.showshappening. com/nng/Joseph-Calleja-2019

Versatile and Friends 4 September, Pjazza San Ġorġ, Valletta Raising funds for ALS sufferers, this massive, free concert features some of the biggest names on the local music scene, as well as the

Versatile Brass Band. Artists will include The Travellers, Ira Losco, Red Electrick, Big Band Brothers, Pamela Bezzina, Glen Vella, Martina Borg, Christabelle Borg, Brooke, Kevin Paul Calleja, Janice Mangion, Amber, Christian Arding and Nadine Axisa. It promises to be the perfect way to discover the best local musicians, while also enjoying one of the capital’s prettiest spots.

The Bubble Festival 16-22 September, Mellieħa One for all the family – as well as the eco conscious among us – The Bubble is organised by an NGO of the same name that supports environmental and humanitarian causes. Expect live music, conscious workshops, art, healthy food, camping and activities for the kids – all in this lovely location in the north of the island. A great place to meet likeminded people and raise funds. www.thebubble.com.mt/tickets

The Bubble Festival

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72

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1 2 3 4 13 13A 14 15 16 21 22 24 25 31 32 35 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 58A 61 62 63 64 71 72 73 74 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 91 92 93 94 122 130 133 238 250 260 X4 Malta International Airport 117 119 135 201 X1 X2 X3 X4 2 3 4 124 213 Il-Birgu 80 81 119 210 X4 Birżebbuġa 71 201 Blue Grotto 31 45 48 186 203 212 221 223 Buġibba / Il-Qawra 280 X3 221 222 250 X1 X1A 41 42 101 201 Ċirkewwa Ferry 56 186 202 201 Ta’ Qali 52 56 181 201 Ħad-Dingli 223 225 44 101 201 Golden Bay 1 124 213 L-Isla 213 N3 3 201 Il-Kalkara 91 92 93 119 124 135 201 204 N91 Marsaskala 81 85 119 210 Marsaxlokk 22 31 32 109 110 117 120 121 Mater Dei Hospital 122 135 181 182 204 206 201 201 209 233 238 213 218 226 201 201 210 201 50 51 52 53 56 109 181 182 L-Imdina 186 201 202 250 X3 221 222 250 41 42 49 101 201 Il-Mellieħa X1 X1A 201 44 101 213 L-Imġarr 14 120 Paceville 50 51 52 53 56 109 181 182 Ir-Rabat 186 201 202 250 X3 13 14 15 16 21 201 202 204 Tas-Sliema 201 201 222 225 201 233 X3 212 81 82 201 206 Ħal Tarxien 71 73 74 117 201 218 Iż-Żurrieq

Valletta

MALTA - Index of places served

L-Għarb Marsalforn L-Imġarr In-Nadur Il-Qala Ir-Ramla Ta’ Sannat Santa Luċija / Ta’ Kerċem Ta’ Pinu Church / L-Għasri Ix-Xagħra Ix-Xlendi Iż-Żebbuġ Ix-Xewkija Il-Munxar

Kemmunett Id-Dwejra (Cominotto)

301 309 311 308 310 301 302 303 302 305 313 308 307 306 309 301 305

KEMMUNA GOZO - Index of places served (COMINO)

Il-Qala

Ir-Rabat (Victoria)

322 323 301 303

303

303

www.freytagberndt.com

St Thomas Bay

2 32

In-Nadur

302

91 92 93 119 124 135 204 93

2

32

GĦAWDEX (GOZO)

Date: 19th April 2017 © FREYTAG-BERNDT & ARTARIA KG, VIENNA

Delimara

Marsaxlokk Market

Marsaxlokk

11

Pretty Bay

85

81 85

81,119

6

5

4

20

92

Ħaż-Żabbar

94 120 121

94

Fort Rinella

206 Marsaskala 84 Iż-Żejtun (Wied il-Għajn) 84, 20

301

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Għajnsielem

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302

Ramla Bay

Ta’ Kola Windmill Il-Ġgantija (Ġgantija Temples)

307

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

Tarxien Temples Ħal Tarxien

120,121

03

3 Il-Kalkara

213

213 1 Il-Fgura 90,91 92,93,94

Raħal Ġdid (Paola)

2,3,4

(Cospicua)

X1A Bormla

1 124 213

(Senglea)

4

Il-Belt VALLETTA

L-Isla 2

Ta´Xbiex

3 13

1,3

305

30

Ir-Rabat (Victoria) 30 2 32 3

307

310 322

Marsalforn Bay

Ix-Xagħra

309 Marsalforn

Il-Munxar Ta’ Sannat

330

306,

15 21 202 203 212 222 225

0

, 11

21

313

1

Ta’ Kerċem

Tas-Sliema

6

4,1

Il-Gżira

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

0

12

Il-Marsa

Iż-Żurrieq 73

Il-Ħnejja (Blue Grotto)

Il-Qrendi

Ħaġar Qim L-Imnajdra Temples (Mnajdra Temples)

63

64

58

56 58 Tal-Pietà A

50,54,

L-Imsida

32

A,1

13

St George’s Bay San Ġiljan (St Julian’s)

San Ġwann

X1 X2 X3 119 201 117 Malta Int. Airport 218 72 L-Imqabba

9

61,62

63

64

2,53

11

University Mater Dei Hospital

X1 X2 X3 X4 61 62 63 64 74 110 120 121 135 204 206 209 210 218 226

Is-Siġġiewi

62 209

58 51,5

22

Ħal Qormi

20

4

120

X2

22 Il-Balluta 21 0,1

,73

109

Ras Bajjada

10

1 20

61

6

38

106

14

Is-Swieqi

16

Pembroke

14

233 16 25 35 2 2

Ħal Balzan Birkirkara

L-Iklin

43

41-49 203, 25 0,260 280 4 5

202, 203

3

,10

13

X1

13A 14 103 110 120 121

71

Għar Lapsi

109

186

106 54

49

46 260

Ħal Għargħur

In-Naxxar Mosta Dome Il-Mosta

47

,5 50,52,5 3

Ta’ Qali

Buskett Gardens

Ir-Rabat

53 186 201 202

L-Imdina

56

186

0

13

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

306 330

313

2

31

8,

30 31

308

Iż-Żebbuġ

L-Għasri

8

30

Santa Luċija

Ix-Xlendi Xlendi Bay

San Lawrenz

Id-Dwejra

311

312

L-Għarb

Ta’ Pinu

310

wa

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MALTA

51

182

25

49

10 3

21 2 , 22 2, 2 25 X 1, X1A

Is-Salina

Tarġa Gap

Ta' Qali National Stadium

Burmarrad

Il-Bidnija

44, 2 38

L-Imtarfa

50

Ħad-Dingli

Skorba Temples

103

Il-Wardija

X1,X 1B

Il-Qawra

X1 X1A X2 22 25 31 32 106 110 117 120 122 135 181 182 204 206 209 210 213 218 226 233 238 260 280

5 17,13

Dingli Cliffs

109

Ta’ Ħaġrat

101 238

5

A X1

San Pawl il-Baħar (St Paul’s Bay)

Buġibba

X3 31 45 48 186 203 212 221 223 280

Selmunett (St Paul’s Islands)

Azure Window

4

Bus routes Bus routes only summer Number of bus route Place of departure/arrival Key bus stop Sales and information office Bus interchange Tourist information Heritage site Place of interest Airport Hospital Ferry Beach

1

Il-Baħrija

109

Il-Ġnejna

01

L-Imġarr

Ġnejna Bay

2 223, 2

Il-Mellieħa

Mellieħa Bay

1 44, 10

101

49

49

Għajn Tuffieħa

Golden Bay

44 223 225

Popeye Village Il-Prajjet (Anchor Bay)

22 1

L-Għadira

101

X1B

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

47

309

49

202

0

Paradise Bay

181, 56

54,106

31

Iċ-Ċirkewwa

2 20 1, 6,18 52,5

109

6

Ċirkewwa Ferry

62,109

25, 35

305

L-Armier (Armier Bay)

218

13

305,30

X1 X1A 41 42 101 221 222 250

,85

218

,82

80,82 , 85

7

80

,88

20 1

73, 1

26

11

0,2

201

311 71

3

72

2, 5

3

51

,X

18

X1,X

X2

1

X3

,12

31

94

5,48,186, X3 ,42,4 ,41 31 203,250,280

120

0

21

9

0 ,25

26

206

11

2 22 103 31

4

210

1A , 260

81,8

135

ġa Im L-

,X 16

124

91

to

41,42 X1

B, ,X1

ew Ferr y to Ċirk

119

rr y Fe

2

32 303

rr

MALTA BY BUS

11 X4

9

97

valletta

98