Meet Roberta Metsola: Maltese President of the European Parliament p. 38
FOOD & DRINK
Malta’s top chefs reveal their favourite food spots p. 65
ARTS & CULTURE
Mariam de Giorgio: Painting the beauty in everyday life p. 108
16.
Step Into Discovery
Top ten must-do experiences in Malta and Gozo – from historic cities to coastal escapes and local treats.
24.
31.
Nautical Escapades
Six thrilling water adventures around Malta, from boat charters to jet ski safaris.
Hidden Shores
For those seeking serenity, seclusion and a taste of local charm, Guide Me sheds light on some of the islands’ most peaceful hidden beaches.
38.
44.
“The warmth of the Maltese people is unmatched”
Rebecca Anastasi speaks to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola about her Maltese roots and what she misses most when away.
A Symphony of Arts: Kenneth Zammit Tabona on Malta’s cultural heartbeat
Sarah Muscat Azzopardi meets Kenneth Zammit Tabona to talk culture, creativity and Malta’s artistic soul.
Photo: Rene Rossignaud
Sarah Muscat Azzopardi chats with top local chefs about their favourite dishes, must-visit restaurants and hidden foodie gems to add to your Malta itinerary. 65.
Islands of Flavour: A chef’s guide to Maltese cuisine
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The Season for Bold Dressing
What to wear this summer? Three of Malta’s fashion personalities discuss the standout styles, labels and looks defining the season. 97.
Painting Life in Layers:
A conversation with Mariam de Giorgio
Artist Mariam de Giorgio captures fleeting moments of everyday life in her layered, evocative work. Sam Vassallo explores how her art transforms the ordinary into the sublime. 108.
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Published since 2005, Guide Me is the largest and the leading independent guide for visitors in Malta and Gozo. This 2025 edition is distributed free of charge through leading hotels and from MTA offices across the Maltese islands. It is also sold at leading newsagents in Malta and Gozo, including those at the MIA and the Gozo Channel ferries.
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COVER Painting by Mariam de Giorgio
MALTA – A YEARROUND DESTINATION
What’s not to love about the Maltese islands? With around 300 days of sunshine a year practically guaranteed, and compact enough to cross in under an hour, you can easily spend the morning exploring a prehistoric temple, the afternoon unwinding by the sea, and the evening strolling through the historic streets of Valletta or Mdina – rounded off with a memorable dinner.
Not quite sure on how to make the most of your stay?
This edition of Guide Me is here to help, whatever your interests or travel style. In the Things to Do section, Rebecca Anastasi rounds up ten top experiences that capture the spirit of Malta – where historic sites and awe-inspiring architecture sit side by side with inviting eateries, idyllic beaches and peaceful countryside. Craving a quiet cove for some sun and solitude? Head to page 31 for our pick of the islands’ best hidden beaches. Prefer high-octane adventure? Our Explore feature on page 24 dives into some of the best water-based thrills on offer.
As always, we spotlight a few of the fascinating locals who call these islands home – people with stories to share and insider tips to offer. We begin with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, who
shares reflections on her Maltese heritage, her deep affection for the islands and what she misses most when she’s away.
We also meet two talented artists whose works speak volumes about place and identity. Kenneth Zammit Tabona’s passion for Maltese art and culture is both palpable and infectious, and he gives us a whirlwind 24hour itinerary through Malta’s artistic heritage. Equally captivating is our encounter with Mariam De Giorgio, an artist whose works transform everyday moments into visual poetry – capturing the mundane with effortless beauty “as a way to hold onto what refuses to stay still”.
If your holiday revolves around great food, you’re in for a treat. Sarah Muscat Azzopardi sits down with five of the islands’ top chefs to learn about their favourite ingredients, restaurants and dishes – plus a few hidden foodie gems that are well worth seeking out.
And if you’re in need of some fashion inspiration to make sure your holiday snaps shine, don’t miss our style feature on page 97. We speak to three fashion-forward locals for their take on what to wear this summer.
We hope you enjoy this edition of Guide Me – and that it helps you fall in love with Malta just as much as we have.
Mdina.
Photo: Boyan Casper OrsteFotolia
THINGS TO DO
STEP INTO DISCOVERY! TEN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY IN MALTA AND GOZO
It feels like the sun shines a little brighter each year (hello, climate change!). But whether you’re soaking up the rays or enjoying a breezier day, now’s the perfect moment to experience everything the islands have to offer. From historic cities and dramatic coastlines to indulgent bites and peaceful countryside trails, REBECCA ANASTASI brings you her top ten recommendations for making the most of your time in Malta – whenever you visit.
1.
VALLETTA, A BAROQUE MASTERPIECE
Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is brimming with ecclesiastical art, breathtaking views and historical streets, cementing it as one of the country’s foremost iconic locations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is usually visitors’ first stop, with its minimalist entrance, inaugurated in 2014 and designed by Renzo Piano, belying its Baroque interior. Valletta is a hive of activity, particularly during the day where lawyers head to court, shopkeepers sell their wares – including some world-renowned brands – and tourists eat lunch in the sun. If you’re in town, the show at the Malta Experience, set within the St Elmo Bastions, might be a good place to start: in 45 minutes, it takes you
on a journey from Malta’s megalithic past to the country’s post-colonial present. Valletta also boasts some of the island’s must-visit art galleries, such as MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art, as well as Spazju Kreattiv, a modern space set inside the 16th century fortification of St James Cavalier. In the evening, the once quiet city comes alive with bars, countless restaurants and entertainment, including the Malta International Arts Festival which is taking place from 13 to 22 June. Don’t miss a chance to tour Teatru Manoel, Malta’s national theatre and one of Europe’s oldest stages, or to watch a show at the open-air Pjazza Teatru Rjal, built upon the ruins of the capital’s former opera house.
Saluting Battery,
Valletta.
Photo:
Inigo Taylor
2.
‘THE SILENT CITY’
Heading from Valletta, Mdina lies approximately 12km inland on a plateau perched high above the green valleys which lead down to the island’s heart, to the towns and villages of Balzan, Attard and Mosta. Known by locals as the ‘Silent City’, Mdina is less of a city or a town – its stunning palazzos, while highly sought-after, are unaffordable for most – and more of a time capsule, with its narrow, winding alleyways and its wide pjazza, evoking a time of carriages, balls and corsets. The view of the island from its ramparts is spectacular, particularly on a clear day –and Malta has plenty of those. And, if you need to stop for some refreshments, the legendary Fontanella Tea Garden offers Malta’s best-loved and iconic chocolate cake.
Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is usually visitors’ first stop – a city whose minimalist entrance, inaugurated in 2014 and designed by Renzo Piano, belies its Baroque interior.
3.
NATURE WALKS AND RURAL TRAILS
Milder days are the perfect time of year to enjoy Malta’s green pastures and rocky garigue (a type of low Mediterranean scrubland), offering a slower pace away from the hustle and bustle of the more frenetic towns. There are some spots popular with locals, such as the walk from the outskirts of Mtarfa down the hill to Chadwick Lakes. Alternatively, if you have a leisurely afternoon to dedicate to the endeavour, take the full trail through the Liemu Valley and Qlejgħa Valley, starting from the Fiddien Box near Rabat, with information panels along the route detailing the wealth of flora and fauna in the area. Gozo is also well-known for its hilly pastures, with routes through the salt pans, Xlendi and Ramla Bay, where you can even visit Calypso’s Cave. Here, legend has it, the nymph Calypso imprisoned Odysseus on his way back home to Ithaca. For more information on the walking trails the islands have to offer, visit: www.visitmalta.com/en/hikes-and-walks-malta-gozo
Mdina.
Photo: Karina Movsesyan - iStockphoto com
Qbajjar Salt Pans, Gozo. Photo: javarman3 - iStockphoto.com
4.
SACRAL LOCALES
A commonly-held belief is that there is a grand total of 365 churches on the Maltese islands – one for every day of the week. While this assertion remains apocryphal – I, myself, have not actually counted the number of chapels and churches – there is no doubt that the island is teeming with places of worship, some opulent, and some simple affairs stripped down to focus on the workings of the soul. Chief among the former is St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, the home of Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St John the Baptist Dominating the Co-Cathedral’s Oratory, the work’s chiaroscuro foregrounds the dramatic violence of the saint’s last moments – a cinematic composition from the 17th century, before the birth of cinema. In Mdina, the Metropolitan Chapter, which includes the cathedral as well as its museum and archives, reveals the strong theological presence and influence of the Catholic Church in Malta over the centuries, one which, for a long time, dictated much of civil life on the island.
URBAN STROLLS
Walking along the islands’ promenades has been a national pastime for centuries. In times gone by, it satisfied the Maltese people’s desire to watch and gossip about others, as well as to be seen and admired as they took a stroll along the seaside. It was, in effect, a marker of entry into society. Today, it remains popular, although the focus has changed, with joggers, families and teenagers heading to the shore for some fresh air and healthy exercise. Sliema’s promenade has always been one of the most popular spots. Moreover, in the north of the island, the Qawra seafront offers stunning views of St Paul’s islands; whilst there, you can also stop at the National Aquarium to discover more about Malta’s marine wildlife, or at Café Del Mar for a quick dip, a cocktail or a leisurely lunch before continuing on your way. In the south, the waterfronts of Birgu, Senglea and Kalkara boast historical façades which frame the Grand Harbour, with eateries lining the waterways – some of the country’s best spots to see the sunset and delay a return to reality. 5.
St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta. Photo: Kurt Arrigo
While Malta’s sister island is a mere 20-minute ferry ride away, making the journey feels like leaving the world behind and slipping into a more languid pace.
7.
FEAST YOUR TASTE BUDS
If the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is wonder what the day’s gastronomic delights will hold, you’re in luck because the Maltese islands are chock-full of delicious opportunities. Some are less well-known than others, for example, the Mġarr Farmers Bar in the rural area of Żebbiegħ is not, strictly speaking, on the tourist trail, but hosts farmers and other locals looking for a bite to eat, or a drink with friends. Popular favourites include their imqarrun – Maltese baked pasta – as well as their braġjoli, rolled parcels of beef, stuffed with more meat and often, eggs and ham. In Gozo, a well-known stop is Maxokk, a bakery in Nadur which offers Gozitan ftira, a pizza-like dough topped with Mediterranean ingredients sourced locally, such as potatoes, capers and tuna. If you’re after something a little more curated, however, and are keen to explore the island’s wine offering, the Meridiana Wine Estate offers tastings and tours. Famous for their standout white wine, Isis (Chardonnay), and their award-winning red, Nexus (Merlot), among others, their sessions – organised on a terrace overlooking their bucolic vineyard – offer the opportunity to savour some of Malta’s finest.
8.
INDULGE YOURSELF
6.
GOZITAN GEMS
While Malta’s sister island is a mere 20-minute ferry ride away, making the journey feels like leaving the world behind and slipping into a more languid pace. Ramla Bay is a stunner, but if you prefer to steer clear of the crowds, head to San Blas Bay. Although it’s a little tricky to access due to its steep hill, its crystal-clear waters and red sands are a worthy reward for the climb back up. Wander the sleepy streets of Għarb, take in the views from Nadur, and meander through the countryside at San Lawrenz – for this is a place that leaves you both energised and calmed by the sun.
Malta is not only beaches, countryside and picturesque medieval or Baroque cities and towns. The islands also offer the opportunity to indulge in the 21st-century luxuries of shopping, cocktails, dinner, and, perhaps, a massage or two. Sliema, a cosmopolitan town in the centre of the island, and the capital Valletta are obvious choices, but there are also smaller boutiques, outlets, parlours, and spas in the more residential areas of Naxxar, Attard or Mosta, for instance. Naxxar boasts clothes stores, beauty salons and wellness centres, such as Sanya or Yue, which help ease the mind and the body, while Mosta and Attard offer a growing number of independent retailers and beauty spaces that blend everyday convenience with a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a quiet afternoon of pampering or some spontaneous retail therapy, these less touristy towns reveal another side of island life – relaxed, refined and effortlessly modern.
Mġarr Farmers Bar
GARDEN ENCLAVES
THE RUINS OF HISTORY
Every corner of the Maltese islands has a story to tell. One notable example is the Mosta Rotunda, the central town’s parish church. During World War Two, it became the site of what many consider a miracle: on 9th April 1942, as a congregation prayed during mass, a German bomb fell through the dome and failed to detonate, sparing all those inside. Today, the church stands as a powerful testament to those days of courage and fear. Part of the visit includes a tour of a World War Two shelter beneath the church, now reopened as an exhibition space.
Similarly, in Rabat, the St Paul’s Catacombs were also used as bomb shelters, and you can take a tour to discover remnants of the time when people huddled underground, uncertain of what they would find when they resurfaced. Further along the coast, the UNESCO World Heritage Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park testifies to the everyday lives of those who came long before. On 21st June, during the summer solstice, the sun’s rays align with the temples’ inner altar to mark the turning of the season. 10.
Across the centuries, Malta’s various rulers, aware of the islands’ arid weather and rugged countryside, created spaces of pause within the centres and in the outskirts of its towns and cities – gardens where their inhabitants could interact and find reprieve from the sun’s harsh rays. Floriana, located on the edge of Valletta, is testament to such an effort: the Argotti Botanic Gardens is the home of myriad species of flora, both those indigenous to the Mediterranean, as well as some imported specimens, with a guided tour offered to those who want to discover their history and evolution. A few kilometres away, in Attard, the President’s Palace Gardens, known as San Anton, is another thoughtfully composed green space; walk along its walkways and lanes, enjoying the shade of the trees – and keep an eye out for the resident peacocks! 9.
San Anton Gardens. Photo: viewingmalta.com
St.Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat. Photo: Steven Psalia - Heritage Malta
NAUTICAL ESCAPADES!
SIX OF MALTA’S TOP FUNFILLED WATER VENTURES
From chartered boat trips around the crystal-clear waters of Comino to jet ski safaris to the islands’ caves, the Mediterranean Sea around Malta offers a spate of thrilling water adventures where life-long memories can be made. REBECCA ANASTASI has the run-down of the best picks this season.
1. CRUISING THE COAST
There’s something magical about discovering the Maltese islands from the sea. They are edged with hidden coves, sun-warmed rocks and secluded inlets, some of which can only truly be appreciated from the water. Whether you’re after a tranquil escape or simply looking to avoid the crowds, exploring Malta by boat offers a serene, intimate connection with the Mediterranean.
“Going out on a boat, guests get to witness a breathtaking, serene and almost magical atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity for people to pause, unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty,” says James Attard, who runs Xlendi Pleasure Cruises (www.xlendicruises.com). “Sometimes guests can be lucky enough to spot dolphins – it’s an experience that stays with them long after they leave the boat,” he adds.
2.
Going out on a boat, guests get to witness a breathtaking, serene and almost magical atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity for people to pause, unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty.
JAMES ATTARD, XLENDI PLEASURE CRUISES
Most boat tours last between three and four hours and include stops at some of the islands’ most striking marine locations – including the Blue Lagoon and Gozo – with prices starting from €35 per person. Boats typically accommodate between 20 and 50 people, offering a close-to-the-sea experience while keeping everyone dry…. at least until it’s time to dive in.
For those after something more private – or a bit more exhilarating – speedboat charters are also available, with prices starting from €195 for a two-hour ride.
“We pride ourselves on creating a warm, family-friendly environment, where guests truly feel like part of our extended family. From the moment they step aboard, we make sure they feel welcome and cared for, offering personalised attention and a friendly vibe throughout the tour,” James says.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP)
So, you think you’re fit enough to stand up for over an hour on a paddleboard? It’s actually harder than it looks, but if you have the patience and the stamina, it can be a thrilling experience. Paddleboarding, which is a combination of skateboarding on the sea and windsurfing (but without the sail), has risen in popularity over the past few years, and allows you to head out off the shore with family and friends and explore the islands’ marine sites up close.
Weave in and out of the caves at Santa Marija in Comino – you’ll have to get a boat to get there – or simply paddle out of Għadira Bay on your paddleboard; there are various levels of adventure and difficulty, depending on your mood. Instructors are typically on hand to get you going, but remember, it’s your legs and core which will be doing most of the work! It’s a good idea to contact the aqua centre beforehand to ensure the activity suits your fitness level and preferred level of challenge.
If you’re leaving from one of Malta’s main beaches, a one-hour paddle will cost you around €15, but if you fancy heading out onto open water to explore Malta’s geological formations up close, that will come with a more expensive price tag.
Photo: Emmanuel
Jet ski safaris are highly popular with our customers – you get to experience Malta and enjoy an adrenalin-filled rush while doing so!
RONALD AGIUS, COSTA DEL SOL WATER SPORTS
3.
JET SKI SAFARI AROUND MALTA’S CAVES
Heading out to sea is not only an opportunity to come into communion with nature, but it can be an exhilarating experience, with Malta’s often-calm waters providing the perfect opportunity to try out jet skis for the first time.
“It’s always a memorable experience even for us,” says Ronald Agius from Costa Del Sol Water Sports in Għadira Bay (visit Facebook page), which offers jet ski safaris around the Maltese islands. “On these excursions, we take visitors out on a speedboat, with one of our professional guides, who shows them the most popular spots while they ride on their jet skis. The tour features numerous highlights, including the Comino caves, and some lesser-known swimming spots. We also speak to our customers beforehand to find out how they’d like to
customise the trip, so we can give them an adventure to remember,” he continues.
An hour-and-a-half jet ski safari costs €165 per jet ski (maximum two people), or €195 for two hours. “Jet ski safaris are highly popular with our customers – you get to experience Malta and enjoy an adrenalin-filled rush while doing so!” Ronald says. Costa Del Sol also offers calmer paddle boat excursions, which are “more family-oriented, and a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones in peace and quiet,” he continues.
Trips depart directly from Għadira Bay, which Ronald describes as “a gem”.
KAYAKING OFF THE SHORE
Thrill-seeking is not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Many aquatic clubs and water sports centres offer the chance to head out into the open sea in a kayak, where you can choose your own route and decide how long to spend at each spot.
It’s a calmer, more meditative way to connect with the sea and its natural surroundings. Listen to the splash of the oars in the water, take in the towering rock faces, or simply sit still in the kayak and appreciate the blend of birdsong and the gentle undulations of the Mediterranean. The sense of ease will ripple down your body, offering a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle of daily life – and likely, a good night’s sleep afterwards.
Kayaks are widely available at many of the island’s swimming spots, and you can head out from any of Malta’s main beaches, including Għadira. Costa Del Sol also offers kayaking excursions at €12.50 per person per hour, or €20 per hour for a double kayak.
Photo: Marc BabinUnsplash
Photo: Brandon McDonald - Unsplash
One of our most memorable charters involved a surprise marriage proposal at sunset in a secluded bay off Comino – complete with a private chef, live music and a drone photographer capturing the moment from above.
DARREN CUSCHIERI, MALTA BOAT CHARTER
BESPOKE LUXURY YACHT TOURS
Have you ever watched The White Lotus and thought you deserved a bit of R&R – something a little ritzy and refined? Luxury yacht charters around the Maltese islands can bring you closer than ever to that level of opulence, offering an unforgettable experience that will live long in the memory.
“One of our most memorable charters involved a surprise marriage proposal at sunset in a secluded bay off Comino –complete with a private chef, live music and a drone photographer capturing the moment from above,” says Darren Cuschieri of Malta Boat Charter (www.maltaboatcharter.com). The company offers full-day and multi-day charters aboard motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans, and RIBs. Upon request, guests can also book jet ski rentals, Seabobs, onboard private chefs, professional photographers, and music entertainment systems.
“Whether it’s a romantic escape, a fun family day, or a celebration with friends, our guests often tell us it’s the highlight of their trip to Malta,” Darren adds.
Another unforgettable moment he recalls “was spotting a pod of dolphins on the way back from Gozo. The guests were thrilled – especially the children, who had never seen dolphins before. They swam alongside the boat for several minutes, creating an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one on board will ever forget.”
Charter rates start from €450 per day, with prices varying depending on the type of boat and the duration. All prices include a professional skipper or licensed captain, fuel and insurance. Boats depart from various locations around Malta, usually from Ta’ Xbiex Marina, Sliema or Portomaso.
“Malta is a true gem for nautical adventures. Its central Mediterranean location, calm waters and stunning coastline –dotted with caves, cliffs and lagoons – make it ideal for boating. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and short distances between islands, it’s easy to explore Malta, Comino and Gozo all in one unforgettable day at sea,” Darren says.
EXPLORE WHAT LIES BENEATH
Malta’s warm Mediterranean waters are home to vibrant marine life. Popular snorkelling spots include Għar Lapsi on the southern coast of Malta, famous for its sheltered bay and deepsea tunnels. Further south, you can head to St Peter’s Pool, near Delimara Point or, if you’re in the north of the island, make your way to Fomm ir-Riħ; though both spots are a bit more difficult to access than Għar Lapsi, they are often quieter. In Gozo, the area around what was formerly known as the Azure Window boasts rich marine biodiversity and underwater scenery featuring corals and sponges. Don’t forget your underwater cameras!
For those keen to venture even deeper, Malta also offers exceptional wreck diving opportunities. You don’t need to be an experienced diver to explore some of Malta’s most fascinating wrecks, as there are sites suitable for all levels. One of the most popular is the British Destroyer HMS Maori, lying just off the coast of Valletta at a depth of 18 metres. This famous ship, which helped crack the code needed to sink the German vessel Bismarck, was destroyed in 1942 when it was hit while sailing in the Grand Harbour. On the other side of the island, more adept divers can explore the 10,000-ton tanker Um El Faroud, resting 36 metres deep in Wied iż-Żurrieq. This ship sank in 1995 after an explosion tore through its hull during repairs at the dockyard. These ships’ tragic ends gave birth, however, to marine worlds bustling with life. 6.
Photo: Mike Swigunski - Unsplash
HIDDEN SHORES: DISCOVERING MALTA AND GOZO’S MOST SECLUDED
BEACHES
While Malta is famed for its sun-drenched coastlines and crystal-clear waters, many of its most tranquil and untouched beaches lie off the beaten path. For those seeking serenity, seclusion and a taste of local charm, here are some of the best hidden beaches in Malta and Gozo – complete with practical tips on how to reach them.
IMĠIEBAĦ BAY (SELMUN BAY), MALTA
Tucked away beneath Selmun Palace, Imġiebaħ Bay (also known as Selmun Bay) is one of Malta’s most peaceful and unspoilt sandy coves. This dog-friendly beach is framed by rugged cliffs and wild greenery, and thanks to its remote setting, it remains largely undiscovered by tourists. The area also offers several scenic hiking trails that wind through breath-taking landscapes and afford stunning vistas.
How to get there: Drive to Selmun Palace and park nearby. From there, it’s a 20-minute downhill walk via a narrow path. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and visitors should bring their own food and water, as there are no facilities on-site.
Highlights: Golden sand, crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkelling, and a perfect picnic spot. Early morning visits offer the most solitude.
Imġiebaħ Bay (Selmun Bay). Photo: viewingmalta.com
2.
FOMM IR-RIĦ BAY, MALTA
One of the most remote beaches on the island, Fomm ir-Riħ Bay boasts dramatic cliffs, a steep pebble beach, and aquamarine waters. It’s ideal for adventurers and nature lovers seeking to escape the crowds. Note that it can become very choppy when winds blow from the north or northwest, so swimming in these conditions is not recommended.
How to get there: The access road is narrow and winding. From Rabat, follow signs to Baħrija and park near the end of the road. Hike down a rocky path (about 20-30 minutes). Sturdy shoes are essential.
Highlights: Stunning clifftop views, excellent snorkelling and a unique geological setting. Best avoided in strong winds.
3.
ST PETER’S POOL, MALTA
Though more well-known today than in the past, this natural rock pool at the tip of Delimara Point in Marsaxlokk still offers a secluded experience early in the morning or outside the summer peak. The unspoilt bay is a snorkeller’s paradise, thanks to the striking emerald waters, while the smooth limestone rocks are perfect for sunbathing. To enter the water, use one of the ladders or dive from the rock ledge.
How to get there: Drive or walk from Marsaxlokk (a small parking area is available). The road is rough but manageable – just follow the signposted track.
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, cliff jumping and sunbathing on flat limestone shelves. No shade, so bring an umbrella.
4.
KALANKA BAY, MALTA
This rocky beach is well off the traditional tourist track and likely to be quiet even at the height of summer. The bay, which resembles a natural swimming pool, sits within curves of limestone rock and the sea is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Note that there are no lifeguards and no facilities nearby, so come prepared with food, drink and plenty of sun cream, as there is little shade.
How to get there: A short drive from St Peter’s Pool, along Triq Delimara.
Highlights: Ideal for a low-key swim and snorkelling. The cliff backdrop and flat limestone platforms also make for excellent photo opportunities.
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay. Photo: Jürgen Scicluna -
St Peter’s Pool. Photo: viewingmalta.com
Kalanka Bay. Photo: viewingmalta.com
5.
SAN BLAS BAY, GOZO
A small, reddish-sand beach located at the end of a steep hill, San Blas Bay is a serene escape with few amenities but ample charm and exceptionally clean waters. Its difficult access keeps the crowds away. It’s also a lovely spot for a picnic – just remember to take all litter with you.
How to get there: Drive to the top of San Blas Hill near Nadur. The final stretch is closed to vehicles and very steep, requiring visitors to continue on foot. Local tuk-tuks or jeeps occasionally offer rides.
Highlights: Vibrant red sand, clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. A small kiosk usually operates in peak season.
San Blas Bay is a serene escape with few amenities but ample charm and exceptionally clean waters. Its difficult access keeps the crowds away.
MĠARR IX-XINI, GOZO
Once a hidden gem, Mġarr ix-Xini gained popularity after featuring in the film By the Sea starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Yet it retains a tranquil vibe, especially outside high season. Once used by the Knights of St John as a harbour, the coastal inlet is flanked by rolling green hills and immaculate waters. Weekends draw a mix of locals and visitors, while snorkellers and divers relish the rich marine life which calls this spot home. A well-regarded eatery overlooking the bay serves Mediterranean cuisine.
How to get there: Accessible by car from Xewkija or Sannat. Limited parking is available near the beach, and the road is narrow.
Highlights: Diving, snorkelling and dining at an eatery serving fresh seafood. Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
San Blas Bay.
Mġarr ix-Xini. Photo: Ildikó Szabó - iStockphoto.com
7.
DAĦLET QORROT, GOZO
More of a rocky inlet than a beach, Daħlet Qorrot offers solitude and authentic Maltese character. Brightly painted boathouses and calm waters create a peaceful, photogenic setting.
How to get there: Drive or cycle from Nadur or Qala. The route is well signposted.
Highlights: Ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing with a book. A small snack bar opens during summer months.
8.
GĦASRI
VALLEY, GOZO
This spot is better suited to swimmers and snorkellers than sunbathers, but it is absolutely stunning. The narrow creek is known for its underwater caves, including the much-talked about Cathedral Cave. Framed by towering cliffs and reached via a dramatic descent, the tiny pebbly beach fills up quickly – arrive early for a spot.
How to get there: Accessible from Għasri village square or Marsalforn via a path down into the valley.
Highlights: Striking cliffs, underwater caves and a peaceful swimming experience. Unmissable for snorkelling enthusiasts.
TIPS FOR VISITING SECLUDED BEACHES IN MALTA AND GOZO
Pack smart: Most hidden beaches lack facilities – bring water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
Plan your timing: Early mornings or late afternoons offer solitude and cooler hikes.
Respect nature: Leave no rubbish behind, avoid trampling vegetation and be mindful of local wildlife.
Check conditions: Roads and paths may be affected by weather or erosion – and sea conditions can change rapidly, with strong currents or winds making swimming spots unsafe in some areas. Always seek local advice before heading out.
Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple in search of a romantic hideaway or simply craving a day far from the tourist trail, Malta and Gozo offer countless opportunities for discovery. These secluded beaches are more than just scenic spots – they are windows into the islands’ untouched beauty and timeless calm.
Għasri Valley. Photo: viewingmalta.com
“THE WARMTH OF THE MALTESE PEOPLE IS UNMATCHED”
President of the European Parliament, ROBERTA METSOLA, is arguably one of Malta’s most distinguished politicians in the international scene, a Maltese voice presiding over one of the world’s most influential institutions. Born in 1979 and brought up in Gżira, she has never, however, forgotten her roots. Here, she speaks to REBECCA ANASTASI about her heritage, her love of the Maltese islands and what she misses most when she’s away from home.
Photo: Rene Rossignaud
In the EU, nations are only as big as the size of their ideas and there is no limit to how far you can go. On a personal level, I learned that no dream is too big to pursue.
The Maltese sun, President Roberta Metsola says, is what she craves when she’s away from the islands she has always called home. And, as President of the European Parliament based in Brussels – the highest European office ever achieved by a Maltese citizen – that is, unfortunately, quite a lot.
But, she insists, the country is never far from her mind: “I’ve filled my office with reminders of Malta – from books and artworks to il-Kantilena, the oldest poem written in the Maltese language. “These touches help make my office at the European Parliament feel like a home
away from home for, this is also a space which is always open and available for Maltese and Gozitans in Brussels,” she says.
Born in 1979 as Roberta Tedesco Triccas, President Metsola was brought up in the central town of Gżira, attending St Joseph’s School in Sliema through her formative years, before heading to St Aloysius College Sixth Form. She graduated in law from the University of Malta in 2003, the same year a referendum confirmed Malta’s decision to join the European Union.
President Metsola was already active in student politics by then: the previous year, she had been appointed Secretary-General of the European
Photo: Rene Rossignaud
My appreciation for our island’s beauty has never wavered.
Democrat Students (EDS), via its Malta member organisation, the Studenti Demokristjani Maltin. In 2004, she contested her first European elections, missing out on a seat – a result that repeated in her second attempt in 2009. But, in 2013, she replaced Dr Simon Busuttil through a casual election, becoming one of Malta’s first women to be granted a seat in the European Parliament.
Despite not being without its challenges, President Metsola’s resilience pulled her through these early years.
“Presenting myself to the electorate, and persisting,” she says, “even after I was not elected twice, was quite a challenge. You must believe in what you stand for, otherwise you are doomed to succumb to the pressures from outside.” She, of course, never yielded and, since then, she has won every single European Parliament election, representing the Maltese people for over 12 years.
“Had I not persisted, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says. “Being elected President of the European Parliament makes me proud to fly the Maltese flag as high as I can, in every corner of the world. I am only able to do this because the Maltese people placed their trust in me – and with that trust comes the responsibility to live up to their expectations.” She believes, however, that her early years working
in the grassroots were vital in developing her singleminded focus, her energy and the conviction to see tasks through to the end. “I often tell my counterparts at the European Parliament and beyond, that Malta has a special way of doing things. We are used to knocking on every door in our locality and doing our utmost to fight for every single vote,” she asserts.
Indeed, she is adamant that Malta’s small size is no barrier to influence. “My appeal to the Maltese people is always not to look at Malta as a small country; while our geographic realities are what they are, we have never had a sense of inferiority as an EU Member State. In the EU, nations are only as big as the size of their ideas and there is no limit to how far you can go. On a personal level, I learned that no dream is too big to pursue. We are the smallest country in the European Union, with one of the smallest delegations; and yet, we are capable of influencing policy just as much as larger countries are,” she asserts.
Malta’s ability to punch above its weight comes down, in part, to its people’s hardworking yet convivial nature – a quality President Metsola admires about her compatriots. “Maltese and Gozitans are industrious, entrepreneurial, innovative – and they know how to have fun. A conversation between Maltese people might sometimes sound like a heated argument, but the hand gestures and passionate tone reflect good intentions and a genuine eagerness to help,” she says.
When she’s back home, meeting people, President Metsola is energised by those she meets. “The best thing about being a politician in Malta is that you get to meet and learn from people from all walks of life. I do my best to make the most of my time in Malta to exchange ideas with people, understand their difficulties and find solutions,” she says.
Photo: Rene Rossignaud
Moreover, her love for the country remains unabated. “My appreciation for our island’s beauty has never wavered, and while I’m in Malta quite regularly, I’m always eager to come back home whenever I’m abroad for work-related reasons. The warmth of the Maltese people is unmatched, and nothing beats a frank conversation with people in one of our piazzas,” she continues.
Indeed, witnessing the achievements of other Maltese nationals is a source of great pride for the President of the European Parliament. She singles out swimmer Neil Agius’ monumental swim covering 142.3km in just over 60 hours which became the longest, unassisted, current-neutral ocean swim ever recorded by The World Open Water Swimming Association.
“I remember that everyone in the country was following him throughout his journey, all cheering him on and wondering whether he would ever stop. Apart from the mammoth challenge he had just overcome, Neil managed to unite a country, and that is something that made me very proud to be Maltese,” she says, while also expressing her admiration for Maltese academic researchers “who are making ground-breaking discoveries in various fields. We must sing their praise more often.”
Whilst back on the island, her priorities are “to fit in a nice long walk in the beautiful countryside with some of my friends” and to “make the most of our culinary
experience”. She could be described as a ‘foodie’ and firmly believes “food is part of our identity”, as Maltese people. “I have so many favourite dishes”, she confesses, singling out pastizzi, ftira biż-żejt, and “some fried rabbit”, as her best-loved. With regards to restaurants, she’s a passionate advocate for “local restaurants and food spots”: they “are genuine and deserve a shout out for the work they do to keep Maltese culinary traditions alive,” she insists.
Gozo is one of the places she makes a point of going to when she’s in the country. “It brings out the very best of our traditions and people. There you can find beautiful beaches, good food and good-hearted people,” she says. She also recommends Valletta and Mdina, which, she insists, “should be on every itinerary,” – and “do not miss the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta!” she says.
Furthermore, any trip to the country should keep in mind the “bigger picture”, that is the island’s position as a melting pot of cultures, languages and influences. “Visiting one of the prehistoric temples gives you a sense of how ancient our islands’ history is. The Maltese islands have always been a melting pot of civilisations and every corner of our nation brings out the very best that the Mediterranean has to offer; from the authentic fishing village in Marsaxlokk, to the salt pans in Xwejni, Gozo. Religious traditions are also not only part of our cultural calendar but an intrinsic element of the fabric that makes us Maltese. It’s no wonder our summer is one long celebration,” she says.
A SYMPHONY OF ARTS: KENNETH ZAMMIT TABONA ON MALTA’S CULTURAL HEARTBEAT
As an artist, founder of the acclaimed Valletta International Baroque Festival, and former Artistic Director of the historic Teatru Manoel, KENNETH ZAMMIT TABONA’s perspective offers a unique insight into Malta’s artistic soul. Here, he speaks to SARAH MUSCAT AZZOPARDI about the interplay of his creative worlds, his deep connection to Maltese heritage and the enduring power of art.
Photo: Inigo Taylor
Both music and the visual arts, to me, are interlinked. Sometimes, I see music, I don’t just listen to it.
Walking into Kenneth Zammit Tabona’s vibrant St Julian’s apartment on a sunny spring morning feels very much like stepping directly into one of his celebrated watercolours. A visual assault in the best sense, with all manner of antique furniture, ceramics, art, and decorative items arranged with intent, each lovingly polished and displayed – it makes for a welcome respite from the bustling world outside, as well as an intriguing tableau that is only fitting for an artist of Kenneth’s calibre.
In the distinct tapestry of Malta’s cultural scene, few threads are woven as intricately or as colourfully as those belonging to Kenneth. As an artist, illustrator, founder of the Valletta International Baroque Festival, ex-artistic director of the Teatru Manoel, and champion of Malta’s musical heritage, his roles are diverse, and upon meeting him, I immediately sense a profound connection not just to creativity, but to the very soul of this island nation.
Born in 1956 and educated at St Aloysius College, Kenneth’s career path initially led through the world of banking before his passion for the arts took centre stage. Going on to review music and theatre for prominent local publications, he served extensively on the Manoel Theatre management committee, yet it’s the interplay between his own visual art and his dedication to music that perhaps defines him most uniquely.
“How do these different art forms influence each other in your creative process?” I ask, early in our discussion, curious about the synergy between his instantly recognisable watercolours and his musical endeavours.
“That’s a bit of a difficult one,” he muses, settling back into his chintz armchair. “I suppose art in all forms is basically part of my DNA,” he continues, explaining that for him, the connection is intrinsic, almost synesthetic. “Both music and the visual arts, to me, are interlinked. What I mean is that sometimes, I see music, I don’t just listen to it. I don’t know what I see, but I do see. It’s a
Photo: Michaele Zammit
The Manoel is part of my life. It is the vortex, the focal point... of what the arts mean to me.
very strange thing to explain.” Kenneth elaborates, citing modern art movements: “when you think of Kandinsky’s and Pollock’s work, and that sort of abstract painting… a lot of it translates into music for me. A lot of painting translates into music, and vice-versa.”
This provides an interesting lens with which to view his watercolour work, known for capturing Malta’s essence through strong colours and distinctive shapes, whether depicting landscapes, urbanscapes, or interiors. His paintings often feature what he calls fuori dentro – a term coined by the late Professor Peter Serracino Inglott – depicting interior scenes looking out onto a Maltese view.
“They are still lives featuring Chinese porcelain and beautiful, continental furniture, not just Maltese furniture... but somehow they’ve got a very Maltese flavour,” Kenneth describes, musing on how he populates these scenes with personal motifs – like arum lilies in spring (“I’m very seasonal!”), a recurring flying blue bird, and almost invariably, a small red ball.
He traces the origin of the red ball back to a lithograph he owned years ago. “This red ball always sort of, haunted me. And somehow, I need this red ball. I don’t know what it is. I feel it anchors my paintings,” he smiles, mysteriously.
Turning our attention to the musical side of his journey, Kenneth’s passion for the arts extends deeply into Malta’s rich Baroque heritage. He is the founder and artistic director of the prestigious Valletta International Baroque Festival, established in 2012, which showcases leading international ensembles alongside local talent in Malta’s stunning Baroque locations; and has also founded the Valletta Baroque Ensemble and The Monteverdi Project to champion works by 17th- and 18th-century Maltese and Italian composers associated with the Order of Malta and the Episcopate, many connected to the Naples Bourbon Court.
“Could you share a hidden musical gem from Malta’s history that more people should know about?” I inquire. Kenneth immediately highlights Geronimo Abos, a composer with a Maltese mother and Italian father.
“His Stabat Mater is a meditation of Our Lady sitting at the foot of the cross,” he explains, noting its beauty and the parallels with Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Abos’s contemporary in Naples, going on to reveal exciting upcoming plans: “next January (2026), we are presenting for the first time, probably since the 18th century, an opera by Geronimo Abos called Il Pelopida, based on a Greek myth – this is something that nobody’s ever heard. It’s a completely new revival.”
This dedication to unearthing forgotten treasures is central to the festival’s ethos, he states, affirming, “the raison d’être of the festival was also to revive music which has been lying in archives for years.”
On the subject of opera, Kenneth’s connection to the Teatru Manoel, Malta’s national theatre, where he served as Artistic Director from 2014 to 2023, is palpable. He describes it not just as a venue, but as a focal point. “The Manoel is part of my life,” he affirms. “It is the vortex, the focal point... of what the arts mean to me.”
Comparing it to other historic European theatres, he notes its unique character. “How did theatre evolve?”
Photo: Inigo Taylor
he posits. “Theatre, along with Baroque music, evolved to house opera.” He explains that the Manoel, though smaller than giants like La Scala or San Carlo, embodies the intimate court theatre design. “The boxes were designed for theatre goers to see and be seen,” Kenneth smiles, adding that the exquisite Neapolitan decorations further enhance the charm.
Beyond specific venues, Kenneth sees Malta itself as inherently artistic. “Malta is a cultural hub in its own right,” he asserts, pointing to the local feasts as prime examples. “Our feasts are an extraordinary feature in themselves – the statues, the banners, the swags of flowers – an incredibly Baroque expression. They reflect who we are.”
He believes this artistic spirit stems from Malta’s history as a crossroads of civilisations, particularly the era of the Knights of St John (1530-1798). “We were lucky,” he says, explaining how the island became home to scions of Europe’s most important families. Indeed, the Knights’ decision to stay after the Great Siege of 1565, led by Grandmaster La Valette, cemented Malta’s destiny and
led to the building of Valletta. This influx created a unique melting pot. “A glance at today’s Maltese surnames reveals a tapestry woven from names across the globe. That’s when the rich diversity of the Maltese genetic makeup comes to light.”
Ultimately, for Kenneth, art in all its forms is not merely decorative, but essential. He champions accessibility and decries artistic snobbery. Citing universally loved works like the Mona Lisa or Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, he counters the idea that popularity diminishes value. “Art should be an open book,” he insists. “It is not for the high priests. It is for everybody to enjoy.”
The artist goes on to share his belief that art connects us to something profound, echoing Dante: “Art is God’s grandson... God created man, and man created art.” In today’s often fraught world, he sees art as a vital force. “Music and art will save us all,” he states passionately. “There’s hope that there is still beauty, there is still civilisation... that is why we are here. To me, it is the closest we can come to spirituality.”
MALTA IN A DAY: AN ARTIST’S ITINERARY
Experiencing the depth of Malta’s artistic and cultural heritage in just 24 hours might seem a daunting task, but Kenneth Zammit Tabona offers a compelling itinerary that captures its essence. For the culturally curious visitor pressed for time, he suggests a journey through the island’s historical heart.
“I would go to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta first,” he begins, noting that this vantage point, perched atop the capital’s bastions, offers more than just breathtaking views. “From there,” he explains, “you can better understand the layout, with the Three Cities in front of you all the way down the peninsula of Valletta.” It’s a crucial first step, connecting the visitor immediately to the Grand Harbour – the very reason for Malta’s strategic importance and the stage upon which so much of its history unfolded.
From this panoramic introduction, the next logical step is into the opulent heart of the Knights’ legacy: St John’s Co-Cathedral. Kenneth’s reverence for this space is clear. “There’s nothing like it,” he maintains. “Your eye can’t even rest. When you’re looking at the floor, you’re seeing one thing, on the walls, above you, something else. It embodies 300 years of heraldic glory.” The Co-Cathedral, with its lavish Baroque interior, intricately inlaid marble floor depicting knights’ tombstones, and Caravaggio’s masterpieces, is an
unparalleled artistic and historical treasure.
After that, Kenneth recommends absorbing the capital itself with a leisurely walk. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city grid, designed after the Great Siege, is a marvel of planning, packed with magnificent palaces, churches and architectural details that tell tales of its creators. And of course, no cultural tour of Valletta would be complete without a visit to Kenneth’s beloved Teatru Manoel. As one of Europe’s oldest working theatres, its intimate scale and exquisite decoration offer a tangible link to the 18th-century aristocratic life and the evolution of performance art in Malta, particularly opera, which he champions so fervently.
Finally, time permitting, Kenneth advises escaping the capital’s grandeur for the ancient, fortified city of Mdina. Here, Valletta’s planned bustle gives way to the winding, quiet alleys of the Silent City, Malta’s medieval capital. Exploring its palaces and cathedral offers a glimpse into an even older layer of Maltese history and nobility.
“And if you have any more energy,” he adds with a smile, acknowledging the packed schedule, one could delve even further back in time by visiting the unique prehistoric Hypogeum or the megalithic temples dotted around the islands.
INSIDE THE SPACE WE INHABIT: CHARTING MALTA’S CONTEMPORARY ART SCENE
The latest major exhibition within Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS) turns a keen focus on the vibrant talent within the Maltese art scene. MICAS Artistic Director EDITH DEVANEY delves into the vision behind this significant showcase and explores the diverse voices shaping contemporary art in Malta today.
Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS), in Floriana, has swiftly cemented its position as the leading institution for contemporary arts on the island, following its impressive inauguration with internationally acclaimed Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Now, MICAS is turning its focus inwards, dedicating its stunning Floriana galleries to a pivotal group exhibition titled The Space We Inhabit, showcasing the depth and diversity of Malta’s own contemporary artists.
Set to open on Saturday, 14th June, The Space We Inhabit occupies all three levels of the custom-fitted gallery space, in what MICAS Artistic Director Edith Devaney considers a significant moment for both the institution and the Maltese art scene.
The Artistic Director explains that following the initial international spotlight, the intention was always to
dedicate substantial programming to local talent. The Space We Inhabit, she reveals, is built around a compelling concept: that of imagined space. “This exhibition includes artists from different generations, with art pieces – some of which have never been exhibited before, some being specifically created for the MICAS show – selected and installed around the concept of imagined space.”
She goes on to elaborate on the sheer variety of artistic approaches, affirming, “these artists are working across differing media, and their work illustrates the depth and richness of contemporary art practice in Malta.”
The exhibition, she adds, will also mark a key phase in MICAS’s ongoing vision: “The Space We Inhabit also marks the beginning of regular exhibitions within the MICAS programme that explores and showcases Malta-based art within a global context.”
This commitment to documenting and platforming Maltese contemporary art is evident in MICAS’s prior
From left to right: Anton Grech, The Hybrid, 1996. Courtesy of MICAS. Photo: Julian Vassallo; Austin Camilleri, You used to be so definite, 2010. Courtesy of MICAS; Anton Grech, Untitled, 2005 Courtesy of MICAS. Photo: Julian Vassallo.
initiatives, such as showcasing the final commissioned work by the late Maltese artist Ray Pitrè, ‘Figure in Rods’, meticulously documented from genesis to completion. Edith also speaks with palpable enthusiasm about this direction, affirming, “MICAS is thrilled to be able to celebrate Maltese art at its highest form, bringing it to a wider international stage and contextualising it within the overall exhibition programme.”
The exhibition features six distinct voices that, collectively, offer a panoramic view of the contemporary landscape. The Artistic Director guides us through the artists involved, each contributing a unique perspective to the notion of The Space We Inhabit.
First, there’s Caesar Attard (b. 1946), a veteran figure who has remained consistently active in the Maltese art scene since 1969, participating in exhibitions in Malta and abroad, as well as teaching visual art and history at the Junior College of the University of Malta. Besides painting, Attard has experimented in non-traditional art-forms such as participatory art and installations since the 1970s, with more recent significant works shown in group shows including a participatory art event and installation entitled B/s/b at Human Matter at the Malta Society of Art, Valletta in 2017; the exhibition rajt ma rajtx – naf li rajt at Valletta Contemporary, Valletta in 2021; and Life & Passion Revisited at Valletta Contemporary, Valletta in 2024.
The second participating artist, Prof. Vince Briffa (b. 1958), brings a multimedia, cross-disciplinary perspective. As a multimedia artist, curator and researcher, his cross-disciplinary and trans-mediatic work consists of gallery and site-specific artwork, sculptural objects, video, and installations. Prof. Briffa has been the recipient of a number of art residencies, including the sculpture studios at the Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland in 1996, the Leeuwarden Capital of Culture in 2018 and the Ranieri Castle in Umbria in 2018, among others. He was also awarded the prize Omaggio all’Arte ed all’Innovazione a Venezia 2019 by the Union of Honorary Consuls of Italy (UCOI) and the National Association of Young Innovators (ANGI) at the 2019 Venice Art Biennale.
Austin Camilleri (b. 1972), meanwhile, is presented as an artist of remarkable versatility, working simultaneously and non-hierarchically in installation, painting, drawing, video, and sculpture. Drawing mainly on Western art
history, popular culture and power image traditions, he explores the tension between the material and the digital, the personal and public, by layering techniques and modalities.
Camilleri’s extensive international exhibition history includes participation in the Venice Biennale, Ostrale Biennale in Dresden, Mediterranean Biennale in Tunis, ArtRaker Biennale in Valletta, the Biennale for Young Artists in Rome, and Art Knows no Frontiers in Trier. Beyond his own practice, he has also curated contemporary shows and worked with choreographers, musicians, authors, and theatre practitioners in many collaborative projects. His work is not only published in books and publications internationally but is also found in public spaces, as well as public, corporate and private collections worldwide.
Participating artist Joyce Camilleri (b. 1980), a member of the Department of Visual Arts of the Faculty for the Built Environment at the University of Malta, also runs the Jo Borg Gallery in Sliema. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in drawing and printmaking, both of which inform her painting method, with work that pushes the boundaries of graphic elements, creating representational and quasi-abstract visual metaphors that blur the line between the real and the imaginary.
Camilleri explores visual concepts of poetic space through ongoing material research, with an emphasis on artistic process rather than subject matter. Artistic intent and process-led practices remain interchangeable within her work. Moreover, her pieces are already part of significant permanent collections, including MUŻA – the Malta National Community Art Museum, as well as the NI Institute and Museum Bitola in North Macedonia.
Next in the acclaimed list is Anton Grech (b. 1965), who studied at the Malta School of Art, at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze and at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf where he was a member of the artistic academic staff, and now teaches at the Malta School of Art and at the University of Malta, where he is Head of the Department for Visual Arts within the Faculty for the Built Environment.
He is known for both public sculpture – such as Argos, a public sculpture for the Cottonera Waterfront (2008) – and his insightful drawings shown in personal exhibitions including Anton Grech, Drawings at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta (20052006); Anton Grech at the Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Berlin, Germany; Anton Grech, Pittura at Vilhena Palace, Mdina (2001) and Anton Grech, Malerei at Ballhaus, Düsseldorf (1999). Grech has represented Malta across Europe and in China in several exhibitions of his work.
Finally, Pierre Portelli (b. 1961) works primarily in installation, sculpture, video, and mixed media art. He explores and makes use of various media, including new technologies and repurposed objects, among others, to investigate processes of change, interaction and the temporary meeting of social worlds through sculpture, site-specific work, language, and sometimes playful tongue-in-cheek undertones.
Portelli has originated cross-disciplinary research-based projects with music composers and performers, choreographers, actors and authors, and is a frequent collaborator in theatre productions. He is also a key figure in significant cross-disciplinary research projects, notably the ongoing REL•INK Indelible Narratives project initiated in 2016, which researches and explores the tattoo history and narratives of Malta and its links with other Mediterranean port cities.
This carefully curated selection, MICAS’s Artistic Director explains, provides a rich tapestry of contemporary Maltese creativity. By bringing these distinct practices together under the unifying concept of imagined space, The Space We Inhabit not only showcases the individual but also fosters a dialogue about the collective artistic consciousness of the island.
Ultimately, The Space We Inhabit invites audiences to engage with profound artistic explorations within the stunning setting of MICAS, making for an essential visit for anyone keen to understand the dynamic and evolving landscape of Maltese contemporary art as it takes its place on the international stage.
www.micas.art
Joyce Camilleri, Place and Space Series, 2024. Courtesy of MICAS.
Photo: Julian Vassallo
Vince Briffa, Paesaggio di Schianto, 2024. Courtesy of MICAS. Photo: Vince Briffa
Joyce Camilleri, Place and Space Series, 2024. Courtesy of MICAS. Photo: Julian Vassallo
STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT: DISCOVERING TEATRU MANOEL THROUGH DAILY AND ANIMATED TOURS
Step inside one of Europe’s oldest working theatres and discover its hidden stories through two unforgettable experiences. LYNDSEY GRIMA joins animated tour guide JEREMY GRECH, aka the flamboyant Monsieur Baroque, for a journey through Teatru Manoel’s gilded history, where daily tours meet theatrical magic.
Photo: Julian Vassallo
In the heart of Valletta lies a Baroque gem that has stood the test of time: Teatru Manoel, affectionately known as ‘The Manoel’ by locals. With nearly three centuries of history echoing from its wooden stage, this national theatre is not only one of the oldest operating theatres in Europe but also a living, breathing monument to Malta’s rich cultural heritage. Today, the theatre opens its ornate doors to visitors through immersive daily tours and animated experiences, offering a journey that transcends time, architecture and performance.
A THEATRE LIKE NO OTHER
Commissioned in 1731 by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, Teatru Manoel was built “for the honest entertainment of the people”. That mission continues to shape its legacy. With its intimate 547-seat Main Theatre, adorned in gilded Baroque flourishes and a stunning oval ceiling fresco, and a versatile Studio Theatre used for smaller productions and educational initiatives, The Manoel is both a cultural beacon and a community hub.
But beyond the performances, it’s the theatre’s daily and animated tours that allow the public to truly understand the soul of this iconic venue.
EXPLORING HISTORY: THE SUBTLE MAGIC OF DAILY THEATRE TOURS
Teatru Manoel’s daily tours invite guests to explore the theatre’s history, architecture and behind-the-scenes
stories. Guided by knowledgeable staff, visitors wander through the elegant Main Theatre, feel the history in the orchestra stalls and tiers, and often catch a glimpse of rehearsals or set building magic depending on the day’s programming.
As a working theatre, no two tours are exactly alike. This unique quality makes sure that each visit feels like a private encounter with Malta’s performing arts legacy. Whether it’s the scent of worn stage wood, the hum of an aria from a distant rehearsal room, or the quiet elegance of the gilded balconies, the daily tour is a meditative dive into the theatre’s ongoing life.
ENTER MONSIEUR BAROQUE: THE ANIMATED TOUR EXPERIENCE
While the traditional tours inspire respect, the animated tours, led by the exuberant Jeremy Grech in collaboration with House of Tours, add a splash of theatrical flair. Enter ‘Monsieur Baroque’, a flamboyant, red-coated character somewhere between Bugs Bunny and Disney’s Genie; Jeremy’s alter ego and the living spirit of Teatru Manoel.
“Theatourism”, as Jeremy describes it, is where theatrics and tourism meet. During the animated tours, Jeremy fully embodies Monsieur Baroque, guiding visitors through the theatre’s history with wit, humour and heartfelt reverence. It’s a sensory-rich, character-led journey through centuries of music, drama and resilience.
Photo: Mitchell Camilleri
Monsieur Baroque doesn’t just walk guests through the venue; he pulls them into a story, one filled with noble patrons, hidden scandals, artistic triumphs, and enduring legacy.
“Most of the people who visit are there for the very first time – surprisingly, that includes many locals. My job as Monsieur Baroque is to serve as the ambassador of the theatre, to create an unforgettable experience for the guests who paid for such a tour,” he shares.
Children are mesmerised by his playful antics and unpredictable energy, while adults find themselves drawn into the narrative by sly historical jokes and striking anecdotes.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: CRAFTING A LIVING CHARACTER
Developing Monsieur Baroque wasn’t simply a matter of costume and make-up. For Jeremy, it involved deep research, theatrical training and a creative vision rooted in history and imagination. Inspired by real figures from the theatre’s past but untethered by strict historical accuracy, Monsieur Baroque exists outside of time – free to comment on events from 1732 to the present with an infectious, timeless energy.
Every detail of the character, from the messy white wig to the commanding cane, is designed to both entertain and manage audiences, striking the perfect balance between theatre and guided storytelling. It’s this blend that makes the animated tour such an unforgettable experience, especially for first-time visitors and families.
CONNECTING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT
Both the daily and animated tours at Teatru Manoel aim to do more than just educate – they aim to connect. As Jeremy shares, one of his favourite moments is witnessing actors and artists visiting the space, sharing their memories, and seeing how the Manoel resonates with creative souls across the globe. “It’s a home,” he says, “a time capsule, a canvas, an echo.”
This resonance is central to the theatre’s enduring appeal. Despite facing war, neglect, pandemics, and cultural shifts, Teatru Manoel remains a sanctuary for the arts; a place where performers still dream of gracing its historic stage.
Teatru Manoel’s tours are not just about showcasing an old building. They are about celebrating the essence of performance, community and survival. They teach us that art is not a luxury but a necessity that binds generations, cultures and strangers together.
From Baroque balconies to intimate rehearsal studios, the tours expose the depth of this theatre’s story; its resilience, elegance and humanity. Whether you prefer the solemn insight of the daily tour or the spirited journey with Monsieur Baroque, you’ll leave with more than just photographs; you’ll leave with a sense of awe and perhaps, a little inspiration.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Tours of Teatru Manoel begin at the Box Office and typically last around one hour. The experience may vary slightly depending on what spaces are available, given the theatre’s ongoing performance schedule. This element of unpredictability only adds to the charm – after all, in a working theatre, the show must go on.
The animated tour, led by Jeremy, runs in collaboration with House of Tours and offers a limited number of scheduled dates, so booking in advance is recommended. Whether you’re a theatre lover, history buff or simply curious about Valletta’s cultural heart, this tour is not to be missed.
Teatru Manoel’s tours invite you to step into history, walk the boards and see the world through the eyes of generations of artists. Be it the serene charm of the daily tour or the lively enchantment of the animated experience, each visit promises a rich connection to Malta’s vibrant theatrical heritage.
Daily tours: Monday to Friday 10:30am and 12:00pm. Animated tours: Tuesday 10:30am and 12:00pm. For bookings and more information, visit teatrumanoel.mt
Photos: Mitchell Camilleri
STEP INTO A WORLD OF GOLD AND SILENCE: ST JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL
UNVEILS
ITS AFTER-HOURS MAGIC
In Valletta, one of Malta’s most treasured landmarks offers premium after-hours tours for those seeking a rare and intimate encounter with history.
PRABJIT CHOHAN-PATEL meets TONIO MALLIA, CEO of The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, to find out more.
“Ican proudly say, St John’s Co-Cathedral is the next thing to the Vatican,” says Tonio Mallia, CEO of The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation – a remark that reveals the profound reverence this 450-year-old monument inspires in Malta.
Although Paris’s Notre Dame, Milan’s Duomo, London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, and of course the Vatican City’s St Peter’s Basilica are world-renowned, St John’s Co-Cathedral holds a unique place in the hearts of the Maltese and the esteem of art historians worldwide.
Photo: Kurt Arrigo
Photo: Kurt Arrigo
Commissioned by the Order of the Knights of St John in honour of their patron saint St John the Baptist, and built between 1572 and 1577, the conventual church is unmissable for Baroque art enthusiasts – or anyone visiting Malta. Its beautiful but simple Mannerist façade, more fortress than church in appearance, gives no hint of the opulence within. Step through its doors and you’re met with jaw-dropping gilded detail, dramatic artworks and centuries of rich history.
For admirers of Caravaggio, St John’s CoCathedral is a true delight. It houses two of the artist’s most important works, both painted during his brief but eventful time in Malta and widely regarded the finest of his late period. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is a centrepiece of Malta’s artistic heritage – celebrated both for its powerful, dramatic imagery and as the only painting Caravaggio ever signed. Equally compelling is Saint Jerome Writing, another masterpiece that showcases the genius of one of history’s most influential painters.
Also impressive are the works of Mattia Preti, whose Baroque ceiling frescoes – painted between 1661 and 1666 – narrate scenes from the life of St John the Baptist. Beneath your feet lie 405 intricately decorated tombstones honouring Knights and European nobility. Add to this: nine chapels, the Grand Master’s crypt, intricate sculptures, thousands of artefacts, priceless silverware – everywhere you look there is something extraordinary to take in.
And yet, despite its grandeur, this historical gem in Malta’s stunning UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta, maintains a welcoming atmosphere – even as it receives some 2,500 visitors each day. It’s this sense of openness that frames our conversation with Mr Mallia.
While a daytime visit is undeniably impressive, the Co-Cathedral’s afterhours tours offer an intimate, captivating experience for those seeking a more exclusive and unforgettable encounter. “Entering the Co-Cathedral for a closed-
Beneath your feet lie 405 intricately decorated tombstones honouring Knights and European nobility.
door visit is really something,” Mr Mallia says. “Guests discover a space transformed – quiet, private and almost otherworldly.”
These curated tours cater to individuals or groups seeking a more personal encounter. While day visitors must often navigate crowds of 350 or more, evening visitors enjoy unrestricted access, moving freely and immersing themselves at their own pace.
The exclusivity goes beyond tranquillity. Premium groups gain access to normally restricted spaces like the Grand Masters’ Crypt, usually visible only from behind glass. Specialist guides can tailor experiences to explore themes like architectural detail, tombstones, works of art, or the role of the Order of St John. Private concerts are also possible. “Imagine being treated to a recital in the Oratory performed on the Co-Cathedral’s 400-yearold organ,” Mr Mallia enthuses. “It’s an unforgettable experience that’s only available to after-hours visitors.”
As for who visits? “Everyone,” Mr Mallia says, from discerning cultural travellers to corporate groups to A-listers. “We’ve welcomed famous athletes, dignitaries and celebrities. For them, privacy and security are key. A public visit just isn’t practical.”
While the Co-Cathedral accepts bookings directly, most evening visits are arranged through local agencies that craft bespoke itineraries, adding touches that make each visit distinctive.
Asked about the inspiration behind the after-hours experience, Mr Mallia explains: “this is a new era for St John’s Co-Cathedral. I approach it with both curatorial and business lenses. We were inspired by premium experiences elsewhere, including the Vatican’s private Sistine Chapel tours.”
Crucially, these tours are not just a luxury; they’re a lifeline and play a crucial role in preserving the CoCathedral’s legacy. “This is a self-funded foundation,” Mr Mallia stresses. “Every restoration project – like our upcoming €6 million main vault project – depends on the revenue generated.”
Looking ahead, the state-of-the-art museum is now at the construction completion stage, and will soon be moving on to the engineering works and finishing phase. With its belfry, clock room and gallery already restored and open to the public, the final extension will showcase the Sacred Vestments, Silver Collection, Illuminated Manuscripts, and the Cappella Ardente. Perhaps most notably, 29 magnificent Flemish Baroque tapestries –one of Europe’s finest surviving sets – will be displayed in a permanent space following a 16-year restoration.
“To be fair, the Co-Cathedral is already a museum!” Mr Mallia smiles, “but our standalone museum will be another gem for the public to enjoy.”
Ultimately, these exclusive visits do more than dazzle. They protect a legacy. “This is a living monument –not just the resting place of Knights and nobles, but an active church with daily mass,” Mr Mallia reflects. “Our mission is to curate and preserve it in its full glory and pristine state so that it continues to inspire for generations to come. And I believe we’re achieving that. Our efforts never stop.”
Photo: Leander Schembri
Photo: Leander Schembri
THE MALTA BOOK FESTIVAL: A GATEWAY TO LITERARY CULTURE… AND BEYOND
Looking for that perfect literary gift for the bookworm in your life? Keen to sneak a peek into what Maltese literary culture is all about? Or are you simply after a fun event for the whole family – and the dog – to enjoy? Don’t miss the Malta Book Festival between 5 and 9 November.
Look no further than the Malta Book Festival – the island’s most popular celebration of book culture, now in its 46th edition and this year taking place between 5 and 9 November at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali. With generous opening hours and a pet-friendly venue situated in the middle of Malta’s national park, the festival makes for a relaxing day out that also offers a unique cultural experience bolstered by an unbeatable legacy.
Here is where all of Malta’s leading publishers convene to ply their latest wares. It’s where local booksellers offer a great selection of titles at equally attractive prices. It’s also where leading authors – both local and international – hold book launches, workshops and talks, with brain-tickling insights into the writing process and so many other aspects of book culture. And through its collaboration with other cultural entities on the island, the festival also provides a space for visual and performing arts. Most notably, this year the festival is hosting the 4th edition of the From Illustration to Book exhibition – organised in collaboration with Arts Council Malta dedicated to astounding book illustration and design by local and international artists.
But the festival is also a space for Malta’s international community to come together. The relevant cultural arms of embassies and other cultural centres of various countries routinely participate in the event, opening it up to the diverse expat communities in Malta and reminding us all of the ability of the written word to expand our horizons.
Organised by the National Book Council – a public entity falling under the Ministry for Education –the Malta Book Festival also prides itself in its accessibility. With plenty of events for kids and even a Sensory Room for visitors on the autism spectrum, the festival provides a safe and comfortable space for families to roll into without any worry.
This year, the theme of the festival will be ‘metamorphosis’, expressed in its tagline – ‘Writing
Anew’. Like any long-running event that has captured the imagination of its visitors for such a long time, the Malta Book Festival has seen its fair share of change and welcome renewal over the years, and this year will be no different. While some details will remain under wraps until closer to the date, the National Book Council is confident that this year’s edition will attract an even larger swathe of visitors.
“An event like The Malta Book Festival can never rest on its laurels,” National Book Council Chairman Mark Camilleri says. “As the leading literary event on the island, the festival is both a haven for book lovers and a vital life-line for local publishers, who rely on its footfall and varied audiences to ensure their freshest releases get the attention they need,” Mark adds.
The National Book Council is committed to ensuring that the book continues to remain a central part of the cultural experience, despite competition from other forms of media. It is for this reason that the Malta Book Festival is a hub of various experiences – from workshops by international literary superstars for the benefit of local authors keen to refine their craft, to exciting, colourful performances for younger visitors… and much more.
More information on the Malta Book Festival will become available online in the months ahead of its opening day. To find out more, visit ktieb.org.mt or search for nbc_malta on Instagram and The Malta Book Festival on Facebook.
& DRINK
ISLANDS OF FLAVOUR: A CHEF’S GUIDE TO MALTESE CUISINE
SARAH MUSCAT AZZOPARDI talks to leading local chefs about their favourite dishes, local restaurants and ingredients, as well as the unexpected foodie gems that should make their way onto your culinary itinerary.
Photo: Brian Grech
“THE MALTESE ‘SLICE’ IS TRADITION, IT’S NOSTALGIC, AND IT’S A MUST-TRY”
AX Privilege Culinary Director, Victor Borg
Michelin Star Chef at Under Grain, Valletta
“Malta enjoys a very good position – right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea – giving us the opportunity to be influenced by all the countries around us, such as Greece, Spain, Italy, the South of France, and Morocco,” begins award-winning chef Victor Borg, shining a light on the diverse cultures that have shaped his approach to cuisine.
“At Under Grain, one can find wild fish on the menu, sustainably caught from our Mediterranean Sea,” he explains, highlighting a personal dish that he feels represents Maltese culinary heritage. “Its accompanying beetroot, cherry tomatoes and raspberries are all sourced from local farmers, and the twist is that we finish it on a Japanese yakitori-style barbecue grill – a nod to how we Maltese love a good barbecue by the beach,” he adds.
Moreover, Malta has access to an array of exceptional Mediterranean ingredients which chef Borg enjoys incorporating into his dishes depending on the season. “Right now, since it’s still spring, we’ve got an abundance of peas, broad beans, artichokes, and Gozo asparagus,” he reveals.
Beyond his own restaurant, the island offers several unique culinary gems. For an authentic taste of Malta, the chef recommends a visit to San Remo in Mosta, and advises: “be sure to start with the snails, followed by fried rabbit in garlic for your main.”
And if you have a sweet tooth, chef Borg strongly recommends heading to White Rocks in Baħar iċĊagħaq for a ‘Maltese slice’ from Tony’s, a traditional ice cream truck.
“No matter where we travel, we’re always in search of a scoop or two of ice cream – but here, we do it differently. Tony’s serves the classic ‘slice’ – a uniquely Maltese ice cream made with vanilla, candied fruit, walnuts, and sponge soaked in Martini, all cut into a slab and served between two biscuits. It’s tradition, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a must-try,” he smiles.
Photo: Brian Grech
Photo: Brian Grech
“MARSAXLOKK FISH MARKET IS ONE OF THE MOST AUTHENTIC, LIVING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE MALTESE ARCHIPELAGO”
Chef Nikolai Abela describes the island’s rich history as a hotchpotch of influences which all come together in its cuisine. “This can be seen through the spices, seafood, use of citrus, olive oil, and herbs such as mint and dill,” he maintains, yet instead of replicating these influences, he enjoys reinterpreting them in a way that still captures their essence on his menu.
“The ‘Burmarrad Organic Cauliflower’ is a perfect example of this – where koji and miso are used to elevate a local ingredient. Different food cultures are also reflected in the dish through our own tradition of fermenting and preserving. The bużbieża (fennel) liquor brings it back to its origins, while verjus adds a brightness reminiscent of other cuisines,” the chef says.
Still, the dish that best represents Maltese culinary heritage at Grotto Tavern, according to chef Abela, is Ħaruf ta’ Misraħ II-Fidwa – locally sourced lamb paired with aubergine, za’atar, molasses, and lentils. “Lamb has long been a staple of traditional Maltese feasts and countryside meals, reflecting the island’s agricultural roots and other Mediterranean influences.”
And while Malta’s climate provides an abundance of exceptional ingredients, chef Abela highlights products by local brand Delectat as truly exciting. “They produce exceptional artisanal pasteurised
goat and sheep cheeses, sourcing milk from local farmers within the vicinity of their dairy, ensuring the freshest possible ingredients,” he reveals, explaining that, by employing advanced techniques like probiotic fermentation, they eliminate the need for chemical preservatives, resulting in a distinctive and natural flavour profile.
Beyond Grotto Tavern, chef Abela is hard pressed to make any one dining recommendation, given the “array of fantastic dining spots in Malta” but if he had to, his pick would be Michelin-starred Noni, in Valletta. “This restaurant truly embodies the essence of Maltese cuisine with a modern twist. Their signature dish, Ta’ Gużman Organic Potatoes, is a must-try,” he says.
As for a hidden gem, the young chef recommends a visit to Marsaxlokk fish market, held every Sunday morning in the picturesque fishing village.
“This market is one of the most authentic, living representations of the Maltese archipelago, and is not only a draw for tourists but is also where locals shop for their Sunday lunch.” Here, he says, you can find seasonal seafood as well as stalls stretching well beyond just fish – including spices, preserves, lacework, local honey, and souvenirs.
“You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere by watching fishermen mending nets, hearing vendors shouting out prices and admiring the brightly painted luzzijiet bobbing in the harbour, each with their signature eye of Horus. After the market closes, you can enjoy a meal at the various coastal restaurants specialising in seafood. My personal favourite is Tartarun.”
Nikolai Abela, Head Chef at Michelin-recommended Grotto Tavern, Rabat
Photo: Daryl Cauchi
“THE
INTENSE SWEETNESS AND VIBRANT FLAVOUR OF MALTESE TOMATOES IS TRULY UNMATCHED”
Ramona Preca, Chef and Restaurateur at Palazzo Preca, Valletta
“Malta’s rich tapestry of Mediterranean, Arabic, Sicilian, and British influences has taught me to blend bold flavours with subtlety and balance. It has given me the freedom to be creative while deeply respecting tradition – combining spices, herbs and slow-cooking techniques with a light, modern touch,” explains chef and restaurateur Ramona Preca.
Among the dishes that best represents Maltese culinary heritage at Palazzo Preca is one that celebrates the local goat cheese. “We enhance its flavours with a touch of our home-made local tomato chutney, adding a sweet and tangy element that complements the cheese beautifully. Additionally, we sometimes prepare fresh home-made pasta with rabbit – another Maltese favourite – finished with a delicate pecorino cream for a rich and comforting twist on classic flavours,” the chef describes.
Another local ingredient the chef enjoys working with is Maltese tomatoes. “Their intense sweetness and vibrant flavour are truly unmatched. We use them at their peak in summer to create fresh sauces, jams and garnishes, allowing their natural beauty to shine through,” she reveals. “I also love using globe artichokes, which are a seasonal treasure – perfect for hearty, rustic dishes. And of course, local strawberries – they are incredibly fragrant and sweet, and we often showcase them simply, to highlight their pure, sun-kissed flavour.”
Beyond her own restaurant, which she runs alongside her sister, Roberta, the chef recommends visiting Ta’ Nenu in Valletta for a truly authentic taste of Maltese cuisine: “their traditional ftira and slow-cooked rabbit dishes beautifully capture the spirit of our island.”
In Gozo, meanwhile, she adds, “Ta’ Rikardu in Victoria holds a special place in our hearts. We used to frequent it often when we were young, as our father was deeply in love with Gozo. Their
hand-made Gozitan cheeselets (ġbejniet) and traditional hearty dishes are rich in rustic, genuine flavours that instantly transport you to the heart of the island.”
There are also a few hidden gems that foodies shouldn’t miss, including the Ta’ Qali Farmers’ Market, “where visitors can find the freshest local produce, artisanal honey and traditional sweets – a real showcase of Malta’s agricultural bounty,” she maintains.
“Another must-visit is Marsaxlokk, the picturesque fishing village, especially on a Sunday morning when the market is in full swing. It’s the perfect place to experience fresh fish straight from the boats and to soak up authentic Maltese life,” chef Preca adds, and if your visit happens to coincide with the feast of Imnarja, honouring St Peter and St Paul, at the end of June, she heartily recommends “the midsummer festival celebrating food and agriculture in Buskett Gardens, which offers a truly festive and authentic experience with traditional dishes, music and a glimpse into Malta’s rural heritage.”
“WE ARE LUCKY TO BE CLOSE TO DIVERSE CUISINES AND ABLE TO USE EXCELLENT PRODUCTS
FROM MAINLAND
ITALY, SICILY, NORTH AFRICA AND GREECE”
Executive Chef Andrew Borg and Pastry Chef David Tanti at Michelin-starred Le GV Restaurant, Sliema
“In Malta, we are lucky to be very close to diverse cuisines and able to use excellent products from mainland Italy, like truffles, mangoes from Sicily and spices from North Africa,” begins chef David Tanti. Chef Andrew Borg adds, “we are significantly influenced by our neighbouring countries. The use of spices from North Africa is prominent, as well as influences from Sicily and Greece.”
At Le GV, chef Tanti points out the sourdough ftira (flatbread) as the dish that best represents Maltese culinary heritage, explaining, “I am shaping it in a way to make it lighter and crispier while it is baking. It is excellent for spreading the olive oil butter and pork fat that we serve it with.”
For Borg, it’s a John Dory cooked on the barbecue and served with a ragout of octopus and green asparagus from Gozo. “These are the finest ingredients at their best. While this is not a traditional Maltese dish, the experience of eating it is truly delightful,” he maintains.
As for local ingredients they’re excited about, Tanti highlights local strawberries. “At the moment we are using strawberries from Mġarr, which we are vacuumpacking and steaming to release their juice – it is very clear in colour, and delicious,” he maintains. Chef Borg, meanwhile, loves tomatoes, particularly in the summertime. “We use tomatoes throughout the menu – we dry, ferment, pickle, make sorbets, grill them, and create sauces. I think they are the most versatile ingredient we have,” he explains.
Beyond their own restaurant, the chefs have their own recommendations for experiencing an authentic taste of Malta. For Tanti, no visit is complete without dropping by a pastizzerija, of which you’ll find many around the islands, serving local favourite snack pastizzi (diamondshaped delights traditionally filled with ricotta or mushy peas) – although he admits, “I think I prefer qassatat (pastry pockets with various fillings) to pastizzi!” Borg’s recommendation is specific: “go to Verbena in Mġarr and leave your order up to the chef.”
Finally, if you’re visiting in May, the chefs advise keeping an eye out for the Strawberry Festival, which takes place in the agricultural village of Mġarr, as well as other artisanal markets throughout the year that showcase many products – from chutneys and condiments to sweet creations of high quality, especially during Christmas time.
Photos: Brian Grech
“I’M DEEPLY INSPIRED BY THE SEA AND EVERYTHING
IT OFFERS – DENTEX, AMBERJACK AND RED PRAWNS, JUST TO NAME A FEW”
Hiram Cassar, Head Chef at Michelin-starred Fernandõ Gastrotheque, Sliema
“Malta is at the heart of the Mediterranean – and so is my cooking. I draw on its mix of cultures to blend tradition with creativity, using local fish, lamb and seasonal produce to tell a story that’s both rooted and always evolving,” begins chef Hiram Cassar, pointing to the confit of local lamb from Ta’ Żeppi Farm on the restaurant’s current tasting menu as a dish that particularly represents Maltese culinary heritage.
“The lamb is slow-cooked for 12 hours, then carefully deboned and rolled into a delicate ballotine. It is glazed with a reduction of its own jus and served with fresh clams and seasonal vegetables – a contrasting yet remarkably harmonious pairing,” he maintains.
His personal favourite local ingredient, however, is fish. “I’m deeply inspired by the sea and everything it offers – dentex, amberjack and red prawns, just to name a few. Whether baked, roasted, grilled, braised, aged, cured, poached, or served raw, each preparation reveals a different expression of the sea’s bounty,” the chef reveals.
It is no surprise, therefore, that one of his favourite local restaurants to visit is Tartarun in Marsaxlokk. “Go for the local fish and their famous prawn carpaccio,” he advises, going on to recommend that visitors should visit at least one Michelin-starred restaurant during their stay in Malta. “An extraordinary effort is made to put local produce at the forefront,” he says.
“A visit to Ta’ Betta Wine Estate is also highly recommended,” he adds, “it’s a wonderful opportunity to taste artisanal wines while enjoying the serene Maltese countryside and stunning panoramic views.”
CARVED IN STONE: A FAMILY’S
MISSION TO KEEP MALTA’S LIMESTONE LEGACY ALIVE
Malta’s warm, honey-hued limestone has not only shaped the islands’ striking appearance, but has also left its mark on the country’s culture, traditions and daily life. Here, EVE BALDACCHINO, General Manager of the family-run The Limestone Heritage, speaks to REBECCA ANASTASI about the stone’s enduring significance, the museum’s role in celebrating Maltese customs and the family legacy behind their work.
Look around you, and it’s impossible to ignore the deep yellow of Malta’s stonework, weathered by the salt of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s almost as if the buildings’ façades have absorbed the warmth of the sun –the same warmth that flushes the skin.
“Some of the islands’ oldest as well as most remarkable sites – ranging from prehistoric temples to modern-era heritage buildings –are all made of limestone, Malta’s only natural resource,” says Eve Baldacchino, the General Manager of The Limestone Heritage. “The stone has provided the building blocks for such iconic sights as Mdina and Valletta, our capital city. The Limestone Heritage celebrates this, and we’re often the first stop for anyone wanting to understand the material’s vital role in Malta’s history – and why preserving and restoring it is essential for future generations.”
The museum is the country’s only one dedicated to the golden stone of the islands – officially known as Globigerina Limestone or Franka in Maltese – which has been used across the archipelago since the earliest known settlements. “In Malta, we have construction dating from 5,000BC that already uses this material, so it’s vital for us to preserve it and ensure its significance is recognised. Ultimately, all of Malta’s most important cultural landmarks have been sculpted with this stone.”
For Eve, celebrating Malta’s honey-combed building blocks is part of a family tradition. Her grandfather once led the now-defunct Quarry Owners Association of Malta, running several quarries through the 1970s and ‘80s. Eve’s father, Emanuel Baldacchino, inherited and took over the site in the ‘90s, toiling in the quarry in rain, shine or sweltering heat. However, his work digging stone was not to last. “Unfortunately, due to health reasons, my
father was advised by his doctors to stay out of the sun – but he was always so active and felt he had to do something. Soon after, in 1998, we went on a family holiday where my father raised the idea of transforming the quarry into a tourist attraction. So, that’s what he did.”
Emanuel’s entrepreneurial spirit galvanised him into action, and he started working on his project as soon as the family returned from the trip. It took four years to transform the quarry and on 5th May 2002, The Limestone Heritage was officially inaugurated, with a prime focus on showcasing the uses, methods and cultural impact of Malta’s limestone to visitors.
Today, it’s a family affair, with Eve having started working with her parents and sibling when she was only 15. “Twenty-three years later, and I’m still here,” she laughs. “My brother (Operations Manager, Julian Baldacchino) and I were raised to be part of this. And we continue to build on the original mission of celebrating the islands’ natural resources.”
The guest experience has been curated with this end in mind. “When guests arrive, we typically start the tour with a short tenminute film introducing them to the political, economic and cultural significance of limestone in Malta. We then offer an audioguided tour through our indoor museum, which features authentic and original quarrying tools used across different historical periods on the Maltese islands. We also showcase how quarries used to be dug by hand, and when machinery was added to the process,” Eve explains.
Visitors are then guided through a replica of a typical Maltese farmhouse. “This boasts distinctive features typical of a limestone structure – for example stone arches, known as ħnejjiet in Maltese. We’ve also included other traditional details, such as a fuklar – a Maltese stone cooker – and the barumbara
– pigeonholes – that can be seen in many farmhouse constructions – and finally, a manger, the home of our farm animals,” Eve continues.
The tour typically ends with a visit to the studio where live stonework demonstrations are held by the museum’s craftsmen. “We even offer our guests the chance to make their very own souvenir,” Eve says. “We give them a piece of limestone, and our craftsmen guide them in creating a little memory of the visit, before heading outside to the garden, the citrus grove or to view the waterfall.”
There are also limoncello and olive oil tastings, using products from the farm harvested by the family. “Every year, we cultivate our own olives and produce our own olive oil; we don’t sell to any other shops, but we do make some bottles available to our guests for tasting sessions. We also make our own limoncello using the lemons and oranges harvested in our grove; thankfully, our trees produce many lemons, so this an offering that’s fresh and homegrown. And, if the weather is nice, we organise the tasting sessions outside in our garden – it’s truly a beautiful experience,” Eve smiles.
The museum is not only a celebration of Malta’s stone but, within its very walls, lie the remnants of Maltese traditions upheld by dozens of previous generations – and the citrus grove is one such example. “When the quarry upon which The Limestone Heritage now stands started to become disused in the 1980s, my parents began to plant citrus trees. This was typical of how these sites used to be regenerated over the centuries. Citrus trees need a lot of sun and shelter from the winds, and that’s exactly what old quarries could provide – so they were often transformed into citrus groves.”
Over the years, The Limestone Heritage has widened its scope and now also offers the site as a venue for luxury weddings – with the waterfall as a background – as well as gala dinners, destination events, and corporate outings.
Not satisfied with resting on their laurels, Eve confirms the opening of a new restaurant towards the latter half of 2025.
Elaborating on some of the visitors’ feedback, Eve asserts that “the waterfall garden always takes our guests’ breath away. It’s really got that ‘wow’ factor. And we do get many couples – mainly from the UK, but also from Australia, the US, Nigeria, and India – choosing to get married here. We’re very versatile and the space can be used like a blank canvas to create any mood, style or function, whether that’s standup events or sit-down meals, a wedding, a birthday or even a Holy Communion celebration. We also have a marquee, as weather cover. The place sells itself, but we’re also very open to our guests’ needs,” the General Manager explains.
Eve also sees the role of The Limestone Heritage as one bound to Malta’s future – not only to its past or present. “Malta is a small island and this resource is limited: you keep cutting into the land and, at one point, you’ll realise there’s nowhere left to quarry. Nowadays, there are only a few sites in operation – perhaps, around 10 or 12, compared to over 100 in the 1970s. As a result, many construction companies have shifted to using concrete blocks – putting the island’s unique architectural character at risk. Moreover, limestone is a soft material; it’s easy to work with, but it erodes quickly, which means it requires constant attention.”
With this knowledge, The Limestone Heritage is working with stakeholders to keep the limestone trades and material alive, relevant and in circulation. “We try and communicate that when, for example, you are demolishing an old Maltese farmhouse, you need to take it down brick by brick –otherwise that stone will be unusable. It’s more costly to take such care, so, sometimes, when we find out that one of these structures is going to be demolished, we intervene to try to save the stone and store it. The more we preserve it, the better,” she continues.
Eve is energised by her role and by the people she meets. “Getting to know people from all over the world is a privilege. I mostly handle the weddings side of the business, and every single couple’s special day is different. No wedding is the same, and it’s a joy to be able to play such a vital role in making people’s experiences special. However, I also love speaking to our visitors when they come and see the attraction, take the tour or even participate in one of our tasting sessions. To hear about the memories they will keep of this place is exciting and drives us to keep getting better,” she smiles, concluding.
The Limestone Heritage, Park and Gardens, Mons. M. Azzopardi Street, Siġġiewi. www.limestoneheritage.com
Photo: Shane P Watts
WIGNACOURT MUSEUM: A HIDDEN GEM OF HISTORY BENEATH RABAT
Once the Baroque residence of the Knights of St John’s Chaplains, the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat offers a captivating journey through Malta’s religious, artistic and wartime heritage – all built around one of the island’s most sacred Christian sites.
The Wignacourt Museum in Rabat was originally the Baroque residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of St John, built under the reign of Grand Master Aloph de Wignacourt (1601-1622). It forms part of a Pauline complex, as it was designed with a direct passage to St Paul’s Grotto – the cradle of Christianity in Malta. The
is the place where St Paul is believed to
have founded the island’s first Christian community. He was shipwrecked in Malta in 60AD while travelling from Crete to Rome to stand trial before Emperor Nero. During his three-month stay, St Paul is said to have lived in this underground cave, located in the ditch of the Roman city of Melite. It is from here that he preached and spread the word of God, thus introducing Christianity to Malta. As a result, the grotto became an important site of worship and pilgrimage. Over
grotto
Pope Francis in St Paul’s Grotto. Photo: Ian Noel Pace – Papal Media
the centuries, many notable figures visited the site, including Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, Inquisitor Fabio Chigi (later Pope Alexander VII), Lord Admiral Nelson, and several others.
The building, fully completed in 1749, spans three levels. The underground level consists of a labyrinth of Punic, Roman and Christian Hypogea, featuring intriguing architectural elements. As burials were carried out outside city walls for hygienic reasons, this area of catacombs includes a variety of tomb types, such as saddle-backed baldacchino tombs, window tombs, troughless baldacchino tombs, and small loculi. One particularly rare feature is a small agape table, likely positioned near an entrance. These unique tables were used for ritual meals, which resembled celebrations following a burial.
This subterranean complex also includes World War II shelters, comprising two main corridors and around 50 rooms. With the onset of hostilities during World War II, shelters were urgently needed for both Rabat residents and refugees from across the island. The government allocated the main corridors, while families paid to have private rooms dug with pickaxes. These rooms remain numbered, and many still show indentations in the walls where simple oil lamps were placed, as electricity was not yet available.
The museum’s ground floor consists of a corridor with several rooms on one side – used as minor and
service rooms during the time of the Knights of St John. Today, most of these rooms are used as offices, while others house part of the museum’s collections. On the opposite side is a spacious garden, currently home to a restaurant. Nearby is an area that formerly included the refectory of the Chaplains of the Order and an oven, which during World War II provided more than 2,000 loaves of bread for the people of Rabat. The corridor has since been repurposed to host exhibitions, workshops and various artistic events.
The first floor, once the living quarters or piano nobile of the Chaplains, now houses an impressive picture gallery featuring works by Mattia Preti, Antoine Favray, Francesco Zahra, and other Maltese and European artists. The museum also boasts a collection of 17thand 19th-century Spanish, Italian and Maltese silver; a unique wooden altar used for celebrating Mass aboard the galleys of the Order of the Knights of St John; a collection of old relics and reliquaries, sculptures in alabaster and bronze, including a medallion by Alessandro Algardi; as well as maps, coins, prints, and rare books. The centrepiece of the first floor is the Baroque chapel, used in the past for the private devotion of the residing Chaplains.
Whether your interest lies in religion, history, art, architecture, or archaeology, you’ll find something fascinating within the Wignacourt Museum complex.
www.wignacourtmuseum.com
Catacombs
Chapter Hall used by the Chaplains of the Order
Um El Faroud. Photo: Rob Atherton
From the moment you set foot in Malta, the island promises a colourful tapestry of rich cultural heritage that extends not only to treasures on land, but even beneath the waves.
With sparkling waters teeming with wildlife and a wealth of historic wrecks to explore, Malta was named the world’s best scuba diving destination for 2025 by the boot Düsseldorf Dive Awards in January.
The stunning seabed has long drawn visitors to dip in and explore, and as Malta’s robust diving and safety infrastructure continues to expand, it’s no surprise that divers around the world have recognised the island as one of the best destinations for the sport.
With a variety of dive sites catering to different skill levels, Malta is sure to offer an adventure to satisfy any diver’s thirst for exploration.
One such site is the Um El Faroud, a former tanker rendered unseaworthy by a 1995 gas explosion. Scuttled just a short swim off the coast of Wied iż-Żurrieq, it now sits upright on the seafloor just 20 metres below the surface, serving as a new home to colonies of triggerfish and sea urchins that now man its decks.
For a connection to Malta’s history as a strategic naval base, the HMS Maori in Valletta is also growing in popularity as a dive site.
Commissioned in 1938, the vessel was designed to escort convoys, but as conflict ramped up during the war, it found itself chasing the German battleship Bismarck in 1941.
A direct hit from an aircraft ended the Maori’s career as a destroyer in 1942, but the ship’s fore, scuttled just beneath St Elmo’s bastion in Valletta, has spent 80 years evolving into an exciting marine habitat brimming with wildlife.
If you’re looking to make friends on top of enjoying a memorable dive, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the MV Rożi – arguably Malta’s most popular dive site.
Once a humble 35-metre tugboat, its location at Ċirkewwa Marine Park makes it a favourite among both visitors and locals, thanks to the site’s suitability for divers of all experience levels.
And if you’re not able to visit any of these sites yourself, you can still dive in vicariously through Submerged World, an ongoing six-part documentary series produced by the Malta Airport Foundation.
Hosted on the Malta Airport YouTube channel, the series has already featured the Um El Faroud, the Maori and the Rożi, with upcoming episodes set to explore the wrecks of the MV Cominoland, the Imperial Eagle and the Patrol Boat P31.
MV Rożi. Photo: semet
HMS Maori. Photo: DAAgius
Vittoriosa waterfront. Photo: Inigo Taylor
Over the past few decades, Malta has transformed from a modest island nation into a vibrant hub for international business and finance. Since joining the European Union in 2004 and adopting the euro in 2008, the country has leveraged its strategic location, robust regulatory framework and pro-business environment to attract a diverse range of industries and investors in lucrative high-tech sectors like advanced manufacturing, aviation maintenance, financial services, iGaming, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Malta’s economy demonstrates resilience and growth. According to the Central Bank of Malta, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 4 per cent in 2025, with projections of 3.6 per cent growth in 2026 and 3.3 in 2027. The unemployment rate remains low, standing at 2.8 per cent in March 2025, reflecting a strong labour market.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to flow into the country, with total FDI reaching €466 billion by mid-2024, marking an increase of over €13 billion during the first six months of 2024. The main contributors to inward FDI were financial and insurance activities.
ABOUT MALTA
Population
563,443 at the end of 2023, according to the latest figures published by the National Statistics Office
Area
316 km2
Currency
Euro
Forecast GDP Growth 4 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the Central Bank of Malta
Unemployment Rate 2.8 per cent as at March 2025, according to the National Statistics Office
SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN MALTA
Malta offers a favourable environment for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish a presence in Europe thanks to its well-established regulatory environment based on EU law, advantageous tax regime, attractive Government incentives, and well-educated and highly motivated workforce. Moreover, doing business in Malta does not only mean access to trade in the EU, but also 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. The process of setting up a business involves several key steps:
1. CHOOSING THE BUSINESS STRUCTURE:
Decide between operating as a self-employed individual or establishing a limited liability company (LTD). An LTD provides limited liability protection and is often preferred for larger operations. On the other hand, there are more bureaucratic steps to follow when setting up such a company (as opposed to starting a business as a selfemployed person), including 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.
PREPARING DOCUMENTATION:
Draft the company’s memorandum and articles of association. Engaging legal and accounting professionals can ensure compliance with local regulations.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT:
Deposit the minimum share capital into a bank account opened in the company’s name. The bank will provide a receipt required for company registration.
2. 3. 4.
REGISTERING THE COMPANY:
The filled-in company registration form, together with the memorandum and articles of association, and the share capital deposit slip must be presented to the Malta Business Registry. Registration is done within two to three days and the registration fee depends on the size of the company.
OBTAINING LICENCES AND TAX IDENTIFICATION:
Depending on the business activity, specific licences may be required. Additionally, a tax identification number must be obtained for tax purposes and a tax return form will need to be submitted once a year.
REGISTERING FOR VAT AND AS AN EMPLOYER:
You will also need to register with the Value Added Tax (VAT) Department to obtain a VAT number, as well as obtain a PE number if hiring employees. Both steps are free of charge and can be carried out online.
5. 6. 7.
EMPLOYMENT REGISTRATION:
All employees must be registered with Jobsplus, Malta’s public employment service. The process is quick and free of charge.
Government agency Business First provides support and guidance throughout this process. More information can be found on their website: www.businessfirst.com.mt.
Valletta Skyline.
Photo: Inigo Taylor
REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY INVESTMENT
Securing the right property is a crucial step for both personal relocation and business operations. Key considerations include:
ENGAGING REAL ESTATE AGENTS:
Numerous agencies specialise in residential and commercial properties. It’s advisable to consult multiple agents to explore a range of options.
LEGAL AGREEMENTS:
Upon selecting a property, a promise of sale agreement (konvenju) is signed, involving 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 must also pay a deposit which is usually around 10 per cent of the agreed sale price.
PERMITS FOR NON-EU CITIZENS:
You don’t need a permit to buy a house here unless it’s a secondary residence. Non-EU nationals, however, require an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit to purchase property in Malta.
RENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
If you are considering renting out your property as a holiday home, you must obtain specific permits, and income must be declared for tax purposes.
EMERGING ECONOMIC SECTORS
In recent years, the country has established itself as a prime destination for several tech companies looking for a secure, reliable and reputable jurisdiction to base themselves in, drawing companies from a wide spectrum of digital and innovative sectors, ranging from blockchain, FinTech and EdTech to AI, Internet of Things (IoT), software development, and Esports.
The nature of the country’s economy has indeed positioned it at the forefront of digital finance innovations, fuelled by proactive responses to emerging needs and supportive governmental policies. Notably, Malta pioneered dedicated frameworks for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and launched its first national strategy for AI in 2023, underlining its commitment to staying ahead in these fields.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) further bolsters investor appeal with its regulatory sandbox for testing innovative business models. The nation’s investment appeal is complemented by a robust human capital pool, nurtured through strategic investments in specialised education, particularly in machine learning and financerelated disciplines. Malta’s digital infrastructure stands out globally, with ongoing initiatives ensuring top-tier connectivity, offering investors reassurance for their projects’ scalability and sustainability.
The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), launched in 2018, pioneered global regulation of blockchain, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and virtual currencies. Tasked with certifying DLT platforms and smart contracts, it collaborates with the MFSA, which licenses and supervises virtual financial assets exchanges, ensuring consumer protection and market integrity.
The MDIA was established when Malta passed the Virtual Financial Assets Act, making it the first jurisdiction to license crypto operators. The EU’s subsequent landmark legislative package for the industry, that came into force in mid 2023, draws extensive inspiration from Malta’s framework. This ensured that crypto operators based in Malta faced minimal additional compliance requirements under the bloc’s new rules.
Evolving with global trends, the MDIA now drives Malta’s quest to excel in AI, fostering innovation without stifling
The Quad Central, Central Business District. Photo: Inigo Taylor
it, and supporting individuals and organisations in mastering and utilising AI technologies.
Meanwhile, 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. If you’ve got a healthy risk appetite, investing in AI in Malta in these early stages could ultimately yield excellent 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, keep an eye out for conferences and events on AI that typically take place in Malta between September and November.
The regulatory push for all-things digital has made Esports, alongside video game development and extended reality, additional niche areas offering interesting investment opportunities. The vast 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.
With the global Esports industry projected to reach a global audience of 64.8 million people in 2025,
according to Statista, a global provider of market and consumer data, it’s no surprise that Malta has opened its doors to Esports companies just as it did with gaming. While still a budding industry locally, Government’s commitment through ‘Malta’s Vision for Video Games Development and Esports’, launched in May 2019, will help propel this sector forward, with plans to grow it from 0.1 per cent to 1 per cent of the islands’ GDP in 10 years.
Tying all this together is the Maltese Government’s plan and commitment to transform the country’s economy into a digital one in the coming years, enhancing ICT policy development and implementation that is intended to meet the expectations of citizens, civil society and businesses – and its efforts are paying off.
Malta’s strategic location, dynamic economy and supportive business environment make it an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs. With ongoing developments in various sectors and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the country offers numerous opportunities for growth and success.
Ta’ Xbiex Marina. Photo: Inigo Taylor
GALEA’S HAIR SALON: A VALLETTA LEGACY WITH A GLOBAL EDGE
Tucked away along Valletta’s bustling Merchants Street lies a business quite unlike any other. Galea’s Hair Salon isn’t just a place for a trim or colour – representing a four-generation family legacy dating back to 1936, it boasts a unique twist – a popular restaurant shares its historic premises. At the centre of its modern evolution is KAIN GALEA, a hairstylist whose passion has taken him from Malta to London, Melbourne and soon, New York, all while retaining a deep connection to his roots.
It’s beneficial to be exposed to different types of businesses, which help me come up with new ideas that my brother can implement at home.
Kain’s journey into hairdressing felt almost predestined. It began, perhaps unsurprisingly, within the family business, which was opened by his great grandfather in 1936. “Just being in the salon at a young age and being around my father… watching him cut hair. I always knew that it was something I wanted to do,” Kain recalls, noting that, with his brother also pursuing a career in hairdressing, it seemed a natural path.
This deep connection to family heritage is palpable, and for Kain, being part of the fourth generation carrying on the legacy means a lot, he shares, expressing gratitude that his brother is there to maintain the business in Valletta, while his own path led him to seek out international experience.
Starting out with a six-month course in London, the doors of a new world beyond Malta’s shores were thrown open, leaving Kain feeling inspired, albeit not yet fully equipped. “I still didn’t feel I was good enough,” he admits, and after briefly returning home, the pull of London and advanced training was too strong. He went on to secure a place in an apprenticeship programme at a Central London salon, focusing intensely on the craft of cutting for nearly three years. “That’s where I feel I really started to learn how to cut hair properly,” he states, reflecting on how this period profoundly shaped his approach, forming the foundation of the techniques he uses and teaches today.
But the travel bug didn’t stop there. In fact, as we speak, Kain is currently pursuing a stint gaining a different perspective as a guest stylist in Melbourne, Australia. Delving into the experience during our virtual interview, he observes London and Melbourne’s similarities in salon culture,
particularly in luxury settings focusing on “bleach blondes, highlights, longer hair, and bouncy blowdries,” which is an interesting contrast with his Maltese clientele, among whom he is well-known for chic, short haircuts.
For this reason, the initial weeks in Melbourne involved some adapting, the young stylist admits, yet credits the experience with broadening his skillset, particularly in styling longer hair and mastering different blow-drying techniques learned from directors involved in international fashion weeks.
It comes as no surprise, then, that this international exposure is key to Kain’s philosophy. Being away, he explains, allows him to bring fresh ideas back to the family business. “It’s beneficial to be exposed to different types of businesses, which help me come up with new ideas that my brother can implement at home,” he asserts.
Turning his attention to his family’s legacy, Kain explains that Galea’s Hair Salon has undergone significant changes over the years, particularly when he returned to the island during the Covid-19 pandemic. Teaming up with his brother and then-girlfriend (a talented colourist and educator), they spearheaded a well-needed transformation. “Up until that point, it had operated very much in the style of an old-school salon,” Kain recalls, referencing quicker appointments and less focus on extensive colour work.
Together, the young team shifted the model, extending opening hours dramatically to cater to Valletta’s office workers, and began embracing larger jobs like highlights and balayage, which were previously uncommon at the salon. Finally, highquality photography and a stronger social media
presence became central to their strategy. “In four years, we saw it evolve so much,” he smiles.
Yet the most striking evolution came about a little before that, in 2017, and is one that gives the salon a unique edge: the integration of a restaurant at the front.
Delving into the thought process behind this decision, Kain maintains that, as Valletta became pedestrianised and permits for outdoor seating were made available, the family saw potential in the underutilised front section of the salon, which is housed within a charming 400-year-old building. “Before that, we had never really used it,” Kain notes, explaining that his sister and brother-in-law, who were already experienced restaurateurs, took the opportunity.
Fast forward a few years and what started as a humble café concept soon blossomed into a fullyfledged restaurant, and today, the two businesses thrive side-by-side. “People love it. They come in, do their hair, have a cocktail and why not, sometimes order a plate of pasta as well,” Kain chuckles. “It’s a really good mix.”
Looking ahead, Kain affirms that the family is keen to retain the salon’s core traditions while embracing
innovation. This means protecting the welcoming, almost familial atmosphere long-standing Valletta clients value. “We still want to keep that culture,” Kain affirms, noting that a key future focus lies heavily on building the team and investing significantly in their education – something Kain is passionate about contributing to upon his return.
And his personal future? Kain has his sights set on New York, with a job offer from an established salon in the city. It’s another step in a career defined by blending his Maltese roots with an international outlook, continually bringing global techniques and fresh energy back to the heart of Valletta.
People love it. They come in, do their hair, have a cocktail and why not, sometimes order a plate of pasta as well. It’s a really good mix.
THE SEASON FOR BOLD DRESSING: SUMMER 2025 TRENDS WITH MALTA’S FASHION PERSONALITIES
What should you be wearing for your summer holidays? SARAH MUSCAT AZZOPARDI gets the goss from three leading local fashion experts.
‘THIS SEASON FEELS PERFECTLY IN TUNE WITH OUR PASSION FOR STRONG SILHOUETTES AND CULTURAL STORYTELLING’
Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg is Creative Director and one half of the celebrated local design duo behind Charles & Ron – a contemporary Maltese lifestyle brand with a distinct Mediterranean flair.
“It’s great to see fashion moving toward more relaxed tailoring and loose-fitting shapes,” begins Ron, looking towards upcoming seasonal trends. “Bold expressive prints are always a big part of our collections and especially for Spring/Summer, these work very well to create statement looks,” he notes, highlighting the brand’s love for celebrating individuality: “this season feels perfectly in tune with our passion for strong silhouettes and cultural storytelling.”
RON’S ADVICE FOR LOOKING STYLISH, NO MATTER THE SEASON
“Style is about expressing who you are, so being authentic is key. If you feel good in what you wear, you’ll always look stylish.”
Photo: Anton Bell
It’s great to see fashion moving toward more relaxed tailoring and loose-fitting shapes.
Moving on to shoes, Ron sees a strong move toward elegance with a dose of comfort in Summer 2025 footwear trends, as well as woven textures and artistic details. “At Charles & Ron, we’re always inspired by craftsmanship, so this trend speaks to us,” he maintains.
Pointing to international designer collections that are making a splash, Ron notes, “I think the effortless luxury that you can see at brands like Chloé and Loewe will definitely inspire the high street – that same easy sophistication that we also love to bring into our collections.”
And while the Summer season brings its own challenges –particularly for a climate as warm as Malta’s – the creative director shares his appreciation for the joy and freedom that Spring/Summer clothing brings, finding an endless source of inspiration in Mediterranean patterns, colour and movement.
Photo: Anton Bell
‘THERE’S A FREEDOM TO SPRING/SUMMER STYLE –YOU CAN PLAY AROUND WITH MAD MIX-AND-MATCH PRINTS, GO BOLDER WITH YOUR CHOICES, AND STEP OUT OF THAT WINTER UNIFORM’
Maxine Formosa Gruppetta is a model and former Miss Universe Malta. She was awarded the Congeniality Award at the 71st Miss Universe Contest in 2023.
“As both a model and a mum, I’m always looking for pieces that offer style without sacrificing comfort… and this season, there’s plenty to love,” explains Maxine, sharing her enthusiasm for the return of natural fabrics like linen. “There’s something so timeless and effortless about a well-tailored linen dress or coord. It’s breathable, elegant and perfect for busy days on the go.”
“I’m also loving the reimagined denim we’re seeing – wide-leg cuts, patchwork details, even a bit of embroidery. It’s a fresh take on a classic that still feels practical,” the model continues, but her personal favourite is animal prints with a twist. “I’m seeing leopard and zebra in bold, unexpected colours and contemporary shapes. It’s playful, and it adds personality to everyday dressing,” she reveals.
When it comes to accessories, Maxine likes to have fun. “I’ve always leaned toward chunky, statement pieces including oversized cuffs, bold earrings and anything with a sculptural edge. They add instant impact, even when I’m wearing a simple outfit,” she maintains.
MAXINE’S ADVICE FOR LOOKING STYLISH, NO MATTER THE SEASON
“Always make sure you’re wearing something that fits you well and suits your shape. That’s the foundation. Choose colours that complement your complexion, but don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone. Play with different styles, textures and silhouettes –you never know what might surprise you. Confidence comes from feeling good in what you’re wearing, and sometimes that starts with taking a little fashion risk.”
And bags? The bolder the better. “I’m really drawn to unique shapes and vibrant colours – bags that make you look twice. I want my accessories to feel like art, but they also need to work in my real, busy life. It’s that balance of form and function I find most exciting,” she reveals, adding that many of her bags work as great conversation starters at events.
Comfort is everything for Maxine when choosing shoes, but as she’s quick to point out, that doesn’t mean compromising on style. “I’m loving platform shoes this season. They give you that extra height and presence but are surprisingly easy to wear all day. I’m also really into heels that are a little daring, but still wearable – think sculptural block heels or designs with padded straps. A heel that turns heads but won’t have you running home barefoot.”
Her favourite thing about warm season dressing? “Everything just looks better with a tan!” she laughs. “But seriously, I love how the warmer months invite more colour, more skin and more fun. There’s a freedom to Spring/Summer style – you can play around with mad mix-and-match prints, go bolder with your choices, and step out of that winter uniform. It feels like fashion gets to breathe again.”
Leopard and zebra prints are showing up in bold, unexpected colours and contemporary shapes. It’s playful, and it adds personality to everyday dressing.
‘MIU
MIU’S PLAYFUL TAKE ON PREPPY CHAOS AND LOEWE’S SCULPTURAL, ASYMMETRIC DESIGNS ARE ALREADY TRICKLING INTO MORE ACCESSIBLE COLLECTIONS LIKE ZARA AND MANGO’
Malcom Gauci is an award-winning fashion stylist and content creator, celebrated for his individual style and love of layering.
“This season, I’m excited about the return of relaxed tailoring – think unstructured blazers, wide-leg trousers and breezy sets that blur the lines between resortwear and daywear,” says Malcolm, highlighting an effortless elegance that he really resonates with.
“I’m also seeing a shift toward tactile fabrics such as raw silks and soft linens which add depth to otherwise minimal silhouettes,” he adds, noting that for styling work, he favours playing with contrasts, so pairing elevated, flowing pieces with sportier or more rugged elements will definitely be a theme.
Moving onto accessories, the stylist says it’s all about pieces that feel intentional. “We’re seeing a move toward sculptural jewellery like bold cuffs, asymmetric earrings and chunky rings in mixed metals. Belts are having a moment too, especially in unexpected
placements,” he notes, adding that oversized sunglasses are also making a comeback – “very Y2K, but reinterpreted with a cleaner edge.”
Meanwhile, bags are either tiny and sculptural, or big and slouchy – for Malcolm, “the bigger, the better”.
He goes on to point out a shift toward footwear that’s both striking and wearable. “Chunky sandals are still going strong, but more refined now, including leather platforms with a slight retro feel. I’m also seeing a return of the pointed flat which I think will surprise people,” he forecasts, advising that mesh materials, woven leather and unexpected pops of colour like pistachio or butter yellow will define the season’s shoe palette.
On the designer front, Malcolm points Prada’s Spring/ Summer 2025 collection, with its mix of utility and
We’re seeing a move toward sculptural jewellery like bold cuffs, asymmetric earrings and chunky rings in mixed metals. Belts are having a moment too, especially in unexpected placements.
romance, deconstructed tailoring and sheer overlays, which he believes will be reinterpreted across the high street. Apart from that, he notes, “Dries Van Noten’s bold prints and metallics will influence festival and everyday wear, while Saint Laurent’s minimalism will appeal to those craving understated sexiness. Miu Miu’s playful take on preppy chaos and Loewe’s sculptural, asymmetric designs are already trickling into more accessible collections like ZARA and Mango.”
And while his personal style favours the layered dressing of the colder months, Malcolm also appreciates the freedom in warm season dressing. “It pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me get creative through texture, silhouette or accessories. I love the challenge of making simple pieces look styled and elevated.”
MALCOLM’S ADVICE FOR LOOKING STYLISH, NO MATTER THE SEASON
“Style isn’t about having the most clothes. It’s about knowing what works for you and wearing it with intention. I always say: invest in understanding your proportions. Once you know how to balance your silhouette, you can play with trends in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. Also, looking stylish is really about mastering the art of individuality. The goal isn’t to look like 30,000 other people wearing the same trending outfit from Instagram. Instead, focus on expressing your point of view through style. The most stylish people are the ones who know how to edit, mix and reinterpret in a way that feels uniquely theirs.”
ARTS & CULTURE
PAINTING LIFE IN LAYERS: A CONVERSATION WITH MARIAM DE GIORGIO
In her sunlit studio in Birkirkara, artist MARIAM DE GIORGIO transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary – capturing fleeting childhood moments, chaotic kitchens and quiet family rituals with a brush dipped in memory and nostalgia. SAM VASSALLO meets the Maltese painter to unravel the layers of her work, where life and art intertwine in strokes of muted brilliance.
Photo: Inigo Taylor
I’m inspired by the mundane.
As I stepped into Mariam de Giorgio’s studio in Birkirkara, what struck me first was the sense that her work contained as many layers of meaning as paint. The air smelled of linseed oil and beeswax, with shafts of Maltese sunlight cutting through the dust motes to land on canvases propped against the walls – some finished, others half-born, their surfaces alive with the quiet drama of domestic life. A child’s foot dangling off a sofa. A kitchen counter cluttered with flour-dusted fish and cherry tomatoes. A sun-bleached rooftop where the family gathered on one particular Easter Sunday, the world still blissfully unaware of the pandemic looming on the horizon. Her palette is striking yet muted, colours softened as if by memory: the faded blue of a school uniform, the warm ochre of an old house’s walls, the blush-pink of a seashell cradled in a child’s palm.
Mariam greets me with the warmth of someone who has learned to balance the demands of art and motherhood – five children, a husband deep in his PhD studies and a home that hums with creative entropy. Her studio, a converted room upstairs, is a sanctuary of controlled chaos. Sketches spill from drawers, tubes of paint huddle like soldiers on a windowsill, and a large wooden desk bears the scars of a thousand brushstrokes. “This is where the magic happens,” she says with a laugh, nudging aside a stack of illustrated children’s books – a nod to her academic focus on
Fine Arts. As we settle in, I understand quickly that her art is more than a surface-level depiction of domesticity. It is a meditation on time, memory and the fleeting innocence of childhood – a theme that pulses through our conversation like a second heartbeat.
“I’m inspired by the mundane,” Mariam admits, cradling a cup of coffee between her hands. The steam curls around her fingers, dotted with flecks of dried paint –tiny badges of her trade. “The daily things we overlook – like brushing teeth before bed, a child collapsing onto the sofa after school, spaghetti stains on a dinner plate – those are what fascinate me.” She gestures to a nearby painting, a snapshot of her daughter asleep mid-afternoon, socks discarded, backpack abandoned in a heap. The composition is effortless, the light catching the curve of the girl’s cheek, the rumpled fabric of her school dress. “That was the perfect shot. It’s not posed. It’s life, stolen before it slips away,” she muses.
Her process is organic, almost accidental. She documents moments with her phone, a tool as vital as her brushes. “I don’t always intend to paint what I capture,” she explains. “But when I look back, I see a story waiting to be told.” The stories are intimate: a family’s move from their grandmother’s house to their own, the evolution of a living room sofa over a decade, the quiet rituals of bedtime that frayed at the edges as the children grew. Her work feels like flipping through a diary, one where the entries were painted in strokes that blurred the line between realism and dream. A still life of a lampuka fish
(a local delicacy) mid-preparation, dusted with flour and surrounded by capers, became a portrait of familial love. “The viewer can imagine the hands that cooked it, the voices around the table,” she says. “That’s what I want – to pull people into the life of the painting.”
Mariam’s fascination with childhood is palpable. “My work portrays the child in me,” she says, her voice softening. “I crave that innocence, that joy in discovery.” Her own childhood was unconventional. Raised in a devout Catholic family, she spent her early years in the Philippines as part of her parents’ missionary work. “It was a world of seashells and unfamiliar skies,” she recalls. “I remember the heat, the colours, the way the light hit the water differently there. I think that’s why I’m drawn to the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Now, as a mother, she revisits that wonder through her children. “They’re my vessel,” she muses, pulling out a sketchbook filled with quick studies of her kids drawing, eating, sleeping, their limbs tangled in unselfconscious grace. “They do things like play with their fingers, laugh at nothing and I think, ‘I used to do that’. But now I see it differently. They’re teaching me to appreciate moments I once took for granted.” Her paintings capture this duality: the child’s unselfconscious joy and the adult’s nostalgic lens. A portrait of her son eating spaghetti, his face smeared with sauce, is more than a cute scene; it’s a meditation on time’s passage. “One day, he’ll be grown, and I’ll have this,” she says, touching the canvas lightly. “That’s the gift of painting – it’s a way to hold onto what refuses to stay still.”
Though her work is rooted in realism, whimsy seeps in at the edges. A teacup might float mid-air; a family barbecue
in Comino, the sea glittering behind them, bent into a dreamlike haze as if viewed through heatwaves. She cites influences like René Cloque, the illustrator of Enid Blyton’s stories, and Matisse, whose playful interiors resonate with her. “I love surrealism,” she admits.
The result is tactile, alive. Her signature – a bold, calligraphic flourish – often appear in contrasting colours, a nod to her love of typography. “I mimicked typewriter fonts as a girl,” she laughs, showing me a wedding invitation she’d designed with looping, vintage-inspired script. “Now my handwriting looks like one. Funny how these things stick.”
Mariam’s creative process is anything but rigid. “I’m my own boss,” she says with a shrug. “Some days, I’m too tired to paint. Other days, I work until 2am.” She thrives under pressure, recalling her solo exhibition Midsummer last
I don’t always intend to paint what I capture… but when I look back, I see a story waiting to be told.
That’s the gift of painting – it’s a way to hold onto what refuses to stay still.
September, where she produced 30 works in a month.
“Four paintings in a day!” she exclaims, shaking her head. “It was like a factory. But deadlines force me to focus.”
She describes the adrenaline of last-minute commissions – like the time a client begged for a gift portrait in four days. “I said yes, even though I knew I’d be sleepless. There’s something about the panic that sharpens me.”
Commissions, however, are a double-edged sword. “People want portraits – children, usually. But I refuse flat, posed things.” She prefers candid scenes: kids from the back, watching the sea; a messy kitchen alive with movement. “I need to feel a connection. Otherwise, it’s just… depressing.” She pauses, then adds with a wry smile, “though I’ll admit, I sneak in my own style. A pop of unexpected colour, a hidden detail. It’s my little rebellion.”
As we wander through her home – past her sunlit studio where her bird chirps in its cage, a cluttered “mess-allowed” room for the kids (“They’re banned from paints, though – too stressful!”), and a hallway lined with exhibition posters – reveals how deeply her art and life intertwine. Her paintings are not just observations; they are conversations with time. A hotel in Comino stood untouched in one painting, then vanished in the next, replaced by construction cranes. “It’s all about life-changing situations,” she says. Even her thesis work – a study of Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter’s tea party reimagined across artistic eras – speaks to her fascination with shifting perspectives.
Now, Mariam is preparing for her next show – a group exhibition titled A Sense of Place, curated by art historian Charlene Vella at The Phoenicia.
Before I leave, she shows me one last piece: a collage-painting framed in her kitchen, a whimsical nod to parenthood’s chaos. “This was me years ago,” she says, pointing to a frazzled figure in a cluttered kitchen. “A mother, overwhelmed. But look – here’s beauty in the mess.” And that, perhaps, is the heart of her work.
In Mariam de Giorgio’s world, the mundane is monumental, childhood is a language, and every brushstroke is a whisper: Look closer. This is life.
