GOING OUT IN MALTA
What is Malta like?
The Island of Malta is situated in the heart of the
Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate during the
winter months and a long and warm summer.
Surrounded by the crystal clear water, it is an idyllic
holiday resort with beautiful beaches, historical
attractions
and excellent facilities.
The people are friendly, open and cosmopolitan.
Although
English is officially the “second language”
of the Island,
most people use English in their
day-to-day social culture
and most advertising,
road-signs and businesses use
English as their
medium.
Visitors to the Island come from diverse origins, though
during the summer months there are many tourists from
England, Italy, Germany and other countries world-wide.
Malta caters to all ages and interests and is especially
suitable for younger visitors who can enjoy a vast selection of sports, water-sports and it is a lively environment for both younger and more mature holidaymakers alike. It is generally friendly and very safe.
Where is the school and is it easy to get around?
LAL Malta is situated in Sliema, a gentle resort area just across the bay from the Island’s capital, Valletta, which is less than a 15 minute bus ride and a 5 minute ferry crossing away. The school is situated in a quiet road, just off the quay-side.
Sliema gives good access to the Island’s attractions, resorts and beaches as well as the night club district of St Julian’s being just a 10 minute bus ride away.
Sliema caters for both tourists and locals alike and there are many shops, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the school.
What can I do in my free time?
There is a varied and exciting leisure and activities programme which is organised by the school as well as a large number of half-day and full-day excursions to the island’s attractions.
These include places of interest such as Valletta, the island’s capital, the ancient, fortified city of Mdina, the former capital, the beautiful Blue Grotto, as well as the sister island of Gozo. For those interested in the cultural side, the Maltese Islands have numerous monuments, temples and churches, whilst for the more active and adventurous ones, the school organises a number of sports and water-sports, as well as diving in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Such activities, as well as a vast selection of evening activities and boat trips, can be booked at the school’s leisure reception at the main entrance to the school.
The following are some of the most interesting and historical places that students can visit on their own by making use of the local public transport. Most of these places are also included in the itineraries of the various excursions organised by the school.
What about shops and facilities?
Sliema has the feel of a quiet seaside resort, but is in fact a a major commercial and residential area and houses several of Malta's most recent hotels. It is a centre for shopping, restaurants and café life. There are a number of food stores, appliance outlets, pharmacies as well as a number of souvenir shops. It houses the major banks and a main post-office. A sub-post office is situated opposite the school.
How about sports?
Land sports
Malta offers almost any sport under the sun. For the spirit of adventure, there’s rock climbing, caving and paragliding. For some family fun, try go-karting! Apart from regular outdoor activities like golf, tennis and horse riding, we’ve plenty of indoor options. Pamper yourself in a deluxe health spa, get fit in the gym or challenge friends to an evening bowling.
The climate, terrain and scenery are made for walking, cycling and touring by car. Enjoy a leisurely ramble or join a jeep safari for a wilder, off-road view. In Malta, a walk is never just a walk. It’s a discovery of restless sea, unusual landscapes and timeless Mediterranean life!
Whatever you’re up to, the Islands are a stage set for your activities. Baroque cities, medieval towns, rugged cliffs and prehistoric temples are memorable backdrops to your stay.
We invite you to read articles and headlines focusing on Maltese but also non-Maltese sports,
Maltese football, the Maltese football championship and the Malta Olympics.
Sea Sports
The sea has coloured our history and it colours any visit to the Islands! Here are a few ideas on enjoying some of the clearest, warmest waters in the Mediterranean.
The simplest is to relax on the beach. Explore a little from the main resorts and discover sandy coves and rocky inlets almost deserted, even in high summer. Malta and Gozo’s beaches are largely untouched by development. Many beaches offer water sports from windsurfing to jet- ski hire.
The Islands are a paradise for divers. The sea is warm all year and offer excellent visibility. Seek out unusual underwater inhabitants in the sunken wrecks of Malta’s maritime past. Come in autumn and see the exciting Middle Sea Race where sail pits its wits against wind. Schools offer lessons for the active while harbour cruises are ideal for those who prefer to relax on board.
The winter season is perfect for enjoying the sea. Stroll along beaches or hike along cliff tops. And for some of the best vistas and winter wave drama visit the coast at Dwejra, Gozo.
What about eating out and the local night life?
The Islands’ cuisine is influenced by the people who made their home here over the centuries, from the Arabs, Italians and Spanish to the French and British. Traditional Maltese cooking has distinct touches of the Sicilian and Moorish. Look out for rich sweets, pastries and deserts of ricotta, almonds and figs as well as tomato and wine sauces with pasta, rabbit and fish.
There are many restaurants and cafes in Sliema that serve traditional Maltese food such as Bragioli (Beef Olives), Fenek (Rabbit) and Timpana (Baked Macaroni). One can also find French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, American and Mediterranean as well as steak or seafood restaurants and a number of international fast food chains. Prices are very reasonable.
At night, you can walk along the lively Sliema promenade and enjoy the sea breezes in the cool summer evenings. The neighbouring village of St. Julians, known locally as Paceville is Malta’s main nightlife zone. Paceville comes alive at night with is multitude of pubs, discotheques and a number of night clubs with different themes, namely salsa, rock, disco music and even live bands.
In St. Julian’s you can also find a modern bowling centre and a large cinema complex, showing films in the English language.
Teatru Manuel is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe and offers a full calendar ranging from classics to comedy and even opera. Jazz enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Malta Jazz Festival.
More information on dining and clubbing can be found here and a monthly timetable of the best events on the islands is available as well.
Traveller's Guide Information Malta
Malta's official tourism website belonging to the Malta Tourism Authority will answer most questions you have about the islands, you can also visit their corporate website.
Great pictures, information and links and a travel, information & business guide for the Maltese Islands are also available and Wikipedia as has an answer for (almost) everything.
The leading searching engine for the Maltese Islands will help you find all the information you need and a collection of images of Malta's best sights, monuments,
landscapes & much more will help you visualise the islands.
If you're interested in the rich history of the island you should check out the website of The National Agency for Museums, Conservation Practice and Cultural Heritage to find the best sites to visit, opening times and ticket prices.
There are a number of historic buildings and sites in Malta which are open to the public go to including prehistoric temples. The Hypogenum is even on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The Malta Knights have played a big part in Malta's history.
The Malta International Airshow is an annual event that is certainly worth a visit.
A good source for buying Maltese books and publications is the Malta Online Bookshop.
If you want to be up to date on the latest news please visit the newspapers:
The Times
The Malta Independent
Latest Headlines
Malta Today
Business Today
Of course its also important to find out what the weather is like!
