15 June 10

City Focus, City Cents

Malta on the Ground

This month, we visit dreamy Malta - packed with history, culture and poodles! Get the details here. Words by Jo Caruana. Photography by Helen Cathcart

GET THE VIBE…

AN ISLAND THAT KNOWS ITS HISTORY

For a rock in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta’s got an amazing pull to it. And I should know – I’ve been drawn back here more times than I’d care to remember.

Now, before I start waxing lyrical about all the things I adore about life on my little rock, I’d like it to be said that it’s not all roses. Yes, the sun shines cheerily for most of the year, but that also means your hair will never sit exactly the way you want it to. Yes, the islanders’ passion is electric, but it’s not quite as much fun when the road to your apartment is blocked indefinitely by a whacking great statue of the local patron saint halfway through festa week. And yes, the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle is idyllic and lovely, but not when you desperately need an aspirin just to make it through lunch and all the chemists have shut for siesta. Then again, what would life be if it weren’t for the quirky colours and cute idiosyncrasies of island existence?

If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say it was the sheer contrasts that exist here that make it such an exciting place to be. For starters there’s the islands’ unfathomable history – so mammoth that it makes one feel dwarfed, yet so beguiling that you feel honoured just to be part of it. All you’ve got to do is stand on one of Mdina’s silent streets, picturing the Knights of St John as they ambled down the very same alley in 1530 or so, and you’ll see what I mean.

With a whole country at your fingertips (yes, a whole country – and you’re never more than 25 minutes away from anything), you can be basking on a sandy beach one minute and back in the office the next, not to mention scuba diving off Gozo later that same evening. Similarly, you can find yourself watching a poignant, age-old religious festivity just seconds before embarking on a night of raucous merriment at a sophisticated cocktail bar in the next village. It can all be quite confusing, but at the same time it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

Passion, you see, is high on the agenda here and a sprinkling of it is added to everything from fireworks festivals to teatime sweet treats. And the nonchalant side of things slots in perfectly, too: locals would rather do nothing than do it half-heartedly (as is evident from all the pot-bellied men plonked street-side, enjoying nothing more than the chance to watch the world go by and their accompanying toy poodles). It’s really quite admirable.

But change is in the air. Since the islands joined the EU in 2004, funds have been ploughed into them left, right and centre. And while skyscrapers appear on the already cluttered skyline and a little piece of local culture is crushed, somewhere else on the island children are being taught the centuries-old agricultural practices first used locally by the Romans circa 218BC.

Meanwhile, as the famed orange Malta buses prepare for their final curtain (they’re due to be replaced by more eco-friendly models as part of the 2010 Transport Reform) there’s a simultaneous desperation to see the pollution-puffing back of them, and a gut-wrenching desire to cling on to them and the history they represent.

Yes, it’s all very confusing living in a country that has, for millennia, functioned within a whirlwind of change. But as I jostle for my bit of space with the 400,000-odd other locals trying to find theirs (never mind the 1.2 million tourists who visit annually), I can’t help but love the crazy, passionate and peculiar nuances that make Malta such an eclectic place to live. Even if I can’t find an open chemist’s!

FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM BARCELONA (GIRONA), BARI, BILLUND, BOLOGNA, BOURNEMOUTH, BRISTOL, DUBLIN, EDINBURGH, KRAKOW, LEEDS, LONDON (LUTON), MADRID, MARSEILLE PROVENCE MP2, PISA (FLORENCE), SEVILLE, STOCKHOLM (SKAVSTA), TRAPANI, VALENCIA AND VENICE (TREVISO). VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM

ON THE STREET…

KNIGHTS, FESTAS AND MODERN ART

I have one word for you: history. Yes my little grasshoppers, whether or not you care who bludgeoned whom in the Great Siege of 1565, prepare to be hit by a whole lotta yesteryear during your stay in Malta.

If you’re actively going in search of history, Valletta would be a good place to start. Palaces and “auberges” (lodgings) built by the Knights of St John are everywhere, and they’re beautiful. If you want a look inside, head to St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity (www.sjcav.org 1 ). The fortress was built after the siege to provide a raised gun platform that could counter land attacks. These days it’s more of a platform for artists, with everything from cutting-edge drama to sculpture exhibitions held here. The old-meets-new architecture is pretty special too.

Alternatively, the Grand Master’s Palace 2 ) is a stunning example of what the Knights left behind, and you can explore the palace armoury and famous exhibition of 16th-century tapestries. Once you’re in the area, St John’s Co-Cathedral (www.stjohnscocathedral.com 3 ) is one of Valletta’s most beloved landmarks, not least because of the famous painting of the Beheading of St John the Baptist, by Caravaggio, which is exhibited here.

In Mdina, Malta’s other historic city, the past is omnipresent. Simply walking through the gates will transport you back in time, but for a bit of insight try the Carmelite Priory Museum (www.carmelitepriorymuseum.com 4 ), which opened its doors recently as the first priory to welcome the general public. The architecture, artefacts and historical stories are fascinating. Incidentally, the Carmelite Church next door is one of the most striking churches in the area – it is also a great place to catch foreign choirs in concert if you’re lucky. Just across the road, Palazzo Falson (www.palazzofalson.com 5 ) is a restored palace with wonderful tales to tell.

It is also one of the few museums in Malta with activities designed specifically for children (as long as they’re over six), so take the kids along.

Over on Gozo, the walled Cittadella (just above Victoria) is one of the island’s most historic spots. It houses its Cathedral, Folklore Museum and Old Prison, and offers panoramic views of the land below. Also, try to stop by the Ggantija Temples ( 6 ), which are known to be the world’s oldest freestanding structures – predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids.

If you’re hoping to be a culture vulture after dark, find a festa (www.visitmalta.com/village-festas). Held in each of Malta and Gozo’s towns and villages throughout summer, there’s bound to be one on while you’re here and they’re great fun. Organised to honour the town’s patron saint (which they do through a complex range of processions and ceremonies), it’s also an excuse for a knees-up. Lively celebrations keep going for a week or so, culminating in a massive fireworks display in the pjazza. Let the merriment commence!

FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 19 DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING BARI, EDINBURGH, MADRID, LONDON (LUTON) AND STOCKHOLM (SKAVSTA). VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM

TOILET HUMOUR

And now for something completely different – designer toilets. While Malta is not exactly known for its cutting-edge art scene, visual artist Norbert Attard – with the help of architect Chris Briffa and local company S&S Bathrooms – has broken the mould by transforming one of Valletta’s dingy public conveniences into a stylish new spot to pee. The toilets are located in the historic Strait Street red-light district (now pretty much abandoned). Inspired by some graffiti he spotted on the wall outside that read “I love Tracey Emin”, Norbert crafted his re-imagined loos around a kitsch red colour scheme. And while most locals love it, the accompanying exhibition of “V words” that reference the area, such as “vagina”, “vain” and “Virgin Mary”, has caused a bit of a stir.

Oh dear! And if these toilets set your inner artist alight, try Malta Contemporary Art (www.maltacontemporaryart.com), housed at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity – showing the work of artists like Frenchman Cyprien Gaillard (starts 10 June).

AT THE HOTEL…

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE AND ROCK 'N' ROLL

The grand thing about Malta is that, no matter where you choose to set up camp, you’re never more than a hop, skip and jump away from the island’s main sights and sounds. Choosing your base is thus more about finding your perfect comfort fit rather than ensuring a central location. And there’s plenty of variety on offer, from self-catering farmhouses to luxury resorts at the water’s edge.

Although the capital city, Valletta is still pretty small with not so many hotels as you might expect. If you do want to position yourself in the thick of things, the three-star Castille Hotel (www.hotelcastillemalta.com, doubles from €115 a night 7 ) is just minutes from the island’s main bus hub and shopping streets. There’s a charming, classic feel to the place, and some of the comfortable rooms have traditional Maltese wooden balconies – perfect for eyeing up the square below or taking in the breathtaking views of the majestic Grand Harbour.

St Julian’s is easily the most popular destination for hip travellers. With umpteen bars and many of the island’s best restaurants on your doorstep, this town not far from Valletta is a good place to hang your hat and get comfy. With its pretty views across Balluta Bay, the Cavalieri Hotel (www.cavalierihotel.com.mt, doubles from €160 a night 8 ) is also a five-minute stroll from the town centre. Many rooms have queen-sized beds and all feature a balcony, affording you plenty of space to spread out. Nearby, Hotel Juliani (www.hoteljuliani.com, doubles from €145 a night 9 ) offers excellent value for money in stylish surroundings, with views of the brightly coloured luzzu (fishermen’s boats) bobbing in the bay. As one of the island’s only boutique residences, there’s a friendly feel to the place that is very endearing. Meanwhile, the free wi-fi throughout doesn’t hurt either.

Just further along the seafront, Sliema provides another great base for travellers keen to keep busy. Five-star The Palace Hotel (www.thepalacemalta.com, doubles from €180 per night 10 ) offers a delectable blend of luxurious surroundings and quirky touches. In the Music Suite, for instance, guests can live like rock stars with a soundproof headboard (for reminiscing on those sound booth recording days, among other things) or bang away on the full-size set of drums. You see, it’s all very rock ’n’ roll in the Med these days.

And for something completely different, the island of Gozo’s air of escapism extends to its accommodation. Head to Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa (www.tacenchotel.com, doubles from €186 a night 11 ), where you can awake to the sounds of birds chirping outside your stone trullo (circular house) or bungalow. The hotel can also drive you to its own private beach – a rocky inlet with crystal-blue waters.

FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 19 DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING BILLUND, LONDON (LUTON), PISA (FLORENCE) AND STOCKHOLM (SKAVSTA). VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM

GET THE RUB

Spa culture is rife in these parts, and locals love a good massage to cope with the stress of having to meander through the islands’ manic road network. As a result, many hotels have on-site spas and the rates enjoyed here are often lower than on mainland Europe.

If you do fancy a treatment or two, try the Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay (www.corinthiahotels.com, doubles from €280 a night 12 ) and its über-chic Apollo Day Spa. If you’re feeling fancy, take a pal for a natter and a glass of Champagne at its new nail bar, or simply indulge in an essential MOT of back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by an express cleansing facial. Over on Gozo, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz (www.kempinski.com/en/gozo, doubles from €205 a night 13 ) is a little piece of tranquillity in itself. If the calming countryside views don’t do the trick, trundle down to the spa where you can chill courtesy of their Indian Ayurveda therapists’ magic hands. And if that doesn’t sort you out, then we can’t help you.

ON THE TABLE…

SEASIDE SEAFOOD AND JUST DESSERTS

Living by the “when in Rome” rule and all that jazz, when in Malta you should pretty much order everything on the menu and dig in. Like most Mediterranean spots, local life revolves around great nosh enjoyed in fantastic company, and any excuse is a good enough excuse to chow down and worry about the waistline later.

With that in mind, new restaurant on the block Salini (www.salini.com.mt 14 ) in Sliema is packing the punters in thanks to its winning blend of local and international flavours, served in a never-ending fashion. Lebanese chef Hanni has lovingly crafted a menu that honours both Malta and his homeland – and if you’re ready for a culinary feast, leave your dinner in his capable hands and watch as the tapas keep coming. Just bear in mind that you’ll still be the one to foot the bill, and food at this trendy eatery doesn’t come cheap.

But local fare needn’t be expensive. For a delicious pit stop, pop into Crystal Palace ( 15 ) just outside Rabat. Its moreish ricotta or pea pastizzi (pastry parcels) cost less than €0.20 each, and are best savoured alongside owner Martin’s steaming te fit-tazza (tea in a glass). Alternatively, Ciappetti Restaurant ( 16 ) serves honest, scrumptious food just a few seconds’ walk from the imposing Mdina bastions. Be sure to sample the platter of local delicacies or the tangy octopus pasta, and book ahead to snag a table in the quaint, shady courtyard.

If you’d rather dine to the sound of lapping waves, head southwards a little to the hipand-happening Vittoriosa Waterfront. As one of the island’s poshest marinas, you can watch the yachts come and go as you dig in. We loved the Riviera della Marina’s ( 17 ) honest, simple menu of the freshest fish and best local ingredients. Recommended fashion accessories include dark sunglasses, and car keys dangled on a designer keychain.

Alternatively, take the ferry across to the island of Gozo, where food is taken extremely seriously indeed. Locals flock to the family run seaside eatery Il Kartell (www.gozo.com/il-kartell 18 ) for its fresh fish and seasonal produce. And while Il Kartell is best enjoyed over long, lazy lunches in the sun, It Tmun Victoria (www.tmunvictoria.com 19 ) is Gozo’s favourite night-time foodie spot. Here, the blend of casual and chic is just right and the food incredible. The tender pork belly is always my choice for mains, but be sure to leave just enough room for chef Patrick’s legendary crème brûlée.

FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 19 DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING BOLOGNA, BOURNEMOUTH, MARSEILLE PROVENCE MP2, TRAPANI, VALENCIA AND VENICE (TREVISO). VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM

SUGAR CRUSH

The Maltese Islands are, sadly, hurtling towards a diabetes epidemic – not helped by the volume of notoriously delicious sweet treats on sale here. Café Cordina (www.caffecordina.com 20 ) in Valletta is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. This historic café is packed full of Maltese delicacies like moreish honey rings and almond biscuits – pre-packed and ready to export as the ideal souvenir. Alternatively, if you’re in the area, swing by Busy Bee (www.busybee.com.mt 21 ), easily the most popular confectionery shop on the island. Here cakes and pies line up behind the glass and beg to be bought. If you only allow yourself one thing, make it kannoli. These sweet-ricottafilled pastry cases are famous across the land, and locals have been known to drive cross-country just to fulfil their cravings for a bite of the beauties. You should be sure to do the same. It may be sinful, but who cares – you’re on holiday. Just thank your lucky stars you don’t have to put up with this kind of temptation every day!

AT THE BAR…

SHAKING COCKTAILS AND BOOTY

I know what you’re thinking. “What can a tiny island like Malta possibly offer a night owl like me?” Well, just hold onto your sun hat for one lolly licking minute, because, believe it or not, the island is known for showing partygoers a whole other side once the sun goes down.

Stereotypically speaking, Paceville is the way to go if you’re planning to paint the town red. This once-sleepy fishing village, just a stone’s throw from St Julian’s, has been developing into a pub/club mecca since the 1980s, and is now a veritable maze of venues for drinking and dancing. Start things off in sophistication at Hugo’s Lounge (www.hugosloungemalta.com 22 ), where cocktail shaker Fabian will happily rustle you up the likes of Illona’s Delight (fruity and non-alcoholic), or the more potent but no less fruity Strawberry Breeze.

As the evening wears on, head upstairs to Shadow Lounge (www.shadowloungemalta.com 23 ), where you can get your groove on to the house classics spun here by some of the island’s top DJs. Alternatively, if you were hoping for something a little more Greased Lightening, Bar Native ( 24 ) is guaranteed to have you doing the Macarena in no time. But there are plenty of clubs in the area with everything from salsa to R&B – and venues usually stay open until 4am. Drinks are famously cheap too, at about €2 for a vodka mixer or a pint of the local lager, Cisk.

If you’re more of a pub person than clubber it’s best to leave Paceville behind and head to the more upscale surrounds of St Julian’s. If you’re missing home already, Ryan’s Irish Pub (www.ryans.com.mt 25 ) provides a friendly taste of Britain, complete with Guinness, artery-clogging English pub fare to mop up all that alcohol, and football on the big screen. After all, isn’t that what a holiday in the Med is all about?

If you prefer things more refined, Spinola Bay in St Julian’s is a lovely place for a saunter along the promenade as you take in the bobbing fishing boats and fairy lights. Enjoy a quiet drink at Twenty Two (www.22.com.mt 26 ), on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower. One of the main haunts of the local It crowd, it offers incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding area and is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. It livens up to the sound of Champagne corks popping later on, so be sure to bring a Gold Card or blank cheque!

And if you’d rather get away from St Julian’s altogether, Luna Lounge ( 27 ) is a little piece of exclusive charm in the heart of pretty Naxxar village. Set within the 16th-century Palazzo Parisio, it’s a thrilling blend of haughtiness meets glittery pink fun. And you can’t help but love the plush velvet surrounds and gold-gilded charm that’s clear proof of just how far Malta’s night scene has come.

FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 19 DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING BOURNEMOUTH, BRISTOL, DUBLIN, KRAKOW, LONDON (LUTON) AND MADRID. VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM

STARRY NIGHTS

Outdoor venues are, unsurprisingly, the staple of the local summer nightlife scene. Things usually kick off in June and run until the end of August, with everything from pumping beach parties to moonlit BBQs to keep you busy till the sun comes up. Bedouin Bar at The Westin Dragonara Resort’s (www.westinmalta.com 28 ) Reef Club is probably just the sort of Mediterranean venue you had envisaged. Here, on Friday and Saturday nights, the island’s beautiful people (usually clad in white, for some doubtlessly hip reason) lie back on sun loungers by the sea, drinking in the cool night air and socialising by candlelight. There’s also a dance floor, if the mood takes you. Moving inland, the Marrakesh open-air club just outside Rabat ( 29 ) has kicked of its season of breezy nights out in the countryside. This boutique fashion club is a great place to let your hair down under the stars, to the sounds of funky house music courtesy of foreign guest DJs.

IN THE BAG…

SOUVENIRS, FASHION AND MARKETS

Shopping in Malta is a funny old thing. On the one hand you’ve got a plethora of malls and international high street shops mushrooming all over the place and, on the other, colourful street-side veggie trucks, quaint market stalls and mysterious backstreet boutiques.

If it’s international brands you want, head to Sliema. Go by bus to avoid the inevitable bloodshed that comes with trying to secure a parking spot in this town, and take a stroll along the main shopping avenues: Tower Road and Bisazza Street. Taking their influences from the likes of Italy and the UK, you’ll spot brands from both parts of the world here – but very little will seem out of the ordinary and prices are often higher than on mainland Europe.

Towards the end of Sliema “Ferries” (the promenade that winds along the coast), you’ll locate the island’s latest and largest shopping mall, The Point (www.thepointmalta.com 30 ). Great excitement prevailed when the mall opened in May, but things have calmed down since and many wonder whether it will sustain itself. Nevertheless, the surroundings are attractive and it is a great shopping spot – that is, if you don’t mind being indoors while the sun’s shining.

Over in Valletta, things take on a more higgledy-piggledy feel. While there are many international brands lining main shopping thoroughfare Republic Street, you’ll also find some smaller boutiques worth exploring too. For instance, adjoining St Lucy’s Street is packed with dinky jewellery stores, and you can watch silversmiths at work as they craft traditional Maltese crosses and other such souvenirs. Speaking of gifts, head to The Artisan Centre ( 31 ) to seek out goods made by local craftsmen. And for more designer wares, try La Boutique ( 32 ) at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, stocking a variety of home and fashion accessory items hand-picked by owner Baroness Scicluna herself.

Over on Gozo, things are a little different. Yes, there are a couple of shopping malls – Arkadia (www.arkadia.com.mt 33 ) in Victoria was actually the island’s first clothing and homewares department store – but in general the shopping experience is a lot more relaxed. The centre of Victoria revolves around its pjazza and bustling market. Here you can buy a selection of the usual tourist paraphernalia – solar-powered caps with built-in fans, I Love Gozo T-shirts and fluffy pens – but it’s on the surrounding streets that things get a little more interesting. I’m a fan of Organika (www.organika.com.mt 34 ), an organic shop that stocks unusual Gozo-made crafts and cosmetics, as well as organic food. And just down the road, peruse the admittedly un-glam Jimmy’s Store ( 35 ), where you can sample homemade orange and lemon jams, and Gozo’s famous honey.

FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 19 DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING BARI, BOURNEMOUTH, EDINBURGH, KRAKOW, LONDON (LUTON), STOCKHOLM (SKAVSTA), TRAPANI AND VENICE (TREVISO). VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM

WHERE THE CART IS

What the islands may be lacking in locally made fashion items and accessories, they sure make up for in delicious food products. While on your adventures, you’re sure to come across the odd vegetable truck or two, sitting sleepily by the side of the road awaiting a customer. This is definitely the best place to get your greens, as most trucks will have come fresh from the fields that day. While costs are usually fixed, feel free to have a go at haggling, especially as prices tend to “fluctuate” depending on who’s buying. And if you’re looking for organic foodstuffs, head to Gozo’s Ta’ Mena Estate (www.tamena-gozo.com 36 ), where passionate owner, Joe, will zealously talk you through his hopes for organic products on the island. Meanwhile, the little shop at the side of the farm is a great place for stocking up on genuine goods to take home, including the best kunserva (sweet tomato paste) I’ve ever tasted. Also stuff your suitcase with the likes of chutneys, cheeselets and prickly pear liqueur.

KUNSERVA
Tomato paste is never just tomato paste in Malta – it’s a big deal. Taste for yourself by lathering some onto olive oil-dipped bread for a traditional summer snack. This organic sweet kunserva is available at Ta’ Mena Estate, along with loads of other delicious bits and bobs. Truly scrummy! €3

MDINA GLASS VASE
There was a time when Mdina glass (one of several locally blown glass brands) was considered a Maltese cliché. These days every home must have at least one of these one-off designer pieces, and with their variety of colours and styles you’re bound to find something that suits. €23.50, WWW.MDINAGLASS.NET

LIMESTONE STATUE
Sculptor Joe Xuereb made a name for himself crafting statues from the soft Maltese limestone. Having begun with the goddess of fertility, he graduated to more abstract shapes, and his highly desirable one-off pieces can be found at this workshop and gallery. From €30, WWW.JOEXUEREB.COM

GOZO HONEY
Arguably the best honey in the world, Gozo’s is renowned for its unique flavour and sweetness – attributed to the wild flowers that local bees feed on. Usually runny, there are thicker varieties available too. The best place to try some is Jimmy’s Store – stocking a range of tasty treats. €5

MALTA BUS
OK, so it’s a little tacky, but these bright orange buses may quickly become collectors’ items when the real versions of them are done away with, as part of the islands’ transport reform later this year. Buy one now – and be seen showing it off on Antiques Roadshow later! €3.75

WHERE IT'S AT…

MAP & CONTACTS

1 St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity Pjazza Kastilja, Valletta, tel: +356 21 223200
2 Grand Master’s Palace Republic Street, Valletta, tel: +356 21 249349)
3 St John’s Co-Cathedral St John’s Street, Valletta, tel: +356 21 220536
4 Carmelite Priory Museum Villegaignon Street, Mdina, tel: +356 27 020404
5 Palazzo Falson Villegaignon Street, Mdina, tel: +356 21 454512
6 Ggantija Temples Temples Street, Xaghra, Gozo, tel: +356 21 553194
7 Castille Hotel Castille Square, Valletta, tel: +356 21 220173
8 Hotel Cavalieri Spinola Road, St Julian’s, tel: +356 23 180000
9 Hotel Juliani 12 St George’s Road, St Julian’s, tel: +356 21 388000
10 The Palace Hotel High Street, Sliema, tel: +356 21 333444
11 Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa Cenc Street, Sannat, tel: +356 22 191000
12 Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay St George’s Bay, St Julian’s, tel: +356 21 374114
13 Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Triq ir-Rokon, Gozo, tel: +356 22 110000
14 Salini Tigné Point, Sliema, tel: +356 20 603434
15 Crystal Palace St Paul’s Street, Rabat, tel: +356 21 453323
16 Ciappetti Restaurant 5 St Agatha’s Esplanade, Mdina, tel: +356 21 459987
17 Riviera della Marina Vittoriosa Waterfront, tel: +356 21 807230
18 Il Kartell Marsalforn Bay, tel: +356 21 556918
19 It Tmun Victoria Europe Street, tel: +356 21 566667
20 Café Cordina 244/5 Republic Street, tel: +356 21 234385
21 Busy Bee 7 Antonio Bosio Street, Ta’ Xbiex, tel: +356 21 331738
22 Hugo’s Lounge St George’s Road, Paceville, tel: +356 21 382264
23 Shadow Lounge St George’s Road, Paceville, tel: +356 79 098181
24 Bar Native St Rita Steps, St George’s Road, Paceville, tel: +356 21 380635
25 Ryan’s Irish Pub Spinola Bay, St Julian’s, tel: +356 21 350680
26 Twenty Two Level 22, Portomaso Business Tower, Portomaso, tel: +356 23 102222
27 Luna Lounge Palazzo Parisio, Victory Square, Naxxar, tel: +356 21 412461
28 Bedouin Bar The Westin Dragonara Resort, tel: +356 99 821428
29 Marrakesh Gianpula, l/o Rabat, tel: +356 79 470216
30 The Point Tigné Point, Sliema
31 The Artisan Centre 288 Republic Street, Valletta, tel: +356 21 246216
32 La Boutique Palazzo Parisio (see 27)
33 Arkadia Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo, tel: +356 22 103000
34 Organika 13 St George’s Square, Victoria, Gozo, tel: +356 27 015548
35 Jimmy’s Store Independence Square, Victoria, Gozo
36 Ta’ Mena Estate Rabat Road, Xaghra, Gozo, tel: + 356 21 564939