Restaurants

The island is just full of wonderful restaurants and bistro. Historic Pinto Warf, the main warehouse and dock area 600 years ago, developed in 15 30 by the Grand master Pinto this Warf has been refurbished to its original glory and is full of bars like the Hard Rock cafe, Heat and great Chinese and Mediterranean restaurants where sitting on the large waterfront, overlooking the majesty of the Castles and medieval towns of Birgu, Cospicua and Senglia opposite.

St Julians and Portomaso with its high class Italian cuisine and a wonderful selection of bistro’s built into the medieval waterfront buildings. From the world renowned Blue Elephant Thai and Zest with its amazing sushi to Pizza Hut and MacDonald’s, this square mile offers a menu for every taste .

Marsascala and Marsaxlokk further south cater for lovers of fresh fish, an abundance of small romantic restaurants overlooking the ancient fishing ports full of the brightly coloured Luzzo’s.

Gozo, a land frozen in time has some of the best views from the small villages and towns dotted amongst the cliffs and bays. Xlendi, a small inlet with towering cliffs surrounding a small harbour full of simple bars and bistro’s all producing exquisite pasta and fresh fish. Mgarr, the only deep water port in Gozo with the imposing Chambrai Castle and medieval church . Full of Bars and tasteful modern bistro’s that have great views, great food and a relaxed fun atmosphere. Just a short walk from the marina is REXY’s a must visit establishment with the most amazing and different Pizza’s you will ever taste.

Too many to list, water restaurants, bars and bistro’s litter the ancient island of Gozo, whether you fancy eating in the 900 year old Citadel with its commanding views over the entire island or on the beach in Ramla with its red sand or in the fishing villages of Xlendi or Marsalforn, Gozo takes you back in time to when Radar and GPS were known better as a crows nest and sextant.

Hotels

Malta has a great many 4 and 5 star hotels, The Hilton, The Intercontinental, Le Meridien, The Westin Dragonara complex, The Corinthia Grand and Marina, The Radisson and The Excelsior Grand are all very modern and provide spa, swimming, sea views and everything you expect from 5 star luxury. To be mentioned separately is The Fortina Spa and resort, Europe’s first and biggest Five Star, full Spa Hotel, Custom built, rooms have their own spa facilities including proper Jacuzzi’s as opposed to baths that bubble. The penthouse rooms have their own sun deck with private swimming pool and patio. The Spa below all this grandeur is incredible. With acres of treatment rooms and facilities staffed by an International team of qualified therapists providing a menu of treatments from all over the world. Eight international restaurants surrounding the tropical garden and pools complete the sense of well being.

Not to forget the smaller luxury hotels in beautifully converted medieval buildings and palaces found throughout the Islands including Gozo. A great example is the atmospheric Xara palace in the ancient fortified capital of Mdina, your room built into the old walls and balcony overlooking the plains of Malta and out to sea. Dining where the Knights of old held grand banquets and wandering the narrow cobbled streets around “The Silent City” as Mdina is rightly known, of an evening is an experience not to be missed.