Extend Your Stay

This space will be updated continuously and will include places of interest for those wishing to come to Malta a few days before or stay on a few days later.

EASTER
Easter-time can be a very interesting period to visit Malta and many villages hold processions on Good Friday. The alters are stripped down and the main focus is the theme of the Passion of Christ and lots of work is involved in the preparation for this ritual.

There still is a strong tradition whereby many people visit the Churches between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. After the ritual of the washing of the feet, which is held in most parishes, people make a pilgrim and visit seven churches, each visit involves a moment of reflection on one aspect of the passion, followed by prayer. The Churches close at noon to allow time for full preparations for the processions.

VALLETTA

Valletta was built by the Knights after the Great Siege and is one of their most significant legacies. There is lots to see in Valletta, a beautiful city ‘built by gentlemen for gentlemen’…well and ladies! One of the most precious cultural heritage sites is St John’s Cathedral that is home to Caravaggio’s paintings.

Caravaggio’s painting is one of Malta’s most treasured master-piece. It is the only painting Caravaggio signed in his life-time and was a gift to the Knights after he himself became a member of the order. This painting is the alter-piece of the Oratory at St John’s Co-Cathedral and was commissioned by Grand Master Adolf de Wignacourt.

A view of the Grand Harbour from upper Barakka is a must. You may also visit the Natural History Museum, The Malta Experience, The grand Master’s Palace, take a walk through the beautiful narrow streets, enjoy a drink in the ‘piazza’. Valletta is also dotted with churches and Ta Giezu, above if beautifully adorned in preparation for the Easter celebrations.

THE HYPOGEUM

Visiting the Hypogeum will be an extraordinary experience. You will find an underground Temple place and tombs that are carved out of the rocks. The temples that were erected at a later period are very similar in appearance. Very few visitors are allowed to enter per day and are often fully booked. You may still try contacting Heritage Malta as they leave some tickets cannot be pre-booked. These would be but a few… give it a shot.

THE THREE CITIES

Discover the historical area known as the three cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. The streets are shaded by many historic buildings and Churches. A walk to the old quay will soon bring you in touch with Malta today as you see hundreds of boats berthed in the yacht Marina… enjoy a lovely view of the Grand Harbour and take a little ‘fregatina tour of the famous harbour creeks.

GOZO

For those of you who have time to visit Gozo you will find another Gem of an island. Once you visit Gozo you will notice that although both islands are similar in history and in development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own – Gozo is a three-hilled island and is greener and very picturesque. Some places of interest are Dwejra’s Azure Window, the Citadel, Xlendi Bay Calypso’s Cave…. Follow Gozo to get a better view of what is of interest!