Malta: guide to the nightlife of the Knights' Islands, from the capital's Jazz Festival to the coolest clubs in St. Julian's
Malta is an incredible place, which fascinates with its thousand-year history which still lives today in prehistoric temples and its ancient palaces. Malta is also sun, white and sandy beaches and fun. Maltese nightlife is frenetic and has nothing to envy of Ibiza or the Greek islands. The Maltese archipelago, made up of three islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, is a tourist destination suitable for couples and families, but above all they are young who are fascinated by nightlife of this splendid destination.
More and more people, thanks to new air connections and low cost offers, are choosing to spend even just a day weekend in Malta, attracted above all by affordable costs compared to other renowned Mediterranean locations and with an increasingly varied offer.
In all seasons of the year, the archipelago offers nightlife lovers a wide range of clubs, restaurants, discos and casinos, as well as numerous festivals and cultural and musical events such as the Summer Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Opera Festival, the Choir Festival and the Malta Jazz Festival which take place in July. The June 27 2017 Malta will also host theIsle of MTV, the largest free concert in Europe. Throughout the week, starting from the 23rd to the 28th, there will be various events and live concerts across the island.
The main entertainment destinations in Malta you will find in the cities of Valletta e St. Julian's. Valletta is the capital, founded in 1956 by the Knights of the Order of St. John: it takes the name of their great master Jean Parisot de la Valette. Among his main attractions, the “Manoel” theatre, one of the oldest in Europe and home to the Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra, offers enthusiasts many events of classical music, ballet and theatrical performances.
Worthy of note are Valletta's numerous bars and clubs. Among these, the Caffe Jubilee on St. Lucia Street, an Anglo-Saxon style pub with drinks and typical foods accompanied by the sound of blues, jazz and ethnic music, or the Trabaxu, in the historic centre, a classic wine bar which offers a variety of wines and excellent Maltese cuisine, or the Q Bar, listed as the best afterhours in the city with Asian and live music. We also recommend the shows that take place in the creative center of St. James Cavalier: film screenings, theater plays and musical performances.
We cannot fail to give due attention to one of the coolest and trendiest places in the capital: the Valletta seafront, in English Valletta Waterfront. Located in the western part of the city, it is the largest natural port in Europe. The buildings that at the time of the Knights were used for the unloading and inspection of goods have now been completely renovated, making this area an obligatory stop for a walk or a coffee.
But there is something for all tastes. For those looking for a relaxing evening of good food and fun, the many restaurants and bars on the waterfront present a rich choice, with the possibility of dining outdoors near the shore. The seafront is often used as a location for outdoor concerts, such as the Jazz Festival and other interesting cultural events. But not only that... it is also a very popular transport centre, offering water taxis, tours on the traditional Maltese boat and above all a cruise ship terminal.
Most of Maltese life is concentrated in St. Julian's, especially in the neighborhood of paceville. Rising from a quiet fishing village and located on the eastern coast of the island of Malta, north of Valletta, St. Julian's takes its name from the patron Saint Julian to whom the small church of the same name dating back to the Roman period is dedicated. Today it is considered the beating heart and capital of culture and entertainment. The city is one of the most popular among tourists: it hosts hotels, cinemas and pubs, luxury restaurants and trendy nightclubs, all within a short distance of each other, easily reachable on foot.
Among the various attractions we recommend the Passion, a large and spacious trendy bar, the BarCelona, a trendy lounge bar located in St. Rita's Steps, where you can enjoy good food or dance the night away to the rhythm of house and funky music, or the Fuego in St George's Bay, a unique place for salsa enthusiasts and Latin music. And again the Bedouin Bar, an open-air disco located at the Westin Dragonara Resort, the Footloose Fun Bar, also located in the main street of Maltese nightlife, or the Aria Complex, which offers incredible pool parties animated by the best local DJs and international.
The fun in Malta doesn't stop at Saint Julian's. Although of a completely different nature, the island of Gozo offers some interesting alternatives. Summer evenings are enlivened by the religious festivals held in the villages: fireworks, food and entertainment are integral parts of this cultural phenomenon. While in the north of the island, a visit to the Baia di Mellieha, a small village fortified by the Knights Templar where you can enjoy the most beautiful beaches of Gozo which at night become the scene of a romantic nightlife, more relaxed and engaging, made up of bonfires on the beach and long night parties.
