Category Archives: Activities
How is learning English at Maltalingua and Diving the perfect combination?
Situated just five minutes walk from some of the most highly recognised diving schools in Malta, lies the classrooms of Maltalingua. This, as well as the exceptional climate, allows students to turn studying the English language into an exciting holiday. By day, students have the opportunity to delve into the world of English language learning in a friendly and relaxed classroom setting. Whereas by night, exploring the many feasts which adorn the Maltese streets.
Early morning classes at Maltalingua allow students the time to study whilst providing them with the opportunity to explore the natural underwater wonders of Malta and its sister islands. You will have the chance to practise your English in a real-world setting. All three of the islands offer an abundance of reefs, wrecks, and caves suitable for all levels of diving.
Since the collapse of the iconic Azure window in 2017, adventurers have been travelling from all over the world to dive through the famed film set often associated with TV series such as Game of Thrones. Spread in a range of 16 to 100 feet in depth, the arch has fallen into an array of canyons and passageways which would appeal to those who want to explore the underwater world.
Across the island, you will find other stunning diving locations such as Għar lapsi. The vibrant blue waters of these shallow caves offer beginner divers a chance to explore at a pace convenient to them. Um al Faroud, a ship which was sunk in 1998, is situated on the shores of Għar Lapsi. The ship covers a large area which is home to a variety of fish and marine life.
If your preference is to upskill whilst on a language holiday, there are numerous schools offering internationally recognised diving qualifications at a competitive rate. The flexible classroom times at Maltalingua allow students to dictate their own schedule, with the possibility for intensive or private 1-1 lessons available from early morning until late afternoon. Private lessons can be tailored to suit the individuals’ needs and could incorporate the language of diving.
Whether your beginning to dive or you are a pro, combining language learning and diving in Malta really is the dream combination!
7 best events in Malta – Autumn 2017
At Maltalingua we love to go to all the great events happening in September and October in Malta. We’ve used our insider knowledge to create the following list of the best events in Malta in Autumn 2017.
While most of Europe is becoming chilly in Autumn, Malta gets lovely average temperatures of around 26 degrees in the daytime. The sea temperate also stays warm enough for most people to swim right into November. These comfortable temperatures make Autumn a great time for events in Malta, and people here make the most of it!
Top events in Malta in Autumn 2017
Maltese Independence Day – Various Locations – 21 September
Malta was a British Colony for 164 years until 21 September 1964 when the country gained its political independence. People here are very proud of their country and they love to celebrate the nation’s achievements. Independence Day is one of the most special, as such there are celebrations all over their islands. Some of the best celebrations can be found in the capital city, Valletta.
Malta International Airshow – Malta International Airport – 23 & 24 September
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Malta International Airshow. The show has grown in one of Malta’s most popular, and most photographed events. Spectators can be amazed by the incredible acrobatic skills of top stunt pilots from around the globe. You’ll also get a close look at these incredible aircraft.
Rockestra – MFCC, Ta’ Qali – 30 September
At Rockestra music fans can see very different genres of music collide. It’s a dazzling show of rock and pop covers played by the orchestra with special guest singers and rock musicians bringing something a little different to proceedings.
The Malta Classic – Mdina – 5 to 8 October
The Malta Classic is the perfect event for fans of classic cars and motor racing. Set in the stunning city of Mdina, classic car enthusiasts show off their beloved machines then take to the roads to compete in the races. The main event is the Mdina Grand Prix held on the 7 and 8th of October.
Notte Bianca – Valletta – 7 October
During the “white night” the cultural centers of Valletta light and open to the public late into the evening. Museums, galleries and even the parliament building welcome visitors for free. There are also many lively attractions happening on the streets of this beautiful city.
Birgu Fest – Birgu – 14 October
On an island famous for its lavish village feasts, it takes something really special to gain the reputation of being the most beautiful of all. For one night of the year, the city of Birgu is covered in candles and transformed. The effect is spectacular and walking through the narrow historic back streets bathed in candlelight is a truly memorable and romantic experience.
Rolex Middlesea Race – Valletta Grand Harbour – 21 October
Now coming into its 38th year, Malta’s number one sailing race has become one of the top events of the yearly calendar. Visitors can take a stroll along the Birgu waterfront to see the great vessels close-up or just watch them departing from the any of the bastion walls overlooking the Grand Harbour. It’s a sight to remember!
Want information about all the best events in Malta in 2017? Then check out our Malta Events 2017 page.
Which events would you most like to go to? Are there any you think we’ve missed? Leave a comment to let us know!
8 Best Events in Malta – Summer 2017
Summer is a fantastic time to be in Malta. The sea is warm, the sun shining and the islands have a really exciting energy, but one of our favourite things about summer is all the excellent events in Malta. Whatever your interests, there is sure to be an event or two that is a great fit for you.
We’ve compiled a list of our top 8 events for July and August 2017. These will give you a good idea of what the islands have to offer this summer.
The Marsovin Summer Wine Festival – Hastings Garden, Valletta – 7 to 9 July, 8pm to 1am
Listen to some great live music and try some of Malta’s finest wines in a beautiful location. Held in Hastings Gardens, a scenic park perched on top of Valletta’s fortress walls, the event has a very special atmosphere and is one of the highlights of Malta’s social calendar.
Malta International Food Festival 2017 – Mdina – 21 to 23 July
The Malta International Food festival isn’t just an excuse to eat delicious foods from around the world. It’s also a great opportunity to improve your cooking skills and listen to some quality live music. Over the course of the weekend, there will be many live cooking demonstrations. The event is held in the beautifully refurbished Mdina ditch, right next to the walls of the famous ‘Silent City’.
Feast of St Julian – St Julians – 25 to 27 August
The Feast of St Julian certainly has one of the best atmospheres of all the festas in Malta. Tourists and locals party side–by–side and celebrate around the streets of St Julians at the height of summer. Over the course of several days, there are fireworks displays, marching bands being showered with shredded paper and even a competition where people try to run up a greased pole – most of whom fall into the sea.
The Farsons Great Beer Festival – National Park, Ta’Qali – 28 July to 6 August
This 10–day long celebration of music and beer has been a summer highlight in Malta for 36 years. An exciting lineup of live music and an equally exciting beer menu keeps fans coming back for more.
Unite with Tomorrowland – Marsa Sports Grounds – 29 July
Tomorrowland, EDM’s biggest and boldest festival is coming to Malta for the first time this summer. DJ Snake, DVBBS, and Laidback Luke have all been announced with more to follow. It’s recommended to book early as tickets are likely to sell out fast.
Fatboy Slim at Cafe Del Mar – 30 July
DJ and producer extraordinaire Fatboy Slim will be taking over Malta’s most famous venue for a night of banging tunes and outrageous mixes. Watch the sunset and enjoy listening to a master at work.
La Belle Musique Malta – 5 August
Starting from nothing in 2013, their mixes have attracted over 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube. La Belle Musique is perfect for those of you who prefer a more chilled out electronic music festival with a very positive vibe.
Feast of Saint Mary Fireworks – Mqabba – 14 August, 9:30pm to Midnight
The Feast of Saint Mary is celebrated all over Malta, but the most popular event is the fireworks display in the little southern town of Mqabba. Malta has a great tradition of creating top–class fireworks. Many small factories compete to put on the best displays. Two of the most respected companies are based in Mqabba so this Festa always has an extra special fireworks extravaganza.
You can read about our favourite events for the whole of 2017 on the Malta Events 2017 page of our main website.
If you’d like to do an English course and join us at some of these great events why not get a quick, no obligation quote?
Which events are you most interested in? Are there any others you’d like to go to? Leave a comment and let us know.
Merry Christmas from Maltalingua
We might not get any snow in Malta, but people here certainly now how to enjoy the holiday season. All the towns and villages are covered in Christmas lights and there’s a real feeling of festive cheer across the islands.
Last week we had our annual Maltalingua School of English Christmas party. Lots of the staff, teachers and English language students joined in the fun and a good time was had by all. We had our staff party that evening and it got a little bit wild in the best possible way. There was even an epic dance battle between Jonathan and Katrin, and Brian and Toni!
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- Katrin wasn’t very impressed by Brians’s dance moves.
The staff here at Maltalingua would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful New Year!
We would also like to say thank you to everyone who helped make 2016 such a great year at Maltalingua. That’s why we made a little video slideshow of out favourite memories from 2016. The staff, teachers, students, host families, agents and all really helped to make 2016 our best year yet!
Here’s hoping that we can make 2017 even better!
Happy Halloweens at Maltalingua
At Maltalingua Halloween is a great time of year. Our team certainly aren’t shy and really enjoy dressing up in some crazy costumes.
We love to have some spooky fun, doing things like carving pumpkins and going to fancy dress parties. Check out the photos!
Last year we made this short video of students and staff trying to say a fiendishly difficult Halloween themed tongue twister:
If you want to try it yourself, here’s it is:
Which wicked witch wished which wicked wish.
Here are another two you could try:
Ghoulish goblins and gargoyles going golfing.
Special spiders slowly spin slick slimy webs.
We’re looking forward to another super spooky weekend of Halloween fun this year. We might even challenge our students to try another wicked tongue twister 🙂
If you’re thinking about joining us this Halloween, why not get a quick quote?
Malta Events 2016 – Top 10
The Maltese people love to party and so do the thousands of people who come to visit the islands each year. It seems like every week there is a great event to go to. If you want to know about the best ones then continue reading our list of the top 10 Malta events 2016.
St.Patrick’s Day – 17th of March
The feast of St.Patrick’s has turned into an awaited national event here in Malta. The Maltese respect theirfellow Irish and their beliefs. Celebrated for hundreds of years, St.Particks is a worldwide event, which brings all nationalities together to celebrate this feast. Nevertheless in Malta, this is highly celebrated in Spinola Bay in St.Julians, where the streets come to life with music, food and of course a lot of drinks. All in all, it’s just a fantastic time.
Malta International Firework Festival – 16th, 23rd & 30th of April
Another event which is increasing in popularity every year is the Malta International Fireworks Festival. It is an incredible spectacle, not only for the female romantics but for anyone who appreciates the talent of such art. The fireworks are synchronized with music, creating a powerful hair-standing sense of awe. This is held in none other than the beautiful Maltese Grand Harbour, where thousands of on-lookers stand together looking up at the sky at this beautiful spectacle.
Malta Music Week – 24th to the 29th of June; Isle of MTV – 28th of June
The Malta Music Week marks the end of another scholastic year and the start to another fabulous summer ahead in Malta. The M.M.W is a week filled with parties in different locations and vibes for all. This is a truly magical week full of freedom and enjoyment. The biggest party of them all is by far the Isle of MTV, which has been running in Malta for the last 10 years. This is held in a large open-air square, attracting over 50,000 people from across the globe. A free live concert by top performers, creates the BIGGEST FREE FESTIVAL IN EUROPE!
Sliema Arts Festival – 15th till the 17th of July
The Sliema arts festival is another event full of summer vibes, sun and music. Situated right on the Sliema promenade, this little stretch of land is filled with artistic events for three days. The works of art include freestyle art work, reggae music, live bands, and the super electro swing set which always gets everyone dancing. With the summer moon and music in the air, this truly is magical Malta.
The Marsovin Wine Festival – 15th till the 17th of July
If you have never tried Maltese wine before, you should! The Marsovin Wine Festival takes place at Hastings Gardens in Valletta and is a great opportunity to try a different variety of grapes and speciality food all in one evening. This 3-night event will give wine enthusiasts a taste of Maltese wine, whilst listening to live bands and trying our special Maltese food.
The Malta Jazz Festival – 22nd till the 24th of July
The Malta International Jazz Festival takes place every year in July. A line-up of top international and Maltese artists present an eclectic mix of jazz styles from the current music scene. In recent years, world famous artists have performed under star-lit skies during this festival which is held over two nights in Valletta.
Farsons Great Beer Festival – 22nd till the 31st of July
After a week of scorching summer heat, what better way to unwind and relax than with a cold refreshing beer? The Farsons Great Beer Festival is Malta’s largest summer event where families and youngsters come together for a great night out. It’s all about good music, good food and, of course, good beer. Thousands of visitors come to this free 10-day festival every year. The programme is filled with live entertainment and activities, together with a large selection of bars offering a mix of international food and drink. Definitely something to look forward to!
Malta International Arts Festival – 10th of July till the 3rd of August
Art is music, art is dancing and singing and art is creativity – it is not only a drawing in an art gallery. At the Malta International Arts Festival, local and foreign artists perform side by side. The diversity in performances attracts a mix of ages and cultures – all entwined in one night of entertainment and fun. Enjoy food and drink as music fills the air and the summer moon fills the sky above.
Feast of Santa Maria – 15th of August
This feast is widely celebrated in many Catholic countries. On the eve of this holiday in Malta many people organise parties. Pool parties, boat parties and even international DJs fly down to create a night to remember. On the feast itself, family and friends spend the day together, feasting and enjoying each other’s company – on the beach, or on a boat or by the pool while enjoying a tasty barbecue and a cold beer.
Malta International Airshow – 24th and 25th of September
The Maltese international air show has been taking place for over 10 years. Fighter jets, helicopters and specialised planes from around the world fly to Malta, some just for display whilst others (such as the Red Arrows) perform a spectacular display of aerobatic manoeuvres. Every year, this event attracts a large audience of all ages. Many families come with their children, to see these big, expensive machines up close.
Which of our top 10 Malta events 2016 will be the best? Let us know what you think in the comments box below.
Malta Carnival 2016 – What’s on
With January nearly over, February is just around the corner. This winter the islands of Malta have been blessed with lots of sun and very little bad weather. This is great for outdoor activities such as trekking, Gozo day tours, historical culture trips and more. However, the biggest event this coming month is without a doubt the Malta CARNIVAL 2016.
This year carnival will start on the first weekend of the month, when the biggest celebrations are held. Carnival is the time when everyone joins in the fun, dresses up in costumes, joins the parties and dances in the street. Carnival in Malta is a 5-day celebration that has been traditional for centuries, since the time of the Knights of the Order of St John.
Carnival in Valletta many years ago.
Valletta
Traditionally, Carnival is celebrated in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Children and adult dress up in beautiful colourful costumes and spend their time watching huge floats passing by in Valletta and Floriana. The Maltese Carnival is said to resemble the Rio carnival. An explosion of colour fills the streets, masks hide people’s faces and music fills the air…
During Carnival Valletta is full of colour.
Gozo
If the celebrations in Valletta sound a bit too family friendly for your tastes then Gozo may be the place for you. Over the past few years the village of Nadur has gained a reputation for hosting a darker and more hedonistic carnival celebration. If you fancy a crazy weekend with plenty of wild parties you now know where to go.
Carnival in Gozo has a darker feel.
This February, Malta is the place to be Carnival will run from Friday the 5th till Wednesday the 10th. Don’t forget your mask!
If you’ve got any questions about Carnival in Malta just ask in the comments below.
Quad biking on the island of Gozo
Waking up at 8 o’clock is never easy, especially on a Saturday. However, last Saturday it had to be done. Shortly after my early rise I was walking towards our meeting point with a fresh baguette in one hand and a coffee in the other. The students greeted me with a very faint “good morning”. As I said, it’s never easy in the morning. Our promised transport was bang on time, we jumped in the van and off we went. After leaving St. Julian’s we made our way to the very north of Malta, to a harbour called Cirkewwa, where we caught the ferry to Malta’s sister island Gozo.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather that day; sunshine, light clouds and a gentle breeze made the temperature just so. Arriving in Gozo harbour we were greeted by a man who drove us to the quad bike office. After filling in some paper work and being taught how to drive the quads, we hopped on and set off for what would be a fantastic day.
For many of the students it was their first time driving a quad. It was mine too. The feeling is totally awesome! You have a sense of freedom like driving a motor bike, but also some of the safety of a car.
Gozo is a beautiful little island. Shortly after leaving we descended into a steep valley where we stopped at different intervals to smell some unique Maltese plants or to see a very old chapel in the middle of an abandoned road.
Coming out of the valley we made our way to the very top of Ramla Bay where we stopped for a while. Walking around, the students took photos of the great panoramic views and, of course, each other. Shortly after, we hopped back on and set off again. This time we had a longer more relaxed drive, enjoying the immensely beautiful scenery. Gozo is littered with many valleys, small hills, terraced fields and very little roads perfect for quad biking.
All in all, the students and myself had a really great time. Not only spending time together, but also having new experiences and creating memories that will be cherished for a long time.
Do you have a great memory of a Maltalingua activity? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
Events in Malta this month – October 2015
October in Malta is a time of change, regarding the weather of course. With autumn in its first few weeks, you will notice that the temperature will drop to the mid 20’s and there might be a little more rain. Don’t be fooled, however, the sea temperature will still be warm so there will be plenty of opportunities for water sports and days out at the beach. Here’s our pick of the best events in Malta this October.
This weekend Valletta will come alive on Notte Bianca (White Night), it will be a memorable night with something for everyone.
Palaces and museums are open till late with special discounts on entry, some are also free such as the President’s Palace. The streets are full of life with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances. Music echoes in the streets as local and foreign bands are also on show for your entertainment. Of course, cafes and restaurants will be open until late with food stalls and tables for your satisfaction.
Paqpaqli 04.10.15
Paqpaqli is the biggest annual motoring event in Malta. This event is one of the largest organizations run by a team of volunteers in collaboration with The Office of The President. The main aim here is to raise money for the Malta Community Chest Fund.
This year is a list like non-other, on offer for you to see and drive will be Ferrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spider, and for the first time in Malta, a Koenigsegg! There will also be other attractions, such as a motor cross event and a large collection of classic and modern Ferraris.
Mdina Grand Prix 08-11.10.15
The Mdina Grand Prix Classic Car Event will be held this year between the 8th and the 11th of October. The Mdina street circuit is set in the idyllic countryside beneath the imposing bastions of the Old Capital City.
This will be the fourth consecutive year of the Mdina Grand Prix. It promises to be a magical weekend of classic car racing.
Birgu Fest 11.10.15
This event taking place in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which is one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, has now become an annual national event.
Birgu fest, which was once known as Birgu by night, has grown in popularity over the past years. Mainly because of the immense beauty that is interpreted throughout this fortified small city. This historical city is completely lit by thousands of candles sprinkled on every step and every balcony. You’ll be able to find a wide variety of food stalls, restaurants, and bands to liven up the night.
Halloween 31.10.15
Halloween in Malta has become a time to look forward to. With the weather still holding up nicely, it gives the opportunity to really be creative and daring with your Halloween costumes. On this night theme parties are organised and of course, the traditional trick or treat is done by younger ones.
Clubs and bars go all-out to decorate their premises to attract as many one-eyed zombies and killer clowns as possible. It’s a good night out and definitely something you should not miss out on.
Which events would you like to go to? Have you been to any of these events before? Leave a comment to let us know. We love comments 🙂
Sliema Art Festival 2015
This weekend we take you to the east coast of Malta to find the Sliema Art festival. A three day festival open to the public, where music & art come together to combine a weekend of pure relaxation and unique entertainment.
Combing Sliema’s crystal clear blue seas, beaches and picturesque promenade is it the ideal location for this featuring attracting many locals and foreigners alike.
This festival will consist of international & local urban/street artists and 5 areas of pure art, music & entertainment;
Area 1 – THE PROMENADE, Area 2 – MAIN STAGE – Independence Gardens, Area 3 – ROCK THE BEACH, Area 4 – SURFERS PARADISE, Chill out by day, Party by night, Area 5 – REGGAE PON DI BEACH
Over 30 of these artists, will be transforming Sliema’s unique promenade and gardens into a melting pot of art.
Moreover, some of Malta’s best event promoters will be collaborating together, including, JUULS Reggae Bar, Duncan F & Alex Thomson and No Sweat Productions (organiser of Rock The South Music Festival) where they will be creating an exceptional vibe for the hundreds of tourists and locals which flock to Sliema during the peak of this summer’s month of July.
A free event certainly not to be missed!
Check out the link below for some interesting pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/sliemartsfestival/photos_stream