Tag 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!
Getting some winter sun in Malta
While summer is undoubtedly the busiest season here in Malta, over that past few years we’ve noticed a real increase in the number of people coming in the winter. There are several reasons for this: the islands are more peaceful, the class sizes are smaller and the prices lower, but for many people the most attractive thing is the chance to get some winter sun.
When the weather in Northern Europe turns cold and grey many eyes turn southward to our little Mediterranean Island. The thought of getting some winter sunshine and topping up their tan while topping up their English can be very enticing for many people.
In the winter months the islands are noticeably quieter and significantly greener. This makes exploring the Maltese countryside even more enjoyable. On a sunny winter day, the water looks clearer, the sky seems bluer and the air feels fresher. It’s not unusual for the temperature to go over 20 degrees Celsius, perfect for taking a hike around the beautiful coastline and dramatic cliffs on the west side of the Islands.
The sea is at its coldest in January and February, too cold for most to swim, but you do see a few brave people out challenging themselves. However, on the nicest winter days sunbathing next to the sea is still a popular pastime. You might even see some people out having a BBQ with friends.
Other great activities you can do in Malta in the winter include: quad bike tours of Gozo, shopping in famous fishing village of Marsaxlokk, watching historical re-enactments, boat trips to the beautiful Blue Grotto and many more.
The Maltese love a good celebration and being a strongly Christian country means Christmas is a really special time of year here. The decorations are spectacular and there is a real feeling or excitement and anticipation throughout December. The picturesque streets of Valletta look particularly beautiful when dressed up for holiday season.
Being the sunniest country in the EU certainly means Malta has a lot to offer winter travelers. The chance to absorb some sunshine, boost your vitamin D levels and explore the culture and countryside at a slower pace makes it an especially attractive option.
Have yo been to Malta in the winter? What did you like best? Leave a comment below to let us know.
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 Winter Weather 2015 / 2016 Infographic
Happy Spring everyone! Here in Malta, it feels like we haven’t even had winter! Some people have even started swimming in the sea already.
Malta is, of course, famous for having one of the most pleasant climates in Europe with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, warm weather and low levels of precipitation. However, this winter the weather has been so exceptionally warm, dry and sunny that we decided to make an infographic about it. We asked Malta Airport Met Office for the December 2015, January 2016 and February 2016 information on:
- the total hours of sunshine per month
- the number of sunny days per month
- the average hours of sunshine per day
- the average daily high temperature for each month
- the total amount of rainfall for each month (February 2016 only had 2.6mm of rain)
They also told us that the highest temperature of the winter was 23.6°C on the 15th of February 2016. (I got sunburn the day before!)
Now we’re looking forward to enjoying the rest of the gorgeous Spring weather, a long hot summer and a balmy Autumn! Then hopefully next winter will be even nicer than the which has just ended 🙂
If you’d like to join us in Malta for some sun, fun and English classes have a look at the courses we offer. Or if you’d like more information on Malta’s climate, check the weather page of our site.
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.
What to do this November in Malta
November in Malta is all about discovering the outdoors. The weather at this time of the year is generally sunny with clouds, and some rainy periods on different occasions. With temperatures usually in the low 20s it is definitely warm enough for a walk or picnic in the Maltese country side. Here is what you could get up to this month on the island of Malta.
Country side walks/trekking 
The islands of Malta date back for thousands of years, which makes walking in the country side a unique and yet historical experience. Walking or trekking in Malta could be done all along the northern-western coast as the land here is still barren and uninhabited. Places like Dingli, Rabat and Bahrija will offer the more adventurous and outdoorsy person a real insight into what Malta has to offer. This is our unique land structure, soil and rock formation, littered with historical artefacts such as old cart trucks, hundred year old fossils and even bomb fragments.
Sightseeing
If you wish to discover the islands further you could also make use of the sightseeing busses that various bus companies offer. These hop on hop off busses give you the opportunity to stop at different intervals and discover the particular area in your own time. There are different tours which are on offer usually the northern tour, southern tour and also a Gozo tour.
One could also discover the island of Gozo by jeep safari tours or even the more adventurous quad tours, which will give you a sense of freedom driving around the small Gozitan roads and valleys.
Night life
Of course in Malta, nightlife and parties are never far away. This November we have the very well-known Electro-Swing Malta producing another incredible party with the name Around the World in 80 Days. This will be held on the 7th of November.
We also have Don Ross; the legendary Canadian guitarist will be coming back to Malta for another night of acoustic guitar excellence! He will be performing at the City Theatre in Valletta also on the 7th of November.
Malta International Organ Festival
Both music aficionados and culture vultures won’t want to miss the Malta International Organ Festival 2015. Some of the greatest organ players in the world (including the Vatican’s own Gianluca Libertucci) will be enthralling crowds across Malta this November and December.
The schedule includes 16 concerts starting with the opening concert in Valletta on the 19th of November and ending with the grand finale on the 7th December , also in Valletta.
See the Queen of England
The Queen of England will be visiting Malta at the end of November for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. She and her husband, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, will be given a ceremonial welcome at St George’s Square by the President of Malta on Thursday the 26th of November.
Both visitors to Malta and locals will no doubt be out in huge numbers to welcome the iconic monarch, likely the most famous lady in the world.
You can read more about the English Royal Family’s visit to Malta here.