While Malta is renowned for its ancient history of knights and saints and its beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean archipelago is less well known for its nightlife.
- Malta after darkmescon / Water Photos / CC BY
However, once the sun has set over its crystal clear waters, Malta has plenty to offer everyone, from the discerning traveller with a taste for haute cuisine to exuberant party animals.
Whatever your personality, a huge bonus of holidaying in Malta is that its year-round climate makes it a very agreeable place in which to venture out after dark. Temperatures remain in the low 20s even at night time during the summer months, so you’ll rarely need to wear more than a t-shirt and jeans to enjoy the Maltese nightlife.
- Maltese nightlifeMichele | Mic. Agius Photography / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
As a result, sitting outside at one of the islands’ numerous wine bars and restaurants to indulge in some al fresco drinking and eating is de rigueur in Malta. One of its top eateries is de Mondion, the winner of Restaurants Malta’s ‘Overall’, ‘Top Food’, ‘Top Ambience’ and ‘Top Service’ awards. Set atop Mdina’s centuries-old bastions, the views from the terrace are spectacular and are matched by chef Kevin Bonello’s exquisite cuisine. It’s not cheap, but if you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.
For a livelier atmosphere in which to grab a drink and have a dance, Bar Native in St Julians operates with the motto ‘You want it, you got it’ and aims to offer the best customer service in Malta.
Once you’ve had you fill of fine Maltese cuisine or sampled a cocktail or two, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find a musical performance to suit your tastes to round off the perfect summer’s evening.
If you’re looking for a relaxing finale to the day, organ recitals take place regularly in the many baroque churches dotted across the country. Also throughout the year, orchestral concerts and operas are held in some of Malta’s finest historic venues. And on 1 May, Libertango! comes to the Palazzo De Piro for a night of Argentine tango.
However, if you’re after something a bit heavier to dance to, Malta has become a mecca for some of the world’s top DJs such as Paul Oakenfold and Tiesto, who come to the islands to spin their records for lively crowds. Paceville, on the coast near St Julians is the islands’ clubbing hub.
And in June, the Granaries in Floriana will welcome 50,000 modern music fans to enjoy performances from international acts for free. Last year saw the likes of Flo Rida, Nelly Furtado and will.i.am, and previous line-ups have included Lady Gaga, Maroon 5 and Enrique Iglesias, so you can be sure that 2013’s performers will be household names. The fact that the whole thing is free, makes this a must-attend event for modern music fans.
Aside from music, tourists can catch productions at the Manoel Theatre in the capital Valletta – reputedly Europe’s third-oldest working theatre – try their luck at the decadent Dragonara Casino or simply take a stroll around the numerous pretty harbours situated along the coastline.
Once you’ve exhausted yourself enjoying Malta after dark, you can retire to one of the Monarch accommodations on the islands, which range from great value family hotels to four-star luxury resorts that are perfect for a romantic getaway for two.
