The Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has announced that all restrictions on weddings and events will be lifted from 2nd May. That means that person limits, vaccine requirements and mask-wearing will no longer be mandatory at weddings and events. Malta will also remove obligations for a passenger locator form for anyone arriving into the country from 2nd May.

Fearne made the announcement along with several changes to mask-wearing rules, quarantine, and the opening of English Language Schools. He said he expected all measures to be lifted soon, but did not give a date.

The PLF has been controversial, given the backlog and queues it creates at the Malta International Airport. PLFs will be needed for the red and dark red zones only.

The only people who will need to remain in isolation and quarantine are positive cases. The quarantine period will be seven days. This will apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated. Primary contacts will no longer need to quarantine. People who live in the same household as a positive case will not be obliged to quarantine, but it is recommended if they are showing symptoms.

When it comes to masks, they will no longer be obligatory except in hospitals, clinics, elderly homes and flights. However, it is recommended that masks be used on public transport and in closed spaces.

Read full article here: https://lovinmalta.com/news/watch-weddings-and-events-completely-back-to-normal-from-2nd-may-chris-fearne-announces/

From Monday 11th April, the Covid-19 requirements upon entering Malta, are as follows:

A negative PCR test or rapid test valid to enter into Malta – According to the notice both the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test will be accepted, although the latter can be done earlier. For RATs, the test has to be performed “not more than 24 hours prior to arrival in Malta”. Those opting for the PCR test, which in some countries is pricier and the result takes longer to come out, can do the test up to 72 hours before arriving in Malta. Guidelines published by the public health authorities explaining the legal notice state that the RAT tests must be ones that are included on a special list by the European Council. The result must also be in English, the authorities note. If unavailable in English, an English translation certified by the laboratory or a medical doctor is to be presented. RAT tests are not accepted unless on the EU digital COVID certificate format. Results from self-testing are not accepted. The passenger locator form, used for contact tracing purposes, will still be needed.

A recovery certificate permits entry to Malta – According to the legal notice, a certificate of recovery is accepted for 180 days after a person first tested positive for COVID-19.

Quarantine free – Individuals travelling from Red Countries who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 180 days, or those who can present a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours), will be allowed to enter the country quarantine-free.

Event sustainability is one of the fastest-growing trends in the meetings industry, and for good reason. Us planners have a vital role to play in addressing some of the sustainability challenges we face as a planet. As younger, more climate-conscious delegates start attending our events, it may not be long before being a fully certified sustainable event is the only type of event to attend!

In light of this, when the pandemic first struck in March 2020, our top priority was to learn more about how we can start catering for eco-friendly and sustainable events. With the support of Global Green Events who mentored us along the way, we came up with concrete alternatives in which we can organise great events whilst keeping the ecological and social footprint of each project as low as possible, without affecting costs significantly.

This led us to commit to partnering up with sustainable suppliers during our events. But what does this actually mean in practice?

Eco-certified Hotels and Establishments
The eco-certification is a voluntary scheme managed by the Malta Tourism Authority which recognizes hotels that show a tangible commitment towards the environment. Eco-certified hotels must comply with a detailed set of criteria. There are seven five star hotels and nine four-star eco-certified hotels on the island, all of which we work very closely with. There are also other certifications of interest which include the Green Key which is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry as well as the iconic Blue Flag which is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators. All this information allows us to guide you and give you more insight when choosing your hotel.

Environmentally-friendly transport
When it comes to transport, there are many environmentally-friendly options which include escooters, tuk tuks, bicycles, electric vehicles and more. We also work closely with local transport giants Zarb Coaches, who have solar panels installed on their vehicles to generate green energy on the go!

Eco-friendly tours and activities
Here is where we got really creative! We compiled a long list of activities to suggest to our clients so as to make each event an unforgettable one, whilst leaving participants with that feel-good factor after each activity. Whether it involves a hands-on activity such as a beach clean up, learning a trade from local artisans or a senses experience such as wine tasting, our tours and activities are always very well received!

Sustainable catering
Our leading catering partners take pride in using the season’s finest local ingredients which are locally sourced where possible. They approach sustainability through operational practices which ensure the reduced consumption of water, energy, and material. Some initiatives they have in place include the use of fairtrade products, effective and efficient use of ingredients, reusable crockery, elimination of single-use plastic, energy saving equipment and the use of eco-friendly cleaning chemicals.

Sustainable merchandise and gifts
In our quest to try and reduce single-use plastic during our events, we have come up with an extensive list of re-usable, eco-friendly or biodegradable options to choose from – most of which can also be branded. We also partnered up with local artisans, merchandise as well as fashion designers, to offer a range of sustainable gifts whilst supporting small local business and the environment.

It is the first Air Malta flight to Madrid in 10 years!

Air Malta celebrated its return to Madrid for Summer 2022. The flight to the Spanish capital restarted on the 4th April 2022 with up to three times a week operation every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

These services have been announced as part of over 125 return flights per week to 18 key European destinations which are being served by Air Malta this summer.

Read the full article here: https://whoswho.mt/en/welcome-to-madrid-air-malta-inaugurates-route-to-spanish-capital?fbclid=IwAR1e6Zcy1Wox3jaCSUDhV234wpm_3Xk4wxv1BU34PwWxuQk-j-E0InsXCn4\

Malta is well-connected to Europe and beyond, with multiple airlines offering direct and connecting flights to Malta. Here’s an overview of some key routes:

Direct Flights to Malta

• • Zagreb, Croatia: Ryanair operates direct flights from Zagreb to Malta.
  • Parma, Italy: Malta Air offers direct flights from Parma.
  • Dubai, UAE: FlyDubai provides four weekly flights, with two direct and two with a stop at Catania.
  • Warsaw, Poland: LOT Polish Airlines will launch a new route in April 2025.
  • Greece: Direct flights from Athens, Chania, Corfu, and Thessaloniki with various airlines like Aegean and Ryanair
  • Istanbul: As of June 2025, KM Malta Airlines will offer direct flights from Malta to Istanbul, which is a significant route for connecting to Turkish Airlines’ network.

Air Malta Routes

Air Malta connects Malta to numerous European destinations:

• • London: Multiple daily flights to Heathrow and Gatwick.
  • Paris: Flights to both Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.
  • Rome: Regular flights to Fiumicino.
  • Munich: Flights with Air Malta and Lufthansa.
  • Vienna: Direct flights with Air Malta.
  • Zurich: Flights with Air Malta and Swiss International Air Lines.
  • Madrid: Direct flights with Air Malta.
  • Lisbon: Offering new flights to Malta.
  • New Routes for Summer 2023: Tel Aviv, Nice, Palermo, and Naples.

UK Connections

Include direct flights from multiple UK airports such as:

• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Edinburgh

Uncover the Charm of Malta

As you plan your trip to Malta, let us help make your journey seamless. Whether you’re looking for assistance with booking flights or organizing a complete travel package, our team at Colours of Malta is here to help. 

Let Us Plan For You

Davide Cachia has taken over at the helm of the Malta Triathlon Federation (MTF). He was elected as the new federation president following an Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier this month.

A successful entrepreneur working in the tourism industry, Cachia is also triathlete who has years of local and international competitive experience across all distances,  from Sprint to Ironman.

Cachia takes on the federation’s top spot after two challenging years that changed how sports was managed, perceived, and practiced mainly due to the implemented COVID-19 measures that saw the annual calendar of events drastically reduced.

Nevertheless, he still believes that there is a lot of untapped potential and the federation will be working closely with the rest of the seven affiliated clubs to work on a holistic development plan which aims to cater for the different segments that make up the sport.

“I believe sport to be a great outlet for people and that the clubs will continue to perpetuate the ideals of friendly sporting clubs – group of people of all ages who want to have fun, socialise and grow together as a team/club whilst enjoying the sport of triathlon,” Cachia said.

“The Malta Triathlon Federation would like to make a number of positive changes in the coming months,” he added, noting that the MTF is run entirely through volunteer support.

The federation, continued Cachia, is still committed to its vision of ensuring that all the various elements that make up the local triathlon community are giving the attention they deserve. This will span across the elite segment, youth athletes, and the rest of the dedicated athletes who never fail to be at the starting line of local races.

As the international triathlon circuit starts to open up, the federation hopes that local triathletes will once again be representing Malta and delivering the kind of results Maltese representatives have produced in the past.

Cachia emphasised that international participation is key for Maltese athletes to improve on their performances.

Academies are the future of the sport and Cachia pledged the federation’s support towards the consolidation of youth development programmes by providing as much support as is possible to create a long-term plan for the sport.

Whether you want to spend your golden years on a Caribbean beach or European village, the idea of retiring abroad sure is appealing. But how should you decide where to settle down? We suggest you check out the 2022 Retirement Index from International Living, an annual list of destinations where a retired couple can live comfortably on as little as $2,000 a month.

Now in its 31st year, the Retirement Index pulls information from hundreds of on-the-ground editors and correspondents around the world. Along with the editors’ personal accounts, the countries are quantified across 10 categories: Housing, Benefits & Discounts, Visas & Residence, Fitting In/Entertainment, Development, Climate, Healthcare, Governance, Opportunity, and Cost of Living. The goal is to find locations where retirees can spend less money, live happily and healthily, and experience a new country without straying too far from all that is familiar.

The top 10 countries for 2022 are a mix of cultural hubs in Europe and outdoor havens in Central and South America. View the full list here.

Why retire in Malta?

About 50 miles south of Sicily, Malta is the tenth smallest country in the entire world—but don’t let its lack of square milage deter you. The archipelago nation compares to the best of other countries: the beaches and ancient cities of Italy, the aromatic spices and seafood-focused cuisine of North Africa, the language and tea culture of England. It’s no wonder that 15 percent of the residents here are expats.

Much of the population is packed in the capital city of Valletta, which is a two-hour flight from most European capitals. The city is filled with museums and delicious tapas restaurants, with snorkeling spots, hiking trails, and ruins older than Stonehenge just a quick car or ferry ride away. The gloriously warm climate, abundance of activities, and aforementioned English-speaking locals make Malta a great place for retirees.

Cost of living: Malta is by no means the cheapest country in Europe, but it still offers lower prices than the U.S. and Canada. Modern, one-bedroom apartments in Valletta can reach up to $1,600 per month, but you can find options as low as $800 in smaller fishing villages. Factoring in rent, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and transportation, you can expect to spend around $2,330 per month here.

Healthcare: Unfortunately, expats cannot access Malta’s excellent public healthcare system, but the private insurance options are high-quality and inexpensive (some Maltese citizens even opt for private insurance over the free public healthcare). Premiums range from around $50-300 per month, but out-of-pocket costs are quite low—around $20 for a basic visit and $65 for a specialist, and medications at a fraction of what they cost in the U.S.

Visa requirements: The Malta permanent residence visa is the best option for non-EU nationals. To qualify, you must earn an annual income of at least $25,263, open a Maltese bank account, and either purchase a house worth at least $329,514 or pay $10,984 in annual rent. Residency permit applications can only be submitted in person at the Department for Citizenship and Expatriates Affairs in Valletta.

For more detailed information about residency requirements, click here.

Easter Sunday Processions Are As Popular As Those Of Good Friday. Easter Sunday in Malta commemorates the Resurrection of Christ reminding us that he rose from death. It is the most important feast in the Roman Catholic church calendar.

The ringing of the Church bells both in Malta and Gozo and the processions with the statue of l-Irxoxt, the Risen Christ brings back many customs that the Maltese have had for centuries. This tradition is repeated every year in a number of villages in Malta and Gozo.

For instance at Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, where a group of men run the last stretch of roads with the statue and people throw confetti from the windows to celebrate.

There are villages where the parish priest blesses the children’s figolli on Sunday morning. You will surely see many children gathering for this blessing in front of the church.

On this day many people enjoy eating the traditional figolli including a variety of Easter eggs. With regards to the figolli, today they can be bought from many confectioneries but there are still many families who prefer to buy their own ingredients and cook them for their families.

Figolli are usually baked before Easter, different sizes and shapes are done with almond paste in between, covered in chocolate or coloured icing and decorated with little Easter eggs.

Large crowds gather to see the l-Irxoxt procession as it’s one of the traditional feast people look forward to see. Children with figolli in their hands. Different shapes and sizes get to eat the delicious Easter eggs and figolli.

During the processions the band clubs, will now also accompany this procession playing joyful and happy mood marches compared to the Good Friday sombre marches.

After the morning procession people either go out for lunch or spend time with their families and have a lovely Easter meal. The traditional lamb, vegetables and potatoes are generally cooked.

Malta offers various sites and beautiful villages to see and knowing that during Easter there is so much to see and do even if you are not religious.

You will have numerous ceremonies at church, impressive processions and decorations to fill up your time. The Maltese people through their faith and devotion and all the traditions that they have inherited from their ancestors can offer you an incredible holiday.

You can savour our traditional food, sweets and lovely warm weather for the time of the year. The evening tends still to be a bit chilly but knowing that there is so much to absurd and enjoy why not see what Malta has to offer around Easter.

Easter Sunday in Malta and all the Holy Week activities are a great time to have a taste of the Maltese culture.

Easter Sunday Processions In Malta 

• Birgu | Vittoriosa – 10:00
• Birkirkara – 18:00
• Birzebbugia – 19:00
• Bormla – 09:00
• Gharghur – 09:00
• Gzira – 09:45
• Isla | Senglea – 09:00
• Kalkara – 18:45
• Luqa – 09:30
• Mosta – 18:30
• Naxxar – 08:30
• Paola – 09:00
• Qormi – San Gorg – 09:00
• Qormi – San Bastian – 09:15
• Rabat – 09:45
• Sliema – St. Gregory – 17:30
• San Gwann – N/A
• Siggiewi – N/A
• St. Julians – 10:30
• Valletta – Tal-Gizwieti – 18:15
• Zebbug – 09:00
• Zejtun – 10:00

Easter Sunday Processions Gozo

• Fontana – 10:30
• Gharb – 18:00
• Rabat – Katidral – 10:45
• Kercem – 09:15
• Nadur – 10:00
• Qala – 11:00
• Rabat – San Gorg – 08:45
• Xaghra – 18:00
• Xewkija – 09:30
• Zebbug – 17:00

Article credits: https://www.maltainfoguide.com/

The new Michelin Guide recognises the outstanding restaurants, breadth of cuisine styles and culinary skills found in Malta, Gozo and Comino. Established in the late 19th century, Michelin has maintained its benchmark of international food for more than 120 years, recognising some of the greatest restaurants in the world.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is establishing itself as a gastronomic destination which serves up a wide range of dishes influenced by the many civilisations that made these islands their home. In a bid to embrace the long standing and diverse culinary history of these islands, the Malta Tourism Authority has been championing local, sustainable gastronomy that tips its hat to traditional methods within the context of a modern and buzzing restaurant scene.

The five restaurants which have retained their one-MICHELIN Star status are: Under Grain, Valletta; Noni, Valletta; ION – The Harbour, Valletta; De Mondion, Mdina; and Bahia, Balzan, which retained its Michelin Star even after moving location from Lija.

A new Bib Gourmand joins the selection, bringing the total number of ‘Bibs’ to four. Grain Street in Valletta is from the same stable as MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Under Grain and serves great value sharing platters. The three other restaurants that retained their Bib Gourmands are: Terrone, Birgu; Rubino, Valletta; and Commando in Mellieħa. These restaurants all represent the very definition of a Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, said: “Thanks to the increasing optimism surrounding Covid-19, many people are starting to think about travel and holidays once again. The beautiful islands of Malta and Gozo should be on everyone’s list. Five MICHELIN Stars, 4 Bib Gourmands and 22 recommended restaurants mean there is plenty of choice when it comes to eating out”.

Besides Grain Street, inspectors found three other restaurants worthy of a place in the MICHELIN Guide. Marea in Kalkara is a cool, contemporary restaurant with a tiered terrace overlooking the Grand Harbour, and its kitchen mixes Mediterranean food with Japanese influences. AKI in Valletta is a stylish basement restaurant with an Asian-influenced menu. As for Rebekah’s in Mellieħa, it is located in a former farmstead and specialises in hearty Mediterranean flavours.

Poullennec went on saying: “All 31 restaurants recommended to our readers are varied and individual and reflect the very best that the islands offer. Some are traditional, others are contemporary – and thus they truly represent the two sides of Malta that make it such an appealing destination”.

“Quality needs to be the order of the day. In the past years, thanks to the perseverance and dedication of our local hospitality sector we have experienced an increase in restaurants that obtain a Michelin star status. The gastronomic sector plays a crucial role in the Government’s vision of making Malta a hub of tourism excellence in the Mediterranean. The road to achieving this goal is an ambitious one but together we can make it happen,” outlined Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo.

The Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Dr Gavin Gulia, added: ‘This is once again another step forward in our continuous endeavours, whereby, as an Authority, we are continuing to give due importance to the holistic quality of our tourism product, which we are achieving through various restoration and regeneration projects, targeted marketing, and partnerships such as the one with Michelin, to mention but a few. We are proud that for the third consecutive year Malta has its very own Michelin Guide and on behalf of the Authority I would like to thank all those involved in this sector for being instrumental in making Malta’s Gastronomy stand out, as one of the things which tourists look forward to exploring, when they visit our Islands.”

The full 2022 selection for Malta is available on the MICHELIN Guide website https://guide.michelin.com/en/mt/restaurants and on the App, available for free on iOS and Android. 

Article credits: https://www.mta.com.mt/en/news-details/351