Verdala Palace is a palace in the Buskett Gardens, limits of Siġġiewi, Malta. It was built in 1586 during the reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, and it now serves as the official summer residence of the President of Malta.

This Palace can be taken over for events if given the permission by the President’s office and against a donation to the President’s charity.

The Palace grounds can seat up to 900/100 persons and the main dining inside can seat up to 60 persons for dinner.

Colours of Malta has hosted a handful of very presitigious events in the Palace due to good relationships with the President’s office.

The Malta Tourism Authority welcomes with satisfaction the announcement by the Foundation for Environmental Education in which eleven beaches in Malta and Gozo were awarded the coveted Blue Flag status for this year. For the beaches to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained.

The beaches that have obtained the eco-certificate this year are Buġibba Perched Beach, Fond Għadir (Sliema), Golden Sands Beach, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Mellieħa Beach, Qawra Point Beach, St George’s Bay (St Julian’s) and Westin Dragonara Beach Club St Julian’s (managed by Westin Dragonara Resort) in Malta, and Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay, Marsalforn Bay and Ramla Bay in Gozo.

The most famous artist who worked in Malta has to be Caravaggio. His ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist’, a work once described as ‘the painting of the 17th century’ was commissioned for, and is still on display in, the Oratory of the Co-Cathedral of St. John, Valletta. Another of his most famous works, St. Jerome, is also in the cathedral. Together, these works represent a key period in the development of this unorthodox artist. His style, with its powerful use of shadow and shafts of light (chiaroscuro), created an almost choreographed drama with the subject; a technique which broke with the tradition of religious painting. Caravaggio arrived in Malta in 1607 in rather dubious circumstances having fled Rome to avoid justice. He was wanted for murder. However, in Malta, under his new patrons, he was feted and admitted to the Order of St. John. But his freedom from justice lasted only just over a year. He was imprisoned in Fort St. Angelo and later escaped to Sicily, only to die two years later at the age of 38 still hounded by the forces of justice.

1. Luxury for Less: Malta delivers the ultimate recipe for luxury with 15 five-star hotels and new luxury boutique hotels. It provides visitors the opportunity to experience the finer things for less as luxury accommodations in Malta are increasingly less expensive than similar hotels in Europe itself. So why not enjoy the champagne things in life — at sparkling-cider prices?

2. Valletta: The European Capital of Culture in 2018, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Valletta, travelers will find themselves engulfed in the rich history and religious attractions that make up this Maltese Capital. Built by the Knights of St. John, the city that is bustling by day and now by night, will transport you back in time with its historic architecture and Old World atmosphere. The narrow streets will lead you to historical landmarks, quaint coffee shops and elaborate churches.

3. Gozo and Comino: A trip to Malta isn’t complete without a visit to Malta’s two sister islands, Gozo and Comino. The more rural island, Gozo, is a perfect change-of-pace for those looking for a more relaxed and quaint stay. The island also comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas, as well as one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ġgantija. Situated between Malta and Gozo is a water lover’s paradise, Blue Lagoon. Home to the most spectacular diving, snorkeling and boating experiences, the car-less island Comino is home to the magnificent Blue Lagoon and the one single hotel on the island offers guests the most tranquil getaway.

4. The Dive Trail: Coming in as the third best diving destination in Europe two years in a row, all three Maltese islands offer unique diving experiences with an abundance of reefs, caves and wrecks, for a momentous experience. For the ultimate diving adventure, take on the Dive Trail.

5. Religion: With more than 360 churches and chapels scattered across Malta and Gozo, these religious sites form an integral part of the country’s history, landscape and skyline – they are at the heart of Maltese social and cultural life. St. Paul brought the Christian faith to Malta when he shipwrecked in A.D. 60, as his steps can be retraced through the shrines, grottos, catacombs, and more. Malta is home to religious experiences far beyond the ordinary and is a must-see religious destination. Malta has also developed a Jewish Heritage program.

6. Diverse Culinary Experiences: Malta offers travelers diverse culinary experiences, from the traditional plate of eclectic Mediterranean food curated by a relationship between the Maltese and the countless civilizations that occupied the island, to the never-ending vineyards delivering the finest wine. Don’t forget: Malta boasts three Michelin one-star restaurants.

7. Year-Long Events/Festivals Calendar: The year-long calendar of events and festivals provide a diverse option of unique, culturally immersive experiences for all. With events such as the Malta Arts Festival to Classic Car Races and the Rolex Middle Sea Sailing Race, there’s a niche for everyone.

8. Health and Wellness: The Maltese Islands are the perfect place to take time for your health and wellness. The fresh island air gives travelers the energy to walk or cycle through the beautiful scenery, or embrace some more adventurous activities like rock climbing or paragliding. There are many spas in Malta, especially at the luxury hotels.

9. Nightlife: Typical of the Mediterranean lifestyle, locals’ approach to life is to enjoy it as much as possible, giving Malta a lively and cheerful nightlife constantly. From clubbing and DJ’s, to classical orchestras, to traditional band music, nights on the Maltese coast are never dull.

10. Blockbuster Movie Locations: In recent years, Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular film and television locations – dubbed “the Mediterranean’s mini-Hollywood” by the London Times. The Maltese Islands are home to countless blockbusters like Gladiator, Popeye, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Most famously, the city of Mdina was home to the filming of HBO’s Game of Thrones, as the fictional city of King’s Landing.

The Cavallieri Art Hotel lit up over forty rooms as a sign of gratitude to all frontliners during these trying times.

“This too shall pass, brighter days await us, and we will stand up again,” the hotel’s general manager Mark Camilleri said.

HOPE is what we all live for – an optimistic state of mind for the future. We look forward to buzzing with energy, health and super events in the very near future.. till then #KEEPSAFE!

With a global pandemic going on, a collaboration between Heritage Malta and tech giant Google is now giving internet users the unique opportunity to virtually visit several of the agency’s national museums and sites through the online platform Google Arts & Culture.

This collaboration brings Malta’s cultural sites at par with other major international institutions, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Van Gogh Museum in Netherlands, the National Gallery of Arts in Washington, Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and many more. Virtual tours will immerse the viewer into the solemn grounds of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, walk you along the unique artifacts exhibited at the National Museums of Archaeology in Malta and Gozo, impress you with the exquisite colorful mosaic floors at the Domvs Romana, or accompany you through the turbulent times of World War II, at the National War Museum in Fort St. Elmo.

Heritage Malta invites the public to open these virtual doors to amazing discoveries, and to strive to visit them personally once the pandemic is over.

And if you’re a lover of opera, you’re in for another treat. Maltese Tenor Joseph Calleja will be taking viewers request to sing arias on his Facebook page, since there has been a stop to all travel.

And, once people globally aren’t quarantined anymore, there are great reasons to visit Malta.

What is the Maltese language ? A frequently asked question by foreigners visiting the Maltese islands and linguists alike.

The Maltese speak a unique language (us Maltesers call it a secret language) – Malti is the only Semitic language written in latin characters.

Through the ages many foreign words, mainly English and Italian have become part of the language. What is surprising is that the Maltese managed to retain this unique language in face of so many others brought in over the years.

Until the late 19th century, Maltese was only a spoken language as there were no grammatical rules written down and determined.

The earliest evidence of the Maltese language dates back to a ballad by Pietro Caxaro in 1485. The Knights also tried to script in the 19th century.

The survival of the language is testament to the resilience of the Maltese people to remain a distinct people and culture. The language thought to have arrived in Malta in 750 BC and derived from the ancient Phoenicians, is spoken only in Malta!

The influence of the Arabs who resided in Malta between the 9th and the 13th centuries shows clearly that the roots of the language are closely akin to Arabic, in fact place names and numbers are the more obvious examples of this Arabic influence.

Want to learn Malti? Is it difficult to learn? For non native speakers trying to learn Malti, the most awkward sound is similar to the Arabic q – an almost silent, but difficult to pronounce, glottal plosive. The Maltese language is comprised of 30 letters: 24 consonants and 6 vowels.

1.       A Stunning Coastline

When asking the question, ‘what is Malta famous for?’, the most generic answer we can provide is: sun, sea, and beautiful beaches. There’s so much more to Malta than golden sands and blue waves, but it’s undeniable that Malta’s beautiful coast is one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning landscapes.

2.     Malta has a Reputation as a Diving Hotspot

Malta is famous for its incredible coastline, but you don’t have to be lying on the beach to appreciate the Mediterranean’s unique charm. The archipelago’s famous, crystal clear waters especially make for great diving!

Frequently voted one of the world’s best diving locations, Malta is home to hundreds of reefs, caves, and ancient wrecks.

The warmth of Malta’s waters means that marine life is colourful and abundant, but a comfortable temperature also means that you can happily spend hours wallowing in the Med. This is convenient because there’s plenty to see once you get in the water.

Malta is well known for the shipwrecks lying just off its coast, including several shipwrecked HMS submarines. The archipelago is also home to some impressive, underwater geological features. Recently, Malta’s celebrated Azure Window sea arch collpased  in a severe storm. Although this event caused grief across the island of Gozo, the arch’s submersion still provides a stunning spectacle for thousands of eager divers.

3.     Malta has some of the Oldest Structures in the World

But Malta’s ancient wonders aren’t all under water. Despite being so isolated, civilizations have flourished on Malta for thousands of years.

Malta’s most historic claim to fame is the 5,00 year old Hagar Qim.   This limestone beauty is one of Malta’s celebrated Megalithic temples ,  many of which predate the pyramids and even Stonehenge.

These temples are all designated UNESCO Word Heritage sites, but they’re not alone on the prestigious UN list – Malta’s capital city of Valletta and the prehistoric Hypogeum are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.

4.     The Capital City, Valletta, is a real gem!

The capital city of Malta really deserves a paragraph of its own. According to UNESCO, the city is ‘one of the most concentrated Historic areas in the world.

Valletta was the first ever planned city in Europe, with the designs being drawn out by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1565. The original building plans resulted in a pretty spectacular city, but Valletta has only grown more beautiful with age.

Taking turns under the rule of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginian, Romans, Byzantine, and Arabs, Valletta boasts an eclectic range of architecture and a unique medieval charm  that any visitor to Malta needs to experience.

5.     Maltese Cuisine is Divine

Malta is also famous for its food, and rightly so. If you’re in need of a snack whilst touring Valletta, be sure to try a ricotta filled filo-pastry Pastizzi. Ideally, this should be washed down with a can of Kinnie, which is a local soft drink made with chinotto bitter oranges and a special blend of herbs and spices.

For dinner, you should try the rabbit, which is a Maltese specialty, especially when slowly cooked with onions and wine. If you still have room, Imqaret, or fig cakes, are a delicious sweet snack that you can find on every street corner.

6.     Malta is a Walker’s Paradise

After all that eating, some exercise is definitely in order, especially if you’re looking for an active holiday.   Luckily, Malta is a walker’s paradise, and you’ll find plenty of delightful hikes and pleasant strolls to take around the islands.

Touring Malta by foot will provide you with some stunning views, from dramatic cliff edge views of the Mediterranean sea, to lush, green valleys nestled with prehistoric ruins and ancient cave chapels.

The best time to hike in Malta is just after the first long rain following summer, when the wildflowers meadows spring to life.

7.     The Famous Maltese Festas

But unless you are heading to Malta on a hiking holiday, it’s best to come before the summer ends. That’s because summer is peak time for Malta’s colourful village festivals , or festas.

These feasts are an unmissable part of Maltese life. Every village in Malta has its own patron saint and its own individual festival, which may last up to a week , with fireworks and food stands livening up the summer nights.

8.     Movies Shot in Malta

As well as being famous for its diving, architectural sites, and festivals, Malta is also a popular film location in its own right.

Malta’s dramatic cliffs, stunning landscapes, and ancient buildings make it the perfect backdrop for many feature films and TV shows, particularly those aiming for an antiquated feel. The films ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Troy’ both take advantage of Malta’s classical charm, while the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise passed off a few Maltese landscapes as Caribbean beaches.

‘Game of Thrones’ also contains several scenes filmed around the intensely photogenic capital of Valletta. Game of Thrones fans will also be keen to know that Gozo’s famous, but sadly collapsed, Azure Window provided the backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding with Kahl Drogo.

9. Comino Island & The Blue Lagoon

Comino provides another of Malta’s photogenic landscapes. Famous for its isolation and tranquility, the beautiful Cominois one of Malta’s tiniest islands, measuring only 3.5 km in area.

Home to only three residents, who commute to Gozo, Comino is better known for its bird population, and the area is a celebrated nature reserve. Comino’s rugged coastline and sheer cliffs were once the refuge of pirates and smugglers, but now they provide breathtaking views for tourists.

No trip to Malta is complete without at least a day spent admiring Comino’s crystal clear lagoons, and enjoying the island’s peaceful isolation.

10. Malta’s British Connection

From the perspective of the many British tourists that flock to the islands, Malta is famous for its British connection.

One little known fact about Malta is that the Maltese still drive on the left-hand side of the road, making Malta one of only four European countries, including Britain, that still drive on the left.

This left handed quirk is due to 160 years of British rule, which lasted until 1964 when the islands gained their independence. Across Malta, you can still find plenty of picturesque evidence of the British empire’s presence in Malta, from coastal fortifications, to beautiful buildings like the Malta Stock Exchange

Colours of Malta presenta a Conventions Malta una case history dedicata al mercato italiano.

Nessuno ci vieta di ricordare e di programmare gli eventi futuri!

Leggiamo la testimonianza della DMC Colours of Malta:

Numero partecipanti: 350

Date: 19-23 giugno 2019

Hotel: HILTON MALTA

Questo evento è stato prestigioso per Malta in quanto i partecipanti erano tutti partner di alto livello di un’agenzia finanziaria rinomata.

L’incentive house MARE20 ha invitato l’amministratore delegato di Colours of Malta, Davide Cachia, a Milano, per fare una presentazione su Malta.

Il programma creato è stato attentamente studiato per soddisfare le loro esigenze. Gli eventi precedenti erano sempre stati organizzati nei migliori Resort in Sardegna, Grecia e altri paesi del Mediterraneo, quindi abbiamo iniziato proponendo i migliori Resort 5 * di Malta.

Alla fine Malta è stata scelta per la vastità delle diverse attività che possono essere svolte in poche ore di tempo libero. Il programma prevedeva numerosi incontri presso l’Hilton Hotel in cui si svolgeva l’incontro annuale con i partner e nel loro tempo libero potevano scegliere tra una scelta di tour culturali che coinvolgevano Valletta, le tre città, il sud e i templi.

I tour erano di due tipologie: visite guidate private o attività più attive come gite in barca con una sosta sulla spiaggia con pranzo, una giornata a Gozo, l’isola gemella di Malta, e altre attività ricreative a loro scelta.

Malta è la destinazione ideale in quanto si possono fare molte cose in poche ore grazie alle brevi distanze.

In una delle serate abbiamo organizzato una visita a Mdina, antica capitale di Malta, con un concerto privato nella Cattedrale, seguito da una cena in uno dei principali ristoranti di Malta.

E’ stata organizzata anche una cena barbecue a bordo piscina dell’Hilton e la cena di gala è stata presso la magnifica Sacra Infermeria con un cocktail sul Rooftop appena aperto.

L’Hotel prescelto è stato l’Hilton, che è una delle migliori strutture 5 stelle proprio nel cuore di St Julians, vicino a ristoranti, bar e casinò. L’Hilton dispone di sale riunioni multiuso e di un ampio centro congressi in grado di ospitare fino a 1400 persone. Le camere da letto sono state recentemente rinnovate così come l’area pubblica.

Di seguito il programma svolto:

GIORNO 1

Arrivi all’Hilton Hotel 5*
Welcome e riunioni in diverse sale meeting
Cena libera
GIORNO 2

Consegna delle riviste nell’atrio prima dell’incontro degli ospiti
Arrivi in ​​aeroporto
Meeting tutto il giorno in diverse breakout rooms
Escursioni pomeridiane con coordinatore a disposizione – Valletta, Golden Bay o sud dell’isola
Cena al Gazebo, Hilton – buffet a sedere

GIORNO 3

SPA e trattamenti a disposizione degli ospiti
Consegna delle riviste nell’atrio prima dell’incontro degli ospiti
Arrivi in ​​aeroporto
Meeting tutto il giorno in diverse breakout rooms
Escursioni pomeridiane con coordinatore a disposizione – Valletta, Golden Bay o sud dell’isola
Mini tour di Mdina prima di cena con guide + cena da Bacco – buffet maltese

GIORNO 4

SPA e trattamenti a disposizione degli ospiti dell’Hilton SPA
Tour a sud dell’isola
Tour di Valletta
Meeting unico
Cena al Merkanti Beach Club, Hilton – Menu barbecue
GIORNO 5

SCELTA ESCURSIONE INTERA GIORNATA DI:
Valletta AM / PM (Cattedrale + Palazzo del Gran Maestro)
South of The Island AM / PM (templi)
Intera giornata a Gozo in barca e pranzo a Ta Cenc
Intera giornata in barca a Comino + pranzo a Baia Beach
Full Day Golf + pranzo al sacco
Parrucchiere a disposizione
Aperitivo in terrazza e cena al MCC con intrattenimento

GIORNO 6

Attività di tennis e pallavolo in hotel
Pranzo in hotel
Partenze
GIORNO 7

• Partenze

‘’Once you’ve been through tough times, you can only become stronger.’’ Alesha Dixon​

May the renewal of life at Easter, bring new blessings of love, hope, peace, good health and happiness to you and your loved ones. ​

May you embrace the changes we are facing only with positive energy and bounce back bigger and better.

Colours of Malta ​wishes you a peaceful Easter.