july-2011

TEXT: JO CARUANA
FOR OUR FULL ROUTE MAP VISIT WWW.RYANAIR.COM Ryanair two-minute guides
MALTA
NUMBER CRUNCHER
The number of new buses being introduced
in Malta’s major public transport reform
172
MDINA
EAT: MEDINA
Fancy a little romance? Medina is a
couple’s paradise. Enjoy the weather
and feast on Mediterranean and local
specialities under the fl owering oleander
tree in the vine-clustered courtyard. Book
ahead: the locals love this place.
7 HOLY CROSS STREET, TEL: +356 2145
4004, WWW.MOL.NET.MT/MEDINA
DRINK: DON MESQUITA WINE BAR
Start your evening with a wander through
Mdina’s quaint old alleys, and fi nd yourself
at this dinky – yet very trendy – wine
bar, on a picturesque square. Snack on
platters of local bread and cheeses.
MESQUITA SQUARE, +356 2702 6640
STAY: XARA PALACE
The only accommodation within the walls
of Mdina is the fi ve-star Xara Palace. Much
of the magic of this 17th-century palace
has been retained and restored, with
added modern comforts. Some suites
have their own terraces and jacuzzis.
Doubles from €185.
MISRAH IL-KUNSILL, TEL: +356 2145 0560,
WWW.XARAPALACE.COM.MT
VISIT: CARMELITE PRIORY MUSEUM
The Carmelite Priory (pictured) offers an
incredible insight into the lives of Malta’s
historic friars. Take a guided tour around
and if you’re lucky, catch one of summer’s
free classical lunchtime concerts. A real
must-see Mdina attraction.
VILLEGAIGNON STREET, TEL: +356 2702 0404,
WWW.CARMELITEPRIORYMUSEUM.COM
FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 22
DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING BARCELONA
(GIRONA) AND KRAKOW
SAN LAWRENZ, GOZO
EAT: TATITAS
Family run and with a sense of fun, Tatitas
is a great local restaurant en-route to
the Azure Window and Inland Sea. Stop
here for a bite of something special and
enjoy a laidback lunch or dinner in the
picturesque square. The menu is dynamic
and the service great. Be sure to save
room for a homemade dessert.
PJAZZA SAN LAWRENZ, TEL: +356 2156 5099
STAY: KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ
In the middle of the Gozitan countryside,
the Kempinski (pictured) is surrounded
by lush greenery, with lovely grounds to
explore. The service at this fi ve-star is
attentive and most rooms have views of
the beautiful gardens. Doubles from €110.
TRIQ IR-ROKON, TEL: +365 2211 0000,
WWW.KEMPINSKI.COM/EN/GOZO
RELAX: THE KEMPINSKI SPA
Specialising in ayurvedic treatments, the
Kempinski Spa also has a focus on the
environment, with treatments involving
precious red jasper and volcanic stones.
TRIQ IR-ROKON, TEL: +356 2211 0000,
WWW.KEMPINSKI.COM/EN/GOZO
VISIT: THE TA PINU SHRINE
Built as a shrine to the Virgin Mary – on
the spot where young Karmni Grima is
said to have received a message from her
in 1883 – Ta Pinu is quite a treasure trove.
The church is impressive in itself, and
displays an incredible array of messages,
gifts and mementos from local people.
GHARB (LIMITS OF SAN LAWRENZ)
FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 22
DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING LEEDS
(BRADFORD) AND LONDON (LUTON)
SLIEMA
EAT: IL-MITHNA
Mellieha is now classed as a European
Destination of Excellence, and there are
many great restaurants in the area. This is
one of the best, set within an old windmill,
with a menu of international dishes, most
with a very local twist.
58 TRIL IL-KBIRA, TEL: +356 2152 0404,
WWW.MITHNA.COM
DRINK: REFLECTIONS PUB
Whatever night of the week, you’ll be
in good company as numerous locals
and expats have made this traditional
pub their local, and there are plenty of
promotions to keep you merry.
97 TRIQ TAS-SALIB, TEL: +356 7952 4329
STAY: RIU SEABANK HOTEL
Ideal for families, this hotel boasts six
restaurants, and has facilities that include
a kids’ club and bowling alley. Activities for
adults include poolside aerobics. Across
the road from the largest beach on the
island, life doesn’t really get more “sea
view” than this. Doubles from €37.
MARFA ROAD, TEL: +356 2289 1000,
WWW.SEABANKHOTEL.COM
GO: POPEYE VILLAGE
Seen the 1980 Popeye movie starring
Robin Williams? Sweethaven Village
(pictured) features the fi lm’s original set,
transformed into an adventure park.From
fairground rides to relaxing jaunts out to
sea in a traditional boat, this is one great,
family-friendly place to spend a day.
ANCHOR BAY, WWW.POPEYEMALTA.COM
FLY TO MALTA (LUQA) FROM 22
DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING EDINBURGH AND
VENICE (MARCO POLO AND TREVISO)
Located in the beautiful
terraces of the Dragonara
Casino in St.Julian’s,
Restaurant Don Serafino
1953 lets you savour all the
flavours generously offered
by the Mediterranean region.
Inspired by our experience
with our Michelin Star
restaurant in Sicily we bring
you a celebration of
food and wine
Ristorante Don Serafino 1953
Dragonara Casino
Dragonara Road, St. Julian’s, Malta
T: +356 21377719
E: malta@locandadonserafino.it
www.locandadonserafino.it
www.dragonaracasino.com
RYANAIRMAGAZINE
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