Enjoy The Nightlife
Typical of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the locals' approach to life is to enjoy and celebrate it as much as possible.
Nightlife on the Islands is always bustling - even if the vibrant calendar of events gets leaner during some periods, there are always scores of clubs to visit, excellent wine bars and first-rate restaurants to try.
The Islands have an effervescent calendar of cultural events to see, such as the Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Opera Festival, the Choir Festival and the International Jazz Festival held in July.
Major music concerts starring top international artists are held every summer, attracting massive crowds of both tourists and locals alike.
The Maltese Islands have also become a hub for the clubbing scene. Internationally renowned DJs like Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, Magda, Tiesto, Van Heill appear for guest weekends throughout the year. This scene thrives all year round and is an all-week affair in a variety of venues, from large clubs to quieter bars where some excellent house DJs entertain and the admission is free. The main nightlife clubbing action is in Paceville, on the coast near St. Julians, where the clubs and bars are in abundance.
Classical music is very popular on the Islands and organ recitals take place regularly in the many baroque churches. Regular orchestral, soloist concerts and operas take place in some stunning historic venues.
Band music is one of the most popular traditions on the Islands. Every town and village has at least one band club. Band music is taken seriously on the Islands and the highlight of the year for band clubs is the parish festa. These events are characteristic of the Maltese Islands. Saints, fireworks, food and fun are all part of this cultural phenomenon - try and catch one as they're not to be missed.
Theatre is a lively and well-represented part of the local cultural scene. The 18th century Manoel Theatre makes a wonderful venue for the performing arts. The open-air Shakespeare performed in the Gardens of San Anton Palace in July is one of the many theatrical highlights. If you happen to be here around Christmastime, check out one of sevela Pantomimes for some fun and great kids' entertainment.
There is more nocturnal entertainment on offer - try your luck at the casinos, go see a film (blockbuster movies, art house films, re-releases and non-English language films) or dine al fresco at one of the romantic palazzos or bustling harbour restaurants.
Casinos
Everyone has to have an evening's flutter once in a while. And there is no better time than on holiday. Malta has several excellent casinos. Choose from an elegant colonial-style villa, an ultra modern hotel complex, or a restored 17th century, harbour-side palace. All provide great entertainment whether you're new to the tables or have tried your luck before. And when it comes to dining out, you'll find the casinos offer a superb choice of cuisines from international fare to Mediterranean specialities at their excellent restaurants. As well as bars and open-air venues for a chat and a sociable drink or cocktail.
Remember - Casinos are for adults only. If you decide to gamble, play responsibly and practice gaming for its entertainement and relaxation value. Always know your limits and know when to stop. If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem, call the Sedqa agency on 179.
Cinemas
Malta is among the first countries in Europe to have the latest releases, ranging from blockbusters to art house films. The Islands are well served with several multiplex cinemas.
The cinema at the St James' Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta is geared more towards the film connoisseur, with a winter season of art house movies, re-releases and foreign language films.
Cinema-going is a popular leisure activity. Not surprising given the Islands' own interest in the film industry. With its backdrop of historic buildings and stunning land- and seascapes, the Maltese archipelago has long been used as a location for some major productions: Midnight Express, Gladiator and U-571 are among the most memorable. Malta has recently also hosted Hollywood blockbusters such as The Count of Monte Cristo and the epic Troy, The Da Vinci Code and Munich, as well as prestigious period dramas, including the BBC's Byron and Daniel Deronda.
Clubbing
Malta and Gozo have a vibrant clubbing scene and a choice of nighttime entertainment venues to suit all tastes and ages.
St. Julians, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Marsaskala are the areas with the most nightclubs and bars, whilst in Gozo these are concentrated mostly in Marsalforn and Victoria. Restaurants of all types and varieties can be found in these locations and the big clubs are also located here. With so many five star hotels in the St. Julian's area, visitors can also find lounge entertainment with live music, dinner and dancing.
Paceville, the annex to St. Julian's, is a mecca for youngsters who like club crawling and consists mainly of holiday accommodation with the largest concentration of restaurants, bars and clubs in Malta. It is also suitable for the older, more adventurous individuals who enjoy pubs, wine bars, restaurants, rock clubs and jazz clubs. Most establishments open until the early morning hours.
During summer, the action shifts to the openair venues located in various parts of the islands.
