https://www.visitmalta.com/en/ Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Countries, Europe, Music

Calvin and Capaldi are acceptable in the Maltese

7th May 20267th May 2026 funtime65

And because pop tourists keep coming back it’s why Calvin and Capaldi are acceptable in the Maltese.

The Scots singing superstars are hitting the Med party island this August.

And yes it is down with the kids, and the old kids.

Oh my Daze

Our Irish holidaymakers friends Cassidy Travel have put together packages for us around the gigs.

SummerDaze is one of Europe’s premier music festivals.

And brings visitors live open-air performances from global stars.

So we guess this is what you came for and who knows Dumfries DJ Cal may even bring Rihanna with her.

While if Lew is someone you loved then you will be happy he’s back since his Glastonbury meltdown.

And ready to give you a bleeding good time in front of the Maltese masses.

Someone Lew loved

Now you can give yourself a single helping of Lew.

And are broken by desire to be heavenly sent, whatever that means.

Then Cassidy will give you four nights of SummerDaze Malta with flights and concert ticket included from August 9.

And you’ll stay at the 4* Bora Bora Ibiza Malta Resort at €499pps.

While because we know Cassidy Travel is always thinking of you and it is summer.

Calvin callin’

You can book yourself a four-nighter around Calvin Harris from August 14 with flights and concert ticket included.

Staying at the 3* Lady Todd Hotel at €599pps.

While if you can’t choose between the two then Cassidy puts on a seven-nighter covering both superstars.

From August 10 with flights and concert tickets included.

Staying at the 3* Lady Todd Hotel at €849pps.

Caribbean, Countries, Oceania

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown

21st October 202421st October 2024 funtime65

It’s the model for the future Commonwealth which has worked for 50 years, Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Malta is this year marking two big milestones in its 8,000 years history.

With the bigger emphasis currently on its independence 60 years ago.

Independence, many might imagine is still dependence if you’re still run by another’s head of state.

And that most anglophile of former colonies Malta set the tone when they moved from a monarch to their own president in December 1974.

Which is what another of our favourite islands Barbados struck out for three years ago.

Republics in a Commonwealth

It may surprise to see that 36 of the 56 member states in what is now the Commonwealth of Nations are republics.

Although for now Australia where King Charles III is in the eye of the storm from an aboriginal activist senator retains the monarch as their head of state.

The lesson of Malta, Barbados, Australia or anywhere on whom the sun never set is that Britain leaves behind their towel wherever they go.

Malta has taken that to heart with its George Cross award, right-hand roads and red post and telephone boxes.

Which I took back to the motherland in the shape of a telephone box pencil sharpener, or parer.

Britain’s island in the sun

Going for a swim: Malta fan Queen Elizabeth

Of course, it is these reminders of Britannia which has made Malta so popular with limey tourists, Britain’s Med island in the sun.

Ourselves included, over 60 years.

Including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who was stationed here as a naval officer after World War II.

And his successor as Duke of Edinburgh, their youngest Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess.

Come back America and Ireland

As a postscript while there is a movement away from monarchy there are others who want in.

The republics of South Sudan, Sudan and Suriname have formally made applications to join the Commonwealth.

The eligibility rules are to entertain those with ‘a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member, save in exceptional circumstances.’

And making that topical the ‘exceptional circumstances’ were cited to bring in former Belgian colony Rwanda.

Which was then proposed as a dumping ground by Britain for illegal immigrants.

Britain, of course, always keen to keep all their options open have held the door open to some old colonies.

Meaning the US (Thirteen Colonies), Israel (Mandate for Palestine), Republic of Ireland (Irish Free State), and the Persian Gulf states.

Hold the towel

But while they wait for the telegram, or email as it is today.

Britain, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh holding the towel, will continue to celebrate.

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Winter abroad to save fuel

30th September 202230th September 2022 funtime65

Turn off the heat, lock the door and winter abroad to save fuel this winter.

Well, we need no second invitation, Click and Go and what Ireland’s online Travel specialists are offering.

We’ll pass over, of course, that they have us down as pensioners as we’re sure this applies just as well for all ages.

A winter’s tale

My old pal and C&G CEO Paul Hackett explains: ‘We have had many clients booking holidays for the winter.

‘Because it’ll be cheaper to be on holidays in Spain in a 4-star hotel than heating their homes in Ireland.

‘These offers are perfect for retirees or for people who are able to work remotely.’

Bully for us: With Sara and The Son and Heir

‘We have incredible deals from November to March in the Algarve, mainland Spain, and Malta.

‘The day to day cost of living in these destinations is much less than Ireland. It is amazing that you can discover a new place while saving.”

With dinner, bed and breakfast from just €40 it isn’t hard to see why.

So click and go…

Three and easy

3 weeks

*Fuengirola in a 4-star hotel, half board, for three weeks from €869pp. Find out more.

*Benalmadena in a 4-star hotel, half board, for three weeks from €949. Find out more.

*Torremolinos in a 4-star hotel, half board, for three weeks from €979pp. Find out more.

Extend your stay for another week from just €280!

Month of sun days

4 weeks

*Fuengirola in a 4-star hotel for four weeks from €1,099pp. Find out more.

*Benaladena in a 4-star hotel for four weeks from €1,229. Find out more.

*Torremolinos in a 4-star hotel for four weeks from €1,259. Find out more.

Prices are per person and include flights and accommodation.

The Click&Go website allows for stays up to 90 day.

So that’s us all sorted and where we want winter abroad to save fuel.

Countries, Culture, Europe, Sustainable Tourism

EU Freedom of Movement and Mdina

14th January 2022 funtime65

Sure aren’t we all Europeans (sore point!) anyway, and thanks to my old pal Vincent for flagging up EU Freedom of Movement and Mdina.

I’d challenged the €5 charge mooted for Venice and as is our wont here we’ve been sharing our own experiences where we are.

And guide par excellence and photographer without peer Vincent has clued us up.

On the debate that raged in Malta regarding The Silent City.

The city was populated by Phoenicians in the 8th Century.

And it grew to three times its present size, taking in neighbouring Rabat.

It also plays a key part in the St Paul story.

When the apostle was shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD, the governor of Melite, the Romans’ name for the island, greeted him.

And in return, he cured his sick father.

And unsurprisingly the locals took to this new religion and stayed with it ever since..

Keep it in the family

Mdina was the capital of Malta throughout the Middle Age until the arrival of the Order of St John.

And his story is all around one of Europe’s great cities, Valletta in 1530.

There was a revival in the early 18th century and several Baroque features were introduced although it didn’t lose its medieval character.

It remained too the centre of the Maltese nobility and religious authorities.

And property is largely passed down from families and from generation to generation.

On the whole it retains a calming quiet feel which freezes it in time and which marks it out as The Silent City.

You’ll want to check out the ruins of the Domvs Romana, with several well-preserved mosaics, statues.

And other remains and the podium of a a Temple of Apollo.

Not the answer

The Maltese Archipelago: And an earlier Jimmy

The argument is that overtourism is threatening that.

But again like the Venice debate this strikes me as anti-libertarian, and my fear is that who would make money out of this.

And whether it would all go back into the protection of the site as it will no doubt be argued.

Malteser Vincent tells us that the Mdina charge idea was largely shot down.

But that the 300 residents have a concession.

They are allowed to drive their cars into the city while non-Mdinaites need a permit.

Bubbly Bugibba

Malta, as I’ve mentioned once or twice, was where I made a certain young lady the Happiest Woman in the World.

When I bent down to tie my shoelace.

And she screamed yes.

Back then we were both working for the newspaper arm of Thomson.

And as well as Malta being highly recommended we got a discount.

We’ve stayed loyal to TUI, its successor ever since, and have never been let down.

And so, without further delay, let us offer you four nights self-catering in the Sunseeker Holiday Complex in Bugibba.

For £177pp, down from £191pp.

You’ll be leaving London Gatwick on Monday, March 7.