Filfla and other Malta Off The Beaten Path Tips

When driving along the south coast of Malta, you will catch a glimpse of the rocky islet, Filfla. Its name is probably coming from the word Filfel or Felful which both mean red peppers.

During World War II, Filfla was used as a shooting target practise by the British Army, however, nowadays it is protected by law as a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. It is habitat to a variety of animal species among them the Wall Lizard which is said to have two tails.

Landing on Filfla or diving is allowed only by permit from the Environment Ministry in Valletta.

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The Malta International Air Show is held annually over the last weekend of September. If you are in Malta around about that time then this spectacular event is worth visiting. I recently attended the 2004 show which was held on 25th and 26th September. I have also dedicated a Travelogue to it with more photos Those Flying Machines!

The flying display was split into two performances each day: one at 10am and the other at 2pm. In between the displays there were static displays of aircraft and three different car clubs: Club Malta, Island Car Club and the Malta Classic Car Association.

Some of the aircraft which took part in the flying display were:
F-16 and PC-7 from Netherlands
Four German Tornadoes
Two Alpha Jets
A Harrier Jump Jet from Britain

The grand finale of the air show was dedicated to the MB-339s of the outstanding Frecce Tricoloi. This is the largest aerobatic team in the world.

Luqa airport was the venue of the show. A direct bus service leaving from Valletta was also provided.

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Website: http://www.maltairshow.com/

This is a small, but pretty, garden known mostly for its military heritage. It is overlooked and forgotten by many people but I wanted to include it because it was one of my favourites many years ago...yes, I'm also guilty of forgetting about its existence, but today I paid it a long overdue visit just to take this pic. I don't know why I stayed away for so long but thanks to VT I've rekindled my interest for the garden.

The garden is also know as il-Gnien tal-Milorda (Her Ladyship's Garden) in memory of Lady Julia Lockwood who lived there between 1842 and 1856. Her house was later demolished and the garden taken over by the military, who were responsible for its maintenance until 1903, when it was taken over by the civil government.

Apart from the several regimental crests which are engraved in the bastion wall inside the garden, one can also find a small model of a castle carved in Maltese stone dedicated to the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment. The crests are in need of restoration but the garden may still be worth a visit for someone who is interested in military heritage.

The garden itself is on several levels which make it more interesting. There is a Knight's Gardjola (watch tower) which is easily accessible and provides spectacular views of the Ta' Xbiex Yacht Marina and fortifications.

To get to the gardens just take any bus going to and from Valletta which passes Pieta. Stop at Pieta and look for the watch tower over the water. Head straight towards it, or ask for directions! Everyone will be happy to oblige :-)

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Tucked away in the small town of Sta. Lucija, this garden isn't well known by locals and foreigners. It's worth a visit if you've got a bit of extra time, and for the locals, it is a place to forget the fast pace of everyday life. The Chinese Garden of Serenity could not have been named more suitably because an aura of peace and tranquility surrounds you as you enter the main part, which is a large pond surrounded by Chinese wooden structures and covered walk-ways.

The garden was opened in July 1997 and was based on a design by the Suhzou Design Institute of China. For more details one can contact the Sta. Lucija council which does a great job at maintaining the garden. A colourful brochure can be downloaded from the website below. It contains more photos and a map with a complete step-by-step explanation of the symbolism of the garden.

To get to the garden, buses 15 and 115, all leaving from Valletta, pass by Sta. Lucija; stop at the playing field. The garden is parallel to the main road leading from the roundabout just outside of Sta. Lucija to Luqa.

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Phone: 21 66 60 00 Sta. Lucija Council
Website: http://www.santalucija.gov.mt/

Today I visited the Classic Car Collection Museum. I was so impressed with the museum that I decided to set up a VT tip about it. It's worthwhile visiting the museum if you are interested in classic cars. There is also a large collection of model cars on display. The classic cars are spread out on two floors and a few of them are actually for sale.

The museum is privately owned by Carol Galea who has been collecting cars for most of his life, starting off as a little boy with tiny model cars. Apart from classic cars and models, the museum has a large collection of photos which date back to the 1950s. The museum also has a small cinema, a gift shop and a cafeteria.

If you have extra time and are interested, don't miss out, you will NOT be disappointed! The museum is very impressive.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 9 am to 1.30 pm.

Entrance Fees:
Adults: Eur 6.40 / Children: Eur 4.08
Price includes a 10% discount on food and drink ordered at the museum's cafeteria.

Address:
Tourists Street
Qawra
(The weblink below contains a map)

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Phone: +356 21578885
Website: www.classiccarsmalta.com
Other Contact: carol@classiccarsmalta.com