Notte Bianca 2017 will set Valletta ablaze

Each October, Notte Bianca lights up the cityscape of Valletta, with a spectacular nocturnal celebration of people, culture and arts. The streets and cultural venues in the Maltese capital play host to a motley assortment of entertainment.

State palaces and museums open their doors to delight patrons with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances, while the open-air streets and piazzas showcase some of the finest local and international musicians and dancers. Cafes and restaurants are open until late with further food stalls and tables occupying the streets.

All of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, comes alive on Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.

To view the full schedule of events that will be taking place on this magical evening on Saturday, 7 October, visit http://lejlimdawwal.org/

Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture partners with Locanda La Gelsomina

Each year, a city within the European Union is selected as European Capital Culture which aims to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures across Europe.

Next year in 2018, Valletta will play host to this title, and throughout the year, a multitude of cultural events shall be taking place across the city in celebration of this unique event. Locanda La Gelsomina is proud to have partnered with this initiative as hotel partner to the Valletta 2018 Foundation, and look forward to hosting guests at La Gelsomina to promote this inspiring initiative in Malta throughout 2018 and beyond.

VOGUE shines a spotlight on the allure of Malta

Image courtesy of Alamy

The internationally renowned fashion publication VOGUE shines a spotlight on the beauty of our little Mediterranean isle and its "alluring laid-back feel". Whether you’re plunging into Sliema’s Ballutta Bay for an afternoon dip in the middle of the city, exploring the old, narrow streets of Valletta and Mdina, or jumping off cliffs with the locals into the country's many natural pools, you’ll leave Malta wanting more.

To read the full article, head to http://www.vogue.com/article/malta-amalfi-coast-travel-guide

Explore the Mediterranean waters of Filfla

A mere 0.06 km2 large, the isle of Filfla - located 5km south of Malta - may be tiny, but it is packed with a wealth of history and unique natural beauty.

Its name is believed to derive from the Arabic word felfel (meaning peppercorn), and was possibly sacred to the neolithic inhabitants of Malta, who built the temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the Maltese coast opposite the islet. The only known permanent structure on the island was a chapel built inside a cave in 1343, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1856 that also sank part of the island. A map of Malta dating back to 1798 shows a fort, a lighthouse and a monastery with a chapel on Filfla.

Until 1971 the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force used the island for target practice, and spent cartridges from these bombardments can still be found on Filfla today.

Access to Filfla is only possible for educational or scientific purposes, however this month, on the 4th and 26th, Heritage Malta will be organizing a round Filfla boat cruise, departing from Sliema Ferry at 14.00hrs.

Experienced Heritage Malta officials will be with you to point out special features found along the coast, such as fortifications and heritage sites. There will also be time for a swim at one of the sheltered coves.

For further details and to purchase tickets, visit http://shop.heritagemalta.org/index.asp?eventid=405. Tickets are also available at all Heritage Malta museums and sites.