Joanne's Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Villages around Acropolis Studio can be reached by walk within 25 minutes max. Less than 10 minutes by car.
https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/living-in-malta/reasons-why-gharghur-is-one-of-the-best-places-to-live-in-malta/
7 locals recommend
Ħal Għargħur
https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/living-in-malta/reasons-why-gharghur-is-one-of-the-best-places-to-live-in-malta/
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is named after the rocky, pebbly coast (Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq means 'pebbly sea' or 'sea of pebbles') which dominates this part of the island.
The history of the village is unclear, although two old chapels in the area indicate that this settlement has existed for some time. Punic tombs have also been located nearby, indicating that, amazingly enough, the area was already inhabited some 2,500 years ago.
The residential area of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is relatively small, with only 1,250 inhabitants, and consists mostly of recently constructed terraced houses and some apartments, as well as a few luxury villas. Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is known to be a fairly quiet residential area, which over the last decade has seen a remarkable interest in the real estate market. There have been a number of new apartment buildings recently built which has provided the area with a suburban feel.
The village, nestled in the arms of a large valley leading inland to Burmarrad and ultimately Mġarr, is a peaceful location with few outside visitors. The area is well kept and boasts of a well-sized public garden as well as plenty of countryside and great views for those willing to venture into the hinterland. Bahar ic-Caghaq enjoys a beautiful 'top of the world' location uphill towards the hilltop village of Għargħur offering spectacular views, with the valley floor itself running across the width of the island.
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq can boast of two large entertainment parks on its rocky coast: the Splash and Fun water park and the Mediterraneo Marine park, both of which are open in the summer months. Nearby lies the peninsula of Ras il-Qrejten (Qrejten Point), whereupon one can view one of the knightly watch towers of Grandmaster De Redin. The tower, known as St. Mark's tower or 'Qalet Marku', was built as part of Malta's coastal defence and warning system, and dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The wild Maltese coast itself also has a few small, half-hidden swimming spots used mainly by locals during the summer months, as well as Qrejten Point itself, which is an interesting place to explore, with its clear waters, watch tower and grove.
Malta's only sound mirror is located here. Built by the British during the Second World War, it is the only one of its kind on the Maltese islands. It served as an early-warning system against air raids which came from the north and which were mostly concentrated on the Grand Harbour, a few kilometers to the south.
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is named after the rocky, pebbly coast (Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq means 'pebbly sea' or 'sea of pebbles') which dominates this part of the island.
The history of the village is unclear, although two old chapels in the area indicate that this settlement has existed for some time. Punic tombs have also been located nearby, indicating that, amazingly enough, the area was already inhabited some 2,500 years ago.
The residential area of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is relatively small, with only 1,250 inhabitants, and consists mostly of recently constructed terraced houses and some apartments, as well as a few luxury villas. Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is known to be a fairly quiet residential area, which over the last decade has seen a remarkable interest in the real estate market. There have been a number of new apartment buildings recently built which has provided the area with a suburban feel.
The village, nestled in the arms of a large valley leading inland to Burmarrad and ultimately Mġarr, is a peaceful location with few outside visitors. The area is well kept and boasts of a well-sized public garden as well as plenty of countryside and great views for those willing to venture into the hinterland. Bahar ic-Caghaq enjoys a beautiful 'top of the world' location uphill towards the hilltop village of Għargħur offering spectacular views, with the valley floor itself running across the width of the island.
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq can boast of two large entertainment parks on its rocky coast: the Splash and Fun water park and the Mediterraneo Marine park, both of which are open in the summer months. Nearby lies the peninsula of Ras il-Qrejten (Qrejten Point), whereupon one can view one of the knightly watch towers of Grandmaster De Redin. The tower, known as St. Mark's tower or 'Qalet Marku', was built as part of Malta's coastal defence and warning system, and dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The wild Maltese coast itself also has a few small, half-hidden swimming spots used mainly by locals during the summer months, as well as Qrejten Point itself, which is an interesting place to explore, with its clear waters, watch tower and grove.
Malta's only sound mirror is located here. Built by the British during the Second World War, it is the only one of its kind on the Maltese islands. It served as an early-warning system against air raids which came from the north and which were mostly concentrated on the Grand Harbour, a few kilometers to the south.
St. Julian’s is a seaside town in Malta. It’s known for beaches like Balluta Bay, a rocky stretch with a promenade and restaurants. Bars and nightclubs line the streets of Paceville, an area south of St. George’s Bay Beach. Spinola Bay has traditional fishing boats, plus Spinola Palace, a baroque mansion with a carved clock centrepiece on its facade. Portomaso Bay is home to a marina and luxury boutiques.
The beautiful promenade runs all the way from Sliema right up to St. Julian’s. Even though this is such a hectic town, you can still find it to be quiet and relaxing in many ways. You can easily slip away from the main streets and find those spots of solitude.
121 locals recommend
Saint Julian's
St. Julian’s is a seaside town in Malta. It’s known for beaches like Balluta Bay, a rocky stretch with a promenade and restaurants. Bars and nightclubs line the streets of Paceville, an area south of St. George’s Bay Beach. Spinola Bay has traditional fishing boats, plus Spinola Palace, a baroque mansion with a carved clock centrepiece on its facade. Portomaso Bay is home to a marina and luxury boutiques.
The beautiful promenade runs all the way from Sliema right up to St. Julian’s. Even though this is such a hectic town, you can still find it to be quiet and relaxing in many ways. You can easily slip away from the main streets and find those spots of solitude.
Amusement parks nearby
It is a fun day out with children especially.
Not recommended if you are looking for a quite scene as it gets very crowded in summer.
Nonetheless the kids will love it.
https://www.splashandfunmalta.com/
61 locals recommend
Splash & Fun Water Park
Tul Il-KostaIt is a fun day out with children especially.
Not recommended if you are looking for a quite scene as it gets very crowded in summer.
Nonetheless the kids will love it.
https://www.splashandfunmalta.com/
Food scene
Restaurants in the neighborhood.
20 minutes walk to the trattoria from Acropolis Studio to Gharghur village. Good value for money, but can get quite busy. Casual ambiance, booking recommended especially on weekends.
6 locals recommend
Da Nino Trattoria
20 minutes walk to the trattoria from Acropolis Studio to Gharghur village. Good value for money, but can get quite busy. Casual ambiance, booking recommended especially on weekends.
Another good restaurant in Gharghur village away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, very near to the church. Set in a typical Maltese house of character. Great food and service. Reservations recommended especially for weekends.
10 locals recommend
Bottega Centanni
Luigi CataniaAnother good restaurant in Gharghur village away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, very near to the church. Set in a typical Maltese house of character. Great food and service. Reservations recommended especially for weekends.
Sightseeing
Great views within walking distance from Acropolis Studio.
Great views within a short walk from Acropolis Studio.
14 locals recommend
Top Of The World - Għargħur
Ghaxqet L- GhainGreat views within a short walk from Acropolis Studio.
Wied Id-Dis
Wied Id-DisGreat walks
The islands have a range of enjoyable routes passing impressive historical, cultural, landscape and environmental features. The compact nature of our island offers you the opportunity to experience a variety of wonderful sites and beautiful features. The Mediterranean climate, exotic flora and magnificent coastline contribute to a great walking experience.
You can walk across the whole island of Malta along each individual section that makes up as a whole Malta’s Victoria Lines. The walking route along the Lines is one of the most spectacular and peaceful walking paths on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Follow the link for a detailed map guide and walk route http://www.victorialinesmalta.com/map-walk/
9 locals recommend
Victoria Lines
You can walk across the whole island of Malta along each individual section that makes up as a whole Malta’s Victoria Lines. The walking route along the Lines is one of the most spectacular and peaceful walking paths on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Follow the link for a detailed map guide and walk route http://www.victorialinesmalta.com/map-walk/
The trail consists of 20 sites of archaeological importance including a Roman road, a menhir (standing stone), apiaries, a thousand years old carob tree, a Neolithic temple, a farmer’s hut, a granary/well, Roman baths and much more!
You can find many more pictures of the trail in Maltatina's blog https://www.maltatina.com/exploring-the-xemxija-heritage-trial
You will understand why it is worth the visit :)
You can also download Xemxija Heritage Trail app from
http://andro.io/go/playmarket/296924
or open website of application http://ampereautomation-app.andro.io/
6 locals recommend
Start of Xemxija Hill Heritage Walk
The trail consists of 20 sites of archaeological importance including a Roman road, a menhir (standing stone), apiaries, a thousand years old carob tree, a Neolithic temple, a farmer’s hut, a granary/well, Roman baths and much more!
You can find many more pictures of the trail in Maltatina's blog https://www.maltatina.com/exploring-the-xemxija-heritage-trial
You will understand why it is worth the visit :)
You can also download Xemxija Heritage Trail app from
http://andro.io/go/playmarket/296924
or open website of application http://ampereautomation-app.andro.io/
Explore Malta’s capital city in style! Follow the Valletta Commonwealth Walkway route signs, which are 20 bronze markers bearing The Queen’s cypher – EIIR – that will take you around Valletta’s great points of interest. Follow the links below for details of the route split into two parts.
Part 1 - https://www.maltatina.com/malta-valletta-commonwealth-walkway/
Part 2 - https://www.maltatina.com/valletta-commonwealth-walkway-showcasing-malta-capital-city/
594 locals recommend
Valletta
Explore Malta’s capital city in style! Follow the Valletta Commonwealth Walkway route signs, which are 20 bronze markers bearing The Queen’s cypher – EIIR – that will take you around Valletta’s great points of interest. Follow the links below for details of the route split into two parts.
Part 1 - https://www.maltatina.com/malta-valletta-commonwealth-walkway/
Part 2 - https://www.maltatina.com/valletta-commonwealth-walkway-showcasing-malta-capital-city/
City advice
Getting around
Public transport in Malta is not the most efficient.
We recommend a rented car or using Bolt which is much quicker and will save you time waiting or travelling on a bus.
Book before you go
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is a Neolithic subterranean structure dating to the Saflieni phase in Maltese prehistory, located in Paola, Malta. It is often simply referred to as the Hypogeum, literally meaning "underground" in Greek.
Tours are usually fully-booked weeks in advance. If interested in visiting this site, please keep in mind to book your tour as early as possible!
https://booking.heritagemalta.org/
Useful phrases
English is our second almost primary language these days.
If you speak English you're safe. Very rarely will you find someone on the road or in customer service who cannot speak English.
Customs and culture
DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER.
It anyway tastes bad in some areas, better in others, but best to avoid drinking it and buying mineral water which costs around 3 euro for a 6 pack of 1.5 l each.