Useful Info

Typical of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the Islanders’ 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 is lean during some periods, there are always clubs to visit, excellent bars and first-rate restaurants to try.

The Islands have an colorful calendar of cultural events to see, such as the Summer Malta Arts Festival, Local Village Feasts (Festas), the Carnival in February, the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Opera Festival, the Choir Festival and the International Jazz Festival held in July.

Major music concerts (Sting, Roger Waters, Sir Bob Geldof, Elton John) are held throughout summer by individual organisers, attracting massive crowds of both tourists and locals alike.

The Maltese Islands have also become a hub for the clubbing scene. Internationally renowned DJs appear (Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, Magda, Tiesto, Van Heill) 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.

Nightlife in the form of clubs and discos is somewhat limited in Gozo when you compare it to the amped up, party atmosphere of Paceville on the island of Malta. But there is a selection of nightclubs in Victoria and also a disco near Xlendi which are always buzzing on the weekend. Special events involving popular DJ's as well as 80's Nights and 70's Nights are advertised by leaving glossy flyers in cafes and other public places. La Grotta, one of Europe's finest outdoor clubs, situated in Xlendi Valley, provides a breathtaking, and picturesque backdrop, for the quality visuals, lights, lasers and sound. The Miami Herald called La Grotta 'the most beautiful disco in the world'. It is only opened in Summer.

Classical music is very popular on the Islands and organ recitals take place regularly in 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 when they march through the streets of the village creating a musical show for the people, who also join in for the march.

Very unique to the Islands are the lively summer village parish festas. 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. There are two theatres in Gozo, the Aurora (Tel: +356 21562974) and the Astra (Tel: 21 21559366). Once a year both theatres stage an Italian opera weekend, with famous international singers flanked by local artists.

There is a variety of other sources of nightlife entertainment – one can go see a film (blockbuster movies, art house films, re-releases and non-English language films) or do as the Maltese and dine al fresco at one of the romantic palazzos or bustling harbour restaurants.

Local Bars