Daniela’s guidebook
Sightseeing
I love walking here. It is so peaceful and majestic. There's a legend that says that Ggantija temples in Xaghra were built by a giant woman and she carried the megaliths and the menhir from Ta' Cenc all the way on her back.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs
I love walking here. It is so peaceful and majestic. There's a legend that says that Ggantija temples in Xaghra were built by a giant woman and she carried the megaliths and the menhir from Ta' Cenc all the way on her back.
A delightful narrow bay favorite with the locals especially those who like diving and snorkelling since the seabed is beautiful in the area. If you are lucky you can get a chance to see the seahorse before he disappears
Mgarr ix-Xini derives its name from mgarr, a port, and xini, a galley ,and so it means literally a galley port. Lying to the south of the island, it is the finest example of a classical steep-sided creek at the mouth of a deep valley. It was a perfect haven for vessels in stormy seas and it was frequently visited by marauding Turks.
The story goes that one day a galley dropped anchor in the port and the Turks set out to sack nearby villages. Some farmers working in the nearby fields noticed the landing and shielded themselves so that they would not be seen. When the Turks passed by their hideout, they went down to the seaside. They noticed to their great surprise that the galley had been left unguarded. So they boarded the vessel, possessed themselves of whatever they could carry, and set it on fire.
In the meantime, the Gozitan militia had been alerted and, before long, they succeeded in chasing the Turks down the valley. As they approached the port, the Turks could not believe their eyes when they saw their galley ablaze. They ran as fast as their feet could carry them to find a hiding place. At that moment the farmers struck back, trapped the Turks in the deep valley, and took their revenge.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mġarr ix-Xini
A delightful narrow bay favorite with the locals especially those who like diving and snorkelling since the seabed is beautiful in the area. If you are lucky you can get a chance to see the seahorse before he disappears
Mgarr ix-Xini derives its name from mgarr, a port, and xini, a galley ,and so it means literally a galley port. Lying to the south of the island, it is the finest example of a classical steep-sided creek at the mouth of a deep valley. It was a perfect haven for vessels in stormy seas and it was frequently visited by marauding Turks.
The story goes that one day a galley dropped anchor in the port and the Turks set out to sack nearby villages. Some farmers working in the nearby fields noticed the landing and shielded themselves so that they would not be seen. When the Turks passed by their hideout, they went down to the seaside. They noticed to their great surprise that the galley had been left unguarded. So they boarded the vessel, possessed themselves of whatever they could carry, and set it on fire.
In the meantime, the Gozitan militia had been alerted and, before long, they succeeded in chasing the Turks down the valley. As they approached the port, the Turks could not believe their eyes when they saw their galley ablaze. They ran as fast as their feet could carry them to find a hiding place. At that moment the farmers struck back, trapped the Turks in the deep valley, and took their revenge.
All of the Ta' Cenc plateau is stunning especially during winter time. To add further mystery to this already fascinating place are the cart ruts of Ta' Cenc. Cart ruts are pairs of parallel channels cut into the surface of the rock, often extending for considerable distances. They normally run in straight line. Their exact use remains unknown to this day. One suggestion is that beasts of burden used to pull carts along, and these channels would guide the carts and prevent the animals from straying. Another theory goes that carts with heavy wheels driven repeatedly over the same surface actually eroded the rock – this seems a far less plausible idea.
While similar ruts have occasionally been observed in Sicily, Provence and parts of Libya, these are usually associated with quarrying and their dating can be very varied. The Maltese cart ruts reveal no such clues; some continue mysteriously for a distance along the seabed while a couple of others seem to fly off from cliff edges! Find them out at Ta' Cenc! Clue: They are near the hotel.
Ta cenc Cliffs sunset point
All of the Ta' Cenc plateau is stunning especially during winter time. To add further mystery to this already fascinating place are the cart ruts of Ta' Cenc. Cart ruts are pairs of parallel channels cut into the surface of the rock, often extending for considerable distances. They normally run in straight line. Their exact use remains unknown to this day. One suggestion is that beasts of burden used to pull carts along, and these channels would guide the carts and prevent the animals from straying. Another theory goes that carts with heavy wheels driven repeatedly over the same surface actually eroded the rock – this seems a far less plausible idea.
While similar ruts have occasionally been observed in Sicily, Provence and parts of Libya, these are usually associated with quarrying and their dating can be very varied. The Maltese cart ruts reveal no such clues; some continue mysteriously for a distance along the seabed while a couple of others seem to fly off from cliff edges! Find them out at Ta' Cenc! Clue: They are near the hotel.
There’s nothing like a summer festa to welcome you to Malta, and more specifically, village life on the island. Every locality has its very own feast where nougat, doughnuts, saintly statues and ground fireworks are expected. Locals in the scene work hard throughout the year to plan the feast, making sure every element is as good as (or better) than the previous years.
Sannat festa takes place from 20th to 22nd July this year (best days are Saturday & Sunday). The highlight of the festa is probably the performance given by the local brass band, whose orchestrated music fills the streets of this quaint village. Keep your eyes peeled for the street horse racing prior to the evening festivities. If you’re looking for a spot of culture, head into the church and gaze upon the magnificent Stefano Erardi titular painting of St Margaret of Antioch.
Sannat
There’s nothing like a summer festa to welcome you to Malta, and more specifically, village life on the island. Every locality has its very own feast where nougat, doughnuts, saintly statues and ground fireworks are expected. Locals in the scene work hard throughout the year to plan the feast, making sure every element is as good as (or better) than the previous years.
Sannat festa takes place from 20th to 22nd July this year (best days are Saturday & Sunday). The highlight of the festa is probably the performance given by the local brass band, whose orchestrated music fills the streets of this quaint village. Keep your eyes peeled for the street horse racing prior to the evening festivities. If you’re looking for a spot of culture, head into the church and gaze upon the magnificent Stefano Erardi titular painting of St Margaret of Antioch.
Food scene
Local quirky bar set in a local piazza where to enjoy a nice drink. The owner is a Rosina, a 70 or 80 year old lady, who also sometimes cooks a lovely dish on a Sunday. Not always...depends on her mood.
Ta Rosina
Local quirky bar set in a local piazza where to enjoy a nice drink. The owner is a Rosina, a 70 or 80 year old lady, who also sometimes cooks a lovely dish on a Sunday. Not always...depends on her mood.
Local hangout to enjoy a nice drink (honestly priced) and also a nice pizza during weekends. The band club next door also has nice pizzas and they are very well priced.
Two doors up, there's a fine dining restaurant called Beppe's who want something more special for their evening. Marsalforn, Xlendi and also Victoria have great restaurants. My favourite in Gozo is Brookies in Victoria...ask for Michaela...she's super.
Sannat Lions Football Club
Local hangout to enjoy a nice drink (honestly priced) and also a nice pizza during weekends. The band club next door also has nice pizzas and they are very well priced.
Two doors up, there's a fine dining restaurant called Beppe's who want something more special for their evening. Marsalforn, Xlendi and also Victoria have great restaurants. My favourite in Gozo is Brookies in Victoria...ask for Michaela...she's super.