Discovering the Thrill of Poker in Malta: A Guide which might be very useful to you!
Malta is for years already one of the hotspots for poker players, and from a more general angle, for expats and tourists too. Considering the great climate they have, surrounded by the pacific sea, and purely relaxed culture, Malta is currently one of Europeans’ finest destinations. With a great taste for food, plenty of iconic places to visit, and landmarks with widespread views, there is something for everyone to do. Doesn’t matter if you like water polo, churches, endless walks, top restaurants, sky/pool bars, jet ski, everything is present on the rocky island. Of course, we will be there for three things- Friends, Tea, and POKER!
Malta is a prime location for poker players of all types. For live poker enthusiasts, there are four major casinos that offer daily tournaments and cash games. Portomaso Casino is the flagship location, hosting numerous international events throughout the year. With three casinos within walking distance, players who bust out of one tournament can easily hop into another just a few hundred meters away. The Festival Series is also hosted by Portomaso Casino, conveniently located next to the luxurious Hilton Hotel.
But even online poker players can enjoy Malta's offerings, thanks to the abundance of live poker opportunities. With great weather, delicious food options, and the stunning Mediterranean sea surrounding the island, online grinders have everything they need to thrive. The only downside to Malta is the occasional electricity outage. Despite that, players can easily take a break from online poker and join in on the lively atmosphere of a live tournament or cash game.
Discovering the Delights of Maltese Cuisine - A Journey Through the Island's Unique Culinary, from a poker player perspective:
Malta's culinary scene is nothing short of exceptional, with seafood being the star of the show thanks to the island's proximity to the sea. Italian influences can be felt throughout the local cuisine, but knowing where to go is key. You may thank me later!
For instance, Al Fresco is a fantastic bar with a breath-taking view, while the Waterpolo Club provides an open view of the capital city Valetta. Additionally, Vecchia Napoli, an Italian restaurant across from Al Fresco, serves an incredible Calzone pizza with truffle sauce that you simply can't miss out on. Thank me later!
The Compass Lounge, located by the sea in Sliema, is also a must-visit spot, offering Happy Hour Specials from Sunday to Thursday between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, along with high-quality food and a superb atmosphere. Make sure to check out these top-notch dining options during your visit to the Festival Series in Malta.
If you happen to visit Valletta, the capital city of Malta, it is home to many great restaurants. One of the best-rated ones is Noni Restaurant, located in the heart of Valletta. This restaurant offers an exquisite culinary experience with a modern twist on traditional Maltese dishes. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create unique and flavourful dishes that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. The restaurant has a cosy and intimate atmosphere and a wine list that perfectly complements the food. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Of course, there are also some great pubs in Malta for poker players to unwind and socialize. City Of London and The Dubliner, both located on the way from Sliema to St. Julians, offer a perfect setting to hang out with friends and enjoy a few drinks. With their prime location next to the water, these pubs are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. So, grab a few friends and enjoy some quality time over a couple of drinks. Or if you fancy a nice lounge bar, have a go with Sky Beach, where you can also tip your toes into an amazing swimming pool. Cheers!
Sidenote: Many hotels have rooftop lounge bars with swimming pool. Happens to be that we have some rooms left at our hotels which also have this!
What to do besides poker and having a brill time with friends?
We have listed a couple of general touristic events which you simply can’t miss. Treat this as your bucket list of Malta. We are on the island for poker and friends obviously, but if you happen to have a day off the tables, check if you can ticket off one from this list. However, with our hospitality package you might just found the best remedy for all of this. If you happen to have won a package for our event where the hospitality events are included, its great! If you were unlucky at the virtual poker tables, do not hesitate to bump into one of The Festival Crew Members!
- Visit the historic city of Valletta - The capital city of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's home to many historic buildings, museums, and churches.
- Explore the Megalithic Temples - Malta has several prehistoric temples that are over 5,000 years old and considered to be some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world.
- Relax on the beaches - Malta has many beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports. Examples are St. George’s Bay, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Paradise Bay.
- Visit the Blue Lagoon - This crystal-clear lagoon is located on the island of Comino and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling.
- Go on a boat tour - There are many boat tours available around Malta and its neighbouring islands. You can explore sea caves, visit secluded beaches, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.
- Visit the fortified city of Mdina - This medieval city is known as the "silent city" and is a must-visit for history buffs.
- Go scuba diving - Malta has some of the best scuba diving sites in Europe, including wrecks, caves, and reefs.
- Explore the Dingli Cliffs - These dramatic cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Visit the Three Cities - These three fortified cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, are located across the Grand Harbor from Valletta and are known for their historic architecture.
- Enjoy Maltese cuisine - Malta has a unique blend of Mediterranean and North African cuisine, with dishes like rabbit stew, pastizzi, and ftira being popular local specialties.
- The agenda for our hospitality package holders is not yet finalized, although it is promised to be epic! We will do our best to have it published as soon as possible!
