Winter Warmup - New Years Eve in Malta

From the moment you check into your four star hotel in Mellieha, you will enjoy New Years Week in one of Europe’s best winter destinations. Boat trips to the islands of Gozo and Comino depart from nearby locations and many sight seeing tours can be arranged to pick you up right at your hotel. Popeye Village, the fantastic movie set built for one of Robin Williams’ early movies is only a short bus ride away. In addition, Malta is a year round SCUBA destination, offering more than 75 dive sites in waters warm enough to dive in year round. 

On New Years Eve, Malta will explode into light and color. The village of Mellieha, just up the hill from your hotel, was the host to the largest and only official fireworks display on Malta for New Years 2022/2023, although other displays are common across the island, including at the notorious street party in the capital city of Valetta. Even in the smaller villages, you can expect to find something exciting anywhere you turn on New Years Eve. 

Malta gets 300 days of sunshine every year! Reserve your space today to enjoy 5 of them, however you wish, with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation. 

Estimated Itinerary

Sunday: Kaiserslautern to Malta

Your flight to Malta will have you on The Sunny Islands and checked into your 4 star hotel in Mellieha city, on the ridge above the gorgeous Mellieha Bay, putting you in position for an unforgettable New Years Eve. Once you reach Frankfurt Airport you can put away your parka! You wont need it again until next year! Malta’s mild winters rarely get below 50 degrees, allowing you to enjoy a preview of spring over New Years Weekend.

Monday: Free Day

How will you spend your first free day in Malta? That is up to you, but the 6000 year old Neolithic temples on Gozo are worth a visit, as is Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The medieval cities of M’dina and Rabat will show you pieces of Malta’s multicultural history, with Muslim and Christian influences atop much older remnants from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Numerous reptiles, birds and sea mammals at Mediterraneo Marine Park, Malta’s version of Sea World will appeal to nature lovers of all ages, while both Popeye Village and Mellieha Bay can be easily reached from your hotel.  

New Years Eve

In recent years, casual Maltese New Years traditions focusing on family have given way to thrilling fireworks and bustling street parties from one end of the island to the other. The biggest parties are in Paceville and St. Julians, Floriana, and of course the capital city Valetta, although in 2023 the most spectacular and only official fireworks show in all of Malta was right down the street from your hotel at the Mellieha Parish Church. The Maltese people love their fireworks and they are a vital part of every celebration but the Maltese New Years Fireworks are especially well known. Make sure to try the traditional seasonal drink, Imbuljuta Tal-Qastan, a bigger and better version of hot chocolate which is made of is made from dried chestnuts, cocoa, tangerine rind, cloves and sugar, which takes the place of the familiar Gluhwein. 

New Years Day

New Years Day is a public holiday, but anyone can always enjoy Malta’s beaches and historic cities and locations. Especially in the early hours of the day, Valetta, the capital city will be missing its characteristic hustle and bustle as everyone recovers from their celebration, while the Christmas Market in Valetta’s Triton Plaza remains open until several days after New Years.

Thursday: Return to Kaiserslautern

You wont have to rush to the airport at the first thing in the morning today, your afternoon flight will allow you to have a leisurely morning enjoying Mellieha before transferring to the airport. After spending New Years Eve in Malta and allowing your skin to absorb some much missed Vitamin D, you will be sad to unpack your jackets.

Price, On or prior to Thursday August 29: 

• Double Occupancy: $1299 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1499

Price, On or after Friday, August 30: 

• Double Occupancy: $1429 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1629
   
• Child and infant rates available upon request based on age and required room configuration

Deadlines and Discounts:

• Early Bird Discount expires on Thursday, August 29
• Lufthansa Initial Air Ticketing deadline is Tuesday, September 24
• Airline price supplements may apply to reservations made on or after Wed. Sept. 25

Trip Includes: 

• Round trip transportation including airfare and airport shuttles
• 4 overnights at Maritim Antoinine & Spa**** or equivalent
• Daily Breakfast and Dinner

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Departure: 6:30 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905 

Return: Around 8 p.m.