While UNESCO approval of these seven sites is still pending, their worth is certainly not negated by bureaucratic delays. In fact, their absence from the official list means that they have been kept just outside the UNESCO spotlight and perhaps a little farther off the tourist trail than the three recognised attractions: the capital city of Valletta, the fascinating rock-cut chambers of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Megalithic temples of Malta have been on the list since 1980 and experienced heavy tourist traffic as a result.

Here are the seven additional sites that Malta thinks deserve an equal shot at UNESCO protection and a place in the sun:

The coastal cliffs of Malta, nominated as a natural heritage site, rise straight up from the Mediterranean sea. Photo courtesy of flickr/Marc-John Photographic

The Coastal Cliffs

Whereas the three official World Heritage sites have been categorised as ‘cultural’ heritage, the coastal cliffs qualify as a piece of ‘natural’ heritage. Considered a characteristic feature of the region’s landscape, these staggeringly tall limestone precipices rise vertically from the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. Severe and inaccessible, they provide an important refuge for a number of endangered Maltese floral and faunal species. Here, endemic species like lizards, crabs and moths flourish alongside human thrill-seekers indulging in climbing and abselling.

Grandmaster Lascaris' tower in Dwejra is part of the Qawra/Dwejra area on the Maltese island of Gozo that has been up for UNESCO natural heritage nomination since 1998. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Sudika

Qawra/Dwejra

Just as ‘natural’ a heritage site is the Qawra/Dwejra area on the Maltese island of Gozo. It contains a wealth of geological history, rocky shorelines and diverse wildlife. What gives this area the “universal value” needed for UNESCO status is significance in ongoing ecological and biological processes, evolution and biogeography; the micro-evolutionary processes and development of communities of plants and animals; the exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; and the significant natural habitats set aside for the conservation of biological diversity.

The medieval hilltop city of Cittadella is an area of unofficial cultural heritage on Malta's sister island of Gozo. Photo courtesy of flickr/Bada2222

Cittadella, Gozo

Also on the island of Gozo, Cittadella is an ancient hilltop village, the original settlement of which dates back to the Bronze Age. From this elevated vantage point, the earliest inhabitants could keep an eye on coastal waters and defend the island. Some of the most important Baroque architectural remnants in Cittadella are the cathedral, the prisons, the law courts and the old Bishop’s Palace. Concern about deposits in the vicinity that are being disturbed without prior scientific investigation help Cittadella also meet the criteria of a site of archaeological importance.

Fort St. Angelo, located at the tip of Birgu, is a great example of the various fortifications built by the Knights Hospitalier in the 16th century. It represents Malta's military cultural heritage. Photo courtesy of flickr/bazylek100

Knights’ Fortifications Around the Harbours of Malta

The island of Malta is located in a strategic position that has appealed to militaries throughout history. Defending the island has always been a top priority for its people. As a result, Malta contains one of the finest, most concentrated collections of military architecture in the world. In the 16th century, for example, the Hospitalier Knights began work on fortifying the Grand Harbour. They continued building ramparts at other strategic points, such as Birgu and L-Isla. Two hundred years of construction later, the Knights had erected a huge network of permanent fortifications, with the city of Valletta as a focal point.

In a visit to Mdina, the walled former capital city of Malta, you will pass through this decadent Baroque city gate. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/jean-Christophe

Mdina (Citta’ Vecchia)

Mdina is the old capital of Malta, and well worth a visit for its Baroque architecture and deep, layered history. Thousands of visitors each year flock to Mdina to see the sights and find out why it is nicknamed the Silent City. Highlights of a Mdina tour include passing though the walled city’s majestic gate and up to the imposing bastions, which open to panoramic views overlooking almost all of the island.

The Catacombs of St. Paul in Rabat, Malta, are an example of the island-wide cluster of catacombs that represents a rich cultural heritage. Photo courtesy of flickr/lloydi

Maltese Catacomb Complexes

Whereas much of Malta’s recognised cultural heritage dates back to medieval times, the republic’s network of catacombs traces its roots as far back as the Roman era of the 3rd to 7th centuries AD. The subterranean burial grounds are concentrated under the town of Rabat. Hewn out of live rock, they represent the co-mingling of religious traditions of the time; rites from Christianity, paganism and Judaism were all practiced within the walls of the catacombs.

The Victoria Lines are a series of walls and fortresses that fall right on the natural fault line that divides Malta in half. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Rolf Krahl

Victoria Lines Fortifications

The width of Malta is divided naturally by a geographical barrier called the Great Fault. In the 18th century, the Knights of Malta were the first to use this natural trait to their advantage: they built a series of military entrenchments to protect against invasion from the northern side of the island. Over the next century, the defenses developed into a string of walls and fortresses, armed heavily with cannons and guns. By 1907, the so-called Victoria lines lost their military importance and were abandoned.

Do you want an insider tour of Malta’s rich natural and cultural heritage? Get in touch with Mark and the team at EC Meetings, the whl.travel local connection in Malta for a local travel experiences with local Malta experts.

At Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the inside of the biertzelt (beer tent) is packed and lively. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Gutsul

But only Munich, Germany, is the home of the original Oktoberfest, where festival-goers begin gathering in front of immense beer-branded tents in the early hours of the morning, eagerly awaiting their turns in packed communal drinking areas. It’s the Mecca of brew, imitations of which have sprouted all over the globe, even in places as far away as Canada, Vietnam, Australia and Argentina.

In a tribute to Oktoberfest, The Travel Word brings you a selection of seven special brews from different parts of the world. Although beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, finding hidden gems requires a bit of digging, so we asked some of our WHL Group local partners across the globe to bring forth their beers of choice. Here are seven of the more surprising ones.

(For more just-as-surprising information about local drinks – and lots about local eats, check out our Culinary World Tour of Local Food.)

Baja Blond is the local's favourite beer in Los Cabos, Mexico

Mexico’s Cerveza of Choice

According to Karem Matamoros, the WHL Group local partner in Los Cabos, Baja Blond is the Mexican beer locals love. The fledgling brewery opened in 2007 in the Mexican state of California Sur and has already made its marks in the highly competitive world of brewing. Their hallmark is the Baja Blond “Cream Ale,” described as having a light golden colour, a whole-bodied flavour and a good balance of sweet and bitter. Locals abide by it and take great pride in promoting the only brewery in their state.

Travel to Los Cabos, Mexico, the home of Baja Blond, with Karem.

A local enjoys a fresh brew of artisanal 'pito' from a calabash shell in Ghana. Photo courtesy of Marian Thompson

Ghana’s Ethnic Beer

Marian Thompson, the whl.travel local partner in northern Ghana, gave us the scoop on pito, which is Ghana’s artisanal, village beer. It is brewed from fermented sorghum (also known as guinea corn) in the northern parts of the country, where it is very popular and widely consumed. Its production methods have remained traditional and are therefore quite labour-intensive, providing a number of people with a local livelihood. Traditionally, a calabash bowl is used to share pito, the ultimate refreshment under the scorching Ghanaian sun.

Travel to Northern Ghana with Marian, who can introduce you to pito, as well as other qualities of village life.

Cisk lager is a best-selling brew on the island of Malta. Photo courtesy of Marco Attard

Malta’s Favourite Malt Beverage

If you’re wandering through Malta’s history-imbued villages, do stop at a bar to try some brew. Simonds Farsons Cisk PLC is the Maltese beer company that Marco Attard, the WHL Group local partner in Malta, swears by. The veteran brewery opened in 1928 and has never changed the recipe or production process of its best-selling Cisk Lager, a golden-coloured, bottom-fermented beer with a distinctive and well-balanced character.

Travel to Malta with Marco for a taste of Cisk Lager.

Birra Tirana has a billboard display in downtown Tirana, Albania. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Rainchill

Albania’s Best Brew

When in Albania, do as the Albanians do, which is drink lots of local brew. Albania’s Birra Tirana is the beer that the WHL Group’s local travel expert, Laura Payne, prefers. Only the freshwater sources of Tirana’s surrounding mountains are drawn upon to manufacture this prized drink. Critics seem to agree it has a nice colour with moderate carbonation. The aroma is smooth and richly malty.

Travel to Albania with Laura, who also knows the Albanian Alps from which Birra Tirana’s waters flow.

Itaipava is a big hit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, especially when served ice-cold in the summer. Photo courtesy of Luiz Renato Malcher

Brazil’s Carioca Beer

Luiz Renato Malcher, the WHL Group local expert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, says that Cariocas (people from Rio) love their pints of Itaipava beer. Why? For starters, it is lighter than the others and can be drunk in larger quantities on a hot sunny day without making you feel full. It is best served trincando, as locals say, which means near-frozen. Known to be a light-bodied, soft and rounded beer, it is distinctively sweet and grainy on the palate. To enjoy a chilled Itaipava on Rio’s beach strip with a nice view of the sea is a classic Rio moment.

Travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Luiz and learn where to get the best Itaipava.

Pilsener, one of two very popular beers in Quito, Ecuador, competes with Club for #1 status. Photo courtesy of Maria Fernanda Cabascango

Ecuador’s Draft Duo

A palpable rivalry reigns between Ecuador’s two best lager beers. Even Maria Fernanda Cabascango and Sebastian Sierra, the WHL Group local partners in Quito, Ecuador can’t come to a consensus. Maria vouches for Pilsener, whereas Sebastian is a staunch defender of Club. Pilsener pours with a pale yellow colour and a creamy white head. It is brilliantly clear and has a distinct corn edge to its flavour. Club beer, while also a clear lager, picks up a noticeable earthy and peppery flavour from the hops. Guess you’ll have to visit Quito to decide for yourself!

Travel to Quito, Ecuador, with Maria and Sebastian, and plan for Pilsener-or-Club blind taste test.

A window display of craft beers at Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano, Argentina. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Ord

The Argentinean Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Argentina – a country known more for its fine wines than its beers – is one of the largest outside of Germany. At this time of year especially, the village of Villa General Belgrado (in the province of Cordoba in the Argentine Pampas) draws large crowds interested in its cervezas artesanales (craft beers). Wandering the streets of Villa General Belgrado with giant beer steins (or mass as the Germans call them) in hand, Oktoberfest-goers are transported into a little piece of Germany in the southern hemisphere. The town was founded by two Germans in 1930 and their influence is obvious; buildings have characteristically Bavarian facades, shops sell handmade strudel and chocolate, and microbreweries supply craft beer.

Cynthia Ord, the manager at WHL Assist, is currently headquartered in Argentina and reports that the variety and quality of local craft beers is impressive; you can find lagers, stouts and all sorts of creative brews. During the two-week Oktoberfest celebration, when hordes of people enjoy spring weather and asado (barbecue), the goal is to keep your stein full of something until the small hours of the morning, reminding you that you are in Argentina after all.

The Monte Toboggan on Portugal's Madeira Island is just one of many ways locals have created to get from one place to another, ways that we believe are a vital part of a local travel experience

We believe that the different forms of local transport are unique qualities of a place that, when experienced, are a vital part of a local travel experience. To know a place is to get around it the way local people do: cramming yourself into a chicken bus in South America, throwing caution to the wind in a tuk-tuk in Southeast Asia or boarding a ferry in Africa. We dare you to give them a try! We’re sure you will find these rides to be a brilliant bonding experience with locals.

To inspire you… and in honour of our recent focus on local transport, we asked our network of local travel professionals all over the world to give us a glimpse of the best local conveyances in their destinations. Their responses are as varied as they are colourful – everything from trains and boats and buses to animal power and bicycles and three-wheeled wonders.

We’re pleased to present this gallery of the best of local transport inside the whl.travel network.To make it work:
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Trains on the Right Track

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Bicycles Worldwide

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Buses Not to Miss

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Muscle Power

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Transport on the Water

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Three-Wheeled Wonders

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After working in hotels for a number of years, Gatt decided to start his own company specialising in business travel to Malta. EC Meetings Malta later developed a leisure side to the business, which led to the current partnership with whl.travel.

Mark Gatt, the whl.travel local partner in Malta, has a lifetime of professional tourism experience, starting at age 14 with work in hotels and restaurants

WHL Group: Which is your favourite WHL Group destination and which would you most like to visit?
Mark: That’s a tough question with so much to see and so little time to do so. To narrow it down, I would have to say a country from either South America or Southeast Asia. That’s probably because the cultures are very different from European culture and I love change. If you really twist my arm, I would have to vote for Cambodia.

WHLG: What would you never travel without?
Mark: A good book. I find it hard to sleep on planes and can get nervous if I don’t have anything to do. On a plane, I normally get a few hours of uninterrupted reading, which is something I do not get back home.

WHLG: What do you miss most about home when travelling?
Mark: It will have to be my mattress and pillow. Years back, I had a back operation and, during my recovery, it was recommended I buy a special mattress and pillow. Since then I find it very difficult to get a bed that offers the same level of comfort.

WHLG: What’s the most adventurous trip you’ve ever taken?
Mark: It would probably be Mexico about 10 years ago with a mate of mine. All we had was a flight to and from the country and nothing was pre-booked. I remember the flight landed late and we spent our first night sleeping on the beach with our luggage. From then on it was moving from place to place, meeting new people and deciding the next stop as went along, trying all that was offered along the route. Great fun!

WHLG: What is your funniest travel experience?
Mark: My friends and I were in Mykonos, in the Greek islands, and we were all up for a good night out. After a nice dinner, we hit the bars and I remember a certain Scandinavian bar that did pretty well on us. We danced and drank the night away and when we walked out, we could hardly stand. Trying to look for a cab home was not proving to be easy until we found a cabstand with a long queue of people waiting. Much to my embarrassment now, we decided to skip the whole queue and jump into the first cab that came, creating an uproar. The driver had no option but to take us to our place.

Mark Gatt expanded the portfolio of EC Meetings from business travel only to include leisure tourism in Malta as well. Now they help travellers who come both to work hard and to play hard.

When we got out of the cab, we still had quite a walk. Somewhere along the way we came across a tractor, which a friend and I immediately jumped onto. The tractor had the key in the ignition, so we just started it up only to be deafened by its noise that soon woke up the whole neighbourhood. As soon as we heard the noise we jumped out of the tractor without turning it off and ran through a construction site. We jumped over some kind of wall and I fell, badly grazing my ribs against an iron bar. Of course, the alcohol proved to be a good painkiller for the night, but next morning the pain was quite intense. I had a cut that looked like Zorro’s mark. Although it has healed and faded with time I still have the scar to remind me of our foolishness.

All this was years ago and I can say in my defense that I have matured quite a bit since then!

WHLG: What is your scariest travel experience?
Mark: I was in Spain, sailing with my friends from Majorca to Ibiza. With the weather forecast being very good, we set off for a 16-hour nighttime sail. After dinner I went off to my cabin to sleep only to be woken up about two hours later by some rough seas. When I got up to the deck, I could see that the wind had picked up quite a bit. It looked like a storm was coming our way from the west. Sure enough it did and the waves were soon coming from everywhere and covering the whole boat. We were still eight hours from Ibiza and I must admit that these were the scariest eight hours of my life! The guys were on deck and harnessed to the boat, whilst the gals were in the galley feeling very ill. We tried to call for assistance but to no avail. When we finally arrived in the harbour, green in the face, we found out that there was no place to tie up and go to land. After a lot of begging and paying handouts later, we managed to find a place for the boat. We slept for the rest of the day!

WHLG: If you could go on holiday with anyone famous – living or dead – who would you take?
Mark: I would travel with Pope John Paul II – a great man!

WHLG: Describe the best and worst accommodation you’ve ever stayed in.
Mark: The best accommodation was recently at the W Hotel in Koh Samui. It was the last stop on my honeymoon and I wanted to pamper my wife. We had our own private pool and luxury suite. It was really special!

As for the worst it would be a hostel in Amsterdam. I know that there are great ways to travel there but when I think about what I saw in the place we had booked, I cringe!

Mark Gatt (centre) celebrates his wedding with the staff of EC Meetings Malta

WHLG: Describe your earliest travel memory.
Mark: At around age 8, I went to London with my parents. I remember them taking me to the zoo and trying to show me the interesting animals there. I was not interested in the least and as soon as they took their eyes off me I found myself ducking under the turnstile and wandering out into the street. We had been at the zoo for less than an hour and my parents had to walk out after me and find something else to amuse me.

WHLG: Please briefly explain what you think local travel is.
Mark: Local travel is discovering the real beauty of a place. More often than not, people join group tours to see the popular sites, dine in ‘local’ restaurants and stay in chain hotels. Although there is nothing wrong with this style, the traveller is just a spectator. The locals normally frequent different places than the tourists, so in order to get an authentic experience of the destination you need to choose a partner who has his ears on the ground. Don’t just observe; participate!

WHLG: In what ways do you see local travel benefiting the country in which you live?
Mark: Local travel is the most sustainable type of tourism because most of the income goes to the locals. This helps keep the culture and heritage alive, minimises social impact and helps generate greater opportunities for local people, amongst other benefits. I am a supporter of local travel in the Maltese islands, as I believe this is a means of maintaining our traditions, as well as sustaining our economy.

Exploring this market offers the opportunity to be a part of the true tradition and lifestyle of the people living in Marsaxlokk. Fishing is the primary occupation of the village’s residents and Malta’s fish supplies are met mainly by what is caught here.

The luzzu boats, pictured above, are perfect examples of an untouched Marsaxlokk tradition. They are painted in the bright colours of red, yellow, blue and green. The colours of the boats have remained unchanged for generations as a result of the superstitions and beliefs of the fisherman who use them. In addition, each boat bears a pair of eyes called the ‘Eyes of Osiris’. This symbol is believed to protect the boats from any ill fate.

These bright boats sail near the harbour area everyday. They look striking and are a huge draw for visitors when exploring the area.

On the southern coast of Malta, the Mediterranean Sea has carved a natural swimming pool into a rocky limestone inlet. This little-known spot, known as St Peter's Pool, is a favourite among locals.

Relaxing by the side of any body of water is an essential part of the vacation unwind. Whether it’s a pool naturally carved into a limestone rock inlet by the Mediterranean sea or manmade creation of indulgence and pleasure, whether you want to plunge or splurge on an island like Malta, Malta has picturesque pleasures aplenty.

At the Water’s Edge

The main island of Malta has world-class bays and beaches on all sides. A combination of sun-bleached limestone rock formations and the clear, deep turquoise waters leaves visitors rubbing their sunglass lenses in disbelief. Legendary coastlines such as the Blue Grotto and the fringe of Malta’s sister island of Gozo are the stuff of island vacation fantasy. The underwater landscape is just as mesmerizing.

The sand, sun and sea of Malta attract droves of tourists to the most popular spots on the island. Is there anything left for those seeking the quiet pleasures of a sea swim without a thick crowd of sunbathers to trip over? Yes there is. Avoid the masses at a secret little bay known as St. Peter’s Pool, then treat yourself to the privacy and deep relaxation of luxury spa treatment.

St. Peters Pool: A Natural Haven for Swimming and Diving

St. Peter’s Pool is situated on the southern coast of Malta at the tip of Delimara Point, which overlooks Marsaxlokk Bay. It is surrounded by some of the more traditional island scenes: harbours for fishing boats, small villages, limestone quarries and local markets that are off the trampled mass-tourism path. On this southern side of the island, the water is some of the clearest and most beautiful that one can see on the Maltese Islands.

St. Peter’s Pool is a rocky inlet that almost looks like a swimming pool carved naturally into the rocks. It is popular amongst locals from nearby villages; however, it is rarely ever crowded since it is somewhat hidden and not easy to reach. Day-trippers need to be willing to do some travelling and walking to get to this stunning spot. The walk is part of the pleasure, giving way to coastal views all along the way.

The reward is a perfect postcard moment. From the pool’s edge, there is a drop of several metres into the water. The daring just jump in and enjoy. For the more inhibited, there is a lower entry point from which it’s easy to float out with a snorkel and stare into a subaquatic dreamscape.

On Malta, the décor of the heated indoor pool of Sliema's Le Meriden Hotel and Spa parallels the bright whites and turquoise blues of the Mediterranean coast, although this bathing experience is about shade, serenity and indulgence.

Luxury Spa Treatment

After this off-the-beaten-track day trip, some pampering and relaxation might be in order. One advantage of Malta’s mass-tourism infrastructure is the upscale treatment facilities in spas and resorts at all the most popular areas of the island.

The city of Sliema is the place to splurge in Malta spas. It is home to some of the most exclusive shopping districts, and the hotels in Sliema are some of the most modern in Malta, specialising in world-class wellness centres and spas. One of the newest additions is the five-star Fortina Hotel and Spa Resort. Between four different spa locations, they have a menu of over 400 different spa indulgences, making it a premier facility.

For a more local experience, Le Meridien Hotel has its own wellness centre, the Lotus Spa Myoka, where personalised treatments pamper the body and mind. A highlight of the Lotus Spa Myoka is the indoor heated pool in a beautifully landscaped atmosphere. To catch the rays of Mediterranean sunshine, you can also wander out to La Bajja outdoor pool.

Thinking of going to Malta? Contact EC Meetings, the whl.travel local connection in Malta. As a small destination-management company working on the ground in Malta, the EC MEetings enthusiastic team of travel experts knows more about the distinctive accommodations and tours on the islands than almost anybody. Check out their selection of Malta hotels and Malta tours.

Here is our selection of five great places for a Carnival carouse outside of Brazil.

Costumes are key in the Carnival celebration on the Maltese island of Gozo. Some take the disguise aspect so seriously that they will conceal their identities completely by remaining silent. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Thyes

Malta and Gozo

The central Mediterranean island of Malta is known to spiral into madness, absurdity and lively celebrations for the five days of Carnival, the most colourful event on the Maltese calendar. The holiday has been celebrated in Malta since the 16th century, giving it a momentum that has been building for hundreds of years.

The small island of Gozo, just to the northwest of Malta, is particularly notorious for its own version of Carnival, hosted in its capital city of Victoria on It-Tokk, its main square, and in the village of Nadur. Gozitans take pride in their parallel and distinct celebration of Carnival, which they sometimes interpret a little differently than their Maltese counterparts.

For example, in Nadur, the costumes take on a whole new level of absurdity, highlighting the grotesque and ensuring complete anonymity. In fact, in Nadur, the masqueraders are so serious about remaining unrecognised that they will don sacks, sheets, wigs and outrageous makeup. They will even stay silent to conceal their voices, which is why the party in Nadur is known as the Silent Carnival.

Each village around Rijeka, Croatia, has its own distinctive bellringer costume that appears in the International Rijeka Carnival, one of the biggest in Europe. Animal masks are most common, but variations include flower hats and coloured paper streamer headpieces. Photo courtesy of Kvarner County Tourist Board on Flickr/whltravel

Kvarner, Croatia

Croatia is another Mediterranean country with a flair for celebrating Carnival. Its all-out annual festival is headquartered in the coastal city of Rijeka in the Kvarner region, which plays host to huge street parties, costumes and parades that draw masses of people.

Croatia’s own traditions and customs make its Carnival party unique, and the most iconic revellers are the bell ringers. Shepherding in the Carnival magic, the bell ringers dress in lambs-wool costumes and huge animal masks. They band together along a procession route from village to village, and ring the bells they wear around their waists. Bell ringers from each region have their own costume and musical walk, but all of them play the same role: to ward off evil spirits. Villagers welcome them with wine and refreshments.

The several days of Carnival in Croatia culminate with a massive procession in Rijeka. The International Carnival Parade tends to be around five kilometres long, with thousands of participants from both Croatia and abroad. They outdo themselves each festival season with elaborate costumes and decorations for their floats. Spectator numbers surpass 100,000, forming a sea of masks, merriment and revelry.

The Tourism Board of Seychelles is excited to promote its first annual International Carnival of Victoria, kicking off a new tradition of large-scale celebration that will rival the biggest Carnival parties worldwide

Victoria, Seychelles

The Seychelles sells itself as a “melting pot of cultures,” an appropriate slogan given the rich blend of influences and traditions that characterise this island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is also fitting that the island aspires to host the biggest international celebration of Carnival worldwide.

This year, from March 4th to 6th, Seychelles’ capital city of Victoria, found on Mahe Island, hopes to attract the representatives of Carnival celebrations from all around the globe to an international melting pot of festivities. The initiative came from the Seychelles Tourism Board, which is planning this high-profile event as a showcase for both participating countries and for Seychelles itself as a premier international destination.

Alain St. Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, told reporters “We envisage attracting a strong and varied contingent from abroad. Pledges of support have been given by several international carnivals and others probably including South Africa.”

The paint and plumage of Carnival costumes in Madeira, Portugal, reveal the vibrancy of one of Europe's most famous street parties. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jamie Neely

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a Portuguese island that has long been a destination for fun lovers and pleasure seekers. The capital city, Funchal, certainly knows how to host a party! Its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display reaches Guinness World Record proportions and its celebration of Carnival has gained notoriety as one of Europe’s most raging street festivals.

This year (2011), the festival begins on the 5th of February and lasts until the 8th. Thousands of participants will fill the streets in outlandish costumes that rival the most exquisite plumage and glam in Rio de Janeiro. Samba bands will play music in the streets, providing a baseline for days of dancing, singing and merrymaking.

As with many of the Carnival celebrations worldwide, Madeira’s is a burlesque. Costumes are caricatures of famous personages and parade floats are fun-poking allegories on wheels. After four days of fiesta, the revelry finally winds down for the seriousness of lent.

Unlike in Rio, the dances in Oruro never change because each one corresponds to a Bolivian folk story. The Caporales dancers shown above are presenting the story of the Yungueno slaves, and their rich costumes show the money that their slave owners paid for (and profited from) them. Photo courtesy of Maureen Valentine

Oruro, Bolivia

At 3,708.5 metres of elevation, high in Bolivia’s altiplano, is the cultural centre of the nation for the 10 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. During this time of the year, Oruro shows its true Carnival colours with ornate costumes, pumping music and plenty of heavy drinking.

An intermingling of pagan beliefs with the Catholic faith, typical Bolivian dance groups like the Morendaas, Tinus, Caporales and Llameradas parade through town and act out myths from Bolivian culture while dressed in elaborate garb that has taken the entire year to fashion. Two of the major players are the devil and the archangel and when they both arrive in the Carnival stadium on Sunday morning before Lent, there is a battle of dance that symbolises the confrontation of good and evil.

During the day, wearing a poncho and glasses is advisable; local children are out in full force with water balloons and spray foam to attack any easy targets – and gringos are notably easy targets. Also, a wise traveller books reservations in advance; the arid highlands of Bolivia can be unpleasantly cold and this small town of 250,000 will swell to more than double its size during Carnival.

That said, it’s hard to find a subject that stirs as much pride, interest, passion and debate as a discussion of cuisine. Getting to grips with the local grub is as much a part of the travel experience as immersing oneself in the local culture, engaging with local people and learning the local lingo; it is definitely one of the highlights of any trip.

Thanks to the efforts of our whl.travel and Urban Adventures local partners around the globe, we’ve managed to assemble a pretty extensive selection of typical local appetisers, soups and stews, main dishes, vegetarian dishes, desserts, drinks and snacks and street foods, many even with recipes, but all recommended by inside local experts.

So start by using our photo gallery below, limber up your jaw and start munching!

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Appetisers

Soups & Stews

Main Dishes

Vegetarian Dishes

Desserts

Drinks

Snacks & Street Food

Competition is fierce for the invitation-only right to set up shop in the coveted 'Traditions' section at Lima's Mistura food festival. This special space devoted to good, old-fashioned Peruvian street food featured tamales as a highlight in 2010.

Peru, a True Culinary Crossroads

September sees Peru‘s grand culinary fiesta, Mistura, take place in the Parque de la Exposición in central Lima. This weeklong extravaganza features renowned local and international chefs celebrating the country’s cultural and culinary melting pot, which boasts influences from Africa, China, Japan, Spain, Italy and the Middle East. One of the highlights is the ‘Traditions’ section, which is dedicated to the versatility and endless variety of Peruvian street food with stalls selling much-loved goodies such as anticuchos, tamales, sandwiches and sweets.

Pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, is actually the fruit of the cardon cactus. Native to Mexico, it is also cultivated in parts of Asia.

Prickly and Fruity in Baja Mexico

Every summer, the coastal area of Los Cabos at the southern tip of Mexico‘s Baja California Sur, likes to show its appreciation for the pitahaya (dragon fruit) harvest, during the famous Feria de la Pitahaya. Held in the charming village of Miraflores, just 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, this festival is, as one might suspect, all about this succulent fruit of the cardon cactus, with homemade pitahaya ice cream and candy, as well as fresh fruit and a crowning ceremony for the pitahaya queen, as well as the less fruit-focused pursuits of donkey racing and arts and crafts contests, all accompanied by the mellifluous strains of music from a mariachi band.

San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize plays host to the annual San Pedro Lobsterfest. The last and longest of the three lobsterfests in Belize, it's five fun-filled days of BBQs, carnivals, block parties, cocktail parties, pub crawls and music.

A Belizean Fishy Fiesta

With 198 miles of Caribbean coastline and the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, Belize can always be counted on to feature its fresh fish and shellfish cooking. To celebrate the start of lobster season (in June), there are annual summer lobster fests that kick off in Placencia Village before moving on to the island of Caye Caulker and wrapping up at the San Pedro Lobsterfest in the main town on the island of Ambergris Caye. The towns slip into lobster lunacy, as stalls selling all manner of lobster dishes set up along the streets and beaches, bands play day and night, and the rum and beer shacks are in full swing. With most restaurants offering all-you-can-eat lobster buffets as well, this two-week party is guaranteed to satisfy your king-of-crustaceans urges until next season.

Cooking and Culture in Australia and Portugal

Australia has a large Greek population, so it is only fitting that there be celebrations of Hellenic hospitality. The city of Brisbane has its own in the form of the Paniyiri Greek Festival in late May. This largest cultural festival in the state of Queensland is in its 34th year and is a three-day extravaganza of food, drink, fashion, fireworks, music, eating contests, grape stomping, dancing and cooking demonstrations, all adding up to more than 50 hours of non-stop entertainment. Zorba would be proud!

Machico Gastronomy Week on the island of Madeira, Portugal, is one of the highlights of the island's social calendar. Not just content to showcase local cuisine, the event also features a very popular cocktail festival.

The Portuguese island of Madeira celebrates Machico Gastronomy Week at the beginning of August. Visitors and locals descend on the seaside town of Machico, famous for being the landing point of Madeira’s first settlers, to enjoy a vast array of local dishes and delicacies. Although there are a few other food fests on the island, this one draws the biggest crowds and culinary talents and acts as a showcase of traditional Madeiran cuisine and produce with the aim of widening its appeal beyond the island. Food is of course the rich principal attraction, but the addition of sports tournaments, live concerts featuring local bands and artists, and even a cocktail festival adds to the fun.

Wet Your Whistle in India (wine), Malta (beer) and South Africa (whisky)

Proudly billed as Malta‘s largest free outdoor festival, the Farsons Great Beer Festival has celebrated the humble ale annually in since 1981. The 10-day mid-summer festival boasts over 300 hours of music, 40 live performances from local bands, 15 bars, two stages, a daily beer drinking competition and a variety of international cuisines complemented by a large selection of beers produced and imported by Farsons. The bars and souvenir stalls also sell the official festival beer mug, which has become quite a collector’s item!

A wine festival in India like the Grape Escapade Festival in Goa might seem rather unusual, but the country does actually produce both decent vintages. Of course, there are a few wacky interpretations thrown in for good measure. Herb-infused health wine anyone?

The beginning of every year sees wine fever hit India’s small, southwest state of Goa with the Grape Escapade Wine and Haute Cuisine Festival. Going strong since 2005, it attracts India’s biggest wine makers, guaranteeing some great local nectar. In addition to some traditional grape crushing, which lures in participants eager to dance barefoot in a vast tub of grapes, the event features free wine tastings, top-notch nosh in the food courts, dancers, fire-breathers, artists, fashion shows, live music and the crowning of the Grape Escapade Queen. Started by the Goa Tourism Development Organisation as a fun platform to promote Goan lifestyle, culture, food and drink, the event has certainly done that and more and regularly attracts between four and five thousand visitors a day.

South Africa pays its respects to the aqua vitae with both Cape Town and Johannesburg playing host to a three-day FNB Whisky Live Festival every November. With the Scotch Whisky Association confirming the spirit is fast becoming a tipple of choice to young, upwardly mobile South Africans, it’s little wonder that this is the largest whisky and lifestyle event of its kind, attracting more visitors and brands than any other whisky festival globally. Divided into zones, the display area is definitely not short of attractions, including a chance to sample over 180 whisky varieties in the tasting hall, expert workshops and tutorials on whisky jargon, distillation and cocktail making, guided tours and food and whisky pairing. The event is capped off with a big party, where everyone still standing can indulge further before heading home to sleep it off.

This tasty snack comes in a variety of different flavours and it seems as if each neighbourhood has its signature man'oushe. It can be baked in a brick oven for a slightly plumper bread or rolled out thin and cooked on top of a domed griddle called a saj. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Nsaum75

The All-Day Breakfast

For a country overflowing with street food outlets from the humble pushcart to the more upmarket corner shop, it’s a tough call to crown one particular delicacy king of the cheap eats in Lebanon. If there must be one clear winner, however, it has to be the humble man’oushe, a freshly baked unleavened bread spread liberally with za’atar (an aromatic mix of thyme, sumac spice, sesame seeds and olive oil), which could almost be thought of as a tasty Lebanese take on pizza. It’s served folded, which means it’s perfect for eating on the hoof and makes an ideal breakfast treat on the way to work. The nation’s favourite snack has a number of variations, including a cheese topping using jibneh arabieh (similar to feta) or a ground beef topping called lahmeh. Throw in a few chopped tomatoes and olives and you’ve got yourself one heck of a tasty snack!

The quintessential Maltese snack, pastizzi are pastries baked with either a ricotta-cheese or mushy-pea filling. Found throughout the islands, they are one of the cheapest bites you can get. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Chattacha

Baked Goodness

The small archipelago of Malta, situated slap-bang in the middle of the Mediterranean, is famed for its delicious pastizzi. These delectable diamond-shaped puff-pastries are filled with ricotta cheese or mashed peas, and can be bought from small fast-food shops called pastizzeriji, which open especially early on Sunday mornings to serve late-night revellers headed home from a night out. The two varieties can easily be told apart as the more popular pastizzi tal-irkotta (ricotta pastry) has a hole in it to show off the delicious filling, while the pastizzi tal-pizelli (pea pastry) does not. Lovers of vernacular may be interested to note that the word pastizzi (singular pastizz) is also a derogatory term for female genitalia in colloquial Maltese, probably due to the pastry’s suggestive shape. Despite the connotation, the pastries are a source of national pride. No visit to Malta is complete without a cheap and tasty pastizz or two.

Vegetarians Beware

The Southern African nation of Namibia is well known as a land of meat lovers for whom not just any meat will do. Only artery-clogging red meat satisfies this nation’s carnivorous tendencies. Beef is big business here and barbecues, much like the braai in neighbouring South Africa, can be found in every town.

The Namibian version is known as kapana and consists of strips of beef and fat grilled to perfection on open stoves, generously seasoned with chilli, salt or peri-peri and served wrapped in newspaper. These tasty morsels can also be sandwiched in fried doughnut-type buns, fittingly called ‘fat cakes.’ The barbecuing is traditionally men’s work, but women are often on hand to help serve up the fat cakes. The perfectly prepared kapana has a strong, smoky barbecue flavour, with the meat succulent and juicy and the fat crisp on the outside. The bustling markets of Katutura township in the capital city of Windhoek are the best places to find this tasty soul food.

A Little Something for the Health Conscious

If you think the promise of a calorie-induced heart attack is a prerequisite to qualify as authentic street food, think again. The hot and sticky Indonesian climate means the refreshing street eat known as rujak (Malay for “mixture”) is a popular choice for snackers. It’s a simple concoction consisting of a cup of mixed fresh fruit or vegetables topped with rujak sauce and peanuts. The sweet and sour rujak sauce is similar to Chinese hoisin and is made from water, gula jawa (palm sugar), asem jawa (tamarind), ground peanuts, terasi (shrimp paste), salt and chilli.

Found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (where it is known as rojak), rujak consists of sliced fruit or vegetables that are then covered in a sweet, sour and spicy dressing and topped off with chopped peanuts. There are innumerable variations of the ingredients and sauces, so no two rujaks need ever be the same! Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Gunkarta Gunawan Kartapranata

Popular ingredients in a typical fruit rujak include jambu air (water apple), pineapple, mango, jicama (turnip), cucumber, kedondong (hog plum) and raw ubi jalar (sweet potato). The tartness of the fruit is nicely offset by the sweetness of the sauce, but those preferring a saltier flavour can ask for some sambal garam powder (salt and ground red chilli) on the side. The mix of sweet, sour and spicy flavours is said to be particularly popular among pregnant women, which may explain why a special fruit rujak is served during traditional baby shower ceremonies called Tujuh bulanan (meaning “seventh month”) on the island of Java. Locals believe if the rujak tastes sweeter the baby will be a girl and if spicier it signifies a boy.

Doughy, greasy and stodgy, Chilean sopaipillas are the ultimate comfort food for those cold, rainy days. The steaming bowl of sopaipilla pasada shown here in the background is the sweet version, served in a delicious syrup called chancaca. There are plenty of savoury alternatives too if you don't have a sweet tooth. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Warko2006

And for the Not So Health Conscious

The popular fast food known as sopaipilla can be found all over Latin America, but the version in Chile packs a little extra something. Here, the fried circles of dough are made with cooked squash (a Chilean staple) and this versatile comfort food can be either sweet or savoury. A variation of the snack is found on the island of Chiloé, where potatoes (sweet or plain) are used instead of squash. Sopaipilla pasada is served in chancaca, a warm cane sugar syrup flavoured with orange peel and cinnamon. It’s a perfect winter warmer that is also traditionally eaten on rainy afternoons with a cup of tea as a carb-laden pick-me-up. The savoury alternatives substitute chancaca for pebre, a sauce made from tomatoes, chopped onion, oil, salt, and chopped coriander or parsley. Jalepeño sauces are also popular for a bit of kick. Sopaipilla vendors can be found throughout the country plying the streets with their pushcarts and this simple dish is also often served in restaurants to whet the appetite.

The small but dynamic Mediterranean island nation of Malta is bursting at the seams with things to see and do. Beaches, forts, culture, history, quaint Malta hotels, colourful carnivals and lively performances — Malta has it all. The islanders are charming people and whether it is their warmth or the balmy climate that wins you over, Malta is sure to become a hot favourite on your holiday list.

A view of Valletta's Grand Harbour as seen from the Fortress

Up to now, Malta has been promoted as a beach-holiday or incentive-trip destination without actually emphasising its rich culture, great history and the beautiful environment to be explored. However, whl.travel’s recent launch of www.maltahotels.com.mt brings the team of EC Meetings to their global network, heading into another dimension to spotlight Malta in a different and unique way.

Says the team of EC Meetings about joining the network: “When we came across whl.travel, this turned out to be the perfect opportunity to promote Malta in this distinctive way. We strongly believe in whl.travel’s values of respect for the cultural, socio-economic and environmental aspects of tourism destinations. The organisation’s mission to offer a unique online booking service to travellers by taking these values into account when promoting our beautiful Mediterranean island is very much in line with out way of thinking and doing things. As sustainable tourism is reaching great importance in today’s global society, we are incredibly keen to contribute to this phenomenon by the preservation of our local culture and natural environment.”

The launch of www.maltahotels.com.mt brings another Mediterranean country to those represented by the whl.travel network, including Albania, Croatia, Greece, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. Destinations currently include other islands - Corfu and Santorini – with more to come in the months ahead.

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IN MALTESE / BIL MALTI

Il gzira ta’ Malta fil-Mediterran, zghira imma  dinamika, fiha hafna x’wiehed jista’ jara u jaghmel.  Ramliet ghal-ghawm , fortizzi, kultura, storja, lukandi ta’ stil varji, karnivali mlewnin u wirjiet hajjin – Malta ghandha dan kollu! Il maltin huma dhulin u li jilqghuk. Dan forsi minhabba  l-klima Mediterranjau balsamika li jigbduk. Malta zgur li ser issir il-favorita fil-lista tal-btala taghkom.

Azure Window on Malta's sister island of Gozo

Sa issa Malta giet murija bhala post ta’ btala ghal-ghawm, jew incentivata bhala destinazzjoni minghajr ma inghata enfasi fuq il-kultura sinjura, storja kbira u ambjent mill-isbah u li jistghu jigu esplorati. Il-bidu ta’  whl.travel dan l-ahhar fuq il- website www.maltahotels.com.mt giebet it-tim ta’ ECMeetings lejn ix-xibka globali taghhom li mxiet lejn dimenzoni ohra biex timmira lil Malta f’dawl uniku u differenti.

It-tim ta’ EC Meetings jghid dan rigward li jrid jinghaqad ma’ din il-linja ta’ xoghol: “Meta sirna nafu lil whl.travel, indunajna li kienet oportunita perfetta biex nippromovu lil Malta b’mod li jurina min ahna. Nemmnu ahna bl-aktar mod qawwi fil-valuri ta’ whl.travel f’dak li hija il-kultura, is-socju-ekonomiku u l-ambjent ta’ destinazzjonijiet ta’ turizmu. Il-missjoni tal-organizzazzjoni taghna, li toffri servizz uniku “online” go ufficcju minn fejn jinxraw il-biljetti tal-vjaggaturi, billi tiehu f’konsiderazzjoni dawn il-valuri meta tippromovi lill-gzira sabiha taghna fil-Mediterran, hija hafna fil-linja taghna bil-mod kif nahsbuha u naghmlu l-affarijiet. Peress li t-turizmu sostenibbli qieghed iwassal ghal importnza kbira fis-socjeta globali tl-lum, ahna ghattxana li nikkontribixxu ghal dan il-fenominu billi nippromovu l-kultura lokali u l-ambjent naturali.”

Il-bidu ta’ www.maltahotels.com.mt ser iggib ghal tnax in-numruta nazzjonijiet representati fix-xoghol ta’ whl.travel, li jinkludu lil Albanija, Kroazia, Cipru, Grecja, Lebanon, Montenegro, Marokk, Spanja, Sirja u Turkija. Id-destinazzjonijet jinkludu tnejn gzejjer ohra, bhal Korfu, u jista’ jkun hemm aktar fix-xhur li gejjin.