How to level up your Sicily family holiday this summer

May 23 2022

A family holiday is the perfect opportunity for children and teenagers to discover some of the world’s most gorgeous spots whilst also giving the adults some much-deserved downtime, which is why now is the right time to plan.

Sicily has always been a safe bet for Maltese family trips, offering incredible holiday destinations at reasonable prices, and this summer is the season to level it up with Virtu Ferries. If it’s a family holiday you’re looking for rest assured that Sicily is just the place you need to visit. Take a look at these incredible sights. and find out how you can level up your family holiday this summer!

Treat yourself at Taormina

There’s a reason why this destination has been nicknamed the pearl of the Mediterranean. Overlooking the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea sits the enchanting town of Taormina, an iconic tourist destination adorned with medieval architecture, sandy beaches and the Teatro Antico.

The city centre is a pedestrian-only area and in it, you will find a myriad of luxury stories, quaint cafés and an endless stream of selfie worthy-sights. No matter how old you are, Taormina is a definite must-visit when going to Sicily.

Chill at Cefalù

A hidden gem for some and a mandatory checkpoint for others, the charming town of Cefalù appeals to children, teens and adults alike. The cosmopolitan crescent of sea and sand is lined with historic sights, mouth-watering osterias & gelato spots and one of the most popular stretches of beach on Sicily’s entire Northern coast.

If you’re craving fresh air, sea breeze and the unmistakable taste of summer, you make look no further because you’ll find everything you’ll ever need in Cefalù.

Admire Agrigento

One of Sicily’s oldest cities and an absolute gold mine for history buffs of all ages; the ever-elegant Agrigento tells tales of the classical world whilst providing a classy backdrop for visitors who want to discover Sicily’s historic heritage for the first time.

With enchanting locations like the Valley of Temples, the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Kolymbetra Garden and so many more, the depth of this historic city knows no bounds.

Pursue Pozzallo

A key area in Sicily’s economic history and the South’s most important port for more than 700 years, the town offers much more than one would expect. Whilst still considered an important commercial and fishing port, Pozzallo has become one of Sicily’s prime tourist locations.

With four popular beaches, astounding views and a Blue Flag-certified reputation for cleanliness, water quality and ecological pedigree, Pozzallo should definitely find its place on your bucket list.

Capture Catania

Resting below the shadow of Mount Etna, Sicily’s second-largest city is home to 300,000 individuals who celebrate the historical and cultural heritage of Catania every single day. The list of landmarks is endless, with museums, parks, eateries and gardens aplenty.

Start at the internationally-recognised Duomo Square and work your way around Catania’s busy surroundings. From traditional street food vendors to monumental sights of Catanese baroque architecture, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolitan city.

Explore Etna & Etnaland

When mentioning holidays in Sicily, these two just go without saying. If you’re looking for a high-octane excursion with jaw-dropping views and unforgettable fun, don’t forget to tick these two boxes. Etnaland is South Italy’s biggest amusement park split into three amazing leisure parks; Themepark, Acquapark and Prehistoric Park.

Meanwhile, Mt. Etna is definitely worth a visit for being one of Sicily’s most popular landmarks, the highest active volcano in all of Europe and one of the most exciting Italian hiking locations with views you will never forget.

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So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sicily with Virtu Ferries and benefit from the best prices!

#MaltaDaily

Man assaulted in Hamrun suffering from grievous injuries

May 23 2022

Police were informed in the early hours of today that their assistance was needed after a man was assaulted in Hamrun in a bar.

The victim, a 54-year-old man of Somalian nationality entered thee Hamrun Police station and stated that he had been assaulted by some people while at the bar in Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp.

The man was taken to Mater Dei and confirmed to have sustained grievous injuries. The police have since then arrested two individuals, a 35-year-old from Birkirkara and a 17-year-old from San Gwann.

Police investigations are still ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Lip licking good! This is your sign to order Southern Fried Chicken ASAP

May 23 2022

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes offer the same indulgent satisfaction as a fresh, hot order of fried chicken and international franchise Southern Fried Chicken has been around to entertain our cravings for as long as we can remember. In such a busy and demanding world, treating yourself every now and then is as important as ever; sometimes you just have to give your body what it wants… and what it wants is fried chicken.

This is your sign to get yourself to your closest Southern Fried Chicken outlet and indulge in some of your favourite lip licking treats! Admit it, there’s nothing quite like tucking into a fresh, hot SFC meal and with the brand specialising in all things chicken, there’s definitely something for everyone. From their best-selling Empire Sandwich to the chicken spot’s Piri Piri options, tender super nuggets, chicken pieces with signature breading and hot and flakey wings for that spicy kick, SFC’s fresh, high-quality products are the ultimate comfort food and even we can’t say no to that.

…and if you really plan on feasting, the popular outlet also offers an astounding selection of sides such as mozzarella sticks, onion rings, mini kievs and freshly-made potato wedges with signature breading. To top it all off, if your fellow foodie feels like going for something different, Southern Fried Chicken also offer a number of healthy options such as salads and wraps.

So what are you waiting for? Head on down to one of SFC’s 4 Malta outlets in Zabbar, Birkirkara, Qormi and Mosta to secure yourself some lip-licking fried chicken and leave the rest to them. To readers from our sister island, you needn’t worry either as SFC also have a location in Gozo, allowing them to deliver their delicious food to Gozitans as well. The Gozo outlet is located in Mgarr and is now officially open for longer hours with a vaster menu so rest assured that your chicken cravings are sorted no matter where you’re from.

Send this to someone who LOVES FRIED CHICKEN.

#MaltaDaily

First human patient given cancer-killing virus for trial

May 23 2022

Scientists have injected the first ever patient with an experimental cancer-killing virus.

Called Vaxinia, the virus has been engineered to kill cancer cells whilst also increasing the body’s immune response to the disease. It is being hoped that the virus can help tackle advanced solid tumour cancers when combined with other drugs.

Vaxinia has proved successful in animals and the virus, known officially as CF33-hNIS, will have its true effectiveness revealed in this latest clinical trial.

In animal lab tests, the virus reduced the size of ovarian, pancreatic, lung, breast and colon cancer tumours. However, this does not mean that success in humans is guaranteed due to translation between species.

Still, lead study author Daneng Li expressed his optimism by saying that this is the time to further enhance the power of immunotherapy. The virus has the potential to improve outcomes for patients in their battle with cancer.

The trials are set to be completed by early 2025, and will test both the safety and optimal dose of Vaxinia. The virus will be test out in a Phase 1 trial of 100 cancer patients.

#MaltaDaily