MALTA - Nadur

Nadur is situated on the most eastern hill of the small island of Gozo, Maltas sister-island. Nadur, a lofty, lookout plateau, has a population of around 4800 people, which makes Nadur one of the largest localities in Gozo. Nadurs emblem shows the sun merging from blue seas with the motto Vigilant, which means watchful against danger.

While most of the population lives in the centre of the village, numerous residential areas are found in all sides of Nadur. Housing areas look over beautiful valleys. Others have marvellous views of the island of Comino and Malta. However, wherever you are in Nadur, you can notice foreign flags flying on top of private houses.

The US, Canadian, Australian and British flags clearly highlight Western ties and show signs of returning immigrants. Nadur is one of the villages in Malta with a long tradition of immigration. Fresh fruit like apples, peaches, pears, plums, oranges, lemon and melons from the fields of Nadur are distributed around all Malta and Gozo. Along Nadurs coastline, one can see the peaceful bays of San Blas, Dahlet Qorrot and Ramla. Dahlet Qorrot is a delightful small bay from where many anglers set sail every day.

The picturesque boathouses in Dahlet Qorrot were made from the original caves and ledges underneath the cliffs. Ta Sopu Tower, recently restored, lays half way through Dahlet Qorrot and San Blas. Like the village motto, Nadur is a watchhouse for the island. The Nadurin were good sentries who could spot danger on time and alarm the people.

There is another tower known as Kenuna Tower. This Tower was built in 1848, and served as a telegraph link between Malta and Gozo. Recently Kenuna tower was completely restored and is now serving communication purposes. The new Maltese Garden at Kenuna makes this area a must for all visitors. From here, one can enjoy one of the most magnificent views in the Maltese Islands.

The feast of Nadur Mnarja is celebrated on June 29 and by the 1720s a beautiful area known as Il-Buskett (little forest) was the site of the celebrations. The festival is very popular with honeymooners and the name suggests that there is a possible connection with the beginning of summer. It is derived from luminaria (illumination), and in fact it is a festival rooted in Maltese seasonal rituals and customs.

The Delicata Classic Wine Festival is the 3 rd weekend of August at Gnien il-Kunsill the biggest belvedere project done by the Nadur Local Council, overlooking fantastic sea-views between the islands of Comino and Malta A wide range of quality wines from a number of Malta grown grapes are available to taste throughout the gardens. Food areas are also set up with a range of international food (including Maltese) to complement the wines, as well as live entertainment from a number of artists throughout the event.