Found at the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta is an archipelago composed of three islands: Malta, Comino and Gozo. Separated from Sicily by a distance of 93 kilometres and situated 288 km east of Tunisia. Malta in the East is the main island, whilst in Gozo you will find a hilly terrain and green countryside, plus coasts with high cliffs and jagged precipices.
Warm climate throughout the year
Numerous beautiful bays nestling amongst the rugged coastlines offer the perfect playground for beach and water sports lovers. Thanks to a mild climate with warm temperatures up to 30°C in summer because of the Sirocco effect, Malta is an excellent tourist destination.
Characterized by a relatively low amount of rainfall, the rainy season is from November to February. The coolest month is January, with a temperature around 15°C.
98% of the Maltese are Roman Catholic. Historically, Malta has been under the influence of Sicily for the last 4 centuries. A member of the European Union in 2004, part of the Schengen Agreement on December 21, 2007, and part of the Eurozone since January 2008, Malta has become a popular tourist destination. This can be attributed to, among other things, the warm and friendly welcome offered, varied tourist destinations, rich cultural heritage and its agreeable Subtropical-Mediterranean climate.
Where to go, where to shop
Among the sights and cities to discover, Valetta is notable, with its old-city charm, and further down the island is the Hypogeum at Paola. Towering on the hill in the centre of Gozo, Victoria Citadelle includes several museums, including:
- Museum of Natural History
- Museum of Archaeology
- Museum of Folklore
Shopping in Malta combines modernity and tradition. Artisan crafts can be purchased at markets and in smaller stores. Available items can vary from pottery to fine silverware, sea salt to honey and aromatic herbs. One of the local specialties is salted caper that tastes very unique and delicious.
Among the local festivals, there is a church festival that lasts the whole month of July. The month of August ends off with a fireworks display.
Popular diving destination
Diving attracts many followers. The sport is promoted through the many diving schools and clubs in Malta. Diving places are scattered between Gozo, Comino and Malta and you are likely to see a diverse sea life including damselfish, goatfish, groupers, octopuses and moray eels. There are many other watersports options, such as canoeing, sailing and windsurfing for the non-diver.
Wildlife is almost non-existent in Malta despite the discovery of prehistoric fossils of elephants and hippopotamuses. If plantlife is scarce in most places, the valleys are dotted with orange groves, protected by the cliffs of Dingli. If for a non-existent forest, there are at least shrub species like sumac, oleander, pine trees or the pomegranate. Imported species growing in the country include hibiscus, ficus and bougainvillea.
A lively nightlife
Like many tourist cities, Malta has a vibrant nightlife, particularly in Saint Julians, where you can find many lively locales, such as restaurants, bars, casinos and clubs. In the summer, sidewalk cafes and similar popular places are invaded by tourists who want to drink and listen to practicing musicians. The many restaurants, bars and cafes are open at night to serve you. The largest club is Axis, which can house more than 3,000 people and uses laser technology for added effect. In the Paceville neighborhood, you can get lost among the various dance clubs, bowling alleys and movie theatres.
Karaoke fans can go to bars designed exclusively for this activity, but those looking for a unique experience could try some of the floating nightclubs. Marine companies often organize parties during the weekends. Restaurants and nightclubs are located on the bay of Spinola and entertainment is provided by renowned DJs. In St. George’s Bay, the Dragonara Casino can be found just inside a nineteenth-century villa.
Budget for a week: Around 560 Euros
Taxes and Gratuity: Gratuity is not common (around 20% taxes are included in bills.)
Currency: Euro
Spoken and/or Official Languages: Maltese, English
Telephone Code: + 356
Motto: In Courage and in Constancy
Other names: The Republic of Malta
Electricity: 240V / 50Hz - 1 type of electrical plug:
Type G 3 English-style rectangular prongs. BS-1363 13A
Main Cities: Valetta, Birkirkara
Visa: Passport or Identity Card is enough for citizens of the European Union, Canada and Switzerland.
Medical recommendations: Typically a Yellow Fever vaccine is required if you’re coming from a high-risk yellow-fever area.
Water is drinkable in Malta.
and no, Malta is not written as
- malt
- maltes
- malthe
- malthes
- malts
- maltew
- maalte
- maaltes
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