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About Malta
Location of the Maltese islands and proximity to other countries (flying time)
The Maltese Archipelago is composed of a cluster of small islands situated 58 miles (93km) south of Sicily, 230 miles (368km) north of Tripoli and 180 miles (288km) east of Tunis.
The Archipelago consists of five islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino together with two other un-inhabited islands, Cominotto and Filfla. The main three islands of the Group have a total population of around 400,000. Malta, the largest island, is 17 miles (27km) by 9 miles (14.5km) with an area of 95 square miles (246 sq km). (In comparison, Manhattan Island in New York City is 2 and a half by 12 and half miles.) Gozo is 9.5 by 4 miles (26 square miles or 67 sq km). Comino is only one square mile.
Flight duration
| Malta - London |
3 hours 5 minutes |
| Malta - Amsterdam |
3 hours 5 minutes |
| Malta - Frankfurt |
2 hours 35 minutes |
| Malta - Paris |
2 hours 35 minutes |
| Malta - Rome |
1 hours 15 minutes |
| Malta - Cairo |
2 hours 25 minutes |
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History of Maltese Islands
Situated on the cross roads of the Mediterranean and boasting some of the best natural harbours and ports in the world, Malta has had a most colourful past! From the days of its earliest inhabitants, believed to have come from Sicily, who built temples here some 6500 years ago!
At one time or other the adventurers and traders of yesteryear- the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Saracens, the Normans and the Aragonese, the hospitalier Knights, Napoleon and Nelson- have used Malta's Harbours. The Maltese Islands have been at the centre the most important historic events of the Mediterranean region: the wars between Rome and Carthage, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the wars between Christians and Moslems, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the fight for democracy against Fascism and Nazism, the Cold War, the rise of a United Europe and the challenges of the Third Millennium.
It was the Phoenicians who gave the island the name Maleth (a haven), which was later corrupted by the Greeks into Melita (honey), from which the modern name of Malta derives.
After being occupied and ruled by everybody who was anybody in the turbulent history of the Mediterranean, Malta was granted independence from British rule in September 1964 (but remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations), then went on to become a republic in March 1974. It was after the Maltese people voted in favour of joining Europe in a referendum held in April 2003, that Malta became a fully fledged member of the European Union in May 2004.
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The People and Language
The long relationship between the Islanders and the various civilisations and cultures that ruled Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating cosmopolitan feel. In spite of their turbulent past the people of Malta have developed and maintained characteristics which distinguish them as a peace-loving nation with a strong sense of hospitality. Another trait is their joviality which stems mainly from the agreeable, warm climate with sunshine throughout the year.
The people of Malta and Gozo speak Maltese, a structurally Semitic language that is written in the Roman alphabet. However, the wonderful thing about Malta is that most people speak English as well as Maltese, and many can also converse in Italian and it is not unusual to find young people who speak German or French as well, which makes life easy for any traveller to be here.
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Climate
Gozo and Malta have the typical moderate and healthy climate of the Mediterranean region! Hot summers, mild winters, winter rain and summer drought. The rainy season on the islands start in September and proceeds up to May. November, December, January and February are normally the wettest months. It rarely rains from mid May to mid September.
Rain usually falls in heavy showers, which do not last long. The Islands have much more sunshine than any other European country. There is hardly a day when the sun does not shine.
The coolest months are January and February when the average maximum is about 15.2 degrees C. The warmest are July and August which have an average maximum of 30.4 degrees C.
For updates on the weather visit:
www.maltairport.com/weather/
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Time Zone
Malta is on Central European Time (CET) that is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and two hours from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in September. (As from 1996, summer time was extended till last Sunday in October).
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Low Crime Rate
One important factor about Malta is that the island is a very safe place to be, its crime rate is one of the lowest in Europe. Flying to Malta is also easy and safe to do.
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Currency & Banks
The Euro replaced the Maltese Lira on 1st January 2008 when Malta officially adopted the Euro as its currency.
Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Some banks/branches work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ
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Education and Schools in the Maltese islands
The educational system in the Maltese Islands (is divided into three main sectors:
Primary Education, which extends from age five till eleven,
Secondary Education which stretches from age eleven till sixteen, and
Tertiary Education (not compulsory) from the age of sixteen onwards.
Lessons in private schools are taught in English, and the curriculum is very closely aligned to the British system with students sitting for Ordinary and Advanced level examinations to qualify for entrance into the Malta University and Universities overseas. Education is compulsory from age five till sixteen. The University of Malta is recognised by major foreign Universities worldwide. There are various State, Church or Private Schools spread all over Malta and Gozo. The Maltese Educational System is based on the British model and major changes are currently being contemplated including a new National Curriculum.
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Water and Electricity
Water and electricity consumption in Malta is metered. The electrical supply is 240 volts, single phase, 50 cycles. The 13 amp, and three-pin rectangular sockets are used. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Maltese Islands. Local and imported bottled mineral water is also readily available.
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Public Transport and Driving
The public transport system here in Malta offers a cheap, cheerful and efficient way of touring the Island. The main bus terminus is at Valletta from where buses operate to all parts of Malta from very early morning till late in the evening (most services run for extended hours during the summer months).There are also a few direct, point to point, services linking important locations such as Sliema and Bugibba together.
Driving here in Malta is on the left side of the road. All current licenses and international driving licenses are recognized and the speed limit is 64 kph (40 mph) on open roads and 40 kph (23 mph) in urban areas.
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Cost of Living
Compared to other countries in Europe, Malta is considered to have one of the lowest costs of living. Foodstuffs in particular are very reasonable while things like clothing and furniture are also very competitive! Services like water, electricity, telephone and gas are also very reasonable. No rates are charged in Malta. Public transport is also extremely reasonable with most bus rides only costing €0.50.
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Medical Service
State medical services in Malta are of a very high standard and facilities are easily accessible, with a brand new major general hospital (and a smaller one in Gozo) equipped with modern facilities. Specialists for the various disciplines in the hospital have obtained their higher post-graduate qualifications mainly from UK. There are also a number of peripheral health centres, which are open day and night. Private medical care is also available, and apart from general practitioner services, there are three private hospitals and a number of small private clinics where minor surgery can be carried out.
EU citizens, resident in Malta, are entitled to Free Public Health care services in accordance with entitlements, as determined from time to time by the Ministry of Health. Their entitlement has to be confirmed with and certified by the Entitlement Unit with the Ministry of Health. Applicant must be in possession of the appropriate E form signifying their entitlement to health care under the Social Security registration in their country of origin. This official certification, together with a personal identification document, will be sufficient to receive health care in public health care services.
Temporary visitors (under 1 year stay) from EU member states and EEA states have direct access to the health care from publicly funded health care services upon presentation of The European Health Insurance Card together with an identification document.
The Government of Malta is not responsible in any way for any treatment or care given to EU citizens in private hospital or health centres or by practitioners of any sort in their private capacity. There are, however, a number of private medical insurance companies operating in Malta, which cater for such cases.
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Economy of Malta
Malta’s economy is considered to be stable and is mostly service led with tourism being one of the most important sectors. In recent years Malta has seen a significant increase in direct foreign investment and registered a growth in ICT, financial and hospitality services. Malta provides excellent financial services with numerous local and international banks offering their services to both locals and foreigners. The property market in Malta is also a very stable investment and for almost 40 years the housing market has recorded average annual gain of around 8%, while purchasing immovable property is not particularly expensive by European standards. Many locals choose property over any other form of investment as this offers the potential of a rental return coupled with capital growth.
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Restaurants and Cuisine in the Maltese islands
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Malta! Besides the restaurants offering Maltese dishes, you can find many offering all sorts of cuisine's as well as 'fusion' cuisine offering a blend of culinary culture from around the world! Restaurants which specialise in Chinese food as well as Indian or Thai cuisine! One can also find big burger franchises, fried chicken and other international fast food chains too.
Pasta and Pizza places are extremely popular and offer visitor and local a tasty and thrifty meal in minutes!
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Marsa Sports and Country Club (sports and golf)
The Marsa Sports and Country Club is spread over a large area, offering facilities for tennis, an 18-hole golf-course, cricket, squash, swimming, general fitness and lots more. It is situated on the outskirts of the towns of Marsa and Qormi – only a few minutes from the airport or Valletta. The Club is a huge sporting complex that has sufficient facilities to keep you active for days.
Affordable membership is available on a daily or weekly basis. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 17 hard tennis courts, five squash courts, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a cricket pitch and billiards tables.
In addition there is a fitness centre with gym and sauna and, in season, a swimming pool. In the vicinity of the club there are polo grounds, a horse-racing track, football and rugby pitches and an athletic track.
www.marsasportsclub.com
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Diving paradise
The Maltese Islands are a real paradise for divers and snorkelers. Even in a severe winter (which is extremely rare) the sea temperature never drops below 13 Celsius. Sea temperatures in summer are about 23 Celsius, and divers may wear a light 3mm diving suit or even dive without one.
The Islands offer a well-developed infrastructure for divers, representing a high standard and are capable of coping with the most sophisticated demands. There are a number of very well-trained instructors at the many diving schools. It is not necessary to bring along your own equipment as it is possible to lease equipment at a very favourable rate.
The seas around Malta are virtually tide less, and due to the small size of our Islands, divers can shift to an alternative dive site very easily. Boat dives take the diver to sites which are not so easily accessible, and the variety of dive sites including wrecks, caves and others are abundant. Spear fishing is absolutely forbidden as is removal and non-reporting of archaeological finds.
Anyone who wants to dive within the territory of the Maltese Islands needs a local diving permit, referred to as the C-card. It is issued by the Department of Health and costs 1 Maltese Lira. A medical certificate, 2 passport photographs and the logbook of the applicant must be presented. A diver wishing to dive independently of any dive school must present a certificate equivalent to at least the CMAS/2-Star diver certificate.
All diving schools will ensure that the administrative procedures are compiled without problems, and even the very experienced would be well advised to apply through diving schools rather than on their own.
Due to the excellent underwater visibility and the variety of flora and fauna, there is no other diving destination within easy reach which offers such good conditions for underwater photography.
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Yachting in the Maltese islands
There are currently five yacht marinas in Malta and Gozo. These marinas for the yachting community are at Portomaso, Manoel Island, Grand Harbour, Msida/Ta’Xbiex and in Mgarr Gozo. These marinas offer excellent wintering facilities and cater for the local yachting fleet as well as to foreign-owned craft.
Portomaso
This commenced operations in 1999 and offers state-of-the-art facilities: to smaller craft and water sports operators, sailing boats to a maximum length of 16m and motor cruises to a maximum length of 16m. The Facilities and Services offered in this marina vary insofar as constant mooring assistance on the quayside, incoming and outgoing traffic controlled and monitored, security, showers, water and electricity, fuelling, repairs and dry-docking are all available.
www.portomasomarina.com
Manoel Island
A new marina with water and electricity to each berth. Other services offered include showers, CCTV security, fire hoses and grey/black water disposal.
www.manoelislandmarina.com
Grand Harbour / Cottonera Waterfront
This marina has become one of the most prestigious gathering places for the yachting community and demand for births here seems to be surpassing supply. The advantages for berthing of large yachts include, amongst others, financial benefits for owners and crews, customs clearance and immigration, scheduled flights to most European destinations and a high standard of living at low cost for crew and their families. Small yachts will make use of pontoon berths whilst facilities and services of superb quality will also be available.
Camper and Nicholsons www.ghm.com.mt
Msida / Ta’Xbiex
This marina provides 15 floating pontoons that can take a maximum of 640 yachts up to 16 meters long. Water and electricity are available at each berth whilst yachts moor to double lines attached to heavy chain ground tackle.
www.mma.gov.mt/yacting_msida_marina.htm
Mgarr, Gozo
Consisting of 208 berths, this marina provides a perfect stop-over for anyone visiting Gozo or cruising around the Maltese Islands. A new Customs office, located at the marina, will enable yachts from overseas to proceed straight to Mgarr or to leave direct from here.
www.mma.gov.mt/yacting_mgarr_marina.htm
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Night Life and entertainment in Malta
Here in Malta, we enjoy a typical Mediterranean lifestyle! The Islanders’ approach to life is to enjoy and celebrate it as much as possible. Nightlife on the Islands is always bustling – even if the vibrant calendar of events is lean during some periods, there are always scores of clubs to visit, excellent wine bars and first-rate restaurants to try.
Malta and Gozo have a bustling calendar of cultural events for all to enjoy! Among these are the Summer Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Opera Festival, the Choir Festival and the International Jazz Festival held in July.
Major music concerts attracting massive crowds of both tourists and locals alike are held all summer long and we have enjoyed live performances by Sting, Roger Waters, Sir Bob Geldof, and Elton John in the last few years alone!
The Maltese Islands have also become a hub for the clubbing scene. Internationally renowned DJs appear (Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, Magda, Tiesto, Van Heill) for guest weekends throughout the year. This scene thrives all year round and is an all-week affair in a variety of venues, from large clubs to quieter bars where some excellent house DJs entertain and the admission is free. The main nightlife clubbing action is in Paceville, on the coast near St. Julians, where the clubs and bars are in abundance.
Classical music is very popular on the Islands and organ recitals take place regularly in Baroque churches. Regular orchestral, soloist concerts and operas take place in some stunning historic venues.
Band music is one of the most popular traditions on the Islands. Every town and village has at least one band club. Band music is taken seriously on the Islands and the highlight of the year for band clubs is the parish festa.
Very unique to the Islands are the lively summer village parish festas. Saints, fireworks, food and fun are all part of this cultural phenomenon – try and catch one as they’re not to be missed.
Theatre is a lively and well-represented part of the local cultural scene. The Baroque 18th century National Theatre makes a wonderful venue for the performing arts. The open-air Shakespeare performed in the Baroque Gardens of San Anton Palace in July is one of the many theatrical highlights. For some fun and great kids’ entertainment, try the Christmas Pantomime.
There is a variety of other sources of nightlife entertainment – try your luck at the casinos, which are very popular with locals and tourists alike! One of them, a classical baroque mansion on Dragonara Point, St. Julians, was built in the 1830’s. The Oracle casino opened in 1998 in Qawra has a modern style and the third one the Casino di Venezia is a restored 17th century palace overlooking the harbour. All casinos offer a choice of cuisine from international to Mediterranean specialties at their stylish restaurants.
Casino Venezia:
www.casinovenezia.it/malta/main.htm
Dragonara:
www.islandhotels.com/dragonara
Oracle casino:
www.oraclecasino.com
Restaurant guide by the MTA:
www.maltaholiday.net/lists/user.php
Cinema; Malta is amongst the first countries in Europe to have the latest film releases, ranging from Blockbusters to Art House films. The Islands are well served with multiplex cinemas. One of them, the Eden Century Cinema and the Imax Complex in St. Julians houses 16 large cinemas showing different films at the same time. St. James Cavalier in Valletta is geared more towards art house movies and non-English language films.
Eden Century Cinemas:
www.edenleisure.com/cinemas
Embassy Complex Cinemas:
www.embassycomplex.com.mt
St. James Cavalier
www.sjcav.org
Citadel Cinemas, Gozo:
secure.vol.net.mt/intersoft/citadelcinema
Theatre; Theatre in Malta has flourished in the past years. The charming 18th century baroque Manoel Theatre is the main venue in Malta for concerts, ballet performances and plays that take place all year round, thought the main season lasts from October to May. This theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Europe, with an impressive gilded ceiling and tiers of decorated boxes. Both locals and foreign artists perform at this theatre with occasional visits from well known pianists, singers, dancers and actors.
The Manoel Theatre:
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
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Tourism
Tourism is the main pillar of the Maltese economy. An absolute economic necessity for Malta, it is the motor that propels the service sector. About half the jobs in the Archipelago are connected directly or indirectly to tourism.
The islands boast of luxury hotels, highly skilled staff, excellent high-tech conference facilities and superb recreational activities as well as many charming villages and unique cultural monuments, from prehistoric temples to the fortifications and rich architecture.
The Maltese Islands have a healthy number of sandy and rocky beaches where one can relax to his heart's content or partake in some form of water sports for a good six months of the year!
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