The Maltese archipelago, situated almost at the center of the Mediterranean, includes the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. It has made it an important strategic base since the earliest days of navigation.
The first civilization to leave any significant remains flourished in the third millennium BC, building many megalithic temples. Later the island was occupied by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans.

Independence from Britain was achieved in 1964, and 40 years on Malta was the smallest of the 10 countries to join the EU in May 2004.

Each year, the population of Malta is tripled by an influx of tourists – the nation’s main source of income.
The Maltese islands offer the attraction of clear blue waters, secluded bays and sandy beaches while, in the towns, medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches and palaces reflect the rich history of the islands.

The Maltese islands have indeed been described as one big open-air museum. What makes them unique is that so much of their past is visible today. It is easy to delve into the islands’ mysterious prehistory, retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom.
Worlds apart from the main resorts and the capital Valletta, are the islands’ villages, which are the soul of the islands’ past. Yet with their lively fests and unique everyday life, they are very much part of the islands’ culture today. Then there are the seaside villages, where the rhythm of life is dictated by fishing.

Food and Drink

There is a very good choice of restaurants and cafes from deluxe to fast food (hamburgers and fish and chips), including Chinese, fish and beachside bars. Table service is normal, but many bars and cafes have table and/or counter service. Pork and fish dishes are recommended and vegetables are excellent. The best Maltese fruits are oranges and grapes; also delicious are strawberries, melons, mulberries, tangerines, pomegranates and figs.

Tipping: 10 to 15% is expected in hotels and restaurants when not included in the bill.

Nightlife

There are several discos, bars and nightclubs. Roulette, baccarat, blackjack and boule can be played at the Dragonara casino, St Julian’s or at the Casino de Venezia in Vittoriosa. The Manoel Theatre is one of the oldest in Europe. Cinemas show mainly English and American films.

Things to know: Licensing hours of bars, restaurants and cafes are usually 09.00-01.00 and beyond. Most hotel bars close between 13.00 and 16.00 and then reopen after 18.00.

Shopping

Special purchases include Malta weave, pottery, blown glass, ceramics, dolls, lace, copper and brass items. Malta is renowned for its gold and silver filigree work and handmade lace.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00.

Climate

Warm most of the year. The hottest months are between July and September, but the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes. Rain falls for very short periods, mainly in the cooler winter months.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn between March and September, although warmer clothes may occasionally be necessary in spring and autumn and on cooler evenings. A light raincoat is advisable for winter.

Getting There by Air

The national airline is Air Malta (KM) (website: www.airmalta.com).

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Malta International (MLA) (Luqa) (website: www.maltairport.com) is 5km (3 miles) south of Valletta (journey time – 15 minutes). To/from the airport: Buses depart regularly to and from Valletta City Gate.
There is a regular service to the main bus terminal in Valletta. There is a full, 24-hour, taxi service to all parts of Malta; fares are charged at a fixed rate. Facilities: Incoming and outgoing duty-free shops, car hire, bank, bureau de change, left luggage and restaurant/bar.

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Mgarr/Gozo.

Services operate to the Sicilian ports of Catania and Pozzallo. These routes are served by high-speed hydrofoils and catamarans (journey time – 1 hour 30 minutes) and car ferries (journey time – 3 hours).

There are also sailings to Italy (to Reggio Calabria, Genoa and Salerno). For information on the ports in Malta, contact the Malta Maritime Authority (tel: 2122 2203; website: www.mma.gov.mt).

Currency

Maltese Lira (MTL) = 100 cents = 1,000 mils. Notes are in denominations of MTL20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of MTL1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. A number of gold and silver coins are also minted.

Currency Exchange

Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants.
Automated foreign exchange machines are available at various locations on the islands. Exchange bureaux are often open 24 hours a day. Many hotels, larger shops and restaurants accept foreign currency.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. ATMs are available.

Traveller’s Cheques

Exchanged in the normal authorised institutions.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 08.30-12.30, Sat 08.30-11.30. Some work longer hours and summer and winter hours may differ.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals of countries
referred to in the chart above except:

1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State.
This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Visas

Not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.