Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, less than 100 km from the Sicily and overlooking Tunisia, Malta has been at the center of events throughout history, preserving much of its interesting past. In addition to the island of Malta, the Maltese archipelago also includes Gozo, Cumin, Cominotto e Filfla
Home of the Order of the Knights of Malta, this country is truly amazing. Small in size, but of great character, the archipelago offers marvelous bathroom secluded, medieval palaces e scomplained baroque churches. And then surprising archaeological wonders to visit, an interesting one nightlife with many clubs nocturnal and many exciting activities you can do it at any time of the year.
Most tourists choose Malta as their holiday destination, especially for its own climate (there are more than 300 days of sunshine every year) and for crystalline waters of the sea, which make it an excellent destination to do snorkeling and diving. The water is, in fact, among the clearest and cleanest in the whole Mediterranean.
But themain attraction of Malta lies in its overtime 7.000 years of history. Visitors can explore some of the oldest stone structures in the world, as well as prehistoric temples, Roman catacombs, and medieval villages.
Populations such as Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Sicilians and Arabs, occupied the island before the European dynasties, which arrived in the Middle Ages. Each civilization has left its mark and today the archipelago converses preciously with this great one historical heritage.
Malta is also one destination loved by sportsmen. Here it is possible, in addition to pleasant walks, to practice various sports such as: climbing, windsurfing, snorkeling and of course scuba diving.
THEGozo island it is particularly recommended for all water activities. Less touristy and wild, Gozo is a real haven for those who find Malta too crowded. In fact, it is also cheaper both for hotels and for other tourist services.
When to go to Malta
Il best time to visit Malta runs from May to October. L'high season, from July to September, it offers the hottest and best months for beach holidays, but it is also the period with the highest rates.
In winter temperatures are mild, but evenings can be quite cold due to the winds that blow from the sea. The rainfall they are scarce on the archipelago and begin at the end of autumn and then end at the end of winter. If lovers of the sea and beaches choose the summer months to visit Malta, i surfers they prefer the strong winds of the winter months.
La spring andautunno these are probably the best times to visit the scenic and historical beauties of the island. Temperatures are pleasant, and flight and accommodation rates are not high. You can also spend pleasant days on the beach and take short baths in the sea. They are also quiet times for those looking for relaxing holidays.
How to dress
Between March and September Lightweight cotton or linen clothing is recommended, although warmer clothing may be needed on colder evenings in spring and autumn. In winter period, in addition to a light raincoat, an umbrella and warm clothing can be used, some days can be cold.
In Malta, it is customary dress well in the evening for dinner. Avoid shorts and beachwear at the restaurant. In churches, shoulders must be covered and men are not allowed to enter in shorts. Nudism is prohibited on the beaches, the practice of which can lead to severe fines.
Where is Malta located
The Maltese archipelago is located in the center of the Mediterranean. The largest inhabited island is Malta, 93 km from the south of Sicily and 290 km from the northern coast of Africa. Gozo e Cumin they are the only other inhabited islands. The landscape of all the islands is characterized by low hills with terraced fields.
Malta, the largest island and the cultural and commercial center, has a very rugged coastline, covered with harbors, bays, inlets, sandy beaches and rocky coves. It has no mountains or rivers.
Gozo it is connected to Malta by ferry and is greener, with many flat hills and rocky cliffs. Cumin, the smallest island, is connected to Malta and Gozo by ferry and is practically uninhabited.
What to see in Malta
- I temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo, dating back to the XNUMXth and XNUMXrd millennium BC, considered to be among the oldest surviving buildings in the world.
- Blue Lagoon or Comino Blue Lagoon, where scenes from the hit movie Troy were shot.
- Valletta, built in sandstone by the Knights of St. John in 1566. In 2018 Valletta won the title of "European Capital of Culture". Today it is filled with ornate churches, palaces and museums that mirror a city with such an illustrious history. The city is full of open-air bars serving traditional pastizzi and many restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Maltese cuisine.
- Mdina, with its impressive walls, cobbled streets and fascinating architecture. Follow in the footsteps of medieval knights and visit the cathedral, the dungeons and Palazzo Falson with its extraordinary collection of art and antiques. From the Piazza del Bastione, enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and the bay of San Paolo.
- Explore the Gozo Citadel, the 7.000-year-old fortress above the city of Victoria, with its impressive facade, Baroque architecture and spectacular views. Don't miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
- Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground complex of halls, chambers, passages and sculptures, built around 3.600 BC and discovered only by accident in 1902.
- La Blue Grotto, the most famous cave in Malta, with its deep waters displaying beautiful dazzling colors, ranging from turquoise to deep blue. It is located near the village of Zurrieq in the southwest of Malta.
- Golden bay: Malta is home to a collection of beautiful, unspoiled sandy beaches, of which Golden Bay, a long stretch of sparkling sand, is perhaps the most spectacular.
- Grand Harbor, one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, has been in use since the time of the Phoenicians. It provided a base for the Knights of St John and was used by the British for over 170 years. Today it is a much more serene area, with restaurants, bars and the peaceful gardens of Barrakka.
- Discover the best excursions and tours does to do in Malta
How to get to Malta
By plane
The national airline is Air Malta. Other airlines that operate flights are EasyJet e Ryanair. THELuqa airport it is 6 km from the center of Valletta and can be reached in 25 minutes by bus (around 2 euros) or 15 minutes by taxi (around 25 euros).
- Check out the latest flight offers
Where to sleep in Malta
In general terms the accommodations are of quality. The hotel industry is a dynamic sector and services are quickly adapting to the latest demands of modern comfort and trendy decorative trends.
The offer is concentrated above all in the capital and in coastal tourist resorts, and is diversified enough to suit all types of budgets. In the absence of beaches or direct access to the sea, hotels and lodges have adapted and often have a swimming pool, and many also have a gym and wellness center.
- Check out the latest hotel and B&B offers in Malta
How to get around Malta
Traveling and getting around by car in Malta it is relatively easy, but remember driving is on the left and overtake on the right. There are numerous on site car rental agencies and the vehicles can be rented with or without a driver.
You can also move By motorbike o by bike, for short distances. On the maritime side, the ferries they provide connections between the 3 main islands.
Also the taxi it's a good way to get around, but definitely more expensive than the bus. White cars are public taxis, while black cars represent private companies that need to be contacted by phone.
The island also has one reliable public transport network, regular and economical. Bus lines connect almost all points of Malta, although for some places it is necessary to go through the Valletta bus station.
Useful Information
Required documents
EU citizens, including Spaniards, need a passport or of identity card valid for the duration of the stay. EU citizens do not need a visa and can stay for an unlimited period, but for holiday periods longer than 3 months, they must register with the local authorities.
Entrance with pets
If you are traveling with pets, the pet must have a microchip, an animal passport and a valid rabies vaccination certificate to enter the country.
Health
The health situation in the country is good, as is thehealth care of a primary nature and there are no difficulties in finding any type of medicine.
If suddenly ill or involved in an accident during a visit to Malta, European travelers will be able to have the necessary medical care provided by the local public health care, if they have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the so-called Health insurance card.
THEmain hospital is Mater Dei in B'Kara, Malta. The journey by ambulance is free in case of emergency (telephone 112), as long as you can prove that you have the right to treatment.
Food and beverages
The water supplied by the mains is normally chlorinated and, although safe, can cause disturbances. It is recommended to drink bottled water. Dairy products, local meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Time zone
The time zone of Malta is GMT + 2, the same as in Italy.
Language
Maltese and English are the two official languages.
Religion
98% of the population is Catholic (more than 85% of whom are practicing).
Telephony
- Prefix to call Italy: 0039
- Prefix to call from Italy: 00356
Electricity
The voltage of the electric current is 240 V. The electric sockets are of type G (with three flat plugs), like those used in England. We therefore recommend that you get an adapter before traveling.
