Exploring Malta: A Jewel in the Mediterranean with Rich History
It is said that the Maltese islands are the open air museum of the Mediterranean, offering 7,000 years or more of history to explore with numerous unique cultural and historical sites. The islands boast prehistoric ruins older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt.
Steeped in the legacy of the medieval order of the Knights of St John, the islands were used as a stronghold for defending Christendom. Malta lies about 60 miles (97km) south of Sicily and 160 miles (257km) north of Libya, a strategic position in the Mediterranean that has made the islands a crossroads of history.
The last occupiers were the British, who granted Malta independence in 1964. But the Knights of St John, to whom the island was donated in 1530, left the biggest and most unique influence. The Knights reigned supreme over the island for 270 years, building magnificent churches and monuments.
Malta has truly ancient mysteries too, primarily in the form of 30 prehistoric sites boasting massive Neolithic temples, considered to be the oldest freestanding stone buildings known to man. But Malta and its little sister island, Gozo, are not stuck in a time warp.
The islanders enjoy life to the full, and the calendar is liberally sprinkled with summertime festas, with fireworks and revelry in every little parish in honour of the village patron saints, as well as the major carnival in early spring every year. The capital, Valletta, besides offering some awesome Baroque buildings and fortifications as its main sightseeing attractions, is bursting with restaurants and cafes.
The island’s compact size is also a plus for visitors. It takes no more than an hour to drive between any two points on the main island, and there is very little open space. The dense population means that the island is virtually one large urban area, with buildings occupying every inch. Malta is blessed, however, with a rugged and appealing coastline, boasting secluded bays and sandy beaches hidden between rocky outcrops, which attract travellers at least as much as the historical sightseeing.
Overview
While on holiday in Malta, there are various wonderful things to see and do, as well as beautiful island beaches to enjoy. Travellers can visit St John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s painting and the inlaid tombstones covering the floor in this celebrated place of worship.
Still in Valletta, the Malta Experience illustrates the history of Malta at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. The Three Cities are home to architectural displays of the island’s maritime history, while Hagar Qim boasts a prehistoric temple complex, including the oldest human structures in the world.
Visitors should head to Marsalforn for great restaurants and bars or dive into the ‘blue hole’ at the Azure Window’s secluded pebbled bathing pool. There is a wealth of historical sightseeing for tourists that, combined with the hedonistic glories of the Mediterranean coast, makes Malta a superb travel destination.
Getting around in Malta is easy thanks to the cheap and reliable public bus system that has an unexpected charm due to the use of vintage buses. Services radiate from Valletta, so visitors may find themselves doubling back to get to other destinations. Travellers can pick up schedules at terminals or on the buses themselves. They can also take the white taxis that will transport them anywhere on the island, though local pre-booked black cabs are cheaper. Hiring a car in Malta is another option, and visitors can do so at many hotels, harbours, and the airport. Another pleasant transport alternative is hiring a bike, which travellers can do in Valletta.
Climate in Malta
Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, very similar to the climate in southern Italy and Greece. Almost all the rain falls between October and March, making the rest of the year consistently dry. The temperature is fairly constant in Malta and there are frequent and often strong winds.
It is humid throughout the year, seldom falling below 40 percent. In summer, temperatures frequently reach 84F (30C) and can rise above 95F (35C), but the sea breezes often temper the heat. July and August are the hottest months. In spring and autumn, a hot wind known as the Xlokk sometimes brings high temperatures and humidity, while autumn gets sporadic rainfall.
Winters are mild, with daytime temperatures seldom falling below 50F (10C). Nights are somewhat colder but snow never falls in Malta. The wonderful Mediterranean climate makes Malta a year-round travel destination, though the peak summer months are predictably the most popular with tourists.
However, some prefer to visit in spring and autumn, between April and early June or in October, when the heat is less oppressive. If visitors are travelling primarily for historical sightseeing, winters can be a pleasant time to visit as Malta is less crowded and slightly cheaper.
Health Notes when travelling to Malta
There are no health risks associated with travel to Malta, and food and water are generally safe for consumption. Travellers coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Malta; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medication should be available in Malta but those requiring specific prescription medication should take it with them in the original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medicine is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Malta
Malta is very safe for tourists. Crime is rare, though theft from parked cars and handbag snatching can occur. Local driving can be challenging so visitors should exercise caution on the roads.
Customs in Malta
Travellers shouldn’t wear skimpy clothing away from the beaches, and dress should be conservative when visiting churches.
Duty Free in Malta
Travellers arriving in Malta from non-EU countries do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine and 2 litres of spirits. Travellers may carry personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to €430 when travelling by air or sea.
Doing Business in Malta
Business in Malta tends to be conducted in the same fashion as elsewhere in Europe in that punctuality is important and dress should be formal. A suit and tie are standard unless the weather is hot, in which case visitors can forgo the jacket.
Handshakes and the exchanging of business cards take place on greeting. English is widely spoken in business so a translator is unnecessary. Business hours can vary but are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses open for a half-day on Saturdays.
Communication in Malta
The country code for Malta is +356; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones and WiFi is available in cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Tipping in Malta
A gratuity of about 10 percent is expected in hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not included in the bill. Most services are tipped about five to 10 percent (including taxi drivers).
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Malta must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. For visitors who are visa-exempt, extensions of stay are possible by reporting to the Police Headquarters in Malta, no later than one week prior to the expiration of the period of visa exemption. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if visitors are arriving from or have transited through an infected area. It is highly recommended that visitor’s passports ha at least six months validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Malta. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Malta. A visa is required.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
