Valletta
Valletta, which is the capital of Malta, embraces the famed charm of an Italian city, its many Baroque palaces set on narrow steep streets that form a grid pattern. Grandmaster Fra Jean de la Valette, together with the Knights of the Order of St John, founded and carefully planned the city.
As the saying goes, the city was ‘built by gentlemen for gentlemen’, with the first stone being ceremonially laid in 1566 after Ottoman forces withdrew their siege of the Maltese Islands and the Knights of St John took over. The purpose of the city, built in a short span of 15 years on a plateau between two harbours on Malta’s northeast coast, was primarily to fortify the island. Secondly, it was to provide palaces, inns for the eight Knight’s groupings, churches for worship, and gardens for recreation. These grand remnants of the Knight’s occupation still adorn Valletta in the form of some splendid Baroque buildings and fortifications.
But the majestic architecture manages not to overwhelm the island’s carefree personality. Valletta balances its sombre grandeur and religious tone with colour and jollity. The city has a fun but not raucous nightlife, along with some great restaurants and magnificent chances to see the sights. It’s a very safe and friendly city, welcoming of tourists, and well-equipped to host them.
Climate for Valletta
The Mediterranean climate of Valletta ensures the weather is hot and dry during summer (June to September) and slightly cooler in winter (December to March). Summer temperatures often exceed 84F (30C), but the heat tends to be tempered by refreshing sea breezes.
In spring and autumn, the hot Xlokk wind sometimes brings high temperatures and humidity but the weather is generally pleasant, hot, and sunny. Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging between about 50F (10C) and 59F (15C). Valletta experiences little rainfall, with it generally occurring only in winter. The city never gets any snow.
Valletta is a year-round holiday destination, as even the damp winter is mild enough to be pleasant for a sightseeing vacation. In fact, many tourists prefer to avoid the swelteringly hot summer in favour of the milder shoulder seasons, when it is also less crowded.
The best time to visit Valletta is probably in March, April, May, or September, but the peak tourist season is still the summer, between June and August. Winter is a good time to visit because it is slightly cheaper, less crowded and never really cold.
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.
