Malta Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Malta, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Malta Information

Overview

The Maltese archipelago, situated almost at the centre 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, and thus has been visited by many cultures.

The first significant civilisation here flourished in the third millennium BC, leaving behind fascinating megalithic temples. Later the island was occupied by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans.

The Maltese islands have indeed been described as one big open-air museum. 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. Visitors can explore medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches and palaces.

However, history alone does not draw the annual summer influx of tourists, who manage to triple the population of Malta. Visitors also come for the beautiful clear blue waters, secluded bays and sandy beaches, and also to glimpse the tranquil traditional villages that still speckle the landscape, celebrating lively fiestas.

Malta’s independence from Britain was achieved in 1964, and 40 years on Malta joined the EU in May 2004.


Top Things To See

In Valletta (Malta island), see some of the finest examples of Maltese-style baroque architecture in the islands in Merchants Street. Also visit the Co-Cathedral of St John, and the Grand Master’s Palace which houses tapestries designed for Louis XIV and an extraordinary armoury collection.

If you’ve still time in Valletta, explore its museums: the National Museum of Fine Art, housed in an 18th-century palace; the Church of Our Lady of Victories and at the nearby Auberge de Provence; and the National Museum of Archaeology.

In Mdina (Malta island), witness the citadel, which is one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval walled city. Of particular interest is the Norman-style Palazzo Falzon. From Bastion Square, see breathtaking views of the surrounding area and St Paul ’s Bay.

In Rabat (Malta island), see fine baroque churches, St Paul ’s and St Agatha’s Catacombs and the Roman Villa.

Wonder at the Blue Grotto where, legend reports, sirens bewitched seafarers with their songs. Four caves reflect the brilliant colours of the corals and minerals in the limestone. The most spectacular is the Blue Grotto itself, best viewed in the early morning with a calm sea.

Visit the impressive archaeological sites near Paola: Tarxien, with its neolithic temple; Hypogeum, a three-level complex of ancient underground burial chambers dating back 3,000 years; and Ghar Dalam (Dark Cave) where the remains of now-extinct birds and animals have been found (website: www.heritagemalta.org).

In Hagar Qim on the south of the island, see a 3,000-year-old neolithic temple, constructed from huge closely fitting stones decorated in a very ornate style.

At Marsaxlokk, find your way to the recently discovered Temple of Juno, which was originally used by the Greeks as a place of worship to the goddess of fertility.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Top Things To Do

On Malta island, see performances of opera, theatre, music and ballet (between October and May) at Valletta’s Manoel Theatre, the second-oldest theatre in Europe.

Go scuba-diving or snorkelling, which is possible year-round. On Malta, the best sites are in the north - caves and steep drop-offs, such as Qawra Point and Cirkewwa, being popular; Wied Iz-Zurrieq is good for night dives. On Gozo, one of the most spectacular sites is Dwejra Point.

Hit the beach. On the north coast, the best beaches are at Paradise Bay, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Armier Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. Il-Qawra is better known as the inland sea, with a secluded bathing pool, crystal-clear water and sheer cliffs. For an unspoilt sandy beach, try Ir-Ramla il-Wamra.

Fit in some Windsurfing, which has become very popular in Mellieha Bay, St Pauls Bay or Bahar Ic-Caghaq.

Attend rowing regattas, held in the Grand Harbour during April and September. The Valletta Yacht Club is at Couvre Port, Manoel Island, in Marsamxetto Harbour (temporary members accepted).

Buy some of the local crafts, lace and knitwear, from the doorways of houses and on the streets of Gozo island, the second-largest island of the archipelago.

In summer attend a festival with fireworks and horseracing in the streets of Gozo.

Chill out on the barely inhabited island of Comino. Paths winding through unusual rock formations provide the only communication links. A few small bays, such as Blue Lagoon, are the main attractions. The St Marija Caves offer interesting cave diving.

Visit typical Maltese fishing communities such as Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia and Marsacala, which sprawl along the coves and inlets at Malta’s southernmost tip. Eat fresh fish at the family-run tavernas while enjoying the sight of nets and colourfully painted boats crowding the waterfronts.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

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.

Things to know: Licensing hours of bars, restaurants and cafes are usually 0900-0100 and beyond. Most hotel bars close between 1300 and 1600 and then reopen after 1800.

National specialities:
• Lampuki pie (fish pie).
• Bragoli (beef olives).
• Fenek (rabbit cooked in wine).
• Ricotta sweets are popular.
• Helwa tat-Tork (a sweet sugary mixture of crushed and whole almonds, offered to diners after a meal).

National drinks:
• Maltese beer is excellent.
• Maltese wine.
• Maltese spirits.

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.

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 0900-1300 and 1600-1900.


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.


Public Holidays

Below are listed the Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Feb Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck.
19 Mar St Joseph’s Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
31 Mar Freedom Day. 
1 May Labour Day.
7 Jun Sette Giugno (Commemoration of 1919 Riot).
29 Jun Feast of St Peter and St Paul.
14 Aug Assumption Day.
8 Sep Our Lady of Victories.
21 Sep Independence Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
13 Dec Republic Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Feb Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck.
19 Mar St Joseph’s Day.
31 Mar Freedom Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
7 Jun Sette Giugno (Commemoration of 1919 Riot).
29 Jun Feast of St Peter and St Paul.
15 Aug Assumption Day.
8 Sep Our Lady of Victories.
21 Sep Independence Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
13 Dec Republic Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.


Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: No

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

If suddenly taken ill or involved in an accident during a visit to Malta, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available for European travellers - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Comprehensive insurance is advised for all other nationals.

The principal hospital is St Luke’s, Guardamangia in Malta. Ambulance travel is free in an emergency, as long as you can prove that you are entitled to treatment.

Malta has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia; residents from Australia visiting for no longer than one month are also entitled to free medical hospital care in Malta.

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over nine months of age coming from an infected area.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

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 0830-1230, Sat 0830-1130. Some work longer hours and summer and winter hours may differ.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Passport Note

Malta joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and will join on 29 March 2008 for airports.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Visas

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

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).


Contact Addresses

Malta High Commission in the UK

Malta House, 36-38 Piccadilly, London W1J OLE, UK
Tel: (020) 7292 4800.
Website: www.gov.mt
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230.

Malta Tourist Office in the UK

Unit C, Parkhouse, 14 Northfields, London SW18 1DD, UK
Tel: (020) 8877 6990.
Website: www.visitmalta.com

Embassy of Malta in the USA

2017 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 462 3611.
Website: www.gov.mt


Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Malta and Gozo are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.