General Information

The Maltese Islands

Climate

Cold winds, fog, snow and frost are unknown to Malta. The total annual precipitation is just around 583mm. In winter, the average temperature is 14oC, and the average number of sunshine hours at this time of the year is 6.55. Maltese summers last from May to October, have average temperatures of 23.1oC and roughly 10.16 hours of sunshine per day. Yet even in the hottest of summer temperatures, there is never a feeling of intense heat, thanks to fresh breezes and the cooling influence of the sea. The Maltese climate is warm and healthy all year round – and is simply ideal for all kinds of sporting activity.

Average Climatic Values for Malta

History of Malta

The population numbers circa 370,000. Of these, 28,000 live in Gozo. Because of their strategic position, Malta and Gozo have been inhabited for the past 7,000 years. The Maltese Islands went through a golden Neolithic period, the remains of which are the mysterious megalithic temples. Later on, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians and the Romans all left their traces on the Islands before yielding them to the Arabs and then the Normans. But it was the Knights of St. John who, in restoring the links with Christianity, a faith first brought to the Islands by St. Paul, took Malta through a new golden age by making it a key player in the cultural arena of 17th and 18th century Europe.
An island for all seasons

The Maltese islands’ accessibility and generous weather are complimented by sport facilities of international standard, which have received the praise of sports clubs and federations from all over Europe and beyond.

There are several sport and water sport centres. Popular water sports practised on the Islands include sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. There are also a number of diving schools. One can find top facilities for all types of land-based sports. Malta offers the possibility for training in individual sports such as athletics, marathon running, cycling, swimming, archery and judo, and also in a variety of team sports such as waterpolo, football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, or rugby. There is something for everybody, from the beginner to the expert.

Restaurants, bars and cafes are normally open from 9:00am to 1 o’clock in the morning. Maltese beer is excellent and a large selection of local and foreign wines is available. Night entertainment is at its best in St. Julian’s (Paceville), Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Gozo. There are also three casinos.

Where to stay

The Maltese Islands offer tourist accommodation at a wide range of hotels, tourist complexes, family hotels, flats and villas.

Health

Malta has an excellent health service. Hospitals are modern and supported by a regional network of health centers. Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or insulation to enter the Maltese Islands. It is advisable to take out a personal medical insurance policy. Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines.
Tap water is safe to drink.

Useful Information

The Maltese Islands, one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean.

Blessed with year-round sunshine and set in crystal clear waters, Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino, can be a fascinating setting for a truly memorable stay. The islands’ numerous cultural, artistic and natural treasures are there to be discovered and are all within easy access from wherever one chooses to stay.
Malta’s outstanding archaeological and architectural heritage will act as an impressive backdrop to all of one’s activities - a living testimony of 6,000 years of civilisation. The legacy of the various dominations who ruled over the islands throughout the ages can be seen, felt and savoured.

Whether one seeks action or relaxation, tranquility or excitement, one can find it in Malta. For lovers of music, theatre and the arts, Malta boasts an abundant calendar of cultural manifestations and events. For the sportive visitor, the islands offer golf, tennis, skydiving, horse-riding, and unlimited possibilities for water-sports - from sailing to windsurfing and the best scuba diving in the Mediterranean.
Malta is a feast for the senses: delicious local cuisine and wines, bustling open air markets, traditional fireworks extravaganzas, delicate lace and multicoloured glassware, the thrills of the casino... All of this and more await the fortunate traveller who decides that it’s time to say: It’s Malta!

Driving

In Malta, driving is on the left. There are speed limits of 64kph on the open road and 40 kph in built-up areas. Comprehensive insurance is advisable. National or international driving licences accepted.
Travelling by Air

The Maltese Islands are only a few hours away from major European cities by air. The national airline, Air Malta operates flights to and from all the major airports in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf States. Charter flights from various cities in Europe are also available.

Essential Documents

Nationals of commonwealth countries, UK dependencies, member countries of the Council of Europe, as well as Andorra, Argentina, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Lithuania, Monaco, Morocco, Poland, Republic of Korea, Saudia Arabia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Tunisia, United States of America, Uruguay and the Vatican City do not require a visa to enter Malta.

Citizens of other countries can obtain information regarding entry into Malta from the nearest Maltese Embassy. Where a stay longer than three months is envisaged, an application should be made while in Malta, shortly before three months expire, to the Immigration Police, at Police Headquarters, Floriana.

Customs

No customs duty is paid on personal belongings. Adults are allowed to import up to 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in cigars or tobacco, one bottle of alcohol, one bottle of wine and a reasonable quantity of perfume or eau de toilette. If in doubt, consult Customs Services upon arrival.

Language

The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French.

Currency

The Maltese Pound (Lm) or Lira is divided in 100 cents. Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into Malta as long as it is declared on arrival. The maximum amount of Maltese currency that may be brought into the country is of Lm50 per person. On departure, visitors can take out again all their foreign currency, but not more than Lm25 in Maltese currency.

Banks

Banks are normally open between 08:30 am and 12:30pm from Monday to Friday, and up to 11:30 am on Saturday. Some banks work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.

Exchange Bureaus at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaus can be found all over the Islands.

Credit Cards

Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa.

Time Difference

Malta is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT in winter and 2 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Malta is 6 hours ahead of EST in winter and 7 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find.

Telecommunications

Local and international telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms. Most hotels also offer fax and internet access. Maltacom provides round the clock international telecommunication, fax, and internet access at its offices in St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s. Its office in South Street, Valletta provides these services during office hours from Monday to Friday. The same services, as well as the sale of telecards, are available from 8:00am to 10:00pm at Maltacom’s offices in Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay and Malta International Airport.

Coin and card operated telephone boxes can be found all over Malta and Gozo.

New communication technologies are widely available. Local mobile phone companies have agreements with the major international operators. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you ask your operator for details before you leave your country of origin.

Shopping

Commercial centers and shops are usually easily accessible by public or private transport. Shops are normally open between 9:00am and 1:00pm and between 4:00pm and 7:00pm.

In tourist areas, many shops remain open till 10:00pm. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Once a week, there is a market day in practically all towns and villages. In Valletta, the Merchants Street market is open every day. The biggest market in the one located at St. James Ditch, just outside Valletta, while the most picturesque is the one at Marsaxlokk. Both are held on Sunday mornings.

Souvenirs

Weaving, pottery, blown glass, copper or brass objects are all popular with tourists. Malta is famous for its gold and silver filigree work, as well as for its handmade lace. There is a craft center at Ta’ Qali in Malta and another at Ta’ Dbiegi in Gozo.

Religion

Most Maltese are Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented.

Entertainment

For its size, the Maltese archipelago offers an incredible wealth of activities and leisure pursuits including the following:

Badger Karting

Badger Karting is the latest expression of karting in the Mediterranean to deliver a perfect blend of thrill and adrenaline. Set up in November 1999 and located in Ta’ Qali, Badger Karting aims to provide a fun, exciting, competitive and safe activity.

Facilities include, a fleet of 30 electric karts and 15 petrol karts. These can reach speeds of up to 80km/h. 17 different track layouts, which are of the highest international standards through the close collaboration with the Williams Formula 1 team.

Eden Ice Arena

The Eden Ice Arena is situated in Paceville, St Julian’s and opened in September 2001. The Arena is affiliated with the Ice Skating Institute based in the United States. The ring has been designed by a well-known international renowned architect and is the only venue in Malta, which can cater for figure skating or ice hockey.

Facilities include an Ice pad measuring 45meters x 26 meters. It has one of the most advanced air-conditioning and refrigeration plants in the world which is fully computer controlled whilst still allowing the possibility of manual input.

The Eden Super Bowl

The Eden Leisure’s Super Bowl opened in 1988 and is situated at St.George’s Bay in St.Julian's and is the only fully equipped Tenpin Bowling Complex in Malta.

Facilities include 20 lane fully automated and computerised bowling complex in an air-conditioned environment. Scoring system by Qubica Worldwide; active synthetic lanes and approaches; Vantage ball return machinery; AMF pinsetters and ball lifts.

The Royal Malta Golf Club

The Royal Malta Golf Club was founded in 1888 when golf was first played in the ditches formed by the fortification walls of Valletta. The club moved to its present site in the early 1900s. There have been many changes to the course and today, at par 68; it has become a good test of golf without being too unkind to the novice.

Malta’s temperate climate and its location make the Royal Malta Golf Club an ideal venue for off-season golfing breaks for both individuals and groups.

The Club is set in the Marsa Sports Club that encompasses tennis courts, squash courts, minigolf, billiard rooms, a swimming pool, a cricket oval, a polo field, a restaurant and an air-conditioned bar.

Facilities include 18 holes, 5008 meters, par 68, SSS 67, flat terrain/parkland. Fairways seeded with Bermuda grass Approx. 50 sand bunkers Temporary greens subject to seeding seasons

Spa Mediterranée

The Spa Mediterranée specialises in anti-stress and 'well being' treatments. The rejuvenating properties of the concentrated seawater used are the base for successful results.

The establishment has paid great attention and detail in producing sea water, which is three times stronger in salts and mineral elements. The Spa Mediterranée offers various other treatments including reflexology, shiatsu, Indian head massage, aromatherapy and beauty therapy. The centre is also backed by physiotherapists offering physical rehabilitation. The Spa is ideal for persons post-trauma or surgery, general malaise and lengthy hospital stays. It is idyllic for those wishing to get away from it all, enjoying the relax environment and pampering their whims.

Facilities include 1 Large Indoor Swimming Pool; 1 Therapy pool; 1 Fully Equipped Gymnasium with indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna; 1 Specialised rehabilitation gym; 14 treatment rooms; 1 Aquaciser; 1 Physiotherapy clinic; Specialised foot diagnostic equipment; Orthotic (insole) prescription; Aerobics area.

Athenaeum SPA

The Athenaeum SPA, a centre of vitality, beauty and well being. Set in the middle of beautifully landscaped gardens in the village of Attard (part of the Corinthia Hotel), this revolutionary health centre caters for the body and mind. Using only natural substances of the earth, in serene and beauty surroundings, this SPA offers more than fifty resorting therapies.

Facilities include Outdoor swimming pool; Indoor Hydrotherapy pools / Jacuzzi; Gym; Mud baths; Finnish and colour therapy saunas; Oxygen therapy facilities; Reiki relaxation techniques; feedback therapy - manipulating one’s natural breathing rhythm to achieve biomental regeneration; Massage parlour; Beauty salon; Tennis courts; Squash courts.

Diving

The waters around Malta and its islands are renowned as some of the most limpid in the Mediterranean. Underwater enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the marine life and apart from its fascinating natural sites, Malta has several submerged ships and places very close to its coast. These wrecks have become the sheltered breeding grounds of a number of species where one can enjoy an astonishing underwater universe.

Yacht Marina’s

Malta with it’s numerous natural harbours and inlets and crystal-clear waters is one of the main yachting centers in the Mediterranean where you will find top Yacht marinas providing all the services you require. Here below are a number of yacht marinas in Malta & Gozo

Grand Harbour Marina

Grand Harbour Marina is a development, which will provide the standard facilities and services associated with Camper & Nicholsons. Its 1600 square metres of quay space faces glorious architecture. Vittoriosa Wharf, the centrepiece of the new marina was at one time the ‘Grand Marina’ for the Knights of the Order of St John and is a sheltered as well as an imposing environment for visiting yachts.

Facilities include 20 berths for yachts 50m to 85m; 15 berths for yachts 25m to 50m; 250 berths for yachts 7m to 25m. Coordinates: 35° 53.5’ North, 14° 31.1’ East.

Manoel Island Marina

Manoel Island Marina is part of the development being undertaken by MIDI plc, and is situated to the South side of Manoel Island and about half a mile from the main entrance to Marsamxetto Creek in Malta.

Facilities include 60 Pontoon berths for boats up to 15 metres; 60 summer berths for boats up to 6.5 metres, 60 Stern to berths for boats up to 85 metres. Coordinates: 35 o 54.2’ North, 14 o 30.4’ East.

Portomaso Marina

Situated in St Julian’s on Malta’s northern coast, the Portomaso Marina forms part of new hotel/complex/marina development. The Marina can accommodate 110 yachts with a number of berths even catering for the 90 footers. The internationally acclaimed marine engineer, Joe Sciortino, has designed the Portomaso marina.

Facilities include three separate but interconnected basins, Inner, North and South basins. Whereas the inner and south basins are all weather the North basin is used for summer berthing. The inner basin can accommodate 49 vessels of various sizes, with each berthing being supplied with electricity and water. Half of the berths will be supplied with individual slip-side sewage disposal facilities whilst the rest will be serviced by a pump-out facility. The south berth can cater for 22 vessels of various sizes. A pump-out facility will cater for on-board sewage. Water and electricity will also be provided to each berth. The North basin will accommodate 32 boats. As these berths are reserved for smaller vessels, no shore supply or other such services will be provided.

The Mgarr Marina

The Mgarr Marina is located in Gozo and provides a perfect stopover for anyone visiting Gozo or cruising around the Maltese Islands.

Facilities include 186 berths for yachts of various sizes on 8 floating pontoons. Coordinates: LAT: 36 deg 01’.5N, LON: 014 deg .18’E.

The Msida Marina

The Msida Marina is situated in the innermost part of Marsamxetto Harbour. A breakwater across the entrance has produced a very safe and well-sheltered marina. Surrounding the yacht marina are excellent banking and shopping facilities.

Facilities include berthing on 15 lines of floating pontoons; 642 berths up to 18 metres in length on double mooring lines; 57 berths for yachts exceeding 16 metres in length. Coordinates: LAT: 35 deg 53’.8 North, LON: 014 deg 30’.1 East.

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