Malta has a valiant and noble history which includes a period of time when the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem stayed here from 1530 to 1798 and built churches and palaces. The Knights fortified the Malta against invaders which included the Turks who laid siege to the island in 1565. The capital of Valetta is a well planned city having been designed by Michelangelo's assistant Francisco Laparelli. Malta is filled with magnificent old buildings settled well among the new edifices which blend in nicely with the historic landmarks.
Covering an area of no more than 316km² (78,052 acres), the Maltese islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. About 300km (186 miles) north of Libya and 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily, this island group is made up of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino and two small uninhabited islets, Cominotto and Filfla. The Maltese islands have been occupied numerous times over the centuries by forces ranging from the Normans to, most recently, the British. From 1530 to 1798 the islands were owned and ruled by the Knights of the Order of St John. Their influence can be seen in the architecture and the strong religious tradition on the islands. Malti and English are the official languages here, although Italian is also generally spoken.
There are no rivers, lakes or mountains on the Maltese islands and more than half the water used comes from converted sea water. Geographically, Malta consists mainly of sandstone, while Gozo appears far greener because of its thicker subsoil. Like most of the Mediterranean, the Maltese islands experience mild to warm temperatures during the summer and chilly winters. With more than a third of their national income derived from tourism, these islands have a lot to offer the traveller. Horse-riding, archery, golf, as well as a number of water sports can be enjoyed on the islands. With numerous beaches, historical buildings and natural sights, the Maltese islands have something to offer everyone.
Capital: Valetta
Population: 379, 000
Area: 123 square miles
Language: Maltese and English are the official languages. Italian is also spoken
Time: + 6 hours from New York
Electricity: 240 volts AC/ 50 Hz. Plugs are quite varied. Adapter kits are necessary.
Geography: Malta is located bout 60 miles south of the Italian island of Sicily in an archipelago of which Malta is the largest island. The other main islands are Gozo and Comino. The islands are characterized by terraced fields and low but sweeping hills. There are no mountains or rivers. The island of Comino has very few inhabitants.
International Airport
Malta - Malta International Airport (MLA) - The airport is located 3 miles from the city of Valetta and takes about 15 minutes to travel. Bus is available as well as metered taxi to all parts of the island of Malta.
Tipping: When not included in the bill, a 10% tip is expected. Taxi drivers get 10% and porters should get pocket change.
Shopping: Store hours are 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm daily except Sunday when all stores are closed. One of the most known features of Malta is the filigree work in gold and silver that is done here. Do look for this for it is not very common and is worth purchasing. Other items include ceramics and glass as well as copper and brass works.
Food and Drink: It would hard to find what is typically Maltese food. If anything the fruits and vegetables here are very good as they are grown locally for the most part. There are a lot of restaurants in Malta offering a vast array of dining experiences. Chines food is quite popular and hamburgers and the like are very available. The beer is excellent as well as the Maltese wines.
Social: Malta a very devoutly Roman Catholic country. When visiting churches you must always dress modestly covering the shoulders, arms and legs. The traditional interpersonal courtesies found in the rest of western Europe apply here as well.
Business: The tone of business transactions is on the conservative side with nothing happening with very great speed. Mode of dress should be conservative but smart. Do not dress as if going to a funeral. English is spoken. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is essential.
Climate
Cool sea breezes temper the warmth which is felt all year. The greatest temperatures are felt during July, August and September. During the winter months the temperature is much cooler and it is also the time when showers are most likely.
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