Malta Travel Guide

Malta Travel Guide

MaltaIt has been 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 cultural, historical and megalithic sites unique in the world. The islands boast prehistoric ruins older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, and are steeped in the legacy of the medieval order of the Knights of St John, who used the island as their stronghold for defending Christendom.The main island of Malta, covering just 95 square miles (246 sq km), is also a popular holiday destination because of its secluded bays and sandy beaches, washed by unpolluted clear blue waters. Set against the backdrop of the island's scenery and its honey-coloured stone buildings, Malta is alluring and fascinating.Malta and its little sister island, Gozo, are not stuck in a time warp, however. The islanders enjoy life to the full, and the calendar is filled 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 bustling and 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 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 biggest and most unique influence was left by the Knights of St John, to whom the island was donated in 1530; the Knights reigned supreme over the island for 270 years, building magnificent churches and monuments to themselves.Malta has its mysteries too, in the form of 30 prehistoric sites boasting massive Neolithic temples, considered to be the oldest freestanding stone buildings known to man.
Malta Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:
The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008. (Maltese lira are no longer accepted.) Banks, ATMs and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands, as well as foreign exchange machines in the tourist areas. Banks generally open mornings Monday to Saturday, but exchange bureaux at the international airport are open 24 hours a day. Many hotels, shops and restaurants accept foreign currency, but currency and travellers cheques can be changed into lira at banks and tourist offices. Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa.
Time:
Electricity:
240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin square plugs are used.
Language:
English and Maltese are the official languages; Italian is also spoken
Health:
There are no health risks attached with travel to Malta, and water and food is safe for consumption. A reciprocal health agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Malta and as a result British citizens receive emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors should, however, take out adequate medical and travel insurance in case medical evacuation or further treatment is required. Travellers coming from a recognised infected area require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Tipping:
A gratuity of 10% is expected in hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not included in the bill. Most services are tipped about 5-10% (including taxi drivers).
Safety:
Malta is considered very safe for tourists. Crime is rare, though theft from parked cars and handbag snatching can occur. Local driving conditions are poor so exercise caution.
Customs:
The wearing of skimpy clothing away from the beaches should be avoided, and dress should be conservative to enter churches.
Business:
Business in Malta tends to be conducted as elsewhere in Europe; formally and politely. Punctuality is important; dress should be formal with suit and tie the norm, unless weather is hot when one can forgo the jacket. Handshakes and the exchanging of business cards takes place on greeting. English is widely spoken and 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.
Duty Free:
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; 1 litre wine and 1 litre spirits. Any large items or electrical equipment should be declared on entry (video cameras, televisions etc.), and currency must also be declared. Prohibited items include firearms, pornography, meat, poultry and their by-products, plants and drugs.
Communications:
The country code for Malta is +356, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).City/area codes are not required. Local and international telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms, and most hotels also offer fax and Internet access. Maltacom telecommunications offices also provide these services in the main towns, and coin and card operated telephone boxes can be found all over Malta and Gozo. The islands are covered by two comprehensive GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are to be found in all the main towns and tourist resorts.
Malta Travel Guide

Malta Attractions

St John's Co-Cathedral
Description:
Valletta's magnificent medieval cathedral is famous for the painting by Caravaggio, which hangs in its oratory, and the 369 inlaid mosaic marble tombstones that cover its floor. Each tombstone depicts the lives of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, buried beneath. The façade is rather severe and militaristic, but inside the cathedral is lavishly splendid in the grandest tradition of high Baroque, with every inch of wall covered by carving, while the vaulted ceiling sports paintings depicting the life of St John the Baptist, patron saint of the Knights.
Address:
Republic Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
2122 0536
Email:
info@maltachurch.org.mt
Website:
www.stjohnscocathedral.com

Palace of the Grandmaster
Description:
The Grandmaster's Palace, built around 1571, today serves as the office of the President and seat of the Maltese Parliament. The palace is a treasure house of art, from the unique collection of Gobelin Tapestries to frescoes depicting the Great Siege of 1565 by Perez d'Aleccio that cover the walls of the Halls of St Michael and St George. Visitors can also view the armoury and state apartments, which are adorned with friezes describing the history of the Order of St John.
Address:
Palace Square, Republic Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
56 221 221
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Website:

National Museum of Archaeology
Description:
The archaeological museum on Republic Street is housed in one of the inns of the Knights of St John, the Auberge de Provence. The museum's focus on Malta's prehistory includes displays such as the reconstruction of prehistoric remains found at Hypogeum. Items such as pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and jewellery from the prehistoric, megalithic and temple-building periods are featured, as well as some Punic and Roman tomb furniture. All the exhibits were found on excavations across the Maltese islands.
Address:
Charles Borg, Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta
Postcode:
Telephone:
21 239 375
Email:
Website:
www.heritagemalta.org

Lascaris War Rooms
Description:
Valletta suffered a great deal of damage during bombing raids in the Second World War. The Battle of Malta and other events involving the islands during the early years of the war are featured in a series of 17th century tunnels, which were turned into a military operations complex during the war. The complex has been restored and now acts as a museum, with displays including charts, models and dioramas.
Address:
Lascaris Ditch, Valletta
Postcode:
Telephone:
2123 4936
Email:
Website:
www.visitmalta.com/lascaris-war-rooms

Malta Experience
Description:
A dramatic presentation that illustrates the history of Malta, from Neolithic to modern times, can be enjoyed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre at St. Elmo's bastion in Valletta. This building itself has been impressively restored, having been built by the Knights in the 1500s as a hospital. The wards, which are great sweeping halls with vaulted ceilings and marble floors, now serve as exhibition areas. A modern theatre has been added where the Malta Experience audio-visual show is offered in 10 languages.
Address:
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Mediterranean Street, Valletta
Postcode:
Telephone:
2124 3776 or 2125 1284
Email:
Website:
www.themaltaexperience.com

Mdina
Description:
Mdina, known as the noble city, was the original capital of Malta before the arrival of the Knights of St John in the middle ages. It was originally a Phoenician town but spent periods under Roman, Arabic and Norman occupation. The elegant walled city, with its suburb, Rabat, can trace its origins back more than 4,000 years, although today all that remains is the medieval town, which has been largely restored.Mdina is situated on a rocky outcrop about nine miles (15km) west of Valletta. At the heart of Mdina is its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St Paul. Mdina has a conservative atmosphere, in keeping with its noble past. While the Knights reigned over Malta the city became the home of the Maltese nobility, who lived there under autonomous rule, not being deemed worthy to be invited to join the Order of St John. The descendants of some of these families live here still. Mdina and Rabat not only offer some fascinating and valuable sightseeing opportunities, but the old city is particularly inviting at night when it is lamplit and visitors can enjoy the ambience of restaurants tucked away in its bastions and palace courtyards. Motor vehicles are off-limits inside the city walls, and pedestrians have free reign to walk the streets and take in a glimpse of life in the middle ages.
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Three Cities
Description:
Malta's main maritime towns have merged into a fortified conglomerate known as the Three Cities, resting on the promontories opposite Valletta. Walking tours of the area are popular. Vittoriosa is the oldest town in Malta after Mdina. It features plenty of historical architecture, including several of the Inns of the Knights of St John, as well as a hospital built by the Order in 1672, which is still a Benedictine convent inhabited by devout nuns. Fort St Angelo, the oldest fortified part of Vittoriosa dating from 1274, stands at the tip of the promontory, and the Museum of Maritime History is also well worth a visit. The youngest of the Three Cities, Cospicua, dates from 1717 and features some interesting churches, while Senglea, designed by Grandmaster De La Sengle in 1551, is an important place of pilgrimage. Senglea's parish church contains a statue of Christ the Redeemer that is said to have miraculous powers.
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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Description:
The Hypogeum, just southwest of the Three Cities in the suburb of Paolo, is a labyrinthine complex of man-made chambers hewn out of limestone, extending about 36ft (11m) below the surface. Experts believe it was used as a burial site and temple by Neolithic man, who used antlers and stone picks to carve out the labyrinth in semi-darkness nearly 5,000 years ago. The site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Archaeologists have recovered numerous statues, amulets, figurines and vases, many of which are on display in the Archaeology Museum in Valletta.
Address:
Burial Street, Paola
Postcode:
Telephone:
2180 5018/9
Email:
Website:
www.heritagemalta.org

St Mary's Church
Description:
The centre of every Maltese town and village is occupied by a beautiful church. One of the largest in Europe is St Mary's in the central Maltese town of Mosta, with its glorious blue, gold and white dome. The church is regarded as having been the site of a World War II miracle: in 1942 while 300 people were praying in the church a bomb penetrated the dome and landed on the mosaic floor, but did not explode. A replica of the bomb is today displayed in the church sacristy.
Address:
Rotunda Square, Mosta
Postcode:
Telephone:
2143 3826
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Hagar Qim
Description:
The prehistoric temple complex discovered in 1839 at Hagar Qim in western Malta dates from about 3,800 BC, and has the oldest known human structures in the world. The Hagar Qim and nearby Mnajdra ruins are close to the village of Qrendi, about nine miles (15km) southwest of Valletta. The megalithic temple complex carved from giant limestone slabs is adorned with carved animals and idols, sacrificial altars and oracular chambers, all fashioned with flint and obsidian tools. The largest megalith is 23ft (7m) high and weighs about 20 tons. Many of the relics recovered from the site, including the famous 'fat lady' statues, are on display in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Address:
West of the village of Qrendi
Postcode:
Telephone:
2142 4231
Email:
Website:
www.heritagemalta.org

Museum of Archaeology
Description:
A good place to begin exploring Gozo is at the Museum of Archaeology, found just inside the walls of the Citadel in Victoria behind the Old Gate, in a 17th century building that was originally the Town Hall. The museum illustrates the cultural history of Gozo from prehistoric times to the early modern era, presented chronologically from the Neolithic and Temple Period onwards through the Phoenician, Roman, Medieval and Knights of St John periods.
Address:
Triq Bieb l-Imdina, the Citadel
Postcode:
Telephone:
2155 6144
Email:
Website:
www.heritagemalta.org

Ggantija Temples
Description:
Two massive megaliths were carved into temples by the pre-Phoenician Gozitans somewhere between 4,100 and 2,500 BC, and now stand on the island as mysterious monuments to a bygone age. Legend has it that they were transported to the island by a giantess called Sansuna, hence the name of the site, Ggantija, which means 'giant'. Large stone balls in the area, however, have led archaeologists to conclude that the massive blocks were rolled into place atop these. The two temples have a common façade but each has a separate entrance; one is larger than the other. It is believed both originally had roofing made of wooden beams, and that sacrifices of animals were made in the temples during rituals. The temples, along with other similar temples on the main island of Malta, have been documented as the oldest free standing structures in the world.
Address:
Temples Street, Xaghra
Postcode:
Telephone:
2155 3194
Email:
Website:
www.heritagemalta.org

Caves of Xaghra
Description:
The alabaster caves at Xaghra feature stalactites and stalagmites, and have an important place in Greek mythology, particularly the Calypso Cave, overlooking the red sand of Gozo's best beach, Ramla Ihamra. Calypso cave is believed to be the one referred to in Homer's Odyssey as being where the beautiful nymph Calypso kept Odysseus as a 'prisoner of love' for seven years. Two other caves at Xaghra are Xerri's Grotto and Ninu's Grotto, both more impressive than Calypso, but lacking the love story. Below Calypso Cave are the remains of a fortification built by the Knights of St John as a defence bastion.
Address:
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Telephone:
2156 0572
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Dwejra
Description:
Dwejra, with its secluded pebbled bathing pool and crystal clear water, is known as the 'inland sea' and provides the enjoyable experience of diving into the 'blue hole' near the Azure Window. It is an area with strange rock formations causing interesting swimming holes. It's most famous rock is Fungus Rock, which was apparently heavily guarded during the era of the Knights of Malta because a special plant with healing properties grew upon it, and stealing the plant was liable to earn the thief the death penalty.
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Marsalforn
Description:
The tiny fishing village of Marsalforn on the north coast of Gozo has become the island's most popular summer resort. It offers various spots for swimming and water sports, and is well supplied with restaurants, bars and accommodation establishments.
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Toy Museum
Description:
Located in Valetta, the Toy Museum showcases three floors of Maltese and international toys dating back to the 1950s, including matchbox cars, planes, dolls, train sets and an impressive Corgi car collection.
Address:
222 Triq ir-Repubblika, Valletta
Postcode:
Telephone:
2125 1652
Email:
Website:
www.visitmalta.com/toy-museum

Playmobil Funpark
Description:
The second largest Playmobil factory in the world is located here in Malta and the Playmobil Funpark is a must for children of all ages. Children can view the full range of Playmobil and run around in the play park. Tours of the factory are also available. There are both indoor and outdoor play areas so it's a great option for those rainy days.
Address:
HF80, Industrial Estate, Har Far
Postcode:
Telephone:
2224 2445
Email:
funpark@playmobilmalta.com
Website:
www.playmobilmalta.com

Splash & Fun Park
Description:
The Splash & Fun Park is a great place to take the kids on a warm summers day where they can swim and ride the water slides to their heart's content. There is also a large whirlpool where adults can relax and unwind while the kids get rid of their energy on rides such as the Black Hole, Super Bowl, Side Winder, Hippo Slide and Children's Splash Land.
Address:
Coast Road, Bahar ic-Cahaq
Postcode:
Telephone:
2137 5021
Email:
info@splashandfun.com.mt
Website:
www.splashandfun.com.mt

Popeye Village
Description:
Also known as Sweethaven, Popeye Village is the actual set that was used for the 1980s musical of Popeye that starred Robin Williams and Shelly Duvall. Children can wander round the authentic wooden buildings such as the bakery, pot office and school house. During the summer months, visitors to Popeye Village can enjoy a boat ride or even water trampolines and meet their favourite cartoon characters.
Address:
Anchor Bay, Mellieha
Postcode:
Telephone:
2152 4782/3/4
Email:
info@popeyemalta.com
Website:
www.popeyemalta.com

Mediterraneo Marine Park
Description:
At the Mediterraneo Marine Park, children will be able to enjoy learning about marine animals by watching Black Sea Dolphin shows and the exciting and entertaining show by South American Sea Lions. Parrots and Iguana are also on display here. There is even a 'swimming with the dolphins' programme available for those wanting to get a little closer.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
2137 8781
Email:
Website:
www.marineparkmalta.com

Azure Window
Description:
One of Malta's most picturesque sites, the Azure Window is a distinctive rock formation that forms a large arch over the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Formed when several enormous caves collapsed, the arch has been featured in several films, including the 1981 Ray Harryhausen epic Clash of the Titans, the 1997 miniseries The Odyssey, and the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo.Located in Gozo near the tourist village of Dwejra, the Azure Window is a popular scuba diving site in Malta now, although tourists are no longer allowed to walk across the arch due to erosion. In fact, the site is considered in danger of falling apart altogether, in which case the laid-back Maltese are prepared to rename it the Azure Pinnacle.
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