Malta travel guide
Meet Malta Malta weather reportGetting into MaltaFrom the Maltese kitchenFrom the Maltese bar Currency in MaltaMajor airports in MaltaExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in MaltaDid you know?
Meet Malta
Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean that lies south of Sicily, of which only three of its islands are inhabited. This beautiful country bridges European and African culture, its warm, laid-back ambience drench with influence from France, Turkey and the Romans. Cottonera is a historical hotspot, comprising of the cities of Birgu, Isla, and Bormla, which date back to the 16th century. Towards the south, fishing villages are scattered along the coastline, fostering creative seafood dishes and romantic sunsets. Saint Julianas provies nightlife and entertainment for after-dark, and Sliema is a haven for shoppers. The island also bears the stamp of two World Wars, where soldiers staunchly supported British troops. The George Cross awarded to the island for support in World War II is displayed on the national flag. The island remains a Commonwealth nation.
Natural beauty is not scarce in Malta. Mellieha has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the island, and draws a lot attention for the fact. The southern side of the island features a series of seven caves, dubbed the Blue Grotto for its deep blue waters and fascinating rock formations. Skippered tours are available, and often include a short boat tour. St Thomas Bay features very high, white cliffs and beaches ideal for swimming and amateur fishing. Visitors from South London may be interested to visit Clapham Junction – an area in central Malta where deep grooves in the bedrock have been formed over the years, often cutting through punic tombs which they predate.
April to June are perfect times to visit Malta due to less tourist influx, and consequently cheaper accomodation. August to November are also pleasant months (albeit a bit cooler), but dates that coincide with school holidays should be avoided as cheap airfares draw a huge number of people looking to escape to the sunshine.
Malta weather report
The Mediterranean location of Malta means that the weather remains relatively warm all year round. Winters do see a lot of rain and wind, while summers are dry and hot. Temperatures rarely exceed a comfortable 30c. There is no autumn or spring season in Malta – only the flora show the effect of seasonal change.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Malta
As a member of the Schengen agreement, only an official ID card is required for entry by EU or EEA citizens. Visas will not be required. Most other citizens will require passports for entry, although a visa may not be required for nationals of a Commonwealth country (please check).
As with mainland Europe, there are no border controls between Malta and countries under the Schengen Agreement, although be prepared to undergo the usual security checks, especially if the airport being used is served by non-EU/EEA flights.
Be aware that not all EU members are Schengen members, and vice versa. Some airlines will also insist on seeing a passport regardless of the agreement. Visitors from outside the EU will be required to complete a landing card, and proof of return.
From the Maltese kitchen
Maltese cuisine is not terribly distinct, but can be found on the island. Tourist areas will cater to British tourists, which can be disappointing to the seasoned traveller, so you will have to go out of the way to find something a bit more authentic.
A specilaity of the island is fenek (rabbit) of which a feast meal is made. The rabbit is usually marinated overnight and served in several courses – spaghetti in rabbit sauce followed by stewed rabbit or fried rabbit, with or without sauce. This is available in restaurants along side pastizzi, which are local stuffed pastries worth trying.
Most other local dishes are quite humble, but hearty. Fish and vegetables are common in dishes, and a widow's soup (vegetable mash with tomato stock) is usually on the menu. The Maltese also produce their own sausage, which comprises of spiced and herbed minced pork in a stomach lining. Maltese platters are available on most menus for the person who wants to try a bit of everything.
From the Maltese bar
The local Maltese beer is called Cisk, and is reasonably priced for its 4.2% volume. Blue Label Ale, Hopleaf, 1565, Lacto (milk stout) and pre-mixed Shandy are also produced by the same company. Caqnu is produced by the rival brewery.
Although most wines are made from imported vines, two indigenous varieties are Girgentina and Gellewza. Marsovin and Delicata are two direct results of Maltese wineries, and modestly priced. Amateur wines are also available to try from several shops and restaurants on the island.
A non-alcoholic drink that originated here is Kinnie, made from bitter oranges. Interestingly, it doesn't rain enough here to provide water, so most drinking water is purified from the sea.
Currency in Malta
Malta uses the Euro. The euro is available in seven different bills and eight separate coins. The bills are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euro denominations. The coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 euro cents, and 1 and 2 euro denominations.
Banks, ATMs and currency exchange bureaus can be found all over the island, with some exchanges open 24/7. Hotels, shops and restaurants may accept foreign notes, but are more likely to take credit cards and travellers cheques. For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.
Major airports in Malta
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Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport serving Malta. It has its own airline (Air Malta), although several European airlines, and budget lines such as RyanAir also serve the airport.
Examples of food and drink spend
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Pizza – 6.50 EUR
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McDonalds - 7.50 EUR
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Bottle of wine – from 10.00 - 95.00 EUR
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Two course meal – 12.00 - 40.00 EUR
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Beer – 1.00 EUR per half pint
Things to have at hand in Malta
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Camera
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Mosquito repellent
Did you know?
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Malta gained independence as late as 1964
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Malta boasts the oldest free-standing structures in the world
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Malta was occupied by the French in 1798
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Malta's megalithic temples are older than Stonehenge
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Ancient Greeks and Romans called the island Melita, meaning island of honey