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Malta

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Quick Facts

Malta flag

Map of Malta

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Capital
Valletta
Population
400,000
Government
Republic
Religions
Christianity (Catholic)
Languages
Maltese, English
Calling Code
+356
Nationality
Maltese
Local name
Time Zone
UTC +1
Daylight Saving
UTC +2
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Introduction

To Market, To Market

To Market, To Market

© All Rights Reserved maybe

A mere dot in the Mediterranean on maps of Europe, the Maltese Islands may well be Europe's most compact tribute to ancient history. The pre-historic temples at Hagar Qim date back to the Copper Age (or 3800 BC), making them the oldest human structures known to man. At Valletta, the architectural heritage of the Norman and baroque eras proudly line cobbled streets. Such illustrious historical figures as Ulysses and the apostle Paul set foot on Malta, giving the island a near-mythical past that is perfectly underscored by its ancient appearance.

The beauty about Malta is that once you have finished enjoying the amazing cities, towns and countryside, the beach is still there with the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean warmly inviting visitors into its midst. Diving around Malta is excellent, with superb visibility and stunning underwater scenery. And with an average summer temperature of 30 °C, Malta is a great way to unwind over summer.

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Brief History

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Geography

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Islands

Malta consists of 3 inhabited islands

  • Malta
  • Gozo (Għawdex)
  • Comino (Kemmuna)

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Cities

  • Valletta - The capital
  • Qormi
  • Zabbar
  • Mdina
  • Birgu
  • Saint Julian's
  • Luqa
  • Sliema
  • Paceville
  • Mosta

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Sights and Activities

  • Boat cruises from Sliema
  • Mediterraneo Marine Park
  • Car Museum
  • Horse Riding
  • Snorkelling, free diving and swimming
  • Trekking
  • Meditation
  • Fishing
  • Scuba diving
  • Water sports

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

Said to have the best weather in Europe.

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Getting There

Being an island country, plane and boat are the only options to get to Malta.

By Plane

The Malta International Airport in Luqa is home to the national airline, Air Malta. Air Malta has regular connections to destinations in Europe, Africa and Middle East. Some other regional airlines flying into Malta include Air Méditerranée, BritishJET, MyTravel Airways, Ryanair andThomsonfly.

By Boat

Travelling to Malta by boat is possible from Sicily, Italy. Frequent ferry services are available from Catania (four hours) and Pozzallo (90 minutes).

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Getting Around

Bus would be the best option.
The roads are crazy, there seems to be an anything goes rule.

By Plane

By Train

No train services

By Car

There are plenty of rent-a-car shops.

By Bus

The local bus services there are very good, and cheap. The buses are really something, old with character, makes the ride that much more exciting.

By Boat

There is a ferry from Sliema Ferry Terminal to Valetta (the capital) and vice versa.
There are also boats, for tourists to visit parts of the island. You can do a trip to Gozo, a 360 trip of the island, or a 1 and a half hour cruise of the creeks surrounding Valetta. All for a reasonable price.

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Red Tape

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

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Money

The official currency is Euro.

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Work

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Study

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Language

Maltese
English
Arabic
Italian
Pretty much everyone speaks english on the island.

If you are going to Malta to see the REAL native Malta, do NOT expect English language to be spoken at all. Many people , almost all, in tourist areas speak English of some description but if you are in an English area, expect an English holiday too.

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Eat

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Sleep

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Drink

The main place for a bit of fun is the Paceville area. You'll find about 6 clubs, all a stone's throw from each other.

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Health

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Safety

Seemingly very safe to walk around at night,

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Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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This is version 18. Last edited at 11:10 on May 2, 08 by Peter (+4100). 15 articles link to this page.

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