LOCATION

Malta….situated right in the centre of the Mediterranean sea, some 100 km South of Sicily and 270 km North of coast of Tunisia, was thought to be the centre of the world before Colombus discovered America. With some 7000 years of history Malta is an attraction not only for the sun worshippers but for all types of people from different generations.

The Maltese Archipelago is compromised of three main islands; Malta, Gozo and Comino but there are another 2 small uninhabited islands; Filfla & Cominotto. The biggest of them all is Malta which is only 27 km long and 13 km wide.



WEATHER

Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to around 12 hours in summer. Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.

Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity. This is known as the Sirocco, or, in Maltese, the Xlokk – this wind affects Greece and Italy as well; in Malta the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well in to the ‘winter’ months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The currency used in Malta is the € (Euro)

Most of the Maltese people speak 3 languages; Maltese; English and Italian. The younger generation will also speak basic French or German.

The electrical supply is 230 volts +/- 10%. The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find.

Swimming
The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides. Some bays are exposed to north and north-easterly winds which do produce some strong undercurrents at times.

Sun Bathing
The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean and has a latitude more southerly than that of northern Tunisia. You are therefore advised to take precautions to ensure you avoid over exposure to the sun. Even in winter it is advisable to wear a suitable factor sunscreen for your skin type. This is important if you are out walking, or taking part in water sports. A sun hat is a must. Children and especially babies need extra protection from the sun. If you are sunbathing, it is advisable to avoid the strongest sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm in peak summer months.

Water
Although not recommendable, tap water is safe to drink around the Maltees Islands. Local and foregin bottled water can also be bought around the islands.

HISTORY AND CULTURE
Malta is rich of history and the Maltese can boast of epic sieges and wars, the last being WWII when Malta was heavily bombed.

In Malta's rich fascinating history, two particular periods, namely the neolithic and the period of the knights of St. John, stand out from the rest because they are so unique to the Maltese Islands.
Malta is rich of history and the Maltese can boast of epic sieges and wars, the last being WWII when Malta was heavily bombed. Getting around in Malta is easy. The public transport is quite efficient and very cheap!

WHAT TO DO

As already mentioned Malta has much more than sandy and rocky beaches to offer, although these are numerously found all over the islands. The capital Valletta & the Old City Mdina are the paradise of history lovers. Others adventure themselves to take boat trips to the various caves at the Blue Grotto and Comino. Others simply relax by partying or by simply taking their ‘siesta’ on the cool clear turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon.

The islands are also famous for their summer village festas where amongst fireworks, religious processions, bands you will feel very welcomed by the friendly warm-hearted Maltese people.

The club scene in Malta has grown massively over the past few years. Internationally renowned DJ's, are frequent guests all throughout the year. World-renowned DJ's, which have recently visited the islands, include Carl Cox, DJ Tiesto and David Guetta.

Malta is also becoming popular with annual events such as the ISLE OF MTV – Malta Special where for the second year running in 2008, many popular and world famous artists will visit Malta and rock the local and foreign fans with their music.

Malta's nightlife is mainly located in the central part of Malta, namely around St Julian's and Sliema, two suburbs of Valletta. These two neighborhoods host a multitude of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, next to each other, for streets on end. There are several discotheques, which are really popular on the island. St Julian’s is just 8 km away from Mellieha and can be reached by bus (number 645) or by taxi (which can be booked directly from the Hotel’s reception)

During Summer there are a number of open-air discos which are surely are an attraction that night-life lovers should not miss.

You name it. You have it. Roulette, blackjack, stud poker, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer. Horse Racing. Not mentioning state-of-the-art slot machines including video poker. These adult games can be played at either of three large modern excellent casinos, in St Julians, Bugibba, and Cottonera. These three main casinos range in architectural style from an elegant colonial-style villa, a restored 17th century harbor-side palace (subsidiary of the Casino di Venezia in Venice, Italy) or an ultra modern seaside hotel complex. You are so pampered in your choice in that you can choose your venue according to your mood.

Of course, water sports play a big role in the activity range on the Islands and equipment is available to rent at almost every major sandy beach or beach club.

Paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and scuba diving are all enjoyed by locals and tourists. Sailing regattas are held regularly between April and November, including the Comino Regatta in June, the Malta-Syracuse race for keelboats in July and the Rimini-Malta-Rimini Yacht race in August. Good facilities for boat rentals and yacht charters exist throughout the Island.

The Maltese Round of the Powerboat P1 International Championships is normally held during the months of May or June. This is a fun event and a golden opportunity to get close to both drivers and the glittering boats.

In addition, Malta boasts a wide selection of other sporting events sponsored by national associations, including judo, basketball, cycling, table tennis, hockey, water polo, wrestling, fencing and more.

The Maltese Islands are a strong Catholic country, with a wide diversity of festivities which makes up the religious year. Feast days are the life of the Islands and some holy days are actually national holidays, such as the feast of Santa Marija in mid August. Others, such as the harvest festival, or L'Imnarja at the end of June, are steeped in folklore. However, the most important events to all villages are their individual festas, honouring their parish patron saint. Join the locals, watch the fireworks, try the typical cuisine, ....join the unique fun of the Maltese festas!

Restaurants are plentiful and spread all over the Maltese islands. Choose from high-class restaurants, 'al-fresco' dining places, pizzerias as well as local café-bars. International cuisine is available everywhere.
We could just go on describing but we recommend that you try it out yourselves because Malta is much more than a destination……..

For further information and detailed list of events you may visit www.visitmalta.com