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Magical Malta Introduction

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Summer
Maltese summers are long and tend to be very hot. The summer starts in May and lasts till late September, experiencing average daily highs of around 28 - 32°C. These temperatures can vary widely, either soaring when hot sirocco winds blow in from Africa or cooling when ocean breezes prevail. The average daily amount of sunshine is at its peak with 12 hours of sunlight in July and 11 in June and August.

Winter
Winter in Malta is mild, making it a popular choice to escape the cold weather for some winter sun. The temperatures in December are around 17°C, whilst January and February are only slightly cooler, at about 15°C. Winter is also the wettest time of the year with the average rainfall at 90mm. The island receives around 5 to 6 hours of sunshine during this time.

Spring / Autumn
Spring sees perhaps the best weather of the year with low rainfall and comfortably warm temperatures. Daytime highs are between 20 - 25°C and the average rainfall is about 25mm. The sea temperatures are cooler at the beginning of spring yet are still much warmer than the UK. By early April, the water is more than warm enough for a swim.

****Suggestion for image: A picturesque view of Malta in spring with blooming flowers.****

Climate

Magical Malta Introduction

Malta is packed with attractions and places of interest. The capital city of Valletta hosts regular plays and concerts, as well as numerous exhibitions and street events. With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless, featuring megalithic temples, underground catacombs, churches, and forts that are not to be missed. Interactive walkthroughs and multimedia attractions offer an overview of Malta’s history in under an hour. The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages and captivating folklore. On Sunday mornings, visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the open-air market outside Valletta, or the It-Tokk market in Victoria, Gozo.

Main Attractions

THE THREE CITIES

The Three Cities, consisting of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, showcase Malta's maritime heritage. These fortified cities offer charming streets, historic sites, and stunning views of the Grand Harbour.

GOZO

The neighboring island of Gozo is a must-visit destination and only a short ferry ride away. Explore Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea, wander around the quaint streets, shops, and cafes of Victoria, taking in the Citadel, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Ramla Bay and Xlendi.

MEGALITHIC TEMPLES

Malta is home to several prehistoric temples, including the UNESCO-listed sites of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. These ancient temples date back over 5,000 years, making them some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world.

MOSTA DOME

One of Malta's most prominent and famous buildings, the majestic Mosta Dome looms high on the glorious Maltese skyline. Based on the Roman Pantheon, this neo-classical masterpiece was constructed around a 16th-century church and took 28 years to build.

DINGLI CLIFFS

Dingli Cliffs are located on Malta’s western coast just off the picturesque village of Dingli. They offer panoramic coastal views and are 253 meters above sea level. The cliffs are known by locals for being the place where the sky and sea meet as it’s the highest point on the Maltese Islands!

MDINA

Often referred to as the "Silent City," Mdina is a medieval walled city with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a tranquil atmosphere. Walk along its fortified walls, visit St. Paul's Cathedral, and soak in the ancient ambiance of this former capital.

MARSAXLOKK

This quaint fishing village in the south boasts a wonderful daily market, with the weekend becoming a bustling bazaar for fresh fish, Maltese treats, and the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or two.

VALLETTA

The capital city of Malta, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture. Explore its narrow streets, visit St. John's Co-Cathedral, admire the Grand Master's Palace, and enjoy stunning views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Magical Malta Introduction

Compact, easy to get around, and with a friendly English-speaking population, Malta is a relaxed and convenient destination filled with pleasures. The Maltese Archipelago is located in the central Mediterranean Sea and consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. However, it can claim a total of eleven islands, the majority of which are uninhabited. The Maltese archipelago covers an area of around 122 square miles and is located approximately 58 miles south of Sicily. The capital city, Valletta, is situated on the eastern coast of the main island, while Victoria (Rabat) is the main city of the island of Gozo.

Location

Magical Malta Introduction

Malta International Airport is located in Luqa, which is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southeast of Valletta, the capital city of Malta.

Taxi and bus services can be found outside the terminal, and a wide transport network allows tourists to easily navigate the island.

The airport offers a wide range of facilities and services, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafés, currency exchange offices, ATMs, car rental agencies, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

For the most up-to-date information on services, flight schedules, and any travel advisories, you can visit the official website of Malta International Airport: https://www.maltairport.com/

Click on the above cities for the flight schedules for Summer 2023.

Flight Access

Birmingham Airport

Malta is served by three airlines from Birmingham airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Jet2 - Monday and Thursday
• Ryanair - Wednesday only
• TUI - Thursday only

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Birmingham Airport terminal.****

Bournemouth Airport

Malta is served by Ryanair only from Bournemouth airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Ryanair - Tuesday and Saturday

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Bournemouth Airport terminal.****

Bristol Airport

Malta is served by two airlines from Bristol airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Jet2 - Monday (May - Oct) and Thursday
• TUI - Thursday only

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Bristol Airport terminal.****

East Midlands Airport

Malta is served by two airlines from East Midlands airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Jet2 - Thursday only
• Ryanair - Friday only

****Suggestion for image: A photo of East Midlands Airport terminal.****

Edinburgh Airport

Malta is served by Ryanair from Edinburgh airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Ryanair - Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Edinburgh Airport terminal.****

Glasgow Airport

Malta is served by Jet2 from Glasgow airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Jet2 - Thursday only (April and August)
• Jet2 - Monday and Thursday (May to July, September and October)

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Glasgow Airport terminal.****

Leeds Bradford Airport

Malta is served by Jet2 from Leeds-Bradford airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Jet2 - Wednesday only

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Leeds Bradford Airport terminal.****

Liverpool Airport

Malta is served by Ryanair from Liverpool airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Ryanair - Monday and Thursday

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Liverpool Airport terminal.****

London Gatwick Airport

Malta is served by four airlines from London Gatwick airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Air Malta - Daily flight
• British Airways - Daily flight (except Fridays, April only), Daily flight (May only), Daily flight with 2 x flights on a Friday (June to October)
• Easyjet - 2 x Daily flights (except Sunday)
• TUI - Thursday only, 2 x flights

****Suggestion for image: A photo of London Gatwick Airport terminal.****

London Heathrow Airport

Malta is served by Air Malta from London Heathrow airport, Terminal 4. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Air Malta - 2 x Daily flights (3 x flights Friday only)

****Suggestion for image: A photo of London Heathrow Airport terminal.****

London Luton Airport

Malta is served by Ryanair from London Luton airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Ryanair - Monday (2 x Flights), Thursday, and Friday

****Suggestion for image: A photo of London Luton Airport terminal.****

London Stansted Airport

Malta is served by two airlines from London Stansted airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Jet2 - Monday and Thursday
• Ryanair - Daily flight (except Sunday, 2 x flights Saturday) April to June, Daily flight (2 x flight Saturday) July to October

****Suggestion for image: A photo of London Stansted Airport terminal.****

Manchester Airport

Malta is served by four airlines from Manchester airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Easyjet - Daily flights
• Jet2 - Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
• Ryanair - Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
• TUI - 3 x flights, Thursday only

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Manchester Airport terminal.****

Dublin Airport

Malta is served by Ryanair from Dublin airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Ryanair - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Dublin Airport terminal.****

Shannon Airport

Malta is served by Ryanair from Shannon airport. All flights are from April through to October unless stated:

• Ryanair - Friday and Sunday

****Suggestion for image: A photo of Shannon Airport terminal.****

Magical Malta Introduction

Your one-stop shop for all tourist information regarding visiting the Maltese archipelago.

Important Information

Transportation: Malta has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses that cover most parts of the islands.

You can purchase a Tallinja card (reusable bus card) for convenient travel. https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/tallinja-card

Taxis are also available, and car rental services are popular for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

For connection to Gozo, there are two ferry services:

 
• One from Valletta which costs €7.50 per person per way and is a passenger-only ferry.
 
• The ferry from Cirkewwa is a car and passenger ferry, and costs €4.60 per person which is paid at the ferry terminal before returning to the island of Malta.

Check the entry requirements before your trip. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta

Citizens from the UK and Ireland can enter Malta visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, entry requirements can change, so it's crucial to verify the latest information.

Your passport must be:

 
• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
 
• Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Malta as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You may also need to show a return or onward ticket and show you have enough money for your stay.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local etiquette, such as greetings and gestures. Avoid boasting about your wealth. Modesty is important to the Maltese, and they do not appreciate people who put themselves above others. Swearing and blasphemy may be offensive to your Maltese counterpart. Take care not to use language that may offend them.

Many Maltese are open to any conversation topic. However, take care when discussing politics or sport, as it may lead to heated debates (especially England vs Italy!). If you decide to visit a church, be sure to dress appropriately as a sign of respect. Shoulders should be covered and hats should be removed upon entering.

Relax and indulge in their humour. Maltese enjoy conversing, telling stories, and telling light-hearted jokes.

Language

The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English.

English is widely spoken throughout the islands, making communication with locals easy for English-speaking travelers.

Maltese as a language is a mixture of Italian, French, Arabic, and a little English (which is due to the multi-cultural history of the archipelago). Fun fact: Maltese is one of only two Semitic languages written in Latin script in the entire world!

Safety

Malta is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.

The standard voltage in Malta is 230V, and the plugs and sockets are of the three-pin type (Type G). If your electrical devices use a different plug type, consider bringing a travel adapter.

Currency

The currency of Malta is the Euro (EUR). Make sure to have some local currency with you for small expenses, as well as credit/debit cards, which are widely accepted. Currency exchanges can be found around all major towns/cities.

Top tip: Opening a Revolut account is a quick way to convert from GBP to Euros and can be done easily through the app with quite often a favourable exchange rate. Also, some shops will accept a Revolut transfer if they do not accept card and you find yourself with no cash available.

Magical Malta Introduction

Key information to take away from this module:

 
• The broad and vast history of the Maltese archipelago.
 
• A total of 11 civilizations have called Malta home with the most notable mentioned.
 
• The blend of cultures that have existed across the millennia.

History

Prehistoric Period:

Malta's prehistoric era is marked by the construction of impressive megalithic temples, such as Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, dating back to around 3600-2500 BCE. These temples are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Alongside this, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum dating back to 3000 BCE is a subterranean sanctuary and necropolis (housing the remains of more than 7000 people). Our megalithic temples and hypogeum are two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Malta.

The function of these megalithic temples has long been debated with some reasoning that they were shelter and accommodation for the indigenous population, whilst others have proposed that they were shrines or places of worship to the ancient deities. Interestingly, none of the temples align to one constellation (stars were the ancient focal point of worship) however all correlate to the position of the Cygnus Star from the proposed period in time at which they were built, showing us that each megalithic structure was built at different stages in the Neolithic eon.

For the Hypogeum, the number of entrants is restricted each day for the purpose of conservation, so it is recommended to book at least 3 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Phoenician and Roman Rule:

Malta was colonized by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE and later became part of the Roman Empire in 218 BCE. During Roman rule, Malta flourished as a trading hub and experienced significant urban development.

Many Phoenician artifacts can be found in the National Museum of Archaeology for those who wish to explore the Punic past of the islands. Some of these are incredibly Egyptian in style and influence, but that does not necessarily mean that the Egyptians visited Malta, but more so that the Phoenicians were great admirers of this ancient civilization. One of the greatest remnants of this period can be found below the water in the form of a sunken shipwreck that forms part of our expansive scuba diving offering.

In the 2nd century BCE, the Romans claimed the islands of Malta, bringing with them a period of prosperity, expanding the city of Mdina and remaining on the island for the following 800 years. During this time, the apostle St. Paul was shipwrecked on the islands, bringing with him Christianity, which is very much part of the culture today. After the split of the Roman Empire, the archipelago became part of the Eastern empire, which later became the Byzantine civilization, and the islands fell under Arab rule.

Medieval Period:

Arab Rule: In 870 CE, Malta was conquered by the Arabs, bringing Islamic influence to the islands. Arab rule lasted until 1090 when the Normans expelled the Arabs. The Maltese archipelago was heavily influenced by this civilization, and we can see this in evidence by the Maltese language.

Knights of St. John: In 1530, the Knights Hospitaller, later known as the Knights of St. John, were granted Malta by the Holy Roman Emperor. The knights fortified the islands and made significant contributions to their cultural and architectural heritage. The Great Siege of Malta in 1565, repelling the Ottoman Empire's invasion, is a notable event during this period. The extent of the wealth of this time is still evident today with many sights showcasing the Knights' opulence.

French and British Rule:

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte's forces captured Malta, but their rule was short-lived, as the British expelled the French in 1800. Malta became a British colony and played a strategic role during World War II as a military base and endured heavy bombings.

Due to the Napoleonic wars of the early 1800s, Malta stayed as part of the British Empire, officially recognized in 1814. With the Crimean War and the building of the Suez Canal, Malta continued to flourish under British rule. The early 1900s saw a period of dissent which led to mass migration to countries such as the US and Australia.

During the period post-war, the British monarchy took frequent visits to Malta, and just before her coronation in 1952, Princess Elizabeth lived on the island for two years with her husband Philip, who was stationed on the archipelago. She looked back at these years with fond memories and stated that Malta was a second home to her.

Independence and Modern Era:

Independence: Malta achieved independence from British rule on September 21, 1964, becoming a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. In 1974, Malta became a republic.

Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro as its currency in 2008.

In recent years, Malta has experienced economic growth, becoming a hub for financial services, tourism, and the digital gaming industry.

It's important to note that this is a condensed summary of Malta's complex history, and there are many more specific events and nuances that shaped the country.

For more information, visit https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/