Malta holidays

Culture and history

Malta is a deeply religious country, with more than 98% of the population being Roman Catholic. Indeed, the island has 365 churches – one for every day of the year!

Honey is one of Malta's most treasured products, so much so that the name Malta means ‘honey’ translated from its earliest Roman title – you won’t be able to resist a taste along, perhaps, with sampling Maltese olive oil and a slosh of local wine.

Despite its size, Malta attracts international film productions from around the world. Since 1925 when the first film was shot in Malta (Sons of the Sea), Malta has been the setting for more than 100 feature films and dramas, including The Da Vinci Code, Troy, Gladiator and more recently Game of Thrones.

Malta's history is still evident today, and dates back as far as the Neolithic period: many temples are scattered around the island and Ggantija in Gozo is said to be one of the oldest surviving, free-standing monuments in the world, predating Stonehenge by around 1,000 years! Thanks to their strategic position in the Med, the Maltese islands have played a crucial role in the making of history too, including the wars between Rome and Carthage, the Second World War and the Cold War, but it was perhaps the period of the Crusades which left the biggest impression: when the Knights Hospitaller of St John were driven out of Rhodes and handed Malta by Charles V, they bequeathed palaces, forts, cathedrals, an abundance of art and, of course, the Maltese Cross itself.

Flight time

A flight from London to Luqa takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Currency

Euro -

The euro replaced the lira as the official currency of Malta in 2008.

Passports and visas

For stays of up to three months your passport should be valid for the planned duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malta.

It’s a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport showing your passport number and photograph. Bring this with you on holiday, but keep it in a different place from your passport, just in case it gets lost or stolen.

Visit GOV.UK for more advice on passports and visas.

Phrases

English and Maltese are both official languages and nearly everybody in Malta speaks English. Even so, here are some helpful words if you fancy trying out the local lingo…

Hello - Hello (that’s easy enough!)

Goodbye - Saħħa (SAH-ha)

Please - Jekk jogħġbok (yek YOH-jbok)

Thank you - Grazzi (GRUTS-ee)

Yes - Iva (Eve-a)

No - Le (Le)

Timezone

Malta is one hour ahead of GMT, so no need to worry about jet lag.

Electricity

Most British appliances can be used without an adaptor, as sockets tend to be the standard rectangular pin you’ll find at home. That’s one less thing to pack!

Language

English,Maltese -

Malta has dual official languages, Maltese and English, giving it a real home-from-home feel.

The Maltese speak a unique language, Malti, written in Latin characters – it incorporates many words derived from English, Italian and French. Italian is also widely spoken in Malta.

Tipping

While tipping is not obligatory, it is best to follow what the locals do, which is usually to leave a 10% gratuity.

Climate

Malta enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters.

In the summer months, you can bask in 12 hours of glorious sunshine and a pleasant 5 or 6 hours in the winter.

During the winter, temperatures will stay in the region of 16°C (60 °F) – considerably warmer than our chilly British weather.

In summer, temperatures will peak at around 30°C (86°F).

Health

As health information can change at any time, we’d advise you to consult your GP at least 12 weeks before departure.

Country-specific information and advice on possible health risks is also published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre – see www.nathnac.org, and The British Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit provides important health and safety information for British nationals travelling abroad at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

Population and size

Malta’s population currently stands at 422,128. The Maltese archipelago includes the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, as well as the uninhabited, and little known islands of Comminotto and Filfla.

Malta is situated in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia.

At a tiny 316 square kilometers (smaller than the Isle of Wight), it is one of the world’s tiniest countries, closely followed by the Maldives. So at approximately 17 miles long and eight miles wide, if you’re a good hiker, you could walk the length in less than a day!

Smoking

Smoking is banned in any enclosed private or public premises, including bars and pubs, cafes and restaurants, public transport, cinemas, theatres and hospitals.

However, many establishments offer an outside seating option for smokers.

Smoking is also prohibited in the common areas in hotels. It is advisable to check with your hotel about its smoking policy before you book.