Malta is a country in South Europe that is made up of an archipelago of several islands, the three largest being: Malta Island, Gozo and Comino. The main island is made up of several towns, the biggest of which is Birkirkara and the capital city is Valletta.

Visitors are attracted to Malta’s beautiful coastline, numerous historical sites and traditional villages. The landscape here is rocky with coastal cliffs and secluded bays with blue waters, while popular buildings with an interesting history include the Megalithic Temples of Malta, which is a World Heritage Site. St. George’s Basilica in Gozo is another interesting place worth visiting and the streets and alleys that surround the building make for some interesting exploration.

Valletta is a great example of a fortified city and a panoramic view of the skyline showcases the stunning architecture. Wander down the wonderfully traditional streets, or visit the Alexander Ball Temple while you’re there, a Greek temple that is located in a beautifully preserved garden.

Fish and minestrone soup are common staples of the Maltese diet, as are pasta, pastries and stuffed vegetables, a typical example of Mediterranean cuisine. The national dish here is a rabbit stew known as Stuffat Tal-Fenek.

The official language here is Maltese, which bears a similarity to Arabic. English and Italian are also widespread and often spoken by locals.


Weather: The climate in Malta varies. It is pleasant and warm from April through to June, with temperatures that are still ideal for sunbathing but not uncomfortably hot so you can still visit the sights and go shopping. It is also partial to heavier rainfall than the UK, especially during autumn and winter months. However, the weather is quite balanced and allows the greenery to flourish and generally the temperature in Malta is mild throughout the year even during the winter which means snow doesn’t fall.



Transport: Getting to Malta is very easy from mainland Europe. Malta International Airport is served by Air Malta and several other airlines which connect to major cities in Europe as well as Cairo. Alternatively, you can travel to a port in Italy and get a ferry to Malta.

The bus service here is reliable and will take you to key destinations. Remember to hold onto your ticket as inspections sometimes occur mid-journey. Also, route numbers are displayed on the front, not destinations, so make sure you’re on the correct bus.

Areas such as Valletta and the Cottonera are easy to explore by foot, but if you prefer to drive or cycle then there are several car and bike rental outlets. There is also a regular ferry service if you would like explore neighbouring areas. Taxis here are white and run on a meter.

Visa Requirements: Visa restrictions do not apply in most areas and for less than three months, but contact the Maltese embassy for more information.

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