Malta

The Maltese archipelago is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, with the largest inhabited island, Malta, lying 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily and 290km (180 miles) from North Africa. These islands, situated almost at the centre of the Mediterranean, offer the attraction of clear blue waters, secluded bays and sandy beaches while, in the towns, medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches and palaces reflect the rich history of the islands.

Medina, once Malta’s capital, offers one of the best surviving examples of a medieval walled city. The town is entered by a stone drawbridge, which leads to a labyrinth of narrow streets, lined with churches, monasteries and palaces, connected by tiny piazzas. Malta has no mountains or rivers. Its coastline is scattered with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. Let goeasy travel help you plan the perfect holiday package for you and your family and friends.

The landscape of Gozo and Comino the only other inhabited islands, like Malta is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. The charm of Gozo is clear the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, life on Gozo moves at a gentle pace. Its rugged landscape and spectacular coastline invite exploration. Comino, the smallest island, is connected to Malta and Gozo by ferry and is very lightly populated and the island is perfect for a quiet holiday.

Weather in Malta

Malta has an excellent climate, reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in midsummer (July to August) and when the hot sirocco winds blow in from Africa. The lowest average daily high temperature, about 15°C (59°F), occurs during January. Winters are mild, with the occasional short cool period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Daytime temperatures in summer are often eased by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn, a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity. Annual rainfall is low, averaging 578mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well into the winter months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October

What to do in Malta

Malta offers the visitor a varied annual calendar from cultural events to summer festivals. Carnival begins the year’s events; a lively parade with decorated floats, accompanied by bands and dancers. Carnival is held during the 4 days preceding Ash Wednesday. The Holy Week celebrations mark an important period in the year’s event, when Maundy Thursday Pilgrimages, Good Friday Processions and Easter Sunday celebrations are held in most towns.
Malta’s harvest festival known as ‘Mnarja’ , falls on the 28-29 June, and opens the ‘Summer Season’. Characteristics of this season are the village feasts or ‘festi‘ (one or more feasts are held every weekend during Summer) in honor of the patron saint of the particular town or village. Held over a period of five days, the feasts include church services, decorated streets, band marches and spectacular firework displays in the evenings.
Take a day trip to Sicily and explore the neighbouring Island.

Driving & Car Hire Malta

Driving is on the left. Speed limit is 64kph (40mph) on highways and 40kph (25mph) in residential areas Valid international driving license required. Although the smaller Islands easily explore on foot, renting a car is a good option if you want to get to the farther reaches of the island, especially as taxis are expensive. Call or email for a holiday car hire quote in Malta.

Essential Facts about Malta

Capital City – Valletta
Currency – Euro
Electricity – 240V
Flight Time – Average of 3 hours from London
Time Difference – March 27 to October 30 GMT +2 otherwise GMT +1
For more information on Malta visit the official Malta Tourist Board

Languages Spoken English Maltese
Currency Euro
Visa requirements No Visa required for UK passport holders