General Information :
Location
The Maltese Islands namely Malta, Gozo & Comino are situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 93 kilometres south of Sicily & 288 kilometres north of Africa. Malta is well indented, providing numerous harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches & rocky coves. The population in Malta is around 400,000. Malta is just a few hours flying time away from most European cities. Malta is serviced by direct flights operated by the major international airlines & various low cost airlines.
Climate
The Maltese Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of 5/6 hours sunshine in mid-winter to around 12 hours in summer. Winters are very mild. Summers are hot & sunny with nice cool sea breezes. Annual rainfall is very low, averaging under 60 cm a year (20 inches) for the whole year. Swimming is quite possible well into the winter months & the peak beach season can last until October/November.
Swimming and Sun Bathing
The Maltese waters are very clean and safe to swim.
Other Useful Information:
Language
The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English. Italian is also very widely spoken.
Cost of Living
Malta has a very low cost of living when compared to other countries in Europe. Living in Malta is fairly cheap.
Currency & Banks
The Euro, is Malta’s legal currency. However the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants also accept payment in the main international currencies and international major credit cards.
Health & Medical Services
Malta has an excellent health service. Hospitals are equipped with very modern facilities. Private medical care is also available, both in private hospitals and in a number of small private clinics where minor surgery may also be carried out.
Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or immunization to enter the Maltese Islands.
Night Life
The Maltese Islands have a large variety of nightlife entertainment ranging from casinos, cultural events, exhibitions, theatres & open-air venues
Additional Information:
Public Transport
The public transport service in Malta and Gozo is efficient, very reasonably priced and a very good way to get around and see the Islands.
Religion & Churches
There are over 350 churches around the Maltese Islands. The majority of the Maltese are Roman Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented.
History
The Maltese islands go back 7,000 years. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Archaeological Temples, the Fortifications and Towers, Museums, Palaces, Cathedrals and much more.
Food and Drinks
Obviously one also finds fast food restaurants and a wide variety of restaurants specializing mainly in the Mediterranean cuisine whilst other restaurants specialize in other traditional cuisine including Italian, French, Greek, Chinese, Malasian, Indian, Turkish, etc.
Both Maltese beer and Maltese wine are excellent quality and extremely good value for money. However foreign beers and wines are also available in most places.
Ski:
Water skiing and other water sports are available within 500 metres.
Golf:
Golf course is available within 12 kilometers and it is open all year.
Other Activities:
Local activities - Language School,5 star Fortina Spa,cycling,diving,fishing,golf,horse riding,sailing,swimming,tennis,walking,water skiing,windsurfin
