With over 7,000 years wrapped in 300 square kilometres, the Maltese Islands boast of a history that is crammed with remnants from past rulers.
Comprising a number of islands with the largest being Malta, Gozo and Comino, the Archipelago also features smaller islands; namely Cominotto, Filfla, St Paul’s Islands and Manoel Island, which are uninhabited.
Found right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese Islands have an immense repertoire of prehistoric temples and sites that include Roman ruins, Norman and medieval buildings as well as baroque architecture that have injected the islands with a fusion of culture, traditions and history.
Presenting a contrasting assortment of landscapes and localities, the Islands provide various attractions that range from historical to religious and family fun. Plenty of sandy and rocky beaches and bays adorn the Maltese coastlines, making it easy to enjoy a refreshing swim. Combined with the splendid weather, the allure of the Maltese Islands’ clear waters attracts troves of tourists annually for snorkeling and diving.
With enviable weather, Malta has been luring troves of tourists to its shores for fun days in the sun.
From 1972 up until 31st December, 2007, Malta had its own currency – the Maltese lira. In 2008, Malta switched to the Euro. With each Euro zone country having different designs for its coins, the Maltese Euro coins come with three distinctive ones of their own.
The €0.01, €0.02 and the €0.05 coins display an image of an altar from the Mnajdra megalithic temples. The €0.10, €0.20 and the €0.50 cents coins have the coat of arms of Malta, while the €1.00 and the €2.00 coins showcase the George Cross.
Banks are mostly open until early afternoons from Monday to Friday and until midday on Saturdays. Some branches also work longer hours but summer and winter opening hours can differ. International bankcards such as Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club and Mastercard are accepted as are foreign currencies which can easily be exchanged at exchange bureaus.
Banks as well as Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and exchange bureaus can be found all over the islands while the majority of shops and restaurants do accept payment in some international currencies. However, almost all retail and restaurant outlets accept international credit cards.
Debit cards are also accepted at ATM’s in Malta provided your bank has authorised your card for international use. Travelers’ cheques can also be exchanged at authorised institutions.
Bang in the middle of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Archipelago fuses modernity with a rich heritage and culture.
Lying exactly halfway between the coasts of Sicily and North Africa, the Maltese Archipelago is set in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Every one of the Islands has a distinct personality: Malta’s towns and villages blend modernity with its rich history and culture; Gozo’s narrow winding streets showcase its tranquil lifestyle, while the natural landscapes of Comino offer something entirely different.
Malta
Famous throughout history for its strategic military position and its role in the succession of European powers, Malta is also renowned for its year-round warm climate. With long hot summers and friendly people, Malta is a feast for the senses, inviting you to embark on a trip that will help you discover something new: whether it is a sport, a hidden beach, a unique dish, historical sites or a vibrant nightlife scene.
Gozo
Malta’s sister island, Gozo offers the ideal setting for complete relaxation. As a fishing and farming community, Gozo offers a backdrop of tranquility amongst its winding streets. Striking Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses embellish its unspoiled countryside and tiny villages. With picturesque panoramas and historical locations found practically everywhere, Gozo is ideal for those who love to explore. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size; Gozo has a cultural calendar that stands well on its own and a culinary tradition that combines farm-to-table principles with contemporary and innovative applications.
Comino
The smaller island of Comino offers an abundance of snorkeling and diving opportunities. Being only 3.5 square kilometers in size means Comino is great if you want to go completely car-free for the day. Practically uninhabited, the island’s main attraction is the Blue Lagoon. With its glistening crystal clear waters and white sand, the Blue Lagoon sees families and day-trippers from both Malta and Gozo in the summer, whilst winter sees ramblers and photographers going over to enjoy, capture and remember the breathtaking scenery.
With enviable weather, Malta has been luring troves of tourists to its shores for fun days in the sun.
The Maltese weather is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean climate; meaning warm, dry summers and mild wet winters. Indeed, the average temperature across the year is a satisfying 18°C, with January enjoying a slightly lower temperature of 12°C and the mercury hitting 30°C in July and August.
During the long summer days, the warm temperatures are often accompanied by a mild sea breeze. The nights are warm as well, with temperatures always ranging between 20°C and 30°C.
Autumn temperatures are quite pleasing. When the hot summer weather begins to subside in late October and November, temperatures drop to the mid-20s making autumn a delightful time to visit the island if you do not mind the occasional rainfall.
Winter waltzes in slowly and mildly, making Malta the ideal destination to escape the chilly and blizzard conditions of Europe. The temperature in December usually stays just under 20°C whilst January and February are the coolest months of the year. With temperatures rarely falling beneath 10°C and winter days getting an average of 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, Malta enjoys good weather conditions all year round.
Spring is the ideal time to visit the islands if you want to avoid the summer heat or the winter rainfall. Offering the best of both worlds, spring sees low rainfall and very comfortable temperatures.
Offering warm summer months and some of the mildest winter temperatures in Europe, the Maltese Islands provide the ideal year-round getaway with reliable and steady weather forecasts. If you’re looking for somewhere with the right weather conditions, Malta gives you the right reason to pack your bags and look forward to soaking up the warm sun.