Malta is a small and densely populated island nation consisting of an archipelago of seven islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta lies directly south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya. The strategically located islands constituting the Maltese nation have been ruled by various powers and fought over for centuries. It is currently the smallest European Union country in population.
The first civilisation to leave any significant remains flourished in the third millennium BC, building many megalithic temples. Later the island was occupied by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans. Independence from Britain was achieved in 1964, and forty years on Malta was the smallest of the 10 countries to join the EU in May 2004. Each year, the population of Malta is tripled by an influx of tourists - the nation's main source of income. The Maltese islands 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.
Transportation in Malta
By Car: Driving is on the left. Speed limit is 80kph (50mph) on highways and 50kph (30mph) in residential areas.
A valid international driving licence is required to drive in Malta.
By Bus: Good local services operate from Valletta and Victoria (Gozo) to all towns.
By Ferry: There is a one crossing a week to Salerno with Grimaldi Ferries with a sailing duration from 15 hours.
A passenger car ferry operates several times daily between Cirkewwa in Malta and Mgarr in Gozo. Crossing time is about 30 minutes. Services to Comino operate from mid-March to mid-November.
By Air: The national airline is Air Malta (KM). The approximate flight time from Luqa to London is three hours and 10 minutes.
The airport is situated south of Valletta (travel time – 15 minutes). Buses depart regularly to and from Valletta . There is also a 24-hour taxi service to all parts of Malta. Facilities at the airport include incoming and outgoing duty-free shops, car hire, bank, bureau de change, left luggage and restaurant/bar.
There is also a helicopter service operating all year round between Malta International Airport and Xewkija, Gozo.
In Valetta, visitors can see some of the finest examples of Maltese-style Baroque architecture in the islands in Merchants Street.
In Mdina, the citadel is one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval walled city. Of particular interest is the Norman-style Palazzo Falzon which has a collection of antique weapons and pottery, a cathedral, and a museum that still houses a magnificent collection of art treasure.
In Rabat, visitors can see fine Baroque churches, St Paul’s and St Agatha’s Catacombs and the Roman Villa.
Main Attractions
Grand Master’s Palace
The Grand Master’s Palace in Republic Street houses a group of tapestries originally designed for Louis XIV and an armoury which has one of the best collections in existence.
The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is the most famous cave in Malta, with its deep waters displaying magnificent dazzling colours, ranging from turquoise to deep blue.
Hagar Qim
Discovered under a mound of rubble in 1839, the Neolithic temples of Hagar Qim, which date from 300 BC, are some of the oldest man-made structures in the world.
