Ever since the archipelago was first colonised thousands of years ago, they have never been far from the centre of events and have often played a crucial role in the making of history.

Their strategic situation in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea makes up for all the lack of resources that nature endowed the rest of the globe.

Malta, the largest island, and her sister islands of Gozo, Comino, Filfla, are strategically placed in the narrow channel joining the eastern and the western basins of the Mediterranean. Or if you like, a bridge between Southern Europe and North Africa, or between Western Europe and the Middle East.

This had landed the Maltese Islands right in the middle of the most important historic events: the wars between Rome and Carthage, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the wars between Christians and Moslems, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the fight for democracy against Fascism and Nazism, the Cold War, the rise of a United Europe and the challenges of the Third Millennium.

On 9 April 2003, the European Parliament approved by an overwhelming majority the accession to the EU of 10 new Member States. This opened the door for Malta to become a full member of the Union on the 1st May 2004. From that day on, Malta has officially taken its seat in European institutions and has five fully - fledged members in the European Parliament.

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Climate

Gozo and Malta have the typical climate of the Mediterranean region, hot summers, mild winters, winter rain and summer drought. The rainy season on the islands start in September and proceeds up to May. November, December, January and February are normally the wettest months. It rarely rains from mid May to mid September.

Rain usually falls in heavy showers, which do not last long. The Islands have much more sunshine than any other country further north. There is hardly a day when the sun does not shine.

The coldest months are January and February when the average maximum is about 15.2 degrees C. The hottest are July and August which have an average maximum of 30.4 degrees C.

For updates on the weather visit:
www.maltairport.com/weather/

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Location of the Maltese islands

The Maltese Archipelago is composed of a cluster of small islands situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and they lie 58 miles south of Sicily and 220 miles to the north of Tripoli, Libya.

The Archipelago consists of five islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino together with two other un-inhabited islands, Cominotto and Filfla. The main three islands of the Group have a total population of 390,000.

Malta, the largest, with an area of 95 square miles is 17 miles long and 9 miles wide. Gozo, the second largest has an area of 26 square miles and is 9 miles long and 5 miles wide. Comino is one square mile and is slightly more than a mile wide and a little less than a mile long.

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Time Difference

Malta is on Central European Time (CET), that is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and two hours from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in September. (As from 1996, summer time was extended till last Sunday in October).

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Language

The people of Malta and Gozo speak Maltese - ‘Malti’- a structurally Semitic language that is written in the Roman alphabet.

The Maltese language is no barrier since the majority speak English and many can also converse in Italian and it is neither difficult to find young people speaking German, French, Spanish and Arabic.

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Education and Schools in the Maltese islands

The educational system in the Maltese Islands is divided into three main sectors: Primary Education, which extends from age five till eleven, Secondary Education which stretches from age eleven till sixteen, and Tertiary Education.

Education is compulsory from age five till sixteen. The University of Malta is recognised by major foreign Universities and there are various State, Church or Private Schools spread all over Malta and Gozo.

The Maltese Educational System is based on the British model and major changes are currently undergoing the Maltese Educational System including a new National Curriculum.

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Tourism

Tourism is the strongest pillar of the Maltese economy. It is for Malta an economic necessity, the motor that propels the service sector. About half the jobs in the Archipelago are connected directly or indirectly to tourism.

The country boasts of luxury hotels, highly skilled staff, excellent high-tech conference facilities and superb recreational activities as well as many charming villages and unique cultural monuments, from prehistoric temples to the fortifications and rich architecture.

The Maltese Islands include many sandy and rocky beaches where one can laze about during the hot summer months.

Malta Tourism Authority:

www.mta.com.mt

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Accommodation in the Maltese islands

In spite of the small size of the Islands there is a fine selection of hotels which cater to the needs of tourists. In fact there are various four and five star hotels to choose from, varying in design from the elegance of the long established classic style to the luxurious and ultra modern. These hotels owned by worldwide groups and provide highest international standards of service and comfort.

The variety of accommodation ranges from double rooms to suites and luxury chalets depending on the hotel chosen and bookings can also be made on-line. Furthermore, most hotels have idyllic coastal locations including rooms with balconies with beautiful sea views.

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Car Hire in the Maltese islands

There are extensive car hire facilities in Malta and Gozo. Most major car hire firms are represented and local firms provide a good service at very reasonable rates. Car pickup and drop off at the airport are also available. Pre booking is recommended particularly during the holiday seasons. Driving is on the left side of the road. Most firms require drivers to be at least 25 years old. The wearing of Seat Belts is compulsory. Wheel clamping and car towing are now in use in most areas. Observe parking restrictions, even if these are sometimes obscure.

Merlin Car Hire

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Restaurants and Cuisine in the Maltese islands

One can find many restaurants which cater for different budgets and tastes.

There are restaurant managers who take pride in offering typical Maltese cuisine but one can find different sorts of cuisines at a stone’s throw from each other.

The Maltese love pasta and you will find pasta dishes in many types of appetizing sauces practically in all restaurants. However there are quite a few pizzerias which have become increasingly popular with tourists and locals alike. Restaurants which specialise in Chinese food and other Indian or Thai cuisine.One can also find big burger franchises, fried chicken and other international fast food chains.

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Yachting in the Maltese islands

Right in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta offers an excellent natural protected harbour, complimented with some of the best and most well equipped chandleries. These include: Yard and Hauling out Facilities, Duty Free Bunkering, Sail Repair and Valeting, Mast Work, Rigging and Splicing, Berthing Arrangements as well as Electrical and Mechanical Works.

Malta is the ideal stopover when cruising the Mediterranean and also offers the best tourist and yachting facilities in the Mediterranean and boasts skilled boat-builders, as well as shipyards, slipways and floating docks

Malta Maritime Authority
The Royal Malta Yacht Club
The Rolex Middle Sea Race

Malta is blessed by nature with the best natural harbours in the Mediterranean and this has led to the development of its yachting facilities.

There are currently four separate yacht marinas in Malta and one in Gozo and there is still room for growth. These marinas for the yachting community are at Portomaso, Manoel Island, Grand Harbour, Msida/Ta’Xbiex and in Mgarr Gozo. These marinas offer excellent wintering facilities and cater for the local yachting fleet as well as to foreign-owned craft.

Portomaso
this commenced operations in 1999 and offers state-of-the-art facilities: to smaller craft and water sports operators, sailing boats to a maximum length of 16m and motor cruises to a maximum length of 16m. The Facilities and Services offered in this marina vary insofar as constant mooring assistance on the quayside, incoming and outgoing traffic controlled and monitored, security, showers, water and electricity, fuelling, repairs and dry-docking are all available.
www.portomasomarina.com

Manoel Island
a new marina with water and electricity to each berth. Other services offered include showers, CCTV security,firehoses and grey/black water disposal.
www.manoelislandmarina.com

Grand Harbour / Cottonera Waterfront
this is earmarked to become one of the most prestigious gathering places for the yachting community. The advantages for berthing of large yachts include, amongst others, financial benefits for owners and crews, customs clearance and immigration, scheduled flights to most European destinations and a high standard of living at low cost for crew and their families. Small yachts will make use of pontoon berths whilst facilities and services of superb quality will also be available.
www.mma.gov.mt/ports_valletta.htm

Msida / Ta’Xbiex
this marina provides 15 floating pontoons that can take a maximum of 640 yachts up to 16 meters long. Water and electricity are available at each berth whilst yachts moor to double lines attached to heavy chain ground tackle.
www.mma.gov.mt/yacting_msida_marina.htm

Mgarr, Gozo
this marina, consisting of 208 berths, provides a perfect stop-over for anyone visiting Gozo or cruising around the Maltese Islands. A new Customs office, located at the marina, will enable yachts from overseas to proceed straight to Mgarr or to leave direct from here.
www.mma.gov.mt/yacting_mgarr_marina.htm

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Diving

The Maltese Islands, attract every year, tens of thousands of divers, most of whom claim that the best dives are off Gozo.

There are fantastic arches, tunnels, wrecks, caves and lagoons to explore and the underwater landscape is as varied as the topography.

The water is diver-friendly all year round, as the temperature rarely drops below 16 degrees C and the sites and sport fishing get to be exciting even in the winter months. The waters are clear and blue as there are virtually no tides or green vegetation and fertilizers that, elsewhere create poor visibility. On most days visibility of between 40 and 50 meters is enjoyed.

Subway Dive Centre Malta is a PADI 5* IDC Centre offering a full range of courses and exciting dives.

Throughout courses & dive expeditions our instructors ensure that all your dives are memorable.

www.subwayscuba.com

MALTADIVING.COM
DIVE SYSTEMS (W.S. ltd)

Tel: + 356 99821829 / 21 319123
fax: + 356 21 342040
Email: info@maltadiving.com
Website: www.maltadiving.com

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Marsa Sports and Country Club

The Marsa Sports and Country Club is situated on the outskirts of the towns of Marsa and Qormi – only a fewminutes from the airport or Valletta. The Club is a huge sporting complex that has sufficient facilities to keep you active for days.

Affordable membership is available on a daily or weekly basis. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 17 hard tennis courts, five squash courts, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a cricket pitch and billiards tables.

In addition there is a fitness center with gym and sauna and, in season, a swimming pool. In the vicinity of the club there are polo grounds, a horse-racing track, football and rugby pitches and an athletic track.

The Marsa Sports Club

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Night Life and entertainment in Malta

From the vibrant atmosphere of night clubs to romantic court yards and even Malta’s fabulous theatre, the Maltese Islands at night have place for every taste and desire. Malta is becoming more and more popular especially with youngsters who have a passion for clubbing. Top international DJs are constantly playing in the most famous clubs throughout the year. St. Julians, better known as Paceville, is the centre of it all. The main clubs and bars are located here and entertainment is guaranteed all year round.

Malta also has several excellent casinos, which are very popular amongst both locals and tourists. One of them, a classical baroque mansion on Dragonara Point, St. Julians was built in the 1830’s. The Oracle casino opened in 1998 in Qawra has a modern style and the third one the Casino di Venezia is a restored 17th century palace over looking the harbour. All casinos offer a choice of cuisine from international to Mediterranean specialties at their stylish restaurants.

Casino Venezia:
www.casinovenezia.it/malta/main.htm

Dragonara:
www.islandhotels.com/dragonara

Oracle casino:
www.oraclecasino.com

Restaurant guide by the MTA:
www.maltaholiday.net/lists/user.php

Malta is amongst the first countries in Europe to have the latest film releases, ranging from Blockbusters to Art House films. The Islands are well served with multiplex cinemas. One of them, the Eden Century Cinema and the Imax Complex in St. Julians houses 16 large cinemas showing different films at the same time. St. James Cavalier in Valletta is geared more towards art house movies and non-English language films.

Eden Century Cinemas:
www.edenleisure.com/cinemas

Embassy Complex Cinemas:
www.embassycomplex.com.mt

St. James Cavalier
www.sjcav.org

Citadel Cinemas, Gozo:
secure.vol.net.mt/intersoft/citadelcinema


Theatre in Malta has flourished in the past years. The charming 18th century baroque Manoel Theatre is the main venue in Malta for concerts, ballet performances and plays that take place all year round, thought the main season lasts from October to May. This theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Europe, with an impressive gilded ceiling and tiers of decorated boxes. Both locals and foreign artists perform at this theatre with occasional visits from well known pianists, singers, dancers and actors.

The Manuel Theatre:
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

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