Malta and Gozo

Malta is small island in the Mediterranean Sea whose impressive history belies its diminutive size. The island is 17 miles long and contains a population of around 350,000, which swells considerably in the summer months with tourists from all over Europe. The neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino are governed from Valetta, which is the largest city on Malta and the capital.

Human history on Malta starts around 5000 BC with extensive evidence of Neolithic structures. The island was then ruled by Carthage, Rome, the Byzantines, the Arabs, Spain, Napoleonic France and finally the British Empire. The British showed their gratitude for the islands loyalty during the Second World War by collectively awarding the island the George Cross, which is today represented on the Maltese flag.

Maltas combination of culture, history, agreeable climate and pleasant beaches makes it an extremely popular European tourist destination.

Language

Malta was a British possession from 1814 until 1964, and English is widely spoken and understood. However, locals speaking to each other will generally use Maltese, which is a romantic language somewhere between Italian and Arabic. Malta is only 60 miles from Sicily, and the majority of islanders are fluent in Italian or the Sicilian dialect.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Maltese Lira (ML). This is divided into 100 cents. As of 29th November 2006, 1 ML buys 1.5740 GBP and 3.07 USD, which makes it one of the strongest currencies in the world. It is also referred to as the Maltese pound. In tourist attractions, hotels and some restaurants, you may find Euros accepted as tender.

Weather

Malta has a very hospitable Mediterranean climate; with the average temperature in summer an impressive 32 degrees Celsius, dropping to around 14 degrees Celsius in winter. The islands potentially oppressive heat is tempered by sea breezes, which make the 10 hours of sunshine you get everyday in summer perfectly comfortable.

Attractions

Malta has a long and rich history, and was ruled by a succession of great civilizations, all of which have left their mark on the island in some respect.

For an overview of the islands archaeological heritage, visit the [http://www.heritagemalta.org/archaeologymuseum.html The National Archeological Museum] in Valetta. Statues, figurines, pottery are all displayed with an engaging narrative to bring them to life.

One of the most ancient archaeological sites on the island, [http://www.heritagemalta.org/hagarqim.html The Temple of Hagar Qim] dates from around 3500BC, during the Gjantija period. The word Gjantija is Maltese for giant, and it is part of the islands folklore that this set of temples was built by giants, as their dimensions seem to vast for ordinary men to have conceived.

Sunbathing is a popular pastime in Malta, with the locals as well as the tourists, so the beaches can become crowded, especially at weekends. There are lots of sandy beaches, but Malta also has a selection of rocky beaches with large, smooth rocky platforms that you can sunbath comfortably on. There is also a selection of lidos and man made swimming areas on the coast with diving boards, changing facilities etc. For a run down of the various beaches in Malta, visit [http://www.holidays-malta.com/malta_pages/attractions_malta_beaches.htm this website].

Shopping

The market is central to the Maltese way of life and most towns and villages will hold a general market at least once a week. Wandering among locals doing their shopping and bargaining with vendors is an excellent way to get a good sense of the Maltese character. There is a daily market held in the main square of Gozos main town, Victoria. Marsaxlokk is Vallettas famous fish market, and contains many wonderful species of fish caught the previous night, many of which are still alive. To get the best produce you will need to get to this market early in the morning.

There is a high standard of local crafts on Malta and Gozo. Popular souvenirs include glass vases containing a Mediterranean blue hue, basketry and wickerwork and filigree broaches of gold or silver. Gozo has a tradition of producing fine lace, and you can still see women sitting on their doorsteps practicing this ancient craft today.

Nightlife

Malta boasts a varied and vibrant nightlife. Paceville and St Julians are at the centre of the islands clubbing scene, attracting many top quality international dance music DJs throughout the summer months. There is also a great deal of cultural activity in the summer; Maltafest hosts various theatrical productions, and concerts of classical and modern music, while the July Jazz Festival attracts top quality performers and jazz connoisseurs from all over Europe.

The various plazas on Malta and Gozo contain many laid back and friendly bars where you can spend many pleasurable hours in the afternoon, evening and late evening socialising with locals and visitors alike.

Driving

Good news for British drivers; because Malta was a British possession for a century and a half, they also drive on the left hand side of the road. The speed limit on highways is 80kmph, and in urban areas 50kmph. Foreign drivers are not required to have their licensed endorsed before they are allowed on the road, although it is sensible to carry your license with you in case you are stopped.

Food and Drink

Maltas cuisine shares many of the ingredients of its Mediterranean neighbours; tomatoes, garlic, olives, cheeses, pasta, but the thing that sets this island apart is its pastries. Lampuki pie is a mixture of spinach, cauliflower, chestnuts and sultanas baked in a short crust pastry. Quiche-like pastries are also very popular, with egg, bacon and vegetable mixtures surrounded by a thin crispy pastry. These pastizzi are boat-like in shape and sold as convenience food by street vendors. As you would expect on a Mediterranean island, there is a strong emphasis on fresh fish and shellfish. Aljotta is a common soup made with fish stock, tomatoes and garlic.

Tourist Information

Head Office: 280 Republic Str, Valletta, Malta.

Tel +356 223595 Fax +356 220401
[http://www.tourism.org.mt www.tourism.org.mt]