Thursday, February 10, 2022

Malta

Malta Flag




Why visit Malta?
Ideal for beach loving historians for their ancient culture, archaeological sites, architecture, birdwatching, breathtaking scenery, caves, churches, diving, hiking, medieval cities, museums, rock climbing, snorkeling, and water sports.



Photo Credit: Gin/Pixabay



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Brass, ceramics, copper metalwork, dolls, gold filigree, hand blown glass, lace, silver, tiles, weaving, and woodwork.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Bragioli (beef dish). Fenek (rabbit). Figolli (cake). Gbejna (cheese). Kusksu (soup). Lampuki (fish dish). Mqaret (date dessert). Qubbajt (almond nougat). Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbitt stew). Timpana (pasta dish).
  • Local Drink to Try: Chardonnay (local wine). Chardonnay (local wine). Cisk (beer). Kinnie (soft drink). La Valette (wine). Savina Maltese (coffee). Savina (liquor). Sovrini (liquor). Zeppi (liquor).


Azure Window or Dwejra Window, Gozo Island. Photo Credit: Sarah Nakal/Pixabay



Fun Facts
  • Has two uninhabited islands: Filfla (southern coast) and St Paul's (northern coast).
  • Amongst the ten smallest countries in the world.
  • Home to seven megalithic temples amongst the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
  • The three largest islands: Malta (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited.
  • Tourists outnumber the residents.
  • Has over 360 churches, averaging one church for every 1,000 residents.
  • Malta has no permanent rivers or lakes.
  • The €10 Maltese commemorative coin cannot be used in any other country.
  • Has no phone area codes, numbers are eight digits.
  • Has three large natural harbors: Grand Harbour (East), Marsaxlokk Harbor (Southeast), and Marsamxett Harbour (West).
  • On a child's first birthday, symbolic objects are placed around the child, whatever is grabbed first is said to be a sign of their adulthood fortune. Examples: Book = Teacher, Calculator = Accountant, Pencil/Pen = Writer, Rosary Beads = Clergy, Thread = Fashion, and Wooden Spoon = Chef.
  • For centuries it was considered an island of North Africa.
  • Alexander (2004)Gladiator (2000)Midnight Express (1978), Munich (2005), Sons of the Sea (1925) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) were filmed here.



Popeye Village. Photo Credit: Callisto Schmidt/Pixabay



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Alarme!, Carnival, (March) Freedom Day, (April) Malta International Fireworks Festival, (May) Festival Mediterranea, (June) Battle of Malta, (July) Farsons Great Beer Festival, Isle of MTV, Malta Arts Festival, Malta International Jazz Festival, Triq Cinemoon Festival, Valletta Jazz Festival, (September) Delicata Wine Festivals, Malta International Airshow, Notte Bianca, (October) BirguFest, Hamrun Chocolate Festival, and Notte Bianca.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck, Feast of St Joseph, Freedom Day, Good Friday, Worker's Day, Sette Giugno, Feast of the Assumption, Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Independence Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Republic Day, and Christmas Day.


Bay Blue Village, Malta.  Photo Credit: Pixabay



Good to Know
  • Trotting Races are popular in the winter.
  • Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay are popular beach spots.
  • Armier Beach, Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna Bay are small beaches. 
  • Offers the best scuba-diving conditions of Europe.
  • Sliema, St George Bay, St Julian Bay, and St Paul Bay are popular for waterskiing.
  • Mellieha Bay, St Paul Bay and St Thomas Bay are popular for windsurfing.
  • Cuisine is Italian and Greek influenced.
  • Simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft are known to occur. 
  • Water is known to be mineral-laden, but still drinkable.
  • Buses are the primary means of public transportation.
  • Most businesses are closed on Sunday.
  • Illegal drugs are severe.
  • Terrorists are known to enter and exit the country undetected.
  • Has only one airport, Malta International Airport (MLA).
  • Local blood oranges are best from December - March.
  • Drive on the left side of the road. 
This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.


Mellieha, Malta. Photo Credit: Nick Fewings/Unsplash 


  • Best Time to Visit: May - September
  • Coolest Month: December - March
  • Hottest Month: August
  • Peak Season: May - October


Photo Credit: Pixabay


Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: City of Valletta, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and Megalithic Temples of Malta.


Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, Għarb, Malta. Photo Credit: Mojpe/Pixabay



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                                               All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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