Malta | Lufthansa ® Travel Guide

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Travel Guide
Malta

02 Quick view 04 Phone calls & Internet 08 Nightlife
02 Malta 04 Top 10 sights 09 Calendar of events
03 Travel etiquette 07 Shopping in Malta 11 Hotels
04 Health 07 Restaurants

© Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Travel Guide  Malta
02
 Quick view
Malta – a brief overview 02/12

One of Europe’s smallest countries, Malta, and its sister islands Gozo and Comino,
manages to pack a sizeable cultural punch. It’s home to two UNESCO-listed
monuments and one UNESCO-listed city centre (Valletta), and successive waves
of occupying powers have helped create an eclectic culture that has seemingly
taken the best from each one.

From Gozo’s Citadella to Valletta’s knightly palaces, Malta is endlessly fascinating
and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, as well as some
incredible rock formations such as the iconic Azure Window. Scores of sleepy
fishing villages, excellent local wines and toothsome local fare complete a very
enticing picture.

 Malta
General Information

Country overview

From the MTV music festival in Valletta to abseiling and climbing in Gozo, Malta
rocks.

Small in size but big in character, Malta offers cool cafes, buzzing night clubs,
exhilarating activities, exciting festivals and amazing archaeological wonders,
whatever the time of year.

Geography

The Maltese archipelago is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, with the
largest inhabited island, Malta, lying 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily and 290km
(180 miles) from North Africa. Gozo and Comino are the only other inhabited
islands. The landscape of all three is characterised by low hills with terraced fields.

Malta the largest island and the cultural and commercial centre, has a rolling
terrain and a largely rugged coastline, indented with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy
beaches and rocky coves.

It has no mountains or rivers. Gozo is connected to Malta by ferry and is more
verdant, with many flat-topped hills and craggy cliffs. Comino, the smallest island,
is connected to Malta and Gozo by ferry and is very sparsely populated.

General knowledge

Key facts
Population: 411277

Population Density (per sq km): 1301

Capital: Valletta.

Language
Maltese (a Semitic language) and English are the official languages. Italian is also
widely spoken.

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Travel Guide  Malta
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Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 03/12
50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and
1 cents.

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are in use.

General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1730, Sat 0800-1300.

Public holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2016 - December 2017 period.

2016

New Year's Day: 01. January 2016
Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck: 10. February 2016
Feast of St Joseph: 19. March 2016
Good Friday: 25. March 2016
Freedom Day: 31. March 2016
Workers' Day: 01. May 2016
Sette Giugno: 07. June 2016
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul: 29. June 2016
Assumption: 15. August 2016
Feast of Our Lady of Victories: 08. September 2016
Independence Day: 21. September 2016
Immaculate Conception: 08. December 2016
Republic Day: 13. December 2016
Christmas Day: 25. December 2016

2017

New Year's Day: 01. January 2017
Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck: 10. February 2017
Feast of St Joseph: 19. March 2017
Freedom Day: 31. March 2017
Good Friday: 14. April 2017
Workers' Day: 01. May 2017
Sette Giugno: 07. June 2017
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul: 29. June 2017
Assumption: 15. August 2017
Feast of Our Lady of Victories: 08. September 2017
Independence Day: 21. September 2017
Immaculate Conception: 08. December 2017
Republic Day: 13. December 2017
Christmas Day: 25. December 2017

All information subject to change.

 Travel etiquette
How to fit in

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Travel Guide  Malta
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Social Conventions
The usual European courtesies are expected, but the visitor should also bear in 04/12
mind the tremendous importance of Roman Catholicism; if visiting a church, for
instance, modest dress covering the shoulders and legs will be expected.

Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in all public buildings, including
cinemas, restaurants and bars.

 Health
Health
Food & Drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst safe, may cause mild abdominal
upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay.
Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat,
poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Schembri Wismayer, Mark
Krypton Clinic
Ibragg Road
Ibragg
Malta
Tel. +356-99494006

Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it
bear the cost of any treatment.

 Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone

Dialing code: +356

Telephone
There are no area codes. Public telephone booths are available.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies.
Coverage is good.

Internet

There are internet cafes in the main towns and resorts. Most hotels offer wireless
connection.

 Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Malta

Ġgantija Temples

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One of the world’s most important architectural sites, Gozo’s UNESCO-listed
Ggantija Temples are thought to date from between 3600 and 3200BC. 05/12

Ggajtina, Temples Street Opening times:
Xaghra Gozo Daily 0800-1915 (Apr-Sep)
Malta Daily 0900-1700 (Oct-Mar)
Tel: +356 2153 3194
www.heritagemalta.org

Blue Lagoon

A spectacular sheltered cove tucked into the western end of Comino and obscured
by the islet of Cominotto, the Blue Lagoon is a little slice of the Caribbean in
Europe.

Comino
Malta

The Palace State Rooms, Grand Masters Palace

It might look plain from the outside but once through the front door, the opulent
lifestyle of Malta’s ruling Grand Masters becomes plain. Owned by the Knights of
St John, this 16th-century palace is packed with stunning artefacts.

Palace Square Opening times:
VLT 1191 Valletta Mon-Wed and Fri 1000-1600
Malta Sat-Sun 0900-1630
Tel: +356 2124 9349
www.heritagemalta.org

Calypso’s Cave

A natural sea cave said by some to have been the home of Homeric nymph
Calypso, the rock formation itself is underwhelming (and usually sealed off) but the
spectacular view over Ramla Bay makes it well worth the trip.

Ix-Xagħra
Malta

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Another Maltese monument to win UNESCO listing, the Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum is
a huge and incredibly well-preserved tomb of a similar vintage to the Ggantija
Temples.

Hal Saflieni Street Opening times:
PLA 1116 Paola Mon-Fri 0900-1600
Malta
Tel: +356 2180 5019 www.heritagemalta.org

Fort Rinella

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Built by the British in the 19th century, Fort Rinella is one of two built to counter the
threat from the then newly united Italy. Boasting two 100-tonne Armstrong guns, 06/12
the largest ever built, the fort also doubles as a military museum.

St Rocco Road Opening times:
KKR 9063 Kalkara Tue-Sun 1000-1700
Malta
Tel: +356 2180 9713 www.fortrinella.com

The Azure Window

A sight that ought to be familiar to fans of Game of Thrones, the Azure Window is a
huge natural rock arch perched just off the coast of Gozo.

Dwerja
San Lawren
Gozo
Malta

St John’s Co-Cathedral

The religious seat of the Knights of St John, St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the
largest in Valletta and was built during the 15th century. Austere from without,
inside the church is a homage to Maltese baroque complete with a marble floor
and lashings of gilt.

St John Street Opening times:
Valetta 1156 Mon-Fri 0930-1630
Malta Sat 0930-1230

www.stjohnscocathedral.com

Citadella

Fortified since the Bronze Age, the Citadella glowers out across Gozo’s capital
Victoria from its lofty perch atop a hill. A mixture of fortified ramparts, a baroque
cathedral and a smattering of homes, boutiques and restaurants, it’s well worth the
(exhausting) climb.

Victoria, Gozo
Malta

Villa Rundle Gardens

Laid out by British Governor General Sir Leslie Rundle in 1914, this set of century-
old gardens are some of the prettiest in Malta and include some beautiful
examples of local flora. Perfect for an afternoon’s wandering.

Republic Street Opening times:
VCT 1019 Victoria, Gozo Daily 0600-2000
Malta
Tel: +356 2215 6400 mgoz.gov.mt/en/Pages/Other/Villa-Run
dle-Garde...

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 Shopping in Malta
Shopping in Malta 07/12

Key Areas
Valletta is home to most of the major international brands, although things do have
a very British feel: expect to find branches of M&S, Next and The Body Shop as
well as local boutiques. Elsewhere, Gozo’s capital Victoria is heaven for anyone
looking for local crafts, with everything from Maltese wine to sea salt on offer.

Markets
Most Maltese towns hold an open-air market once a week but one of the best is in
Birzebbugia, where on Thursdays, you can find local produce and crafts galore.

Shopping Centres
Daniel’s Shopping Centre (St Joseph High Street) in Hamrun has a good selection
of big names while Valletta’s Embassy Shopping Complex (St Lucia Street) is vast
and modern.

 Restaurants
Restaurants in Malta

An eclectic hybrid of Italian, Arabic and, yes, British influences, Maltese cuisine
can throw up some unusual combinations but is nearly always delicious.Seafood
is a local staple as is rabbit. The salty local goat’s cheese is not to be missed.

Tarragon

With outside tables overlooking the Mediterranean, Tarragon dishes up melt-in-
your-mouth steaks and sensational seafood – try the octopus in chilli and cherry
tomato marmalade.

Church St Price: Expensive
St Paul's Bay
Malta

Il-Horza

Fresh local fare in a cosy little eatery tucked away down a cobbled Valletta street.

6 St. Christopher's Street Price: Expensive
Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1468
Malta

Ta'Rikardu

Traditional Maltese fare, including brilliant homemade goat’s cheese, in the heart
of the Citadella.

Triq il-Fosos, Cittadella Price: Moderate
Victoria, Gozo,
VCT 1842
Malta

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Two And A Half Lemon
08/12
Boasting a pretty harbourside location, this is a hipster’s dream and boasts a 16th-
century wine cellar.

Vault 5, Old Treasury Building Price: Moderate
BRG 1721 Vittoriosa
Malta

Xerri il-Bukkett

With incredible views over Comino and a nice line in Maltese tapas, this is a
locals’ favourite.

Triq iż-Żewwiega Price: Cheap
QLA 1433 Qala, Gozo
Malta

 Nightlife
Nightlife in Malta

Despite its staid reputation, Malta and Gozo have no shortage of bars and clubs –
many of which attract big-name DJs.Along with pretty beachside bars,
traditionalists can enjoy the many British pubs, nearly all of which serve real ale on
tap.

Il-Forn

A chic bar with a huge open courtyard and more than 100 different types of wine on
the menu.

27 Tramuntana
Birgu BRG1160
Malta

Level 22

A glitzy 22nd-floor bar with an excellent cocktail menu and incredible views.

Level 22, Portomaso Tower
PTM 01 Portomaso
Malta

La Grotta

Housed in a huge natural limestone cave, La Grotta has two large dance floors and
live DJs.

Triq tal-Ghajn
Il-Munxar, Gozo
Malta

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Tico Tico
09/12
Edgily glamorous in a part of town once famous for its Royal Navy dive bars.

61 Strait Street
Valletta
Malta

Fat Harry’s

English beer, English food and very Anglo-Saxon ideas about hospitality – great
fun.

Pjazza Walkway
St Paul's Bay
Malta

 Calendar of events
Calendar of events

Carnival

A five-day programme of colourful floats, children running around in extravagantly
designed costumes and parties in the streets and night clubs. Top night spot,
Paceville, comes alive, catching the late night carnival goers who pile into its clubs
and bars, still wearing their outrageous outfits. In Nadur on Gozo the carnival takes
on a more macabre mood.

February - March 2016

Venue: Various

Village Festas

Virtually every weekend throughout the summer months, different villages
celebrate the feast of their patron saint with extensive firework displays, parades of
extravagant gold-decorated wooden statues and parties in town squares. Banners
and flags adorn people's balconies and kiosks sell local produces including
nougat and other Maltese delicacies.

1 June - 30 September 2016

Venue: Valletta, towns and villages

MTV Malta Special

Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas have headlined the Isle of MTV
Malta Special, Malta's biggest open-air party. The line-up of top musicians and DJs
provides the finale to the popular Malta Music Week.

28 June 2016
www.isleofmtv.com/de/

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Venue: Floriana Granaries, near Valletta
10/12
Malta Jazz Festival

The Malta International Jazz Festival takes place annually in July over three nights
at Ta‘ Liesse down by the Valletta quay inside the Grand Harbour. A line-up of top
Maltese and international artists from countries such as Brazil, Africa and the
Middle East present an eclectic mix of jazz styles over three days. World famous
artists who have performed in the past have included John Scofield, Al Di Meola,
Chick Corea and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

1 - 30 July 2016
www.maltajazzfestival.org

Venue: Ta' Liess, Valletta

Farsons Great Beer Festival

This 10-day festival is a big social event that's enjoyed by Maltese and tourists
alike with things for all the family to do, besides just drinking beer! Live
entertainment is provided courtesy of top local singers and bands, and a variety of
food complements the large selection of beers produced and imported by Farsons.
There are over 300 hours of music, 40 live performances, 15 bars and two stages
in the festive open-air atmosphere of the park. The event draws many thousands of
visitors each year.

22 - 31 July
www.farsonsbeerfestival.com/

Venue: Ta' Qali Park.

Malta Arts Festival

Enjoy a celebration of theatre, dance, music and art from top Maltese and
international artists. A wide variety of different art forms are performed in various
locations depicting a vast array of styles and genres.

10 July - 3 August 2016
maltaartsfestival.org

Venue: Throughout the city.

Valletta Grand Prix

The annual classic car event brings together the twin thrills of seeing beautiful
classic cars (dating from pre-1930s to mid-70s) up close and witnessing them race
round the Valletta ring road at speed. Enjoy tours of historic sites and wine-tasting
sessions in the run up to the main events, the Concours d'Elegance where the cars
will be on display, and later, the 1km sprint run.

8 - 11 October 2016
www.vallettagp.com

Venue: Valletta, Malta.

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Carnival
11/12
A five-day programme of colourful floats, children running around in extravagantly
designed costumes and parties in the streets and night clubs. Top night spot,
Paceville, comes alive, catching the late night carnival goers who pile into its clubs
and bars, still wearing their outrageous outfits. In Nadur on Gozo the carnival takes
on a more macabre mood.

5 - 9 February 2017

Venue: Various.

Feast of St Joseph

Saint Joseph, the worker, is celebrated throughout the Catholic world. In Malta the
day's celebrations are most vibrant in the town of Rabat. Church services and
processions are held each year on Saint Joseph's Day, which is a public holiday
on the Maltese Islands.

19 March 2017

Venue: Churches and public places in Rabat.

 Hotels
Hotels in Malta

Malta and its little sister Gozo have no shortage of hotels to choose from, whether
you’re after 5-star luxury, stylish boutique properties or a cheap and cheerful bed
and breakfast.Either way, you’re spoilt for choice.

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz

A huge and comfortable 5-star hotel with all the amenities you’d expect from
Kempinski.

Triq ir-Rokon Category: Expensive
SLZ 1040, San Pawl il-Baħar
San Lawrenz, Gozo
Malta

The Xara Palace

This family-run pile is tucked away in medieval Mdina but boasts every modern
luxury imaginable.

Misrah il-Kunsill Category: Expensive
MDN 1050 Mdina
Malta

Grand Excelsior Hotel

A huge 426-room hotel with harbour views, the Grand Excelsior has its own private
marina.

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Great Siege Road Category: Moderate
FRN 1810 Floriana
Malta

The George

This smart boutique hotel comes with classy contemporary décor and a gorgeous
rooftop pool and bar.

Paceville Avenue Category: Moderate
STJ 3103 St Julian’s
Malta

British Hotel

One of Valletta’s oldest hotels, the family-run property has a terrace overlooking
the harbour.

40 Battery street Category: Cheap
Valletta VLT1222
Malta

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