Malta is steeped with a rich history spanning over the earliest days of civilization up to the present times. Before it's Independence in 1964, Malta was under British rule for over 160 years which is why the Maltese people embraced English as its second language. Two periods in Malta's history stand out from the rest are the Neolithic period and the period of the Knights of St. John.
The Neolithic temples on Malta are about 1000 years older than the famous pyramids of Giza. The earliest temple is found in Ggantija in Gozo . It still remains a mystery how these enormous rocks were moved or even lifted 5000 or 6000 years ago.
After the Turks, under Suleiman the Magnificient ousted the Knights of St John out of Rhodes, the Knights needed a new homeland and, in 1530 moved to Malta to which they were given tenure by Emperor Charles V. The Turks, wanting to destroy the Order completely, and needing a base to attack Southern Europe, set out with a strong fleet to drive the Knights out of Malta.
This was known as the Great Seige of Malta in 1565. the Knights stood firm and finally won.Mdina, the once capital city of Malta was replaced by the still present capital-Valletta,by the Knights.
Napoleon then took over Malta in 1798 on his way to Egypt. A siege that did not see any bloodshed, and which lasted till the arrival of Nelson in 1800 who managed to drive the French garrison out of Malta and seek protection under the British Throne.
Malta Statistics Population - 370,000 Airport - Malta International Airport Airport Geographical size - 30.0 km x 14.0 km Geographical size - 14.5 km
Gozo Statistics Population- 28,000 No airport (Heliport) Geographical size - 14.5 km
Special Events February 22nd -26th Carnival Week March 29th - Apr.4th Holy Week June - July Maltafest July - Malta Jazz Festival Sept - 21st Independence Day
Religion
It is said that Malta has 360 churches and wayside chapels all over the island. It is hardly surprising that the Maltese are quite infamous for their religious devotion. Before the arrival of St Paul (believe to have been shipwrecked at St Pauls Bay) the local civilization's principal deity was the so-called "goddess of fertility".
The conversion of the Maltese people was not sudden or by any way a simple process, as for a while paganism and the Christian faith co-existed.
It was only on the arrival of The Knights that Christianity flourished amongst the Maltese, when the largest number of churches were built.
Diving & adventure on the Maltese Islands
DIVESHACK on behalf of Divefactory are one of only two Padi Gold Palm centers in Malta.
Professional and highly reputable this company also organizes dive outings, camping and canoe trips and adventure activities such as abseiling all over the island of Malta and Gozo. This diving school also offers Select Malta clients a "taster" dive session free of charge (all equipment and transport included - Medical certificate required).
Entertainment & Culture
The Maltese people enjoy a vast choice of facilities to spend their leisure time. Valletta is always the center point for cultural activities including the recently opened St James Cavalier - a milestone for Maltese modern art and culture. The Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest in Europe, hosts many plays and orchestral arrangements with talent from all over the world.
For those who enjoy a little gambling, The Dragonara Casino and Oracle at the New Dolmen Hotel offer you a great evening.
Art exhibitions, museums and other regular shows are predominant at any time of the year all over the island. Many Night clubs, restaurant and bars all over the island (especially the Paceville area) have Rock, Jazz, Latin and classical bands playing Live Music.
MaLTa JazZ FeSTivAL (July 2008/9)
Individualism and jazz go hand in hand... we'd like to think that this year's festival enriches the jazz calendar with more of these qualities. We've always explored a variety of styles, emotions and continents in our efforts to satisfy the purist, the enthusiast and the newcomer alike.
Sliema, St Julians & St Paul's Bay
The area is Malta's most cosmopolitan area and the first buildings were erected for housing of the British Army officers during the second World War. Gun emplacements can still be found at Tigne Barracks. This area is a very popular tourist area (apart from it being a popular residential area) where one can find many cafeterias, shops , beaches and a wonderful yacht Marina . At the end of the Sliema Promenade one finds The Strand, a very popular and trendy meeting place overlooking Valletta Bastions and Sliema Creek.
St Paul's Bay and the surrounding area has been a very popular area for visitors and locals alike. The recently built "Piazza" at Bugibba is the center point of this area.
Services
Scheduled Buses - A consistent bus service runs regularly, at very reasonable fees.
Postal Service - Letters to Europe 16 cents (Euro0.4) - Other destinations 16-25 cents
Local Banks - All local banks are open till 1400 hrs Mon-Sat although all major Credit cards can be used through 24 telling machines. Currency Exchange machines are also available on a 24 hour basis.
Food in Malta - is varied and of a good standard. The Maltese have many local dishes such as "bragioli" (rolled beef olive) and "Fenech" (rabbit). Local wine is excellent and recommended ! Dining out costs between Lm 4 and Lm20 per person.
Currency Rates
The Euro is the official Maltese Currency and is calculated based on a "basket" of various rates weighted heavily by the US$, and the UK Sterling.
Rates calculated as at end March 2008 are as follows based on one (1)Euro:-
US$ - 1.50
UK Sterling - 0.77
Visa Information
Travellers from all destinations listed below need not apply for a visa:-
All EU Countries, US and Canada
For all other destinations, please email us for the relevant forms to be faxed to you at least 3 weeks before your arrival in Malta.
Select Malta shall process your application free of charge and which will be issued on your arrival at Malta International Aiport.
Please be advised the Malta Immigration Police does make a charge for this visa of :- Euro 25
Beaches
Malta has many Sandy beaches especially to the north of the island. Four of the most famous beaches are located within a 6 km radius of each other and are easily reached by public transport. These beaches are Mellieha Bay, Paradise Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Sands.
Mappa e Temperature Medie
