The unique island nation of Malta is one of Europe’s most sought after holiday destinations. And there is every reason to – history, culture, good food and azure sea are within easy reach when you are on holiday in Malta. In addition, Malta’s historically strategic location contributes to the fact that the country has been and still is a melting pot of Arab, Italian and North African influences.

See Malta Travel

Population: 400 000

Capital: Valletta

Language: Maltese and English

Malta is not actually an island, but an archipelago? Only the two largest islands, Malta and Gozo, are inhabited all year round.

Malta’s smallest island, Comino, is 100% car-free? There is only one building here; Comino Hotel.

Malta’s geography and history

Malta consists of six islands, of which only three are inhabited. The second largest after Malta is Gozo northwest of Malta with 30,000 inhabitants. Between the two main islands lies Comino. Malta’s approximately 400,000 inhabitants crowd together on an area that is about half the size of Bornholm’s, which makes the country one of the world’s most densely populated. After being under British rule for 174 years, Malta liberated itself from Britain in 1964. However, the country has experienced both Phoenician and Turkish rule.

Attractions in Valletta

The main shopping street is teeming with money and people negotiating for them and bags swarming under the weight of happy new acquisitions. Here you will find clothes, electronics and local handicrafts. A pair of blue-toned Mdina glasses sit on an interim display table and homemade billboards show the way in the Maltese merchant jungle. Merchant Street also houses the attractive market halls with fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish shops, skinned rabbits, freshly caught squid and swordfish. Bon appetit. The market halls in the capital Valletta, which as early as the 18th century was considered one of Europes most beautiful cities, is a welcome break from the sometimes arduous sightseeing in the violently hilly side streets. Near Merchant Street and the main street Republic Street is the Grand Master’s Palace, which originally served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, then for the English governor and today for the Maltese president. Here the city’s former greatness expands. Also experience the capital’s most beautiful baroque building, the Auberge de Castille et Leon, which previously served as a mansion for knights from Castile and today houses the Prime Minister’s Office.

Attractions in Sliema

In addition to the capital, there are also interesting holiday experiences to be had in Sliema, which was once a small fishing village, later a prominent suburb of Valletta and today Malta’s largest city with 25,000 inhabitants. Take a walk along the harbor promenade, Tower Road, so named because of the dominant St. Julians Towers built in the 16th century by the influential Johannites. The tower has served as a watchtower and protection against hostile visitors from the sea.

Attractions in South and East Malta

Also experience South and East Malta, including the Blue Cave in Wied iz-Zurrieg – the azure bay – with not just one, but several caves. Take a turn around the Hagar Qim Temple which has the world’s largest free standing stone. You should also not miss a trip back to one of the world’s best preserved time pockets, the medieval village of Mdina, the country’s first capital. Today a small town with only a few hundred inhabitants, most of whom are wealthy noble families. The much larger neighboring town of Rabat is also exciting, not least because of the many catacombs. Those who want to go on an underwater adventure can have fun with cave diving at Gozo. The Danish national poet HC Andersen experienced his own adventures in Malta – something he has described in the travelogues “A poet’s bazaar” from 1842. Perhaps a good way to get in the mood for the trip to Malta.

Facts Malta

Below you will find practical information about currency, tips, electricity and more in connection with trips to Malta.

• Language: Maltese and English

• Capital: Valletta

• Population: 400 000

• Religion: Roman Catholic Church

• Currency: Euro

• Surface: 316 km2

Worth knowing

Time difference

There is no time difference between Malta and Sweden.

Transport in Malta

The buses we use in Malta are of a good standard. Of course, all buses have air conditioning.

Price level

The price level in Malta is lower than in Sweden. The price for a meal is on average SEK 150-200, but it is of course possible to find restaurants in all different price ranges.

Tip

It is customary to tip at restaurants and hotels in Malta. If you are satisfied with the service, you can add 5-10 percent to the total amount, if it is not already stated in the bill that you pay a service charge .

For cruises, other rules apply, see the special program for your trip.

Currency and credit cards

The currency in Malta is the Euro (EUR). 1 EUR = approximately 10.5 SEK (April 2019). You can switch both from home and in Malta.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express can be used as debit cards almost anywhere in Malta. In the larger cities, there are ATMs where you can withdraw cash.

Electricity

In Malta, 230 volts applies, just like in Sweden. The connectors have square studs, just like in England, so feel free to bring an adapter.

Telephone and internet

Malta’s international country code is +356. It can be expensive to call home from Malta and use your mobile phone’s internet connection. Feel free to consult with your mobile operator about what applies to coverage and prices for call costs to and from Malta as well as the use of data traffic.

Many hotels, restaurants, cafes and even the central squares of the larger cities have free wireless internet. In some places you have to pay to use it. The signal and speed of the network can vary greatly.

Customs and traditions

When visiting churches, keep your arms and legs covered to show respect. Swimwear only belongs on the beach.

Smoking

During flight and transport, there is an absolute ban on smoking. You may not smoke indoors in public places unless there is a special smoking room.

Climate and weather Malta

On this page you can read about the climate and weather in Malta. See, for example, temperatures for the capital Valletta.

According to top-medical-schools, Malta has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with very dry and hot summers. The winter is a lot colder than the summer and most of the precipitation also falls in the winter. The sea around Malta is quite warm all year round, with an annual average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. In addition, the sun shines a lot on the islands – as much as 3,000 hours of sunshine in a year.