Why Malta

The number of people travelling to Malta are always on the rise. The top 5 reasons are listed down below:

1. Climate: Who wouldn’t want 300 days of sunshine every year? Malta has the typical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, warm autumns and cool winters with adequate rainfall. Moreover, temperature is very stable, having an annual average temperature of 18? and averages throughout the year varying from 12? to 31?.

1. Education: Malta has a high standard of education. In fact, Malta is now considered as a centre of Excellence in Learning Education. The islands have such a vast variety of schools on the island thus, one can find a long list of courses adequate for all backgrounds.

1. Language: English is one of the official languages of the Maltese islands. This makes it easier to communicate with the friendly locals. Also, most of the courses in Malta are taught in English, including colleges and universities.

1. Economy: Malta maintained its low unemployment rate and in fact, the economy is estimated to continue growing among other members in the euro zone. It is in fact amongst the top 20 countries most likely to sustain economic growth. In Malta, a great opportunity is given to students, in which they can opt to study and also start working to expand their knowledge and experience in their particular field of studies.

1. Safety: Malta is an extremely safe holiday location. The Maltese are always very helpful with assisting others and giving advice to foreigners. The crime rate is extremely low across the islands and it is also considered as safe walking at night.

Culture

Traditional Maltese Food

The Maltese food culture was built intelligently enough through time to make sure appetite is kept open throughout. Some mouth-watering traditional Maltese food is found below:

‘Bigilla’ – paste of broad beans with garlic

‘?ob? bi?-?ejt’ – crusty bread dipped in tomato paste, capers, chopped onions and garlic, tuna, salt and pepper

‘?bejniet’ – Sheep or Goat’s cheese

‘Kapunata’ – Ratatouille made from tomatoes, capers, aubergines and green peppers

‘Pastizzi’ – Savoury pastry with ricotta or mushy peas filling

‘Aljotta’ – Fish soup

‘Lampuki Pie’ – Fish Pie

‘Bra?ioli’ – Beef Olives

‘Stuffat tal-fenek’ – Rabbit Stew

‘Kannoli’ – Crispy, fried pastry filled with ricotta

‘?elwa tat-Tork’ – Tahini-based block confection containing pistachios or almonds

Art

Gems are found all over the island, finding most of them in Valletta and Mdina. From baroque art to Caravaggio’s most prized works, one can be ready to find some world famous gems.

Some of the main attractions found in Valletta are St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Museum of Fine Arts, Teatro Manoel, Casa Rocca Piccola, St. James Cavalier among others.

Mdina is also full of other gems including the Mdina Cathedral and Palazzo Falson.

Get ready to be impressed with the structure of the cities of Valletta and Mdina!

History

One can find the oldest megalithic structures known to man. One of the largest domes in the world is also found on our islands. Furthermore, forts built for the Great Siege of 1565 can be found. Re-live one of the most interesting histories around the world here in Malta.

The history of Malta goes back to around 4500 years BC, in which time the Sicilians crossed to the island, settled down and sheltered in the many caves which exist in Malta. This was the beginning of the history of the Maltese Islands, starting off with the oldest existing megalithic structures known to man (?a?ar Qim, Tarxien, Mnajdra etc.).

Nowadays, one can find museums of every era in the history of Malta, galleries, archaeological sites, religious places having at least a church in every town or city, forts and towers.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious to see how an island could have such a long dated history, you will find plenty of places to keep you impressed and talking about it.

Interesting Facts

Location

The 3 major islands which form part of the Maltese Archipelago are Malta, Gozo and Comino. These islands are located between Sicily and North Africa.

Malta has been considered as one of the best islands to live in on various media channels, and the best country to retire.

Size

The area of the island of Malta is 316km².

Population

The population is just over 400,000 people.

Currency

In 2008, the Euro became the currency in Malta.

Climate

300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 18.9?

Capital City

Valletta is the capital city of Malta, a city which was built by the Knights of Malta and it is one of Malta’s greatest treasures. It is in fact considered as one of the top 20 World’s most beautiful heritage sites! Valletta has been named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, a Grand Master of the Knights of St John. Malta’s Grand Harbour in Valletta boasts of being one of the best natural deep-water harbours in the world.

Flag

The flag of Malta is a simple red and white flag with the George Cross in the top left hand corner.

Language

Maltese and English are the official languages, but Italian is also widely spoken across the islands.

Other Facts

Malta was earlier known as Melita, meaning the island of honey, by ancient Greeks and Romans.

Coastline of the islands consists mainly of harbours, bays, cliffs, sandy and rocky beaches.

Over churches are found on the Maltese islands. These have become sought after places even for non-believers as many were built in the seventeenth century. Mosta Dome, one of the largest unsupported church dome in Europe.

The temple at ?gantija traces back its foundation to a time period much before the Egyptian pyramids.

The megalithic temples in Malta boast of having a lineage older than England’s Stonehenge.

The University of Malta is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in

The most famous crafts village in Europe, called ‘Ta’Qali’, is found in central Malta.

In , a set of films were filmed in Malta about Popeye, a place which is now called “Popeye’s Village” and is one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island.

The two main symbols that are synonymous with Malta and its people are the Maltese Cross (which was awarded by King George VI (UK), in the year ) and the Maltese boat.

In Maltese, the breed of the National Dog is called Kelb tal-Fenek (Pharaoh Hound Dog)

Nightlife

Nightlife is not simply found indoors as one will find a whole variety of nightlife places outdoors. Scenes vary from night clubs to wine bars, bars, lounges, beach clubs and much more.

Clubbing

Paceville, situated near St. Julian’s, is the mostly dense place with nightclubs in Malta. Most of the clubs are open every day of the year, making it easy for anyone who would like to throw a party in any evening or would simply like to socialise with international people in a different environment.

Other clubs are spread around the island but these are only open on special events or when an international DJ pays a visit to Malta.

Wine Bars

This has become an extremely popular option with a lot of people in the last few years. Wine bars have opened almost everywhere around Malta, together with the seafront of Valletta and Birgu; places which are surrounded by unique architecture. The old buildings in which these bars are constructed, together with the latest design in furniture, produce a unique atmosphere for the likes of everyone.

Bars/Pubs

They are seen everywhere, at least one in every town or city. Whether it is during the week for a chat, during football matches or simply for the weekend, these places are always full of people.

Lounges

Lounges have become the new trend in Malta with quite a large range of age groups. This has become so popular. You will find these in various places around the island, however, St. Julian’s probably hosts most of them.

Restaurants

Value for money and high class restaurants are found all over the areas. One might also point out that Marsaxlokk, the fishing village in the southern area, is well known for the fish specialisation of every restaurant.

Sports and Activities

Malta might have not left an international mark in this area; however, in March 2014, Malta won the Water polo EU8 Nations Tournament. Furthermore, Malta is considered as the 2nd best destination for diving.

Types of sports one can find in Malta include:

Golf, Tennis, Diving, Water skiing, Windsurfing, Paragliding, Wakeboarding, Sailing, Football, Horse riding, Basketball, Rugby, Water polo, Cycling, Climbing, Abseiling, Hockey, Judo, Wrestling, Fencing, Athletics, Bowling, Shooting Range … and much more