Malta Overview - Information - Tips & all you need to know for your holiday in Malta 

Malta can be described as a leisurely pace, with lots of sunshine and blue waters. A mix of cultures from Rome to Britain have influenced these three little islands over the centuries, so you'll find Italian baroque architecture and an English accent combined with a special Maltese gusto for life. This site offers you travel tips and detailed information about the history, geography and places of interest in Malta. You can also find where to go and the best way to get there such as information on Public transport, car hire, car rental, airport taxis and sightseeing tours of Malta.

Geography
Just 60 mi/95 km south of Sicily, Malta includes three major islands: Malta (95 sq mi/246 sq km), Gozo (26 sq mi/67 sq km) and Comino (1 sq mi/2.6 sq km). There are also two uninhabited islands: St. Paul's (off the northern coast) and Filfla (off the southern coast). All the islands - which have low inland hills and jagged coastlines - are surrounded by sparkling blue water.

Malta History

People lived in Malta long before the voyage of Odysseus, who is said to have dallied with the nymph Calypso on one of the islands. Archaeologists believe that the first Maltese arrived from mainland Europe around the end of the last Ice Age, when sea levels were much lower and land bridges linked many of today's islands to the continent.

Malta is strategically located between Sicily and North Africa, Malta was a prize whose importance exceeded its size. It has been visited or invaded by every major civilization in the region. The Phoenicians, Carthagenians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French and English have all left evidence of their stays. During the Middle Ages, the multinational Knights of St. John gave up the Crusades and retired on Malta (they found it easy to defend). The Great Siege of Malta took place in the 16th century, pitting 40,000 Turks against 9,000 Knights, Spaniards and Maltese. The island held out, and a Maltese reputation for resilience was born.

The British exercised the most recent influence on Malta. They took the island from Napoleon in 1800 and stayed until 1964. During World War II, Malta again endured a remarkable siege, thwarting Italian and German efforts to control the Mediterranean. The British presence is still palpable, but Malta is now independent. On 1 May 2004, it was one of 10 nations that joined the European Union, a move that many hope will strengthen its economic and political standing.

Where to Go in Malta

Attard
People visit Attard to see the San Anton Gardens. First planted in the 17th century, they now contain a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and other plants. Plan a short stop on the way to Mdina. 4 mi/7 km southwest of Valletta.

Birkirkara
This town (pop. 20,700) on Malta has interesting old streets - it's a pleasant place for strolling. Be sure to see the baroque-style St. Helena's Church. On Wednesday morning, the town hosts an open market. 3 mi/5 km west of Valletta.

Birzebbugia
The highlight of this town is its museum, which displays items found in the Ghar Dalam Caves that run beneath the town. These fascinating caverns contain the semifossilized remains of dwarf elephants and hippos dating back 250,000 years (to the time when the Maltese islands were still joined to Europe by land bridges). Paola and its famed Hypogeum lie just to the south. Allow at least half a day to tour this area. 7 mi/12 km south of Valletta.

Comino
Popular with divers, Comino is a very small - and very peaceful - island midway between Malta and Gozo. There's only one hotel on the island, and it's only open April-October. The ferry to reach the island departs (when the hotel is open) from Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo). Comino is a good place to dive and relax because it doesn't get many visitors. Be sure to visit Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay and the Blue Lagoon. If diving, tramping about or lying on the beach appeal to you, you could spend several days there. 13 mi/22 km northwest of Valletta.

Dingli
In Dingli, you'll find the 400-year-old Verdala Castle. While the old fort isn't open to the public, nearby Buskett Gardens offers strollers a chance to walk through lovely citrus orchards. There are impressive views from Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta. 8 mi/13 km southwest of Valletta.

Gozo
Back when Gozo was called Ogygia, the Greek hero Ulysses spent seven years on the island. Today, we think four or five nights is just about right. Reached by car ferry from Valletta or Cirkewwa on Malta, Gozo has rugged sandy beaches and rolling hills. The largest city is Victoria (locally called Rabat). Visit the Gozo Museum (historical displays), the Gozo Crafts Centre (good selection of local handicrafts) and, northeast of town, the Citadel/Gran Castello. The citadel, worth a visit primarily for its unparalleled views, consists of a restored Norman house, a cathedral and bastions. Other island attractions include Gozo Heritage, a series of life-size dioramas depicting the island's past; pretty Xlendi Bay (on the western coast); and red-sand Ramla Bay (near the reputed Calypso Cave). The Inland Sea, reached by a tunnel, is wonderful for swimming - it's warmer than the open sea. Near Xaghra are a number of places to see: two Ggantija Temples (1,000 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt) and the Alabaster Caves (stalactites and stalagmites). On the eastern coast, see the Azure Window (a rock arch, set over the sea); the simple Ta'Pinu Church/Basilica (near Gharb); and Fungus Rock (site of a rare lichen, prized for its medicinal value in medieval days). 15 mi/25 km northwest of Valletta.

Marsaxlokk
This village will appeal to history buffs - it was the landing site for the Turkish and Napoleonic invasions of Malta. Today the harbor boasts a large and colorful fishing fleet (take along plenty of film). 5 mi/7 km southeast of Valletta.

Mdina
Near the center of the island of Malta, Mdina affords excellent panoramas of the island. This former capital, often called the Silent City because of its very quiet environment, lies in a beautiful region. Mdina's attractions include the National Museum of Natural History, Norman House and the Carmelite Church. Citizens are perhaps proudest of the Mdina Cathedral, built on the site where St. Paul converted the Maltese to Christianity (there's a museum in the cathedral). Casual strollers will be rewarded with sights of numerous churches, palaces and fortifications. The Mdina suburb of Rabat (not to be confused with the Rabat on Gozo) is renowned for glassblowing, pottery and weaving - try to watch the craftspeople at work. Some of Rabat's other attractions are St. Paul's and St. Agatha's Catacombs (4th-century underground cemeteries), St. Paul's Grotto (where the saint is believed to have lived) and the Museum of Roman Antiquities. 7 mi/11 km from Valletta.

Paola
Paola is the site of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. These three stories of underground chambers, used for religious and burial purposes, were carved out of solid rock over several centuries, beginning in 2,400 BC. Also nearby, at

Tarxien, are impressive 4,000-year-old megalithic monuments and temples. This series of structures consists of stone idols, altars, screens, fireplaces and chambers. Allow at least half a day to visit both Paola and Tarxien. 3 mi/5 km south of Valletta.

Qormi
This medieval town (pop. 18,800) is a great place to just walk around - its narrow streets have plenty of atmosphere. Be sure to stop in the Stagno Palace and the 16th-century St. George Church. 3 mi/5 km southwest of Valletta.

Qrendi
Qrendi, on the island of Malta, lies near the scenic ruins of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim. The temples at these prehistoric sites are in various states of decay, but portions have been restored. Sadly, vandals have defaced dozens of stones at Mnadjdra. The Blue Grotto, in neighboring Wied Iz-Zurrieq, is reached by a short boat ride. Plan an hour at the grotto and nearby sea caves or a full day to see the whole area (we suggest going on Sunday, when everything else on the island is closed). 6 mi/10 km south of Valletta.

Sliema
Across Marsamxett Harbor from Valletta, Sliema (pop. 13,500) is home to most of the area's resort hotels, shops and restaurants. Even if you're not staying there, go over to visit the casino, nightspots and excellent rocky beaches, and to stroll its 2-mi-/3-km-long promenade. 1 mi/2 km northwest of Valletta.

Valletta
Malta's capital city, called the City of Knights, dates from the 16th century. Valletta (pop. 109,000) was one of Europe's first planned cities, with building codes, a grid street pattern, and garbage and sewage systems. Sitting on a peninsula, Valletta boasts two excellent harbors: Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. A fairly compact city, it can easily be seen in one day, although we suggest staying two nights. We like to start by visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a great overview, and then follow up by getting a closer view from the harbors (take the inexpensive two-hour cruise).

Valletta seems to have a museum on every block. Some of our favorites are the national museums of fine arts (in an 18th-century palace) and archaeology and the museum adjoining the elaborately decorated St. John's Co-Cathedral (the church's marble floors are unforgettable). To better understand the martial history of Valletta, visit the 16th-century Grand Masters Palace and Armory and the National War Museum. Go on to the Lascaris War Rooms, which were bomb-proof headquarters for the British air force during World War II. When you tire of museums, spend time visiting shops, strolling the city's ramparts or perusing the Malta Government Crafts Centre (where local handicrafts are on display and for sale).

The Knights of Malta were segregated by place of origin and assigned to neighborhoods, called langues. A number of their auberges (the buildings in which they once lived) can still be seen. These structures are concentrated in an area known as the Collachio. There is a 450-year-old Jewish ghetto in lower Valletta.

Just outside town, near Floriana, is the Argotti Botanic Gardens - a good cacti collection. Across the Grand Harbour is the Cottonera, the generic name for three "suburbs" of Valletta. The three cities, Vittoriosa/Birgu, Senglea Isle and Cospicua, are notable for their medieval homes, churches, palaces and fortifications. If you go there, visit the Church of St. Lawrence, the Maritime Museum, Fort St. Angelo (a key defensive point during the Great Siege of Malta) and the Inquisitor's Palace (to tour its courtrooms and - to see some medieval

How to get around Malta

Taxis & Chauffeur driven cars

White taxis which you flag down from the streets or from the airport are usually expensive and drivers are sometimes rude and drive like maniacs. Your best bet if you need a cab or Malta airport transfer is to call a private taxi company, or book beforehand by email. Always ask for the fare price in advance.

We recommend SwanSea Chauffeur services as they offer a friendly and reliable service at good rates. You can contact them 24hrs a day on (356) 21 313 261 or 9947 5090. They also have a freephone number you can use from any phone box during working hours: 800 73 143. If you need an airport transfer your best bet is to book this in advance to find a driver waiting for you at the airport. View this website for booking your airport transfer.

Buses & Public transport

Malta has a good bus service which usually runs on time and is very cheap. However bus drivers are not always very friendly and it is a very slow method of transport since bus switching is almost always required in Valletta.

Rent a Car - Car Hire in Malta

Hiring a car is probably the best way to get around Malta and Gozo as it is cheap and it gives you the freedom to explore the islands at your own time & pace. Car Hire prices in Malta start from approx Lm6 / day in the Winter slow moths and can go up to Lm17 / day in August (prices depend on type of car - extras required - insurances and taxes).

We recommend the following websites for more information about car hire in Malta

Malta Airport car hire

Car Hire company in Malta offering cheap car rental and quality service all over Malta including the airport

Car Rental Malta

This website offers instant quotations and easy online reservations for car hire in Malta at good rates

 SwanSea Car Hire Malta

Rent a car in Malta from SwanSea Car hire offering delivery and collection facilities all over the island, modern rental cars, good rates and quality, friendly service

Sightseeing Tours

There are several tour companies you can choose from in Malta which offer good full day and half day packages. However we recommend taking a private excursion by car or van either by hiring a driver or better still charter a licensed guide. Private tours give you the freedom to enjoy the scenes at your own time and pace, eat at your preffered restaurants, visit the locations which interest you the most and get personalised individual attention. SwanSea sightseeing tours offer chauffeur driven cars, vans and coaches with / without guide at competitive rates.