Malta Factfile

Political: Malta joined the EU in 2004.

Location: Malta and the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino are situated in the Meditterranean part way between Scicily and Northern Africa.

Language: English is widely spoken, signs are in English.

Roads: Vehicles drive on the left. Roads can be a bit bumpy and pot-holed. Getting around by bus is popular and cheap. Buses all converge on the capital, Valletta, at the bus terminal. Taxis, a good deal more pricey.

Currency: The currency is Maltese Lire and cents.

Flights: Flying time to Luqua airport on Malta is about 3 hours 10 minutes from London. Journey time to the Eden Bay Resort about 20 minutes.

Malta temperatures

Shopping: Don't miss the main shopping area around Republic Street, Valletta. The Malta Crafts Centre in St John's Square is good for lace, silver filigree and pottery. Also, visit the Valetta market on Merchant Street.

Eating Out: Eating out in Malta is a pleasure. Bars, cafés, and restaurants abound, and the competitive spirit among owners means the tourist gets great value for money.

Malta - Places to Visit: Malta is a place steeped in history. In pre-ice age times it was linked by land to larger land masses, but subsequently became an island. Malta and its sister islands of Comino and Gozo, boast ancient temples constructed between 3600 and 3000 BC, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are Roman remains, and many museums with artefacts of recent history. In no particular order you might visit the Grandmaster's Palace and Armoury in Valetta, Hagar Qim Temples in the south east, Popeye Village, Ta'Qali Crafts Village, Marine Park at Bahr Ic-Caghaq, Tarxien Prehistoric Temples, Ghar Dalam Prehistoric Cave and Museum, Marsaxlokk fish market, Grand Harbour in Valetta,

Gozo - Places to Visit: Gozo is a short car ferry-ride either from the north of Malta, or via Marsamexett Harbour near Valetta. Be sure to take in a visit to the place of miracles, the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary, the Gharb Folklore Museum, the Ggantija Temples, and the Cittadella of Victoria.

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