Malta - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Malte — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

Malta ​((in)Malta — (mt)Malta)
Valletta view
Flag
Information
Capital city	Valletta
Altitude	Between 0 and253 m
Area	316 km²
Population	445 426 hab. (2014)
Density	1 409,58 inhab./km²
Nice	Maltese
Form of State	Parliamentary democracy
Official language	Maltese, English
Cash	euro (EUR)
Electricity	240 V/50 Hz, English plug
Telephone prefix	356
Internet suffix	.mt
Flow direction	Drive to the left
Spindle	UTC 1
Location
35 ° 55 ′ 52 ″ N 14 ° 22 ′ 37 ″ E
Government site
Touristic site
edit

Malta, in long form Republic of MaltaRepubblika Ta'Malta is an island country ofEurope located in Mediterranean Sea and composed of an archipelago of eight islands, four of which are inhabited.

Understand

Description

The modern urbanization of the island has been sudden, anarchic and without obvious ecological concerns. Gozo and the east coast of Malta are very wild, neglected, but magnificent. Finally, note the lack of immediately available garbage cans in Malta as in Gozo. The country is rich and intriguing. From ancient temples, to the history of the Knights of Malta, to the beautiful landscapes of the Maltese countryside.

Malta also has beautiful, dramatic and Mediterranean landscapes and beautiful cliffs falling into the sea.

Diving, climbing (Deep-Water Solo / Trad / Sportif / Voire MCC), sailing and the sun are waiting for you.

Geography

The island of Malta is relatively flat. The highest point is Ta'Dmejrek at 253m (near the Dingli Cliffs). The terrain is dry and rocky with little cultivation.

The coast is made up of cliffs and small sheltered bays. The beaches are mostly in the north of the island.

Weather

The island has a Mediterranean climate like all the Mediterranean islands. Winters are wet and windy. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15 ° C in winters to 30 ° C in summer.

Story

Although small, the island of Malta has a vast and rich history, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Neolithic (4^e millennium BC). Its strategic location and good ports located in the middle of the Mediterranean attracted the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders, French and finally the British.

The island has been independent since 1964.

The Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta, took control of Malta in 1530, and in 1533 built a hospital at Birgu (one of three cities) to care for the sick. In 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, undertook a great siege of the island with a fleet of 180 ships and a landing force of 30,000 men. The order, with only 8,000 defenders, nevertheless manages to defeat the Ottoman Turks after a siege of several months. After this siege, the order founded the city of Valletta on a peninsula and fortifies it with stone walls, which, moreover, withstood the heavy bombardments of WWII. In 1575 the order built a new large hospital known as the Grand Hôpital or Sacred Infirmary in order to pursue its primary mission of caring for the sick.

In 1798, the French took the island on June 12, without resistance, when the Grand Master of the Order capitulated after deciding that the island could not be defended against the French naval force. French rule lasted just over 2 years, until the arrival of the British Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Nelson, in September 1800.

Great Britain then occupied the island and formally took possession of it in 1814 for 150 years.

The island of Malta gained its independence in 1964 and remained in the Commonwealth.

A decade later, in 1974, Malta became a republic.

In 2004, Malta joined theEuropean Union, becomes a member of theSchengen area in 2007 and, in 2008, adopted the Euro as national currency.

Economy

Malta’s economy is mainly based on services with maritime transport, financial services and tourism.

Units of measure

Although of English influence, Malta adopted the metric system in 1972.

• Gasoline and drinks are expressed in liters.
• The speed of the cars is in kilometers per hour. Speed ​​limit signs indicate the unit in addition to numbers.
• The weight for food is expressed in kilograms.

Regions

Cities

• 35.898514.51351 Valletta  – Valletta is currently the capital of the island of Malta since 1566. It was founded by the great master Jean Parizot of Valletta after the great siege of 1565, deeming the location more suitable than Mdina, inland . Rich in Baroque-style monuments, today it is a modern city that houses the brand new government buildings. British influence is never far away either. There are all the facilities for visits, catering and shopping. For festive activities, you have to go opposite Sliema or Saint Julian's. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.883314.52322 Cottonera (Civitas Cottonera)  – This name refers to the historic Three Cities of Birgu (or Città Vittoriosa), Isla (or Città Invicta) and Bormla (or Città Cospicua). These three cities were united in XVI^e century and protected by fortifications called "Cottonera" from the name of their instigator and sponsor. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.9114.53 Sliema  – neighboring seaside resorts. Modern and dynamic cities, you will find all the western life (bar, club, shopping centers, etc.). Cities where tourist dynamics and large international companies are concentrated (online betting companies and IT management BetCLic- The Turf - Besedo etc.). (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.91914.4894 Saint Julian's  – It is the flagship city for nightlife, mostly visited by young adults. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.924414.49225 Paceville  – Tourist destination for young people who want to party in the sun in a mini-Ibiza nightclub, you will be delighted, the nightlife is very dynamic and brings together young people from all European and extra-European countries. Your English doesn't have to be very advanced, just a little fluent. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.93914.3476 Manikata  – Families looking for large, pretty, clean sandy beaches may go your way. The majority of beaches are made of rocks, it is necessary to know how to appreciate them. The pretty beaches are on the east coast within the bay Golden bay, and require a long bus ride. One hour from Valletta. If you enjoy inexpensive restaurants, history and tourist attractions, the system is still well set up. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.88714.402757 Mdina  – Former capital of the island. Today it is a fortified city-museum on the heights of the island. Of particular interest is the cathedral museum. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.88414.40148 Rabat  – Ancient city which touches Mdina. It contains many tourist sites such as a Roman villa or the catacombs of Saint Paul. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 35.841514.5459 Marsaxlokk  – Fishing village to the east of the island. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 36.04614.24310 Victoria (Ir-Rabat)  – The capital of the island of Gozo. (last update Feb. 2018)

Other destinations

• 35.78714.4111 Filfla  – This island is a protected nature reserve which cannot be visited. It is forbidden to approach it by boat. (last update Feb. 2018)

To see

The content of items from countries or regions should not contain a listing of the various attractions and establishments but an overview of what exists in the country or region. Help move these listings into thecity ​​article appropriate.

On the island of Malta

Natural sites

• 35.84614.391 Dingli Cliffs (South side) – The highest point on the island. You can take a short walk up the cliffs to admire them from different points of view. (last updated Apr 2016)
• 35.82138914.4566672 Blue cave (blue grotto) (South side) – This set of caves in the cliffs is accessible by sea. From the small port of Wied Iz-Zurrieq, boats take tourists to the caves and along the cliff. There is no timetable, the boats leave when a few people show up. The excursion lasts approximately 20 min. (last updated Apr 2016)

Neolithic sites

• 35.87133314.5073893 Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni (Paola) – Underground burial dating from the IV^e millennium BC. Please note, due to the cramped nature of the site and to ensure its conservation, visits are limited to 80 people per day. It is imperative to reserve a day and an hour on the website of the monument. Visitors are gathered in groups of 10 people and have one hour for the visit. (last updated Apr 2016)
• 35.87114.5126114 Temples of Tarxien (Paola) – Group of three contemporary temples of the hypogeum of Hal Salieni. The site is well highlighted. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.827814.44225 Hagar Qin Temple (Zurrieq) – Contemporary temple of the temple of Tarxien. (last updated Apr 2016)
• 35.82666714.4363896 Mnajdra temple (Zurrieq) – Contemporary temple of the temple of Tarxien. (last updated Apr 2016)

Ancient Roman sites

• 35.885114.40037 Roman villa (Rabat) – Remains of a Roman villa dating from the first century AD. (last updated Apr 2016)
• 35.8806914.397618 Catacombs of Saint Paul (Rabat) – Labyrinth of narrow corridors carved out in late antiquity. There are no longer any bones in these catacombs today. Other corridors were dug during the Second World War. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.880614.39769 Grotto of Saint Paul (Rabat) – After his arrival in Malta following the sinking of his ship, Saint Paul is said to have preached the gospel in this cave during his stay on the island. A statue of the saint has been placed in the cave which is a place of pilgrimage. To get there, you have to visit the college of Wignacourt which is now a museum. (last updated Apr 2016)

Sites from the time of the Knights of the Order of Saint John

• 35.89883314.51405610 Palace of the Grand Masters (Palazz Maġistrali, Palazz tal-Belt) (Valletta) – Although today the seat of government, the palace can be visited in part. There are paintings, frescoes and period furniture. In the basement is the armory museum which presents the arms of the order from the crusades to XVIII^e century. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.8977814.5127811 St. John's Cathedral (Valletta) – this magnificent cathedral was built between 1573 and 1577. Since then it has not ceased to be embellished by all the great masters of the order. Baroque style inside, its facade is nevertheless very simple. Its main feature is to house 8 chapels. One for each language of the knights of the order. The Chapel of Germany, the Chapel of Italy, the Chapel of France, the Chapel of Castile and Portugal, the Chapel of Aragon, the Chapel of Auvergne, the Chapel of England and Bavaria. Each chapel is decorated in the style of its country. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.89580614.51122512 Hostel of Castile and Leon (Valletta) – This Baroque building from 1520 now houses the Prime Minister of Malta. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.89914.51813 Knights Hospital (Sacra Infermeria, Mediterranean Conference Center) (Valletta) – The building suffered a lot of damage. It is now a convention center. In the basement is the museum which evokes the hospital of the time of the order. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.90194414.51861114 Fort Saint-Elme (Fort St. Elmo, Forti Sant ’Iermu) (Valletta) – It can be visited in part. The ramparts offer pretty views over Sliema on one side and the three cities on the other side. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.88714.52258315 Inquisitor's Palace (Palazz tal-Inkwiżitur) (Il-Birgu / Vittoriosa) – This building dates from 1574. It was subsequently extended and remodeled. It shelters the prisons of the inquisition, the court and the residences of the inquisitor. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.887514.523516 The hotels (Il-Birgu / Vittoriosa) – The inns were the lodgings of the knights of the order. These gathered according to their language. The inns have been restored and are now buildings used in various ways. They cannot be visited, but the facades are interesting. At the bend of the streets, we find the Auberge Germany, the Auberge de Provence et d'Auvergne, the Auberge de France, the Auberge d'Aragon and finally the Auberge de Castille et de Portugal. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.89194414.51833317 Fort Saint-Ange (Fort Sant'Angelo) (Il-Birgu / Vittoriosa) – This fort is located at the end of the city of Victoriosa. It has been completely restored and can be visited in part. It offers a beautiful view of the port and the city of Valletta. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.8613914.3988918 Gardens of the Bosquet (Buskett garden, Boschetto) (Rabat) – vast plantation of lemon trees, pines, cypresses and oaks. This place is ideal for a refreshing stopover. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.90027814.512519 Manoel Theater (Il-Teatru Manoel, Manoel Theater) (Valletta) – This theater, built in 1731 by the grand master Manoel de Vilhena, is Italian in style. It has 750 places. After various changes of function, it became a theater again in 1960 and has been beautifully restored. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.8858314.4030620 Citadel of Mdina (Mdina) – The city of Mdina was the capital of Malta before the arrival of the order. The ramparts and the interior of the citadel have been very well restored for a very pleasant visit. (last updated Apr 2016)

• 35.8858314.4030621 Mdina Cathedral (Mdina) – This baroque-style cathedral was built in 1702. The cathedral museum, right next door, contains magnificent works of all kinds (religious objects, paintings, engravings, coins and medals from all periods, parchments, etc.) (last updated Apr 2016)

On the island of Gozo

Natural sites

• 36.0533314.1883322 Azure Window (Tieqa Żerqa, Azure window) (in the far west of the island) – The cliffs are majestic. Erosion, time and the sea have shaped this stone arch. It is possible to take a boat trip to approach the cliffs, enter caves and see the arch below. However, the Azure Window collapsed in March 2017 following a strong storm (last updated Apr 2016)

• 36.07614.25323 Qbajjar Saltworks (in the north of the island, after the bay of Qbajjar) – This site was shaped by the erosion of a crumbly limestone rock. The salt works are still exploited. (last updated Apr 2016)

Neolithic sites

• 36.04722214.26916724 Ggantija temple  – Impressive set of megaliths dating from the V^e millennium BC. (last updated Apr 2016)

Sites from the time of the Knights of the Order of Saint John

• 36.045714.239225 Victoria Citadel  – The citadel is very well restored. From the top of the ramparts, there is a beautiful view of the landscapes of the island. (last updated Apr 2016)
• 36.0462114.2395926 Gozo Cathedral  – Baroque style cathedral built between 1697 and 1711. (last updated Apr 2016)

Modern sites

• 36.062114.207627 Ta'pinu Basilica  – This basilica was built in 1920. It is today an important place of pilgrimage. (last updated Apr 2016)

To go

Formalities

See as well: Traveling in the Schengen area

Malta is part of theSchengen area. The citizens of the Swiss and the European Economic Area which includes theEuropean Union, the'Iceland, the Norway and the Liechtenstein only need a national identity card or a passport valid. They don't need any Visa to enter or circulate in the Schengen area and are generally allowed to stay as long as they wish.

Remarks (1) Nationals of these countries need a biometric passport to enjoy visa-free travel. (2) Serbian nationals with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (residents of Kosovo with Serbian passport) need a visa. (3) Taiwanese nationals need their ID card number (a letter followed by nine digits) written in their passport to enjoy visa-free travel.

Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area: Albania⁽¹⁾, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and herzegovina⁽¹⁾, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, United States, Grenade, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, North Macedonia⁽¹⁾, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova⁽¹⁾, Monaco, Montenegro⁽¹⁾, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. LUCIA, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia^(1,2), Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan⁽³⁾ (Republic of China), East Timor, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela as well as holders of a passport of Hong Kong SAR, of Macau SAR and all nationals British (including those who are not citizens of the European Union).

• The visa-free travelers mentioned above and not members of theEEE or from Swiss cannot stay more than 90 days out of a 180-day period in the Schengen area in its entirety and, in general, cannot work during their stay (although some countries in the Schengen area allow certain nationalities to work). The counting of days begins once you enter one of the Schengen countries and does not return to zero when you leave one Schengen country for another.

• New Zealand citizens can stay longer than 90 days, but without working if they do not have a work permit, in some countries of the Schengen area, namely Germany, Austria, the Benelux, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland

If you are not a national ofEEE or from Swiss, even if you are exempt from a visa, unless you are Andorran, Monegasque, San Marino or Vatican, make sure your passport is stamped both when entering and leaving the Schengen area. Without an entry stamp, you may be treated as having exceeded your stay when trying to leave the Schengen area. Without an exit stamp, you may be refused entry the next time you seek to enter the Schengen area as you may be assumed to have exceeded the time allowed on your previous visit. If you cannot get a stamp in the passport, keep documents like boarding passes, transportation tickets, etc. which can help convince border control personnel that you have stayed in the Schengen area legally.

By plane

THE'Malta international airport (located in Luqa) offers connections with most major European cities, such as the Maltese national airline, Air Malta. From Paris, an Air-Malta round trip will run around 300 € (~ 331.55 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 449.18 - price of 04/27/2021) (~ $ 362.19 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 196,681.81 F CFA - price on 04/27/2021).From Marseille, with Ryan-Air depending on the season, you can find prices of around 30 /50 € (~ 55.26 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 74.86 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 60.36 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 32,780.3 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) return trip. It is located at ± 20 min drive from Valletta.

On a boat

Access by boat is mainly from the Sicily (regular service). In addition, the various ports accommodate many cruise and pleasure boats.

Circulate

On a boat

The company Gozo Ferry makes the Gozo-Malta connection. Ferries leave Malta from the port of Cirkewwa (Marfa point) in the northwest of the island. It takes about 1 h by bus from Valletta. The crossing only lasts 15 min.Gozo Ferry  – Trip planner. (last update Feb. 2018)

Many tourist companies offer excursions from the port of Sliema.

• Port visit Valletta and The Three Cities.
• Grand tour of the island of Malta (1 full day).
• Go to Comino and at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and visiting.

Finally, very practical, a maritime shuttle allows you to cross the port of Valletta.

• route Sliema - Valletta.
• route The Three Cities - Valletta.

The hard crossing 05 min and there is a shuttle every 30 min. It is much faster than the bus and it allows you to get directly to the tourist sites.

Unfortunately, this shuttle does not work with the public transport company of buses. You therefore have to pay for the trip (1.5 euros per ticket for an adult in 2016).

By car

Driving in Malta is on the left, well in principle. It is often said that the Maltese drive neither on the left nor on the right but in the shade (when there is any, trees being rare). However, given the population and the state of the roads, traffic is fluid and slow.

What is the speed limit 35 km / h in town then to 60 km / h (sometimes 70, 80 km / h or more) in the open countryside.

The blood alcohol level is limited to 0,8 g / l.

Finally, road traffic is very strong in Malta, especially on the west coast.

Walk

Due to the small size of the islands, it is easy to get around on foot. There are walking guides that can be found in tourist offices.

However, be very careful with vehicles. They shave you at high speed and this is normal for the Maltese. Sidewalks are not very common as soon as you step out of the city center.

By bus

The bus network is very dense and allows you to reach any point of the island from Valletta, in Malta, and from Rabat (Victoria), to Gozo. It is arguably the fastest and most economical way to get around. The ticket can be bought at the ticket office in the bus stations or on the bus for intermediate stops. The “tallinja” card (pronounced tallinella card) allows you to use the entire network of Malta and Gozo for a week or a month (In 2016, the price for a week is 21 euros for an adult). A ticket is valid for one hour, regardless of the destination.

The general bus terminal is located 35.895214.508631 Vijal Nelson in front of the main gate of the city of Valletta. In most cases, the bus arrives and departs from the same parking point. The island is divided into three sectors A, B and C which correspond to three contiguous parking zones.

Formerly served by very picturesque old buses, Malta is now served by modern company buses Malta Public Transport. The buses, green and white, are modern and comfortable. The system is simple. The network is organized in a star. Almost all buses leave and arrive at Valletta. Transit times are posted at all stops and are fairly well respected.

• Malta Public Transport ,   356 21222000 – Trip planner. (last update Feb. 2018)

The system has a few constraints that must be taken into account:

• The frequency varies according to the importance of the line. It can be a bus every 15 min, 30 min or sometimes 1 h see more ;
• there is little transverse line that does not pass through Valletta. Unless we stay at Valletta, it is therefore almost always necessary to make a correspondence;
• In busy tourist areas, buses fill up quickly in the early morning and late afternoon. In this case the drivers do not stop and you have to wait for the next bus.

To speak

The official languages ​​are the Maltese and theEnglish. THE'Italian also speaks. You can get by with theEnglish, but a few words from Maltese are much appreciated. For young people coming to learn English, Malta is a great destination, many schools offer their services, and English is very international.

the Maltese, however, is not very easy to learn: a Semitic language close to theArab, it is written in Roman characters and is full of phrases like Jekk jogħġbok ("Please") and M'hemmx mn'hiex ("There is no what") which appear to come, at least in their written form, from Star Trek. The combination of letters għ is generally silent, and x is pronounced ch.

To buy

Cash

Malta uses theeuro. It is one of the many European countries that use this common currency. Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender throughout the country.

Countries which have the euro as official currency: Members of theEU Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Non-EU members Andorra, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Vatican These countries are collectively referred to as the "euro area".

One euro is divided into 100 eurocents Where euro cents abbreviated cents Where cents.

The official euro symbol is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for Eurocents.

Tickets

Euro banknotes are the same in all countries.

Ordinary parts

All euro area countries have issued coins with a distinctive national side on one side, and a common standard side on the other side. Coins can be used in all countries, regardless of the country of origin of the coin used, for example a one euro coin from Finland can be used in Portugal.

Two euro commemorative coins

They differ from normal two euro coins only on their "national" side and circulate freely as legal tender. Each country can produce a certain quantity of it as part of their normal parts production. There are also commemorative two euro coins "at European level". They are produced to commemorate special events, such as the anniversary of important treaties.

Withdrawal of money

Cash withdrawals from ATMs are billed at the same price as cash withdrawals in the country of origin for holders of a bank card from an account in a country in the euro zone. Money transfers between two accounts are also considered by banks as a transfer between two accounts in the same country.

Eat

In Malta, and especially in tourist areas, you can find all kinds of restaurants and all kinds of cuisines.Besides Italian restaurants and American fast food chains, there are also authentic Maltese restaurants, even if it is sometimes necessary look for them in a dead end.

Maltese gastronomy is a sometimes strange mixture of the different cultures of the island. We find a lot of English and Italian influences and even sometimes French.

Among the island's specialties, we find:

• pasta, the result of Italian regional influence;
• the rabbit, national meat, often bought alive in the markets;
• from bragioli, veal paupiettes in sauce;
• from beef stew, looks like beef carrots with lots of sauce;
• fish, the result of local fishing with sometimes endemic species such as lampuki (Coryphaena hippurus) (looks like sea bream) which traditionally is fried (lampuki moqlija) ;
• the ftiras, stuffed donuts (with tuna, among others);
• the pastizzi (pastizz singular), fond of puff pastry filled with Gozo ricotta (ricotta pastizzi or, in Maltese, pastizzi tal-irkotta) or peas (pea pastizzi or, in Maltese, pastizzi tal-pizelli) ;
• gbejna, a Gozo sheep cheese, plain or with pepper.

For drinks:

• White or red wine. The grapes come from Malta, but also from Italy. There are some good ones, read the label carefully;
• Local beer is the Cisk, recognizable by its yellow bottle, you can find it everywhere. It is a lager (low fermentation) containing 4.2% alcohol;
• the national non-alcoholic drink is the Kinnie. It is a soda made from bitter orange and plant extracts.

You can also eat good fish in Marsaxlokk, a port in the south of Malta. Fishermen arrive there every morning at 5 h with fresh fish. You can buy fresh fish or wait for the midday meal to taste it in a restaurant.

Drink / Go out

In the evening, Maltese youth meet at Sliema and especially to St Julian's, To Paceville (say patchville), west of the agglomeration of Valletta. Trendy bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs are privileged and cosmopolitan meeting places, inexpensive and very welcoming. These streets are frequented as much by foreigners as by the Maltese themselves. They stay relatively calm during the day and get restless 22 h until the early hours of the morning.

Housing

Most of the hotels are on the north coast between Valletta and St Paul's Bay (to the West). There is a campsite on the Maltese coast and another in the lands of Gozo. Wild camping is prohibited. It is possible to rent apartments. The formula "guest rooms" exists but not in the form of signs affixed to the side of roads or streets. You have to go through specialized organizations.

To learn

Malta is a privileged destination for language stays. Maltese speak English with a strong accent but easily understandable after a few hours. They speak slowly, articulate which makes it easy for beginners to learn English. There are a number of language schools on the island.

They can speak a mixture of English and Maltese, but when needed can speak English only.

To work

It is easy to find small jobs as a server for example. You will see in the street on many bars, signs "personal research". Word of mouth also works very well.

Communicate

There are internet cafes on every street corner. They are inexpensive.

European roaming

Since June 15, 2017, "European roaming" has been introduced. It allows all SIM card holders belonging to one of the European member countries to maintain the same pricing conditions as in the country of origin.

Telephone calls and Internet browsing are valid at no additional cost in all European countries, unless authorized by national authorities (generally minor operators) or when a data Gbit threshold is exceeded, which increases year by year. To use this service, simply activate the roaming option on your mobile phone.

The participating countries are those ofEuropean Union (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary , Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, UK, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), those ofEuropean Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and some Oversea territories (Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, The meeting, Saint-Martin).

Manage the day-to-day

Health

European citizens

Citizens ofEuropean Union (EU), who fall unexpectedly ill during a temporary stay, studies or a professional stay, are entitled to the same medical care as in their country of residence. It is always useful to take the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which constitutes physical proof of your insurance in an EU country. However, if you do not have the card with you or if you cannot use it (as in the case of private assistance), you are still entitled to treatment, but you are obliged to pay the costs on the spot. , then you will ask for a refund on your return.

The countries in which health coverage is provided are all those that are members of theEuropean Union (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary , Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), those ofEuropean Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), the Swiss, the UK and the Oversea territories member of the European Union (Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, The meeting, Saint-Martin).

Security

The country is very safe. The population is not traditionally in the habit of locking the doors. The Maltese are rather benevolent towards tourists, but beware of petty crime which has been on the rise in recent years.

Government travel advice

• Belgium (Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• Canada (Government of Canada)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• France (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)  (last updated Apr 2018)
• Swiss (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)  (last updated Jan 2016)

Respect

Behviour

The population is very religious and religion holds a very important place in daily life. Visiting a church involves having your shoulders covered (for both women and men; a sort of scarf is distributed at the entrance of some churches) and preferably wearing pants or Bermuda shorts that are not too short.

On the beaches, topless and naturism are prohibited, with the exception of a few places reserved for this purpose (often private beaches of certain hotel establishments).

Homosexual travelers

In Malta, homosexuality is simply tolerated (if not ignored), but the population does not yet accept it. It is therefore preferable not to show signs of affection in public. However, since 2014, same-sex civil unions have been legalized.