Malta
Malta is a beautiful mythical island nestled comfortably in the Mediterranean. It has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday and is simply waiting to be enjoyed.
Small but densely-populated, Malta is an nation made up of an archipelago of seven islands - three of which are inhabited. Ideally located in the warm Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a mere 37 miles south of the island of Sicily and just north of North Africa, giving it a beautifully warm climate.
There are plenty of places to find flights online so get cracking - book flights and enjoy the best that a holiday in Malta has to offer.
The culture of Malta reflects the different ethnic groups that have left their imprint on the Maltese islands over hundreds of years. These include other neighbouring Mediterranean peoples and the various nations that have ruled Malta prior to its independence in 1964.
The Arabs introduced citrus trees, flat-topped houses and laid the foundations for the Maltese language. The Aragonese from central Spain left their artistic legacy in the form of the medieval architecture in Malta's historic town centres and the enclosed wooden balconies that characterise its striking town houses.
Perhaps the most enduring cultural legacy left in Malta has been that of the British, who ruled Malta from 1800 until 1964. The British traditions that live on in Malta include a relatively efficient civil service and a British-style military. Amusingly, Brits also left behind the tradition of the Christmas pantomime!
Arts and crafts are important elements in the grand scheme of Malta's cultural fabric. The arts and crafts industry was once flagging but has been revived by a boost in tourism to the island. There have been various craft villages set up to showcase and sell the best of the arts and crafts the Malta has to offer.
Recommended in Malta
Visitors to Malta should ensure that they make a point of seeing the annual Fireworks Festival in May which for the first time, will take place on the island of Gozo in year.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race takes place in October this year and kicks off from the waters opposite the Royal Malta Yacht Club. This event is an absolute must for seafarers.
Malta is a traditionally Christian country sofor those who appreciate religious exhibitions, the island will be hosting the Last Supper display in March. A two-hundred-year-old table will be adorned with artistic plates showing designs and coat of arms of significant personalities.
Weather in Malta
Malta's climate is influenced by the surrounding sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. All the islands experience very sunny weather, with a daily average of five to six hours of sunshine in the middle of winter to around 12 hours in the summer.
Summers in Malta tend to be hot, dry and sunny. Temperatures during the day are usually tempered by cool sea breezes but in spring and autumn, hot winds from Africa typically bring high temperatures and humidity.
Destination checklist for Malta
The official language spoken in Malta is Malti as well as English.
Malta uses the euro and prices are relatively reasonable. Visitors can expect to pay between ten and 25 euros for a room in a value hotel. For the more deluxe rooms, prices can be upwards of 70 euros.
Malta is just one hour ahead of GMT and its international dialling code is +356.
