Malta Travel guide Malta

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La Valette, capital of Malte.

Malta

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Malta in short

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One land, three main islands. Alongside its smaller sisters Gozo and Comino, the island of Malta enjoys a strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean, at the crossroads of maritime routes and areas of influence. Between East and West, the Maltese archipelago has written pages of history, the most famous of which is staked at the point of the sword of the knights of the Order of Malta.

From prehistoric times to the present day, Maltese culture bears witness to a variety of contributions from the various civilisations that have succeeded one another in the Mediterranean basin. Megalithic remains, Baroque monuments and imposing fortifications are just some of the major sites to be discovered in the country. The natural sites are not to be outdone, with a considerable variety of landscapes, beaches and coves to discover.

Une balade à Gozo à travers des paysages étonnants.

Towns and heritage. They are an integral part of the archipelago's architectural and historical wealth, just like the mosaic of villages that make up the urban belt to the east of Malta. Valletta, the country's capital, is a military fortress and a festival of Baroque buildings where time has left a patina of globigerite, the sandy-coloured stone typical of Malta.

While history hovers behind its high ramparts and in its colourful alleyways, it is in St Julian's, a ten-minute drive away, that the Maltese come together to party: restaurants and bars are concentrated in the bend of its picturesque little port. Festivities and celebrations are a real tradition in Malta, with numerous 'festas' marking the calendar.

If you're looking for peace and quiet, head a few kilometres north to the village of Il-Mellieħa, or head to the centre of the island to visit the elegant historic towns of Rabat and Mdina before exploring the prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.

Une rue typique de La Valette.

Malta and the sea. While history buffs will find plenty to explore, the seaside destination will not disappoint beach lovers! Forget the long sandy beaches stretching for miles, Malta is full of small, much more intimate beaches and coves, particularly on the islands of Gozo and Comino. The translucent waters of Ramla Bay, Golden Bay or the Blue Lagoon are just waiting for you.

As well as the traditional seaside activities, diving is particularly popular with tourists. Not without reason: the waters of the Mediterranean are clear and the underwater world attracts both contemplative divers and history buffs in search of wrecks left over from the military confrontations of the Second World War. The many facilities on Malta, Gozo and Comino are well-equipped to cater for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Le splendide Blue Lagoon à Comino.

It's impossible to get bored. The Maltese archipelago is full of monuments, including religious buildings (there are around 365 churches, as many as there are days in the year), former defensive forts (such as Fort Saint-Ange), palaces (such as the Grand Masters' Palace) and former living quarters converted into public buildings (such as the Auberge de Castille).

As for nature, the country has worked hard in recent years to develop its range of outdoor leisure activities, and many trekking, climbing, hiking and mountain biking routes have opened up in the wilderness, allowing visitors to discover another facet of the country. From the seaside to the cliffs of Dingli and St Peter's Pool, or from the woods to Buskett Gardens, you'll discover an astonishing range of panoramas for such a small area.

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How to get there?

Less than 2 hours' flight from France (and less than 3 hours from Paris), Malta is quickly accessible by plane! Several airlines, including low-cost carriers, operate this route every day, often at very affordable fares: Air Malta/KM Malta Airlines, Ryanair, Transavia, Air France...

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Where to stay?

The Maltese hotel industry is a dynamic sector, and services are rapidly adapting to the latest requirements in modern comfort and to fashionable trends in decoration and the environment. There is enough variety to satisfy all tastes and budgets: hotels, resorts, guest-houses, farm inns, etc. Most hotels are located directly along the coastline with direct access to the sea. Other establishments have adapted to their surroundings: rooftop swimming pools are often the norm, as are gyms and spas.

Practical information

Documents and visa

A valid passport or national identity card is required for French nationals wishing to enter Malta.

Money

The euro is the currency used in Malta, as in France. Bank cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, and cash dispensers can be used to withdraw cash if required.

Safety

You can walk around Malta without the slightest fear at any time of day. It is without doubt the safest country in the Mediterranean. As everywhere, however, be careful with your belongings. The emergency number is 112.

Electricity

Sockets supply 230 V but are of the British type (with three flat plugs), so remember to take an adaptor with you (you can also find some locally).

Health

No vaccinations are required to enter Malta and there are no health problems of note in the country. Tap water is drinkable, but bottled water is preferable. Don't forget sun cream and mosquito repellent!

Language

English and Maltese are the two official languages. Maltese is a mixture of Arabic, Italian, English and even French!

Tipping

Service is often included in the bill at 10%, but that doesn't mean you can't add a small tip - it's up to you. If it is not included, it is customary to add between 10 and 15% of the bill.

Transport

Driving in Malta is relatively easy if you are used to driving on the left. All car hire companies are represented, and a national driving licence is sufficient. Speed limits: 60 to 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 40 to 50 km/h in town. The other very pleasant way to discover this small archipelago is by motorbike (for those with a driving licence) or scooter. Cycling is also easy, as the terrain is not too hilly.

The archipelago also has a reliable, regular and inexpensive public transport network, with numerous bus routes connecting just about every point in Malta. Taxis are also a good way of getting around, but are considerably more expensive than buses. There are ferries from one island to another all year round.

Best time of year

Although the tourist season is traditionally in full swing from April to October, Malta is a pleasant destination all year round. To make the most of this small, peaceful territory, spring or autumn is best: temperatures are still mild and the sunshine is perfect. Rainfall is low on the archipelago, starting in late autumn and lasting until the end of winter in February. Temperatures approach 30°C in summer, but remain mild in winter, averaging 15°C.

Telephone

To call Malta from France, dial +356 (country code) followed by the correspondent's number. To call France from Malta, dial +33 followed by the correspondent's number without the initial 0.

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

In Malta, it's customary to dress up for dinner in the evening: so avoid shorts and beachwear when it's time to sit down to dinner, and make the most of the opportunity to pull out all the stops!

Useful links

Malta Tourist Office

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