About Malta and it’s Islands
A jewel in the Mediterranean and your perfect holiday destination
Malta and it’s Islands are like nowhere else in the Mediterranean sea. You will find here amazing landscapes, breath taking cliff sceneries, thrilling dive opportunities, stunning water caves to swim in, crystal clear lagoons, fantastic sandy and rocky beaches in all variations, hidden coves, flavourful Mediterranean cuisine mixed with the Arabic influence, warm and welcoming people, the southern Mediterranean flair, a bustling nightlife, a young party scene with exclusive clubs, a history which reaches back more than 6000 years what is unique in Europe. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all kind of buildings from different centuries and cultures what makes a history of remarkable intensity. All this on 316 square kilometres with a coastline over 252 kilometres and an average of 300 sunny days per year. There is nothing more to say except, the perfect destination in Europe for your holidays.
General facts
Interesting Facts
Currency
The national currency is the Euro since 1st January 2008.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Malta, except for petrol stations where cash is preferred. Most banks offer cash advance facilities for Mastercard, Eurocard and Visa during normal banking hours. Outside banking hours this service is available at foreign exchange bureaux.
Many major banks have money-changing facilities in the afternoon, and there are a lot of cash withdrawal machines in the tourist centres. You’ll need some form of identification to change money. Kindly note that, at banks & foreign exchange bureaus, you get better currency exchange rates than at most hotels.
Language
The local language is Maltese which is a mix between Semitic, Latin, English, French, Spanish & Italian. However all local people speak very good English. A high percentage speak Italian as well.
Time
Malta and Gozo are always one hour ahead of the time in the UK. The time zone is GMT +1 hour.
Business hours
Most shops open at 9am and close at 1pm for a siesta, before opening again from 4pm until 7pm Monday to Saturday. In the resorts, many shops remain open all day as well as on Sundays.
Banking hours are generally from 8.30am until 12.45 or 1pm Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturdays.
Standard post office opening times are 7.45am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am until noon on Saturdays.
Electricity
The electrical supply is 220/240 volts. The 13-amp, three-pronged plugs and sockets are used, so you will not need an adaptor if coming from the UK. Otherwise most hotels provide adapters for two-pin plugs.
In an emergency
Your representative will normally be able to help if you need assistance but in an emergency you may find the following numbers useful.
Police 191
Emergency 112
Fire service 199