Travel and holiday in Malta

A Brief History of Malta

Malta is a small country consisting of an archipelago located in the heart of the Mediterranean. This is a strategically important place with a rich history, about which you can tell a lot of interesting things.

Ancient history:

Malta has been inhabited since ancient times. Evidence of settlements in Malta dates back to ancient times, including Neolithic structures such as mysterious megalithic temples older than the pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge, making Malta one of the oldest human settlements in the world.

Phoenicians, Romans and Ancient Greeks:

In the course of history, Malta was conquered by various ancient empires, including the Phoenicians, Romans and ancient Greek colonists. This led to a mix of cultures and influences that left their mark on the island’s architecture, language and customs.

Arab influence:

In the 9th century, Malta was invaded by Arab invaders who brought their own culture and religion. This period had a significant impact on the language, architecture and cuisine of Malta.

Dominion of the Knights of St. John:

In the 16th century, Malta was ceded to the Order of the Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights of Malta. This period was characterized by the construction of fortresses and fortifications, which made Malta an impregnable fortress in the Mediterranean.

French and British occupation:

In the early 19th century, Malta was captured by Napoleon and became part of the French Empire, but was soon ceded to the British Empire as a result of the Treaty of Venice. British rule brought with it modern infrastructure and education, and spurred economic growth.

Independence and development:

Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and became a republic in 1974. It joined the European Union in 2004 and introduced the euro as its currency in 2008. This period was accompanied by intensive economic and social development.

Modern Malta:

Today, Malta is a developed country with a high standard of living, cultural diversity and tourist potential. It is known for its beautiful beaches, rich historical heritage and hospitality of its residents. Tourism, the gaming industry and the financial sector are important components of the Maltese economy.

Malta’s history is eventful and culturally diverse, making it a unique place on the world map.

Main activities, religion and interests of the local population in Malta

The main activities and employment in Malta include:

1. Tourism: Tourism is one of the key sectors of Malta’s economy. Malta attracts millions of tourists annually due to its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, historical monuments and mild climate.
2. The gaming industry: In recent years, Malta has become a hub for online gambling and esports. This has become a significant source of income for the country and has attracted many young people to the field.
3. Financial Services: Malta offers a variety of financial services such as banking, investment and insurance. This sector also plays an important role in the country's economy.
4. Industry and production: Despite its small size, Malta has a developed industrial base, including the production of pharmaceuticals, electronics, etc.
5. Agriculture: In the rural areas of Malta, agriculture is carried out, including the cultivation of vegetables, fruits and grapes.

Religion:

The official religious cult in Malta is Catholicism. The Catholic Church plays a significant role in Maltese life, and the majority of the population professes this faith. Religious festivals and ceremonies are important to the local population and are an important part of Malta’s cultural heritage.

The interests of the local population:

1. Cultural Events: Malta offers a variety of cultural events such as festivals, concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances that attract both locals and tourists.
2. Sport: Football is a popular sport in Malta, but other activities such as swimming, scuba diving, sailing and cycling are also popular.
3. Cooking: Maltese cuisine is rich in variety and includes dishes such as fenkata (a rabbit dish), pasta-richi (a fish dish) and pastisi (a traditional puff cake). Locals love to visit restaurants and cafes to enjoy the local culinary delights.
4. Beach recreation and entertainment: Due to its climate and beautiful beaches, many locals prefer to spend time at sea, swimming, diving, surfing and other water sports.

Overall, Malta offers a wide range of entertainment and interests for its people, from cultural activities to outdoor activities.

Interesting places and attractiveness of Malta

When you visit Malta, you enter a world of history, culture and adventure. This incredible archipelago, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has a unique charm that can captivate the hearts of travelers. This is why Malta is an ideal destination for tourists:

Rich historical heritage:

Malta is a true archaeological paradise, with its megalithic temples that are older than the pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge, and fortresses of the Knights of St. John, such as Quartins and Fort St. Elmo. Malta’s history is so rich that every stone, every corner, every monument tells its own unique story.

Beautiful beaches and sea adventures:

The Maltese coast is strewn with crystal clear beaches and picturesque coves, inviting endless hours of relaxation in the sun and fun water entertainment. You can come here for diving, snorkeling, windsurfing or just to enjoy fabulous sunsets over the endless Mediterranean Sea.

A variety of cultural activities:

Malta is brought to life by cultural events throughout the year. From music festivals to artificial exhibitions, from traditional festivals to modern events, there is always something interesting and exciting for everyone.

Amazing Maltese cuisine:

Maltese cuisine is a real journey for your taste buds. You can enjoy a wealth of flavors and flavors, including fresh seafood, local delicacies, traditional dishes and incredible desserts. Restaurants in Malta offer an amazing culinary experience for every gourmet.

Natural beauty and adventure:

Apart from the beaches, Malta offers amazing natural scenery including picturesque valleys, rocky cliffs and plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. Here you can enjoy magnificent views and delightful nature at every step.

Local hospitality:

Maltese people are known for their hospitality and warmth. You will be greeted with open arms and friendly smiles wherever you go in Malta. With a centuries-old tradition of hospitality, they are always happy to share their culture and hospitality with visitors.

Visiting Malta, you will plunge into a world of amazing adventures, rich culture and unique atmosphere that will remain in your memory forever.

You'll be welcomed in Malta. private guides They will offer individual, individual tours.

Transport accessibility and comfort, accommodation and food in Malta

Malta offers a variety of transportation, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation options, from economy class to luxury options. Here is a brief overview of the service level and a few examples from different categories:

Transport:

Malta has various forms of public transport including buses, taxis and car rental. The bus system is quite developed, although some routes can be a bit confusing. Taxis offer a convenient and quick way to get around the island, but can be more expensive. Renting a car is also popular among tourists, giving greater freedom of movement.

Restaurants:

In Malta you will find a wide range of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from local Maltese to international. Examples of restaurants:

Dear ones:

1. The Medina Restaurant is an exquisite restaurant of Mediterranean cuisine in the old town of Valletta.
2. De Mondion Restaurant is an exclusive restaurant with fine cuisine and magnificent views of the city of Mdina.

Medium level:

1. Rampila Restaurant is a cozy place with Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine, located in the old town of Valletta.
2. Noni Restaurant is a restaurant with creative cuisine and the atmosphere of the Valletta market.

Economical:

1. The Grassy Hopper is a vegetarian cafe with budget prices and healthy food.
2. Busy Bee Restaurant is a place with Maltese cuisine and affordable prices.

Hotels and other accommodation:

Malta offers a variety of accommodation options including luxury hotels, cozy apartments and guest houses. Here are some examples:

Dear ones:

1. The Phoenicia Malta is a luxury hotel in the centre of Valletta with exquisite rooms and first-class amenities.
2. Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is a five-star resort hotel on the island of Gozo with swimming pools, spas and premium restaurants.

Medium level:

1. AX The Saint John is a modern hotel in the historic center of Valletta with comfortable rooms and good service.
2. Salini Resort is a hotel with sea views located near the town of Sao Pauls Bay, offering cozy rooms and various amenities.

Economical:

1. Corner Hostel is a cozy hostel in the center of Valletta with friendly staff and affordable prices.
2. Seashells Resort at Suncrest is a mid-range hotel in Sao Pauls Bay with affordable rooms and proximity to the beach.

Regardless of your budget, in Malta you can find the right option for a comfortable stay and a pleasant pastime.

What to see in Malta

Malta is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage as well as beautiful landscapes and unique architecture. Here are some of the main attractions to visit in Malta and information on the availability of transport:

Valletta:

1. The old town of Valletta: Walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the atmosphere of the old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Grandmaster's Palace: Visit this magnificent palace, which is one of Malta’s main historical monuments.
3. St. John's Cathedral: Visit this beautiful Catholic cathedral, inside which you can see paintings by Caravaggio and other famous artists.

Other places:

1. Hagar-Kim: Megalithic temples: Explore this archaeological complex consisting of Neolithic structures, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Golden Bay and Melliech Beaches: Enjoy your holiday on the beautiful beaches of Malta, which offer different types of water activities.
3. Mdina: Visit this old town, known as the "Northern Capital", and enjoy its medieval architecture and historical sights.

Transport accessibility:

• Bus: Public transport is provided by buses that cover most of Malta. Bus routes often pass through major attractions and tourist spots.
• Taxi and car rental: For more convenient and flexible travel, you can use taxi services or rent a car.
• Excursions: Many travel agencies offer organized tours of Malta’s main attractions, which is also a convenient way to explore the island.

Most of Malta’s main attractions are easily accessible by public transport or by rented car. The choice of vehicle depends on your preferences and convenience.

Holidays, cultural life and activities in Malta

Malta hosts many cultural and entertainment events throughout the year, attracting tourists and locals with its diversity and colourfulness. Here are some of the most popular events, celebrations, festivals, carnivals and concerts in Malta:

February:

1. Maltese Carnival: In different parts of Malta, festive carnival processions with bright costumes, music and dances are held, bringing pleasure to the whole family.

March:

1. St. Joseph’s Feast: March 19 marks the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Malta, with parades, religious processions and traditional festive events.

May:

1. Wine Festival in Malta: Wine Festival is an opportunity to taste the best Maltese wines and tasting local delicacies, as well as enjoy music and entertainment.

June:

1. Malta Arts Night: This annual event is a night filled with art, music, theatre and exhibitions in various locations throughout Malta.

July:

1. Artificial fireworks in Malta: In July, Malta celebrates its national holiday with colorful fireworks, concerts and festive events.

September:

1. Malta Beer Festival: This festival offers a wide selection of local and foreign beers, music and traditional cuisine.

October:

1. International Balloon Festival in Malta: This festival offers spectacular balloon flights, shows and attractions for the whole family.

December:

1. Christmas celebrations: Christmas in Malta is celebrated with fun festive events including Christmas markets, parades, concerts and a host of other events.

In addition to these annual events, Malta also hosts concerts of world stars, music festivals and art exhibitions, adding even more diversity to the cultural life of the island.

Language of communication, traditions, customs and laws in Malta

Malta has a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild, humid winters. Here is a brief overview of the climate in Malta at different times of the year:

Summer (June - August):

• Air temperature: In the summer months, the average daily temperature is about 30-32°C, sometimes reaching 35°C or more.
• Water temperature: The water in the Mediterranean Sea warms up to a pleasant 25-27°C, ideal for swimming and water sports.
• Features: Summer in Malta is the most popular season for tourists due to the warm and sunny weather. Beach holidays, water activities and outdoor outdoor activities are the main attractions.

Autumn (September to November):

• Air temperature: The average daily temperature in September and October is about 25-28°C, gradually decreasing towards the end of autumn.
• Water temperature: The water remains warm and suitable for swimming until the end of October, when it reaches about 23-25°C.
• Features: Autumn in Malta is also a pleasant time to visit when the tourist crowds are getting smaller, but the weather remains warm and pleasant. This is a good time for hiking, excursions and cultural events.

Winter (December to February):

• Air temperature: The average daily temperature in winter is around 15-18°C, sometimes dropping to 10°C, especially at night.
• Water temperature: During the winter months, the sea temperature drops to about 15-17°C.
• Winter in Malta is quite mild and humid, with possible periods of rain. This time of year attracts those who prefer relaxing holidays and cultural activities, such as visiting historical sites and museums.

Spring (March-May):

• Air temperature: The average daily temperature in spring is around 20-25°C, gradually rising towards the end of May.
• Water temperature: The water begins to warm up, reaching about 18-20°C by the end of May.
• Spring in Malta is a great time to visit, when nature wakes up to life, flowers bloom, and the weather becomes more pleasant for outdoor activities and excursions.

Best season to travel:

Due to the warm climate, Malta is ideal to visit in spring and autumn, when the air temperature is pleasant and the tourist masses are not as great as in the summer months. However, summer is also a popular time to visit, especially for beach and water lovers.

Language of communication, traditions, customs and laws in Malta

The language of communication in Malta is Maltese and English. Maltese is the official and national language of Malta, while English is widely used in communication, business and tourism. Most Maltese speak both languages and English is often used in tourist destinations, restaurants and hotels.

Traditions and customs:

When visiting Malta, it is important to respect and respect local customs, customs and laws:

1. Respect for religion: Malta is a Catholic country, so it is important to respect religious customs and holidays. During religious ceremonies and processions, silence and respect should be exercised.
2. Clothes: In churches and other religious places, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees should be worn. In other public places it is permissible to wear summer clothes.
3. Punctuality: It is important to stick to your schedule and be punctual, especially when attending meetings, excursions and restaurants.
4. Respect for local culture: Respect for local culture and traditions should be shown, avoiding offensive or indecent statements or actions.

Laws and regulations:

It is also important for travelers to Malta to comply with local laws and regulations:

1. Road safety: Follow the rules of the road, wear seat belts and do not exceed the speed. It's left-hand traffic in Malta.
2. Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol in public places, except in designated areas such as restaurants and bars.
3. Drugs: The importation and use of drugs in Malta is illegal and punishable by law.
4. Environmental protection: Observe the rules of environmental protection, do not throw garbage in the streets or in nature, respect local nature reserves and beaches.

Compliance with local traditions, customs and laws will help you avoid unpleasant situations and create a pleasant impression of your stay in Malta.

The main dialogues for traveling to Malta

Here are some basic local words, phrases and dialogues in Maltese that can come in handy when traveling to Malta:

1. Hello/Hello:
   • Maltese: Bon)u (bonju) / )elow (helow)
   • Russian: Hello / Hello
2. Please/Would you please:
   • Maltese: Jekk jog bok (Yekk yoskobok) / Jekk jog bok (Yekk yoskobok)
   • Russian: Please / Please be kind
3. Thank you.
   • Maltese: Grazzi (gratsi)
   • Russian: Thank you.
4. Please (in response to "thank you"):
   • Maltese: )ejjieni (Jeyeni)
   • Russian: Please
5. Excuse me:
   • Maltese: Skużi (congestion)
   • Russian: Excuse me
6. Where is the...? :
   • Maltese: Fejn hu...? (fein hu)
   • Russian: Where is...?
7. How much is...? :?
   • Maltese: Kemm ida (kemm ida)
   • Russian: How much is...?
8. Menu:
   • Maltese: Menu (menu)
   • Russian: Menu
9. Drinking water:
   • Maltese: Ilma tal-)ajja (ilma tal-aya)
   • Russian: Drinking water
10. Check, please:
    • Maltese: Il-kont, jekk jog bok (il-cont, yekk yohobok)
    • Russian: Check, please.
11. Where's the toilet?
    • Maltese: Fejn hija l-ilma tal- ajja?
    • Russian: Where's the toilet?
12. Yes/No:
    • Maltese: Iva/Le (iva/le)
    • Russian: Yes/No
13. How much will it cost?:
    • Maltese: Kemm ser ikun dan jkollu?
    • Russian: How much will it cost?
14. Entrance:
    • Maltese: Vjaйский
    • Russian: Entrance
15. Exit:
    • Maltese: Irwieйский
    • Russian: Exit

These phrases will help you communicate better with locals and make it easier to navigate during your stay in Malta.

What dishes, medicines and gifts are popular in Malta

Malta has many unique and interesting things to buy as souvenirs or try as local delicacies. Here are some suggestions:

Food:

1. Pastisi: It is a traditional Maltese dish consisting of a thin layered dough stuffed with ricotta, bitter peas or meat.
2. Cappeletti: A typical Maltese cookie resembling tiny shells. It is often baked during Christmas and Easter.
3. Brown bread: Known as Hobz tal-Malti, this bread is made from whole grain flour and is a popular addition to the Maltese table.

Medications:

1. Honey from brown logs (Carob Honey): Malta is famous for its brown log honey, which contains many nutrients and has a unique taste.
2. Sea buckthorn oil: Sea buckthorn is a major component of traditional Maltese medicine. Its oil is considered a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Souvenirs:

1. Filfily: These are traditional Maltese lace made by hand from fine lace. They can be a great souvenir or gift.
2. Ceramics: Maltese pottery is known for its unique patterns and design. Many products, such as plates, vases and jewelry, can be a great souvenir.

Memorable items:

1. Maltese cross: The traditional Maltese cross is known for its unique design and historical significance. It can be presented in the form of an ornament or a memorable object.
2. The traditional Maltese knightly sword: Knightly swords are part of Malta’s rich history. It can be a unique and impressive memorabilia.

Remember that before buying medicines or food, you should always make sure of their quality and safety, as well as check the rules for importing into your country.

What to cook for a safe holiday in Malta

Holidays in Malta, as in any other country, require certain security measures. Here are some important aspects to consider:

Documents and insurance:

1. Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date from Malta.
2. Traveler's insurance: It is recommended to have health insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation and cancellation of travel.
3. Copies of documents: Make copies of important documents, such as passport and insurance, and keep them in a separate place from the originals.

Emergency services:

1. Police: 112 or 191
2. Medical assistance (ambulance): 112 or 196
3. Fire service: 112 or 199

Mobile operators:

When visiting Malta, you can use your mobile phone, but check your roaming rate before you leave or connect a local SIM card to reduce communication costs. Some well-known mobile operators in Malta include:

• Vodafone Malta
• GO
• Melita

Duration of stay without leaving the country:

Citizens of many countries, including the European Union and the United States, are allowed to stay in Malta without a visa for 90 days every 180 days. This means that tourists can stay in Malta for up to 3 months without having to leave the country.

Other security measures:

1. Safety on the beaches: Follow safety warnings and guidelines on beaches, especially when swimming.
2. Caution with values: Be mindful of your values and avoid leaving them unattended.
3. Caution on the streets: Be vigilant on the streets, especially at night, and avoid dangerous or low-light places.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable holiday in Malta.

Local currency and customs regulations in Malta

The currency used in Malta is the Euro (EUR). Here is some information about local currency and customs regulations:

Currency:

1. Exchange rate: The euro against the US dollar may change over time. It is recommended to check the current course before traveling. Usually, the rate can be found in exchange offices or banks, as well as online on financial resources.
2. Payment: In Malta, the euro is widely accepted. You can pay with cash or credit/debit cards at shops, restaurants, hotels and other institutions. Most places also accept Apple Pay and other digital payment methods.

Customs regulations:

1. Entry rules: When entering Malta, tourists can usually bring in personal effects and goods for an amount not exceeding a certain limit (usually around 430 euros for adults and 215 euros for children under 15). For some products, special restrictions or duties may apply.
2. Exit rules: When leaving Malta, it is important not to export prohibited goods such as drugs, weapons, antiques and cultural property without a permit.
3. Excise goods: Smoking in public places is prohibited. If you import cigarettes or alcohol, pay attention to limits and duties.
4. Personal items: You can usually import personal belongings for your own use without paying duties. However, if you import goods for further sale, special rules and duties may apply.

Before traveling, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the current customs rules and restrictions to avoid trouble when crossing the border. This information is usually available on the official websites of the Malta Customs Service or on the websites of international airports.