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Malta may only be a small island nation, but if you look carefully you will note that Malta wears big boots. There’s a lot more to discover about Malta, but these facts will give you a good head start!
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1 5 Source: Malta in Figures 2014 (Malta National Statistics Office)
2 Source: National Statistics Office (2020)
3 Source: Wikipedia
7 Source: Malta Airport Meteorological Office report
The single currency in circulation in Malta is the Euro. Rough exchange rates (1 Euro): USD 1.12, GBP 0.74 and AUD 1.59 (September 2015).
Several banks (HSBC, BOV, APS and BNF Bank being the major ones) are located in the various localities and several ATMs are situated around commercial and tourist areas. Cards accepted are generally those connected to international networks Cirrus and Maestro and popularly used credit cards such as VISA, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted (by banks and retail establishments alike).
This is where you can find ATMs of:
Looking to exchange currency? Most banks accept exchange and offer automatic currency exchange machines in popular tourist areas. You will also find companies like Fexserv that offer currency exchange at good rates. Local shops in tourist areas that accept foreign currency are logically going to give you less favourable rates.
The country code is +356 and outgoing code is 00, followed by the country code of the international number you wish to dial.
The three major mobile phone network operators are Vodafone, Go and Melita. Coverage for Vodafone and Go on data is generally better, with Vodafone having a slight edge. All three offer pre-paid phone and internet data plans and SIM cards can be purchased from local stationeries (small local shops for writing and office materials) as well. For the best coverage of those planning to travel across the Maltese islands, Vodafone and Go are your best bets, despite the slightly cheaper rates from Melita. If you don’t plan to roam around much, Melita should do just fine.
More info on the topic here: Internet connectivity, Wi-Fi and mobile telephony in Malta
Fast internet connectivity is widely available, either through mobile network data plans or through hotel/restaurant/cafe Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi hotspots.
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Tap water is safe for drinking in most areas, though bottled water is preferred by most locals – an issue of taste rather than health mostly.
Most shops are open all day, from 9am until 7pm, while shops in smaller villages tend to close between 1 and 4pm. Shops are generally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Your safest bet is to ask around in the locality of your stay.
Malta is one of the few countries in the world where people drive on the left-hand side of the road, inherited from the British rule of Malta.
Most Maltese are friendly and helpful by nature and are usually more than happy to help you with whatever you need. So the best tip to give you is: If you’re unsure of anything, just ASK!
Although debates are ongoing over whether a permanent tunnel or bridge should connect Malta to its smaller sister island Gozo, currently it’s the ferry you’ll need to catch to get there. And perhaps that’s a good thing. Gozo is still relatively quiet and rural and a permanent connection may change the island for the worse. You can catch the ferry from Ċirkewwa (northern-most tip of Malta) to arrive at Mġarr, Gozo. It’s a 20-minute trip that goes past Comino straight across the channel between the larger of the two Maltese islands.
(Thank you for adding this one on through your comment, Amelia!)
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During the last 2,000-odd years, Malta has known 11 foreign rulers that left behind various traces that can be found and admired around the Maltese islands. Nowadays, though, Malta is an independent republic, having gained independence from the British Empire in 1964. The country is still part of the British Commonwealth.
Around 17,000 years ago, the Maltese islands were the mountain tops of one landmass which connected current-day Malta to Sicily and even mainland Italy
The remains of the Megalithic temples that Malta is known for are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt
According to the Holy Bible, St Paul was shipwrecked in Malta and converted its inhabitants to Catholicism in 60 AD
The Knights of St John of Jerusalem (also referred to as the Knights of Malta) were given control over Malta in 1530 by Charles V of Spain and left their mark on the island until capitulating to Napoleon’s advancement in 1798. The Knights of Malta are most remembered for successfully defending the island against the Ottomans during The Great Siege of 1565. The eight-point Crusade cross often associated with the Knights of Malta later became known as the Maltese Cross.
The Mosta Dome is one of Malta’s largest churches (located in the village of Mosta), known for its dome-shaped roof which is the third largest unsupported church dome in Europe. During World War 2 it miraculously survived bombing by German forces. On 9th April 1942, a bomb weighing some 500 kg was dropped on the church while a congregation of some 300 people were awaiting mass. Although it broke through the ceiling it failed to detonate when it hit the floor. A replica bomb is on display at the back of the church.
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Looks like a beautiful place. Love to travel
Malta is such a beautiful place and friendly people I love going there and can’t wait to go back. Been visiting for 22 years.
Wonderful Island to visit.
Loved reading through the 37 tips.
Would love to visit the Megalithic temples and
to study at the one and only University of this island.
Thanks for sharing.
You mentioned that Malta was once part of Sicily, but are you aware that it is actually connected to the African tectonic plate?
Hi Carmen, I believe Sicily itself also sits on the African tectonic plate (right on the edge). Either way a study by the University of Malta mentioned that a 40km landbridge once existed between the southeast of Malta and Sicily. Source.
What is the traditional food and diet of Malta? Are there many restaurants/cafes? Is it expensive to eat out?
I’d call it Meditteranean with a focus on savoury food: olive oil, sundried tomatoes, local bread, hearty pastries, potatoes – a few staple ingredients. Yes, plenty of restaurants/cafes around and you can find decent for with a modest budget. I wouldn’t call restaurants in general cheap in Malta but that’s hard for me to judge, not knowing where you’re from and what prices you’re used to.
Very interesting facts about Malta!
What is the best way to get to Gozo from the airport without a car?
There is a ferry that you can take to Gozo
That’s right Amelia, thanks for the addition! 🙂 I added it to the list!
Anita, You can get to the airport fairly easily and cheaply by catching bus route X1 from the airport, which is a direct route to the ferries at Ċirkewwa.
Yeah I went on the ferry to go to Gozo from Malta. It was cool! Have you been to Malta?
Cool facts! I’ve been to Malta; it was AWESOME!
Walking – only takes a few hours
Its very simple! Get the bus that takes you to Cirkewwa, where you find the ferry to Gozo. They charge fee only on the return ferry from Gozo.
this site is really good. It helped me make an A+ on my malta project!
Am I mistaken, but Malta is no longer a member of the commonwealth?
Malta is still a member of the Commonwealth, despite having gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.
It still is, in fact, the CHOGM event was held in Malta for the second time in 2016.