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The island of Malta is a small independent nation-state that is located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea in Europe. Consisting of three inhabited islands, Malta is the EU’s smallest member state both in terms of landmass (316 km² / 122 sqm) and population size (516,100 in 2020).
Looking at the map of Europe, Malta lies just 93 km (58 miles) south of Sicily (Italy) in Southern Europe and roughly 300 km (186 miles) north of the North African coast.
Malta is an island nation that consists of three islands: main island Malta, Gozo and Comino. The country’s official languages are Maltese and English.
Malta’s capital city is Valletta, which is centrally located on the island’s north coast and has the island’s largest harbour.
The main island of Malta is the largest and most developed island. Its sister island of Gozo is idyllic and peaceful and mostly rural, offering breathtaking views and great opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and rock climbing.
Comino is the smallest island of the three and is inhabited by only a few people. The island hosts a hotel renowned for its hospitality and facilities to spend relaxing holidays in Malta and is the location for one of Malta’s most beautiful bays: the Blue Lagoon.
Of the three islands, Malta is by far the largest in geographical size, at around 246 square km (95 sq miles), with Gozo coming in second at only 67 sq km (26 sq miles), while Comino is the smallest of the inhabited Maltese islands at just 2.7 square km (1 sq mile). 84% Of the country’s population reside in Malta, where most urbanisation took place towards the North-Eastern side of the island, with Valletta and its Harbour areas at the centre of the most densely populated parts.
With its large harbours, it’s no surprise that the island Malta has the highest population density compared to that of Gozo, while Comino is currently inhabited by only two people. Among all EU member states, Malta has the highest percentage of built-up land, at over 30%. (Source: European Environment Agency)
The Maltese are a proud people, with a unique culture that has been shaped by foreign cultures during several ages of occupancy.
Many falsely believe Maltese culture as merely being a melting pot of cultures introduced by foreign empires, however, foreign influences moulded a collection of pre-existing, age-old traditions, customs and values passed on through successive generations of Maltese and Gozitans.
The country has two official languages, with a large number of the population speaking both Maltese and English.
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I am interested in travelling to Malta .
Thanks
My name is Valetta Lawson this I have a huge interest in Malta and the city of Valletta, its capital. I will probably never get to the beautiful city since i do not have the travel funds but would love anything u can tell me about the area.
Hi there Valetta, there’s a dedicated section on this site about Valletta hereand I’ve also written a guidebook on Valletta, so plenty of info to read up with. 🙂
Thanks for the information, My son is moving there soon
Good luck with the move Ron, I hope he settles in well 🙂
What is the ideal length of time to visit Malta with enough down time to just sit and people watch while still hitting all the must-see sights and maybe even get in a dive or two?
Hi Ann, I’d suggest at least 10 days if you’d like to do “it all” at an easy going pace, at least as a first trip.
Does UPS provide service to Malta?
They sure do George!
I am a big fan of Joseph Calleja, the tenor, and have enjoyed learning more about this country. Part of my heritage is that my paternal grandfather came from Calabria, so perhaps a trip to both Malta and Calabria will be in my near future. It sounds lovely.
I will like to travel to Malta this summer season, How can I get the Visa?
Usually you can apply for a visa at a local embassy or consulate Chidi, but it depends where you’re from. Have a look at the site of Identity Malta so you can find the nearest place to apply for a visa. I’m not an expert on that topic but you can reach out to that department for more info.
I am curious to see the three cute islands
Thinking about a trip to Malta in January – not worried about the beach, are there enough things to do? How difficult is it to get to – i.e. what is the best airport to fly into
Hi Tom, yes, despite the colder time of year there’s plenty to do and see – Have a look at the Travel section on my site for more info. There’s only one airport – Malta International Airport.
Are there enough people and things to do in early December?
Hi Rachelle, apart from places like Buġibba and Mellieħa (which tend to be pretty quiet at that time of year), there will be plenty to do and see. Having said that, if you’re looking for hustle and bustle, outside of Valletta and Sliema it’s not going to be very busy.
My husband walks with a cane. Will it be too difficult for him to get around? I’m thinking of cobblestone streets.
Also, are there any small cruise ships that goes to Malta?
Thanks
Hi Barbara, I’m afraid that pavements in Malta aren’t the best quality, although on the other hand cobblestone streets aren’t very common. I’m not aware of any small cruise ships calling in Malta, sorry.
Is it true that thousands of birds are shot every year as they fly over Malta?
I’m afraid so Jill. Hunting is a tradition and part and parcel of Maltese culture, even though its popularity seems to be slowly diminishing with better education about the value and preciousness of Malta’s flora and fauna. A few years ago a referendum was held in an attempt to abolish spring hunting but the ‘no’ vote won with a narrow margin.
What religion is practiced in Malta?
Hi Annie, the vast majority of Maltese are Roman Catholic, and although Malta is traditionally a fairly religious country, the number of people practising their faith is decreasing steadily.
Hi, what is it like for Muslims to travel there? Is there halal food available?
Hi Faisal, there’s a small community of Muslims in Malta and they’re generally welcomed like any other tourist. Yes, there are halal shops around though I don’t have specific recommendations for you I’m afraid.
I was wondering if there’s a regular ferry from Italy or Sicily?
Hi Ahmed, yes there is – it’s http://www.virtuferries.com/ you’re looking for.
Are there a lot of cats in Malta?
Hi Tara, you do find stray cats here and there but I wouldn’t say it’s swarming with cats, no.
In Malta and our sister island Gozo, there are more cats rather than people! 😉
Is there a gay community in Malta and is it safe alone
Hi John, yes there is and from what I gather it is safe to travel alone, though you’ll probably get more and better answers at Gaymalta.com
Given Malta’s location, is it experiencing the same African refugee crisis that Italy and Greece are? Also, owing to its location, are the Islamic terrorist cells (Al Qaeda, ISIS or the African terrorist groups) active in Malta? Seems like it would be affected by these issues given its geographical location…
Those are valid questions and you’re not the first to ask me. In terms of refugees, until a few years ago, yes there was a large influx of refugees from countries like the Sudan and Eritrea though Malta seems to be a lot less affected nowadays. As for terrorism, there are no known active groups in Malta, at least none have been reported as far as I’m aware. More on that here: Is Malta safe?
It’s my dream to visit Malta one day, is it safe for widow like me, looking cool place relax and walk on beautiful beaches this summer, July 2017?
Hi Bernadette, July will be pretty busy on most of the beaches, but generally, yes, Malta is a safe country. Consider a visit in late May or early June to get the best of the weather and enjoy beaches that will be relatively peaceful still.
I’m coming in April. What is the weather usually like?
Hi Alli, you can find that info in this article: The weather in Malta.
God willing I would love to visit this small Mediterranean island country one day. It is a great place to go to warm up in the winter or early spring.
Hi Riyad, although it is a great place, it’s not the warmest during the winter months I’m afraid. Early spring is a much safer bet. 😉 Thanks for the comment!
Malta is my dream place to be
I would love to visit Malta! I have relatives on my Grandmothers side from Malta!
The last name is Buchagiar or Buhagiar. Some moved to Patras.
It would be fun to learn more.
Should have been flying to Malta today for two weeks but had to cancel as Drs told husband he can’t fly because his oxygen level too low! Gutted. Absolutely love the islands Couldn’t really go and leave him in his own!!
Sorry to hear that Linda, I hope you get another opportunity soon! 🙁
Just off to Gozo in about an hour!! Hoping for a relaxing stay and a bit of sun! 🙂
Holidaying in Malta this August. Can’t wait. It’s been on my list of places to visit for a long time.
Good choice – enjoy your holiday! 😉
We came to Malta 4 years ago for a holiday had 3 more holidays since and in Jan this year decided to relocate here – we moved from the UK one month ago and absolutely love it!
Hi i am coming to Malta on the 26th May on my own will I feel safe.
Regard
Susan Scoot
Hi Susan, there are very few places I’d consider “not safe” in Malta and even there you wouldn’t need to watch your back constantly. So yes, you should be fine.
Hi Kim- that’s amazing! After the Brexit you are probably even more pleased that you moved! Visiting for the first time at end of July- can’t wait! Seems like a fab place- Anna
My family and I went to Malta 34 years ago we enjoyed it so much we said we would go back thus we’re going again next Wednesday for a fortnight my wife and I are really looking forward to going back to Malta this time without the children.
Hi, did you go back?
How much has it changed ?
We’ve been all over the Caribbean so is it much nicer ?
Thanks
My sister and I have just returned from a trip to Malta. It aS a relatively short trip but we filled our time there with lots of sightseeing including a trip to Gozo and a cruise around Malta which took a day and included a visit to Comino. We were so impressed with the welcome we received from all of the Maltese people we encountered. The views are breathtaking and the country is steeped in history. We are planning to visit again as we only scratched the surface re things to do. The weather was perfect. Blue skies and sunshine prevailed for the whole of our stay.
Malta is a beautiful country! God bless Malta and help me to visit those three islands, my dream place to be!
Marked as a must visit…
Malta is a peaceful place that every man can ever dream of spending his holiday. I have been there and it’s like the garden of Eden!
God bless Malta and help me to visit those three islands, my dream place to be!
I would love to visit Malta one day!
Planning a visit soon and I can’t wait!
My dream island, love to visit one day. Most beautiful place to visit.
I will be glad if I physicaly see the three islands.