Where Is Malta?

The smallest member of the EU, Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea comprising three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino (which is largely uninhabited). You can easily drive the length and breadth of the main island, Malta, in an hour.

What Is the Weather Like in Malta?

Malta boasts a perfect climate, with over 3,100 hours of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 Fahrenheit). The long summers are hot and dry, and autumns are mild; winters are cooler but never freezing.

What Are the Most Desirable Neighborhoods in Malta?

Malta offers home buyers everything from luxury villas perched high on the hills, to traditional townhouses, countryside farmhouses, centuries-old palazzos, to contemporary seafront apartments in the urban centers. However, it is important to choose a location that matches your lifestyle to get the very best out of the island.

Valletta, Malta’s capital city, offers a glimpse into the past, with grand Baroque architecture and narrow streets. Sliema and St. Julian’s are the island’s busiest and most popular urban areas. Madliena, Mellieha, and the island of Gozo all have prestigious residential areas. Whilst Special Designated Areas (SDAs) are highly sought after addresses, there are prominent developments all over the islands. Among them are Portomaso, Laguna, Tigné Point, Pendergardens, The Shoreline, Fort Cambridge, Mercury Towers, and Tas-Sellum, which offer luxury amenities and services.

What Is the Architecture in Malta?

Maltese architecture offers an eclectic mix of cultural influences from around the world, reflecting elements from Baroque, Sicilian, and Arabic influences. The Baroque period had an enduring impact on the architecture of Malta, particularly in Valletta—a combination of highly decorative, opulent colors, and intricate large scale frescoes. During the British period, Malta saw a rise in British classicism in architecture and Malta’s natural limestone was the perfect material for this style, with many homes in Malta adopting Victorian-style bay windows. The traditional “Houses of Character,” display distinctively Maltese architectural. Also notable are historic palazzos, majestic properties typically found in towns and villages throughout the islands. Most recently, Malta has seen a rise in regeneration projects with ultra-contemporary apartments and villas located in prestigious residential areas.

What Is the History of Malta?

The Maltese islands share a rich history spanning thousands of years, with past inhabitants leaving astounding relics that offer a window into the past. Archeological artefacts have been found dating back to 5200 BC, including one of the world’s oldest structures, Ggantija Megalithic Temples, which predates even Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. The Order of Knights of St John developed the cultural heritage of the island whilst building the city of Valletta and great fortifications on the island.

Discover the hustle and bustle of a city with genuine characteristic charm in the capital city. Valletta has been under UNESCO protection since 1980. As the smallest city in the EU, the city packs a big cultural punch, with an abundance of history and culture, one would almost consider it a living history museum. Valletta was also named the European Capital of Culture 2018.

Malta became part of the British Empire in 1800. It gained independence in 1964, leaving behind its native language and quintessential British customs to the Maltese population. In 2004, Malta joined the European Union. From megalithic structures, medieval remnants, and Baroque architecture, you can truly trace the history of civilization and inhabitants that have left their mark on the island.

Global Culinary Destination

The origin of the word Malta is derived from the Greek word miel, meaning honey. The island offers an abundance of local produce, including golden-yellow honey, ġbejna sheep’s cheese, cold-pressed olive oil, and pure sea salt from the Mediterranean.

An island rich with Mediterranean flair, the local cuisine has influences from Italy, Spain, North Africa, and Great Britain. The typical cuisine of the island is a traditional healthy, balanced Mediterranean diet consisting of seafood, delicious fresh fruit and vegetables, and Maltese bread from traditional bakeries. More recently, several restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars and Bib Gourmands, elevating the fine dining scene and creating a global culinary destination.

What to Do and See in Malta

Despite being a small nation, Malta has a lot to offer its residents—history, culture, art, sports, and recreation. There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites for those interested in the history of the island.

Cultural Attractions

If art is your passion, visit St John's Co-Cathedral to witness two of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings including The Beheading of St John the Baptist (1608). Malta offers a blend of both modern and ancient art, with historical museum collections and contemporary art galleries. Valletta, is renowned as the art capital of Malta, be sure to visit Valletta Contemporary, BLITZ Valletta, Studio 104, St James Cavalier, MUZA (The Malta National Community Art Museum), and MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Art Space).

Take a stroll through the narrow streets of old villages, and peek into beautiful chapels and gardens. A popular pastime is to take guided tours of historic properties or walk through the medieval streets of Mdina (the silent city). For thespian pursuits, Europe’s third oldest working theater, Teatru Manoel, in Valletta, hosts a range of performances and cultural events throughout the year.

World-Class Sports and Recreation

A wealth of private membership clubs include the Royal Malta Golf Club, Royal Malta Yacht Club, and The Royal Malta Polo Club, to name a few. Make the most of the surrounding seascape and explore the crystal clear waters of Malta which is a well-known scuba-diving destination and a celebrated yachting hub. The Rolex Middle Sea Race, one of the foremost events on the international yachting calendar, is held once a year, and there are several luxury marinas to charter a yacht or berth your own, and enjoy sailing around the archipelago.

How Many People Live in Malta?

The population of Malta is 443,669

What Languages Are Spoken in Malta?

English is widely spoken on the Maltese Islands. Maltese and English are both official languages of the country, with Maltese being the national language. It is estimated that about 88 percent of the population can speak English.

What Is the Currency of Malta?

EURO (€)

Malta, Malta