Malta is both the name of a nation and of the largest of the Maltese Islands. Gozo is 8km to the north and midway between them is Comino. The island group, which also includes uninhabited Filfla and Cominotto , extends for 28 miles (45km) from northwest to southeast in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Maltese Islands lie 58 miles (93km) south of Sicily, 230 miles (368km) north of Tripoli and 180 miles (288km) east of Tunis. Malta is only 17 miles (27km) by 9 miles (14.5km) with an area of 95 square miles (246km). (In comparison, Manhattan island in New York City is 2 and a half by 12 and half miles.) Gozo is 9.5 by 4 miles. Comino is only one square mile.
Malta is a fascinating blend of history, sunny holidays and hospitality. The colorful past of the Islands ranges from its earliest inhabitants, who built temples there some 6500 years ago, to the arrival of the crusading knights in the Middle Ages and the full brunt of World War II hostilities four centuri es later. Added to the best climate in Southern Europe, it helps attract more than a million tourists to the islands each year.
The islands are ideal for sightseeing. History surrounds you in every town, with a wealth of palaces, churches and fortifications that have survived down the centuries. The top attractions include the capital city of Valletta, with its high ramparts, museums and shopping. The focal point of urban Malta stretches from Valetta to the resorts of Sliema and St Julian's, with their first class hotels and busy nightlife. The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Kalkara) could not be more different. With their rich history, their historic sights and the quiet streets they are more representative of the Malta that people will love and remember.
The ancient walled city of Mdina dominates the center of the island, are area characterized by small towns and villages, each with an impressive church. In the south of Malta are the ancient temples and small fishing villages, while to the north is a tourist development sprawled around St Paul's Bay. The sandy beaches are also in the north.
Across the Comino Channel lies the smaller, greener island of Gozo and between them is the tiny Comino. Both are popular and appealing to the holiday traveler. The sea around the Maltese Islands is as clean and clear as anywhere in the Mediterranean. It is terrific for swimming and excellent for scuba diving, snorkeling and all water sports. Around the resorts there are plenty of boats, canoes and equipment for hire for windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing.
Boat trips operate around the islands and to Comino's spectacular Blue Lagoon. Cliff rising above 800ft (250m) characterize Malta's southern shore. Midway along the opposite coast are the impressive inlets of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Bay. Malta puts it's seawater to practical use. Since the 1990's it has built a series of reverse osmosis seawater conversion plants around the island. They now fulfill more than half the island's freshwater needs and prevented water shortages in the country.
The climate is just about the best the Mediterranean can offer. The country's appeal as a year around resort owes much to the weather pattern. The hot summer sun from a cloudless sky gives way to mild winter days. The average for the summer is only 26C (79F). However, Malta is further south than parts of North Africa and so the sun burns quickly. The wind blows mostly from the northwest.
The islands offer contrasting scenery. There are no mountains or rivers in Malta. On higher ground, outcrops of limestone contribute to the island's rugged and semi-arid appearance. Lower down, rough limestone walls bounds small enclosures of reddish grown soil, which yield a surprising wide variety of crops.
These include potatoes, tomatoes, onions, capers, wheat, sesame and melons. Small plantations of olives, figs, oranges and lemons exist, but grapes are the main fruit grown. These are used to make the local wine, which is excellent. In the winter and spring, there are many wildflowers and glorious fields of color. More than 600 varieties carpet the valleys and ridges. There are few trees, however, since most were destroyed a long time ago to provide wood for ships and buildings.
While other Mediterranean holiday destinations have seen their fortunes come and go, Malta's popularity remains high. Tourism is the principal industry. The impressive Malta International Airport is able to handle 2.5 million departing passengers a year. A new cruise ship terminal in Valletta receives many cruise liners in the high season.
Maltese and English are the official languages. You will hear Maltese spoken everywhere, but virtually everyone speaks English. Almost all street signs are in Maltese, but most shops and businesses use English in advertising. Malta is a member of the European Union. As of January 2008, Malta now uses the Euro for currency.
