Malta is located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea about 90 kilometres south of Sicily and 290 kilometres north of Libya. The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino) and two uninhabited islands. Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate, the hottest period being July to September. The average annual rainfall in Malta is around 50 centimetres and at night temperatures are tempered by cool breezes from the Mediterranean.
Malta offers visitors an amazing array of attractions within its fascinating historical towns and villages including museums of architecture and art, palaces, churches and gardens. There is also the opportunity to go island hoping to the islands of Gozo and Comino for the day.
The Maltese national airline is Air Malta, which has scheduled flights to most major European cities. Malta International Airport is approximately 5km southeast of Valletta with a travel time of around 15 minutes to the centre of Valletta. Buses depart regularly from the airport for the city centre. Taxis are also available from the airport and fares are regulated by metre. The main ports in Malta are Valletta, Maraaxlokk and Mgarr/Gozo. Services operate to the Sicilian ports of Catania, Pozzallo and Siracusa. Ferries to take around 3 hours travel time to Sicily, while high-speed hydrofoils take around 90 minutes. There are also services between Malta and Genova, Italy. Malta has an excellent bus service, which covers most of Malta and Gozo. If you choose to travel by taxi it is advised that you agree a price before setting out.
Malta offers many excellent outdoor activities. With 200 kilometres of coastline, it is no surprise that Malta has many marinas. The largest marina is found in Marsamxett Harbour, which includes 15 pontoons and 700 berths. Scuba diving is popular on the island due to mild sea temperatures and the beautiful underwater sea life. There are also plenty of beaches to visit and soak up the sun.
The capital city of Valetta has more museums and historical sights than anywhere else on Malta. Attractions include the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the National Museum of Archaeology, the fine Arts Museum, the National War Museum, St Johns Cathedral, the place of the Grand Masters and the Armoury. Mdina is the old capital of Malta and is a typical medieval town, where attractions include the Museum of Natural History and the Cathedral. In Rabat, attractions include the Museum of Roman Antiquities (The Roma Villa) and the Catacombs of St.Agatha and St.Paul.
Gozo is separated from Malta by a deep, narrow channel. Ferries cross from Malta to the island of Gozo all year round, and depart from Cirkewwa, which is a 20-minute crossing, or Sa Maison, which is a 75 minute crossing. Services are relatively frequent, and are expanded in the summer months to include passenger-only hovercraft services from Sa Maison to Mgarr, a 25 minute crossing, and from Sliema, a 30 minute crossing. Attractions on Gozo include the Citadel and its Museums, the Ggantija Prehistoric Temples, Calypo’s Cave and the Ta’Pinu Basilica.