MALTA

Malta enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal year-round destination:

• April–June (Spring): Best for mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
• July–September (Summer & Peak Season): Ideal for beach lovers, boat trips, and nightlife.
• October–November (Fall): Great for warm waters, fewer tourists, and cultural festivals.
• December–March (Winter & Off-Season): Best for lower prices, sightseeing, and mild weather.

• Valletta – The UNESCO-listed capital, home to St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Harbour.
• Blue Lagoon (Comino Island) – A crystal-clear bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Mdina – The ancient “Silent City” with stunning medieval architecture.
• Gozo Island – Known for the Azure Window ruins, quiet beaches, and rural charm.
• Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – A 5,000-year-old underground burial site and UNESCO treasure.
• Marsaxlokk Fishing Village – A charming coastal town with colorful boats and fresh seafood.
• Peter’s Pool – A natural rock pool with breathtaking blue waters.
• Megalithic Temples (Ġgantija, Tarxien, Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra) – Some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
• The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua) – A historic area filled with forts and harborside cafés.
• Popeye Village – A quirky film set-turned-theme park from the 1980s Popeye movie.

• Pastizzi – Flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or spiced peas.
• Fenek (Rabbit Stew) – Malta’s national dish, slow-cooked with wine and garlic.
• Ftira – A traditional Maltese sandwich with tuna, olives, capers, and tomatoes.
• Ġbejniet – Small round cheeselets made from goat or sheep’s milk.
• Kapunata – Malta’s version of ratatouille, made with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
• Aljotta – A flavorful fish soup with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Imqaret – A fried pastry filled with sweet dates, often found at street markets.
• Lampuki Pie – A savoury fish pie made with Malta’s seasonal lampuki fish.
• Bigilla – A thick, flavorful bean dip served with bread and olive oil.
• Kinnie & Cisk Beer – Kinnie is a local bittersweet soft drink, while Cisk is Malta’s favorite beer.

• Flights: Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA), the only airport in the country.
• Public Buses: The cheapest way to get around, covering all major cities and attractions.
• Car Rentals: Great for exploring Gozo and remote beaches, but traffic can be busy in Valletta.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Bolt and eCabs are widely available.
• Ferries: Ideal for traveling between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
• Walking: Valletta and Mdina are best explored on foot due to their compact size.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Malta’s Schengen visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter freely with a valid national ID or passport.

• Currency: Euro (€ EUR).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for smaller cafés and village shops.
• ATMs are available throughout Malta and Gozo, offering good exchange rates.
• Currency exchange is available at banks, airports, and exchange offices.

• Maltese and English are the official languages.
• Italian is also widely understood, especially among older generations.
• No translator is needed, as English is spoken almost everywhere.

• Greeting customs: A handshake and friendly conversation are common.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory – 5-10% is common in restaurants.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches – Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Respect historical sites – Some areas, like the Hypogeum, limit visitor numbers daily.
• Malta has a relaxed Mediterranean pace – Service may be slower, so be patient.

• Restaurants: 5-10% tip is standard if a service charge isn’t included.
• Bars & Cafés: Rounding up the bill is common.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is not required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak season (June–September): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For shoulder season (April–May & October): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For Blue Lagoon boat tours & Hypogeum tickets: Book at least a few weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Driving is on the left side of the road – Be prepared if renting a car.
• Boat tours to the Blue Lagoon can sell out quickly – Book early in peak season.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com