The OTS Foundation

A Travel Education Enterprise

Presents

MEGALITHIC MALTA

A journey through time

 (Compiled by Victor A. Vella)


WHAT’S SPECIAL
Welcome to Malta, the archipelago at the very center of the Mediterranean, in southernmost Europe, and in close proximity to Africa and the Middle East … a near hub to three continents. Malta has more history to the square mile than most places on earth. Its prehistoric megalithic temples date back about 6000 years, or 1000 years before the great pyramids, 2000 years before Stonehenge and 4000 years before Christ. They are the earliest free-standing stone monuments in the world. Because of its strategic location, Malta was pivotal in the struggle by Europeans, African and Middle Eastern powers for dominance of the trade routes in the Mediterranean. This resulted in a succession of masters including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Normans. In 1530, the islands were ceded by King Charles V of Spain, to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem later known as the Knights of Malta, a catholic order who ruled for 268 years. Napoleon captured Malta in 1798, but lost it to the British in 1802. In 1964, after 162 years of British rule, Malta achieved independence and years later became a republic. Malta’s official languages are Maltese and English. A substantial number of the inhabitants also converse fluently in Italian. The official religion is Roman Catholic. No less than 365 churches dot the islands. Maltese cuisine is influenced by southern Italy. The Maltese are best known for their legendary friendliness and hospitality. There are modern hotels, nightclubs, discotheques, restaurants, a casino and a shoreline with excellent facilities for swimming and water sports.

COUNTRY BRIEFING

SIZE:  122 SQUARE MILES   
POPULATION: 370,000
CAPITAL: VALLETTA       
CAPITAL POPULATION:  8,000
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: UNITARY MULTIPARTY REPUBLIC WITH ONE LEGISLATURE 
CHIEF OF STATE:  PRESIDENT 
HEAD OF GOVT:  PRIME MINISTER
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES:  MALTESE AND ENGLISH
OFFICIAL RELIGION:  ROMAN CATHOLIC
MONETARY UNIT:  MALTA POUND (LM) = 100 CENTS OR US$ 2.96
CLIMATE:  Hot at mid-summer with mild winter

WEATHER IN MALTA: Lat N 35o 54’; Alt 233 ft. 

Temperature:
 Jan    Feb   Mar  Apr   May  Jun   Jul   Aug  Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec

Av Low (Faht)
 49     49    51   54    59   65    70    71   69    63    57    53
 
Av High  (Faht) 
 59     60    62   66    71   82    83    81   82    67    69    63

Av Low (Cent)
 9     10     10   11    15   19    21    22   20    17    14    11

Av High (Cent)       
 15     16    17   18    23   27    30    31   28    22    20     17

Humidity                
 79     79    79   77    74   71    69    73   77    78    77     79

Sunshine (Hours)     
 5       6    7    8     10   11    12    11   9     7     6      5

Days No Rain          
 18     20    25   27    29   30    31    30   27    25    21     18
(Courtesy: NTOM)

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 

			Jan 1		New Year’s Day
			Feb 10		St. Paul’s Shipwreck
			Mar 19		St. Joseph			
			Mar 31		Freedom Day
			Lunar		Good Friday
                        Lunar		Easter Sunday
			May 1		Worker’s Day	
			Jun 7		Commemoration of June 7, 1919
			Jun 29		St. Peter and St. Paul
			Aug 15		The Assumption
			Sep 8		Our Lady of Victories
			Sep 21		Independence Day
			Dec 8		Immaculate Conception
			Dec 13		Republic Day
			Dec 25		Christmas Day
HOW TO GET THERE
Via AIR MALTA, out of 27 major European airports, & direct flights out of New York, USA. Chartered flights from Europe and the USA are also available. Via sea routes between Sicily and Malta, operated by the Gozo Channel Co., Virtu Ferries & other lines.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY & CUSTOMS
A valid passport. Visas are not required for stays less than 3 months. You may bring in unlimited foreign currency but can take out not more than you declared upon entry. NOTE: Maltese customs offer a choice of two entry gates - green, "nothing to declare" (subject to spot checks), and red for those wishing to make a declaration. Don’t forget your driver’s license - it is valid throughout Malta and Gozo. When you leave the islands you can take what you like, although certain works of art and antiques are subject to export licensing. Pets brought into the country from the USA are subject to 6 months quarantine. Animals must be free of rabies and accompanied by a veterinary health certificate.

WHERE TO STAY
All public accommodations are rated to international standards, ranging from 1 star at the lowest, to 5 stars at the highest. Below recommendations are for the top two tiers, only. For a more detailed roster of all available lodgings refer to "The Malta Hotel Guide" published by the National Tourism Organization - Malta (NTOM). The 5 star hotels are, The Hilton International; The Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza; L’Imgarr (Gozo); Phoenicia Hotel; Ta Cenc (Gozo); and The Westin Dragonara Resort. The 4 star hotels are The Andar (Gozo); Atlas; Bernard; Conifor; Cavalieri; Coastline; Comino; Cornucopia (Gozo); Diplomat; Eden beach; Fortina; Gillieru Harbour; Grand Hotel Les Lapins; Grand Hotel Verdala; Island International; La Salito; Maritim Selmun Palace; Mellieha Bay; New Dolmen; Paradise Bay; Park; Preluna Hotel & Preluna Towers; President; Qawra Palace; Relax Inn; Sun Mark; Seabank; St. Patrick’s Hotel (Gozo); Suncrest; and Traveller’s Lodge.

WHERE TO EAT
There are many first-class eateries in Malta, many of which are found in Sliema, St. Julians, Valletta, along the coast and in the villages. We recommend, The Arches (European); Bacchus (European); Barracuda (European): Bologna (Italian); Bouzouki (Greek); Giannini (Maltese-Italian): Gillieru (Maltese); Il-Pappagal (European); La Dolce Vita (European); Palazzo Constanto (Italian); Palazzo Villa Santa Rosa (Italian); Ta’ Cenc (European); Ta’ Kolina (Maltese); Ta’ Marija (Maltese); The Carriage (European).

WHERE TO GO
In Valletta, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral where Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The beheading of St. John" is displayed; The Palace of the Grand Masters and the Armory; The National Museums; The War Museum; The Mediterranean Congress Center; Castille Square; Upper Barracca gardens and the Grand Harbour; Fort St. Elmo; The Manoel Theatre; The Anglican cathedral; and the Church of our Lady of Victories. Within the three cities of Vittoriosa , Cospicua, and Senglea, tour The Inquisitor’s Palace; and the Auberges of England, Provence, Auvergne, Aragon, and France. Go see Fort St. Angelo at the entrance to the Grand Harbor and the former Royal Navy’s headquarters in Malta. Other interesting attractions include Fort Manoel; the Megalithic Temples at Tarxien, Hagar Qim, & Mnajdra; Ghar Dalam; the Hal-Salflieni Hypogeum; the silent City of Mdina; the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul; St. Paul’s Grotto; St. Paul’s and St.Agatha’s Catacombs; the Roman Villa and Museum; Buskett Garden; San Anton Gardens; the Blue Grotto in Zurrieq; and the Church of St. Mary in Mosta. Other picturesque towns and villages well worth a visit are, Ta’Xbiex; Sliema; St. Julians; Madliena; St.Paul’s Bay; Mellieha; Ghajn Tuffieha; Marsaskala; Marsaxlokk; and Birzebbuga. On a visit to Gozo, tour Victoria (Rabat); Fort Chambray; Ggantija; Marsalforn; Ta’ Pinu; Xewkija; and Xlendi. Gozo is said to be Calypso where legend has it, the daughter of Cupid wooed Ulysses promising him immortality if he would never leave. For further information on these and other attractions in conjunction with escorted special interest group travel in Malta, call the OTS Foundation (941) 918-9215.

ENTERTAINMENT
Modern multi-screen movie complexes show English speaking films. The Manoel Theater features live plays, concerts, opera and ballet by professional artists. Paceville, Malta’s entertainment district boasts the best in discos and nightclubs. The Dragonara Palace Casino offers most forms of gambling. First-class restaurants and bars cater to the most discriminating tastes. Numerous village festas falling mostly on weekends between May and October, provide music, dancing, and fireworks. For the more daring, try skydiving on the island of Gozo. Water sports are abundant. They include yachting, boat races, skin diving, windsurfing, sailing and fishing. Water Polo is the favorite summer spectator sport. Swimming and tennis facilities can be found at several hotels and tourist resorts. Year-round golf is available at the 18-hole Marsa Sport and Country Club. Trotting and flat races are held on the Marsa Racecourse, October to May. A favorite Maltese summer pastime is to stroll the Sliema promenade - especially at full-moon.

TRANSPORTATION
Public transport links all towns and villages, with Valletta as the staging point for all bus routes. The cost is between Lm0.10 and Lm0.35, depending on distance. Taxi drivers and clients speculate a price at start of trip as the driver may not use the meter (illegal). A trip from the airport to Valletta should cost about Lm6, tax inclusive. White taxis are government controlled. If meter is used, an initial charge of Lm1.56 is applied with the remaining costs computed on distance and time. Car rental is very affordable at about Lm 4.5 per day, excluding gas, mileage, and insurance. A chauffeur-driven car ranges from Lm5.50 to Lm6 per hour. Day costs are pro-rata. Ferries and water taxis ply the Grand-Harbour and Marsamxett. Passenger and car ferries link Malta and Gozo. Driving is on the left; 25MPH in towns and villages, 40MPH elsewhere.

RADIO & TELEVISION
Several local radio stations broadcast in English and Maltese. Four television stations are currently operating from Malta. American, British, Italian and European programs are available via regular, cable or satellite transmission.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
ATTIRE:
No too-revealing dress. No bikinis away from the rocks or the beaches. No topless swimming as this is illegal. No abbreviated clothes when visiting churches.

BANKS:
Summer hours are 8:30am-12:30pm, Monday-Thursday; 8:30am-3:30pm, Friday; and 8:30am-11:30am, Saturday. Winter hours are more or less the same except that branches remain open till 12:30pm during the week and until 12:00pm on Saturday. The Malta International Airport exchanges money round-the-clock, year round. Other designated exchange facilities are found at most banks. Automated teller machines are located in major commercial and tourist areas.

TELEPHONE:
Telemalta local calls are Lm0.05 per 5 minutes, 6:00am-6:00pm, weekdays and Lm0.05 for the whole duration, 6:00pm-6:00am during any day in the week. Weekends cost Lm0.05 per 10 minutes, 6:00am-6:00pm. Private operator charges are higher.

MAIL:
The Valletta Post Office is open 8:00am -6:30pm Monday-Friday, and 7:30am-6:00pm, Saturday. The Post Office branch at the Malta International Airport is open 7:00am-7:00pm everyday, except Sundays and public holidays.

NEWSPAPERS:
Several English and Maltese language newspapers. Foreign periodicals arrive every day.

TIPPING:
For waiters, bartenders,& taxi drivers 10% of the bill. Ensure taxi flag is activated.

ELECTRICITY:
240 Volts 50 Cycles AC.

LAUNDRY:
Laundering a shirt Lm1.25. Dry cleaning a suit Lm2.80 - fast service is almost double.

HAIRDRESSING:
Shampoo & set, Lm0.50 in village to Lm5.00+ at a salon. Man’s haircut, Lm1.00 in village to Lm7.00+ at salon. Regular stylist from Lm3.0 to Lm15.0+ for high-end stylist.

WATER:
Safe to drink but poor tasting. Bottled mineral water is widely available.

SHOPPING:
Shopping hours vary by location and outlet type. For Valletta & Sliema 9:00am-1:00pm and 4:00pm- 7:00pm, Mon- Fri, and 9:00am-1:00pm, Sat. Village grocers open as early as 6:00am. Supermarkets may open for the whole day on Saturday - from 6:00am or 7:00am to 6:30pm without a break. Some shops open till 9:00 or 10:00pm once a week.

BREAKFAST:
American or Continental, at hotels, tourist resorts, cafeterias and restaurants.

BABYSITTING:
Only when hotels provide their own services.

INTERNET TOURIST INFORMATION:
Access: the Maltese Government website.


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