T H E M A LT E S E I S L A N D S

Tourist Guide

The Mediterranean’s best kept secret

MALTA · GOZO · COMINO
Helpful hints
Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure
that your stay is a pleasant one and free
from unnecessary difficult situations.
Adventure sports:  including
rock climbing, cycling, trekking
available from various clubs. Best
to enquire at Tourist Information
Index: Centres or at hotel reception.
2: Helpful hints
3: Malta: Rabat & Mdina Car Hire: When driving a hired
4: Malta: Grand Harbour car please ensure that you ad-
6: Malta: North West here to the driving and parking
8: Malta: South East regulations of the country. Enter-
10: Gozo and Comino ing Valletta there is an automatic
12: A-Z General Information CVA operated metre charging by
15: Public transport the hour.
16: Map of the Maltese
Islands Country walks: There are beauti-
ful countryside walks to follow,
but do ensure that you keep
out of private property often
evident by rustic boundary walls.
Country-side walk booklets are
available in bookstores.
Diving: There are numerous div-
ing schools in Malta and Gozo.
Some of these are based in 4 or 5
star hotels located near beaches.
Dress code: When visiting
towns and especially churches
do ensure that you are prop-
erly dressed so as not to offend
public sentiments. When visiting
churches one is not allowed
entry in shorts or sleeveless tops.
In towns, bare-chested males
and scantily dressed ladies are
regarded as unacceptably at-
tired. Topless or nude bathing on
beaches is prohibited.
Driving: Driving in the Maltese
Islands is on the left hand side of
the road. At junctions give way
to the vehicle on your right hand
side. Right of way is given also to
the vehicle reaching traffic island
first. As a pedestrian, always
look right first before crossing a
street.
Excursions: When choosing your
excursion to places of interest
you will find that some tours
may be cheaper, but do not
include a licensed guide or mu-
seum entry fees. Always check
what is included in the price.
Parking attendants: When
parking at designated spots a
small tip to the parker is appro-
priate (the equivalent of Euro
0.70 would be sufficient). Some
areas in Malta and Gozo have a
restricted parking time limit.
Public Transport: When using
public transport, whenever pos-
sible pay bus driver with exact
change to speed up the process.
Water Sports Centres: are often
based at 4 or 5 star hotels lo-
cated near beaches.
Shopping: Shopping centres can
be found in all the major towns
and cities but the foremost
amongst these are at Valletta
in Republic Street and Merchant
Street; Sliema along Tower Road
and the Strand; Paola town
centre; Ħamrun along High
Street; Mosta around the town
centre; Buġibba and St Paul’s Bay;
Victoria (Rabat) in Gozo. Shops
are normally open from Monday
to Saturday mornings and eve-
nings. Opening times of shops
are usually between 9.00 – 12.00
and 16.00 – 19.00hrs. However,
Malta - Rabat & Mdina
in tourist areas, shops are open
throughout the day, Mondays to
Saturdays from 9.00 till 19.00hrs
and even later.
Smoking: Smoking inside public
buildings is prohibited. It is a
legal offence to smoke inside res-
taurants, buses, cinemas, airport
and other public buildings.
Street salespersons: When ap-
proached in the street by sales-
persons offering their products
or services, be sure to identify
exactly who they represent. Do
not sign or pay for anything that
you are not entirely sure to have
fully understood or appreciated.
Sun screen: It is always wise to
use anti-UV cream and wear a
hat to protect your skin from the
rays of the sun. It is best to avoid
the afternoon sun, particularly in
summer.
Swim, snorkel and dive safe-
ly: Ensure that you are not con-
ducting any of these activities in
areas exposed to maritime traf-
fic. Some areas may be danger-
ous due to undercurrents. When
visiting coastal areas in strong
seas or winds, it is wise to keep
at a safe distance away from
the rocky edges. Freak waves do
occur.
Taxis: White taxis have a taxi
meter. However, when at the
Airport’s arrival lounge or else at
the Floriana Cruise Liner Termi-
nal, one can book at the Taxi
Kiosk prior to boarding a taxi.
Elsewhere, it is advisable to ask
for an approximate fare before-
hand.
Mdina: Bus Nº 80, 81, 84
Malta’s old capital, characterised
by mediaeval, as well as baroque
architecture. Mdina Cathedral
dominates the main square and
characterizes the town with its
unique skyline. From the city’s
bastions one can absorb the pano-
ramic view of Malta’s north and
eastern landscape.
San Anton Garden: Attard Bus
Nº 40, 80, 81, 84
A historic garden that originated
as part of a summer residence
of one of the Knights of St. John.
The building behind the garden’s
inner gate also served as the
residence of the British Governor
and is presently the official resi-
dence of the President of Malta.
The main garden, with its exotic
plants, was opened to the public
in 1882.
Buskett: a 20-minute walk from
Rabat, or from Dingli.
Buskett is the largest tree grove
in the Maltese Islands. It sur-
rounds the historic Verdala
Castle built by Grand Master Ver-
dalle in 1588. The Palace serves as
the official summer residence of
the President of Malta.
Heritage:
Rabat: Bus Nº 80, 81
St Paul’s Catacombs: Triq Sant’
Agata
St Agatha’s Catacombs:  exhibition on the Knights of St
Triq Sant’ Agata.
St Paul’s Grotto: Pjazza Ta’ San
Pawl. A small underground
shrine and catacombs situated
underneath the parish church
of Rabat with a long standing
tradition to St. Paul.
Roman Domus: Il-Wesgħa
tal-Mużew, Rabat. A museum
housing the remains of a Ro-
man town house from the 1st
century BC – 1st century AD.
Wignacourt Museum: Triq
il-Kulleġġ. An ecclesiastical
museum related mostly to
objets d’art from the Rabat
parish church.
Casa Bernard: Triq San Pawl.
An old house with interesting
antique furniture. Visits by ap-
pointment on tel. 21451888.
Mdina: Bus Nº 80, 81
Natural History Museum: 
Pjazza San Pubbliju.
Geological, fossil, insect and
animal exhibits housed within
the magnificent and historic
Vilhena Palace.
Palazzo Falson: Triq Villegai-
gnon. A 14th century mediaeval
house exhibiting fine antique
furniture and decorations.
Cathedral Museum: Pjazza
tal-Arcisqof. Originally built
as a seminary, the Cathedral
Museum houses ecclesiastical
objets d’art from the Cathe-
dral while incorporating an
extensive numismatic collection.
Mdina Experience: a multi-visu-
al show recounting the history
of Mdina.
Mdina Dungeons: a diorama
exhibition of prisons through
history.
Knights of Malta: a diorama
John.
Buskett
Cart ruts: Clapham Junction.
Tracks presumably carved out
in pre-history for transportation
purposes.
Gozo
Comino
Malta – Grand Harbour area
Malta
Valletta: see bus routes on
page 2;
Malta’s capital city is adorned
with beautiful baroque build-
ings and churches. Being a forti-
fied peninsula, Valletta over-
looks Marsamxett harbour and
the Grand Harbour on either
side. From numerous vantage
points one can enjoy panoramic
vistas of various parts of the
islands as far as Mdina.
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cos-
picua: Bus Nº 1,2,3,4,6.
Consisting of three cities
enclosed within the Cottonera
fortification lines. These are
also known as Birgu, l-Isla and
Bormla respectively. This is
the oldest urban part of Malta’s
harbour area. There are various
vantage points from where one
may enjoy views of the Grand
Harbour surrounded by some 7
kilometres of fortifications
Heritage:
Valletta:
St John’s Co-Cathedral &
Museum: Originally the
conventual church of the Order
of the Knights of St. John. It is
fully adorned with a baroque
interior.
National Museum of Archae-
ology: Triq ir-Repubblika.
Exhibits prehistoric artefacts
and architectural elements
from the megalithic sites as
well as other historic locations.
National Museum of Fine
Arts: Triq Nofs in-Nhar.
Chronological exhibition of art
in Malta (12th – 20th century
art).
National War Museum: Fort
St. Elmo. Exhibits militaria
and more, from the British
period in Malta especially
from World War II.
Grand Master’s Palace: Triq ir-
Repubblika. Currently serving
as the Office of the President
of Malta and the House of
Parliament. The State Rooms
as well as the Armoury are
open to the general public.
Manoel Theatre: Triq it-Teatru
l-Antik. Built in 1731 the the-
atre offers guided tours in the
mornings and theatrical per-
formances on most evenings.
Casa Rocca Piccola: Triq ir-
Repubblika. A 17th century
privately owned town house,
with antique furniture.
St. Paul’s Church: Triq San
Pawl. Also accessible from Triq
Santa Lucija.
Carmelite Church: Triq it-
Teatru l-Antik.
The Malta Experience: Triq
il-Mediterran. A 45-minute
multi-visual show about the
story of Malta.
The Wartime Experience: Em-
bassy Cinema Complex, Triq
Santa Lucija. A 45-minute
movie recounting the story of
Malta in World War II.
Knights Hospitallers: Mediter-
ranean Conference Centre.
A walk-through diorama exhibi-
tion depicting the Knights’
medical role in Malta.
The Great Siege of Malta &
the Knights of St John: Triq
it-Teżorerija. A walk-through
diorama-style account of the
Order of St John during the
Great Siege of 1565.
Grand Harbour area:
The Hypogeum: Triq iċ-
Ċimiterji, Paola. Bus Nº 8, 11,
27. An underground burial site
dated circa 4,000 – 2500bc,
recognised as a World Heritage
Site. Booking in advance at
Archaeology Museum, Valletta
and online on www.heritage-
maltashop.com.
Tarxien Megalithic Temples: 
Triq it-Tempji Neolitici, Tarxien.
Bus Nº 8, 11, 12. 27. Prehistoric
site dating to c. 4,000-2,500bc.
Inquisitor’s Palace: Triq il-
Mina il-Kbira, Vittoriosa, Bus
Nº 1,2,4,6. The official residence
and Court of Law of the Inquisi-
tor between 1571-1798.
Maritime Museum: Birgu Ma-
rina, Vittoriosa, Bus Nº 1,2,4,6.
Housed inside the old Naval
Bakery built by the British
Military in the 19th century.
Malta At War Air Raid Shel-
ters: Couvre Porte, Vittoriosa.
Bus Nº 1, 2, 4, 6.
Fort Rinella: Ricasoli, limits of
KalkaraBus Nº 4. A Victorian
fort animated by re-enactors.
Wickman Maritime Col-
lection: Xgħajra, limits of
Żabbar. Bus Nº 21. Visits by
appointment tel: 21690254.
Theatres
Manoel Theatre: Valletta
St James Cavalier: Valletta
Old University Theatre
(MITP): Valletta
Mediterranean Conference
Centre: Valletta
Catholic Institute Theatre:  only.
Floriana
Temi Zammit Hall: University of
Malta, Msida
Promenades
Three cities: Vittoriosa and Sen-
glea Marina; Grand Harbour
View
Ta’ Xbiex: Yacht Marina
Valletta Waterfront: Grand
Harbour view
St Julians to Gżira: sea front
Cinema Multiplex: and Senglea on the right. At
Valletta: Embassy Cinema Shop- noon a re-enactors’ unit dressed
ping Complex in Victorian soldier uniforms
St. Julians: Eden Century Cinema fire one of the saluting guns
Complex situated beneath the viewing
gallery.
Children’s Attractions: Hastings Garden: From this gar-
Valletta: Toy Museum in Republic den one gains a panoramic view
Street of Marsamxett Harbour, Ta’
Xbiex Yacht Marina, Manoel
Casinos Island and the urban landscape
Birgu (Vittoriosa):  of Sliema, Floriana and the
Casinò di Venezia  hinterland.
St. Julians:  Argotti Garden: Floriana.
Dragonara Casino, Discover the different levels of
Portomaso Casino this garden. The garden at street
An id card must be presented. level affords a panoramic view
Admittance for 18 years and over of the island. The lower level
also called St. Philip’s Garden
offers a serene ambience.
Public Gardens Sa Maison Garden: Floriana.
Upper and Lower Barrakka A perched garden nestled in
Gardens: provide a panoramic the outer fortification walls of
view of the Grand Harbour Valletta and Msida and Ta’
and the Cottonera area. Fort St. Xbiex Yacht Marina. It provides
Angelo and the Gardjola Bas- a charming atmosphere remi-
tion spearhead their respective niscent of 19th century British
towns of Vittoriosa on the left Malta.
Gozo
Comino
Malta – north west
Mellieħa: Bus Nº 43, 44, 45
This once rural village has
become a busy tourist town. Its
Malta parish church, dedicated to our
Lady of Victory, is perched on
top of a hill and commands a
panoramic view of Mellieħa Bay
below, the island of Comino and
Gozo.
Mġiebaħ Bay: Bus Nº 43, 44,
45 (stop outside Mellieħa at
Selmun)
A hidden small sandy beach
best reached by a country lane
from nearby Selmun Palace. The
area lies some one kilometre
off the beaten track and is an
ideal resting place for trekking
enthusiasts.
Anchor Bay: outskirts of
Mellieħa Bus Nº 441 from
Mellieħa Bay or walk for about
1 km
A small bay with a tiny sandy
beach and home to the Sweet-
haven Village set of Robert
Altman’s Popeye film (1979). One
may enjoy both a visit to the film
set as well as a swim in the safe
clear waters.
St Paul’s Islands: limits of St.
Paul’s Bay, Bus Nº 49, 44, 45
(stop at Buġibba)
Two small islets situated off
Buġibba. A 19th century statue
recalls the traditional belief
of St. Paul’s shipwreck on the
island in 60ad. Boat trips to
the islands are available from
Buġibba.
Wardija and San Martin
Ridge: Bus Nº 49, 44, 45 (stop at
Burmarrad)
Two hamlets overlooking Bur-
marrad and St Paul’s Bay, with
panoramic views of the coun-
tryside of Wardija Valley below.
Accessible by car but best for
trekking enthusiasts.
Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa
Bay: Bus Nº 47, 53
Two beautiful sandy beaches,
which are very popular with
swimmers.
Binġemma Heights: best
reached from Rabat Bus Nº 80 or
Mġarr Bus Nº 47
A ridge leading to the Victoria
Lines, built by the British in the
1890s, which offers a panoramic
view of Mġarr, a small farming
village. The Heights are acces-
sible on foot or else by car.
Ġnejna Bay: Bus Nº 47 (limits of
Mġarr)
A sandy beach surrounded by
clay slopes and rocky cliffs. Best
reached by car, or on foot 30
minutes from Mġarr.
Heritage
MOSTA
The Rotunda Church: Mosta
parish church. Built in between
1833 -1860 in an impressive
neo-classical style inspired by
the Pantheon in Rome.
MĠARR
Ta’ Ħaġrat Megalithic Tem-
ple:  Mġarr, open Tuesdays
only, 9.30–11.00hrs .
Skorba: prehistoric archaeologi-
cal site. Open Tuesdays only,
11.30–13.00hrs.
World War II Air Raid Shel-
ters: situated close to parish
church.
NAXXAR
Palazzo Parisio: a magnificent
Palazzo with beautiful gar-
dens enriched with great style
and opulence. It is open daily
from Monday to Saturday
(with the exception of Public
Holidays) from 09.00hrs to
18.00hrs.
Attractions
Classic Cars Museum:  Triq
it-Turisti, Qawra.
Children’s Attractions
Splash and Fun Water Park: 
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. Bus Nº 70
Mediterraneo: dolphinarium
– Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Salina
Coast Road. Bus Nº 70
Popeye’s Village:  limits of
Mellieħa Bay. Bus Nº 441
Casinos
The Oracle Casino:  Qawra. An
ID card must be presented.
Admittance for 18 years and
over only.
Bird sanctuaries
Għadira Nature Re-
serve: Mellieħa. Open
Saturdays and Sundays from
November till May.
Simar Nature Reserve: St.
Paul’s Bay. Open Sundays
only from November till May.
Cinema multiplexes
Empire Cinema Complex: 
Pioneer Road, Buġibba
Promenades
Buġibba to Qawra seafront
Gozo
Comino
Malta – south east
Malta
Birżebbuġa: Bus Nº 11, 13
Situated on the southern side of
Marsaxlokk Harbour, this sea-
side resort boasts of a beautiful
man-made sandy beach (Pretty
Bay) and a freeport container
terminal zone.
Siġġiewi: Bus Nº 89
One of the older villages of
Malta dominated by a beauti-
ful 19th century parish church.
Ideal starting point for country
walks to neighbouring towns
and villages.
Żejtun: Bus Nº 29, 30
The parish church of Żejtun is
dedicated to St Catherine. Also
noteworthy is the much smaller
and ancient church known as St
Gregory’s.
Marsaxlokk: Bus Nº 27 (627 from
Sliema Strand)
A quaint and popular fishing vil-
lage offers picturesque scenery
of fishermen’s colourful boats
(luzzu pl. luzzijiet) tied to their
moorings in Malta’s main fish-
ing village.
Marsascala: Bus Nº 19,17, 20
A quaint sea side resort with
privately-owned leisure and
fishing boats bobbing up and
down in the calm waters of the
bay. There are numerous restau-
rants to try out.
Wied iż-Żurrieq and Blue
Grotto: Bus Nº 38, 138 (also Bus
Nº 32, 34 up to the village of
Żurrieq and walk 20 minutes to
Wied iż-Żurrieq)
Situated right above the Blue
Grotto and the sheer cliffs, this
belvedere provides a pleasant
view of Filfla Islet, situated some
5 kilometres off the southern
coast of Malta.
Għar Lapsi: Bus Nº 94, (also Bus
no 89 to Siġġiewi and walk 30
minutes)
A small cove tucked into the remains of animals dating
cliffs beneath and west of between 250,000- 10,000 years
Mnajdra Temples. The area is ago were found.
guarded by an impressive rocky
and hilly landscape. Children’s Attractions
Playmobil Toy Fun Park: Ħal
Dingli Cliffs: Bus Nº 81 Far. Bus Nº 13
Dingli Cliffs form part of the
dramatic landscape of the south- Cinema Multiplexes:
ern coast of the Maltese Islands. Fgura: Tal-Lira Cinema, Gal-
This is the highest area of the larija Shopping Complex.
Maltese Islands, c. 230 metres
above sea level. Promenades
Marsascala: sea front
Heritage Żurrieq to Blue Grotto: sea
Tax-Xarolla Windmill:  Żurrieq, front
Bus Nº 32, 34. An old restored
windmill situated atop early
Christian catacombs. Open
Saturdays and Sundays 8am -
12 pm only.
Ħaġar Qim Prehistoric
Temple: limits of Qrendi.
Megalithic site. Bus Nº 38, 138
Mnajdra Prehistoric Temple: 
A Megalithic site situated
some 500m away from Ħaġar
Qim, limits of Qrendi. Bus
Nº 38, 138
Limestone Heritage: An old
quarry in Siġġiewi turned into
a diorama museum describing
the quality and use of Maltese
geological resources.
Għar Dalam: Bus Nº 11, 12, 13
Limits of Birżebbuġa. A cave
situated in a valley where bone
Gozo
Comino
Gozo & Comino
Malta
Victoria: (Rabat) Bus Nº 25 from The Citadel, Victoria: (Rabat) Bus op’s Palace and a small number Mġarr ix-Xini: limits of Xewkija Dwejra Bay: Bus Nº 91 (Bus Nº 1 amongst which the two famous NADUR
Mġarr Harbour Nº 25 from Mġarr Harbour of museums displaying various Bus Nº 50, 51 (25 minutes walk and 2 up to San Lawrenz with a Neolithic statuettes found at Ta’ Kelinu Grima Maritime
This is Gozo’s commercial and The Citadel is the fortified and Gozo related exhibits. Only a from Sannat) 20 minute walk) Xagħra Circle in 1986. Collection: Nadur.
cultural capital. It is a reference uppermost part of Victoria. This handful of residents live in the A very narrow creek with a A quaint and curious coastal The Natural History Mu-
point for anyone who wants to enclosed fortified part of the Citadel. From the ramparts one small bay tucked in between the landscape with various interest- seum: The Citadel. Exhibits Għajnsielem
explore Gozo, whether on foot town boasts of a Cathedral, the may enjoy a 360º panoramic view rocky cliffs below Ta’ Ċenċ area ing geological features such as include a range of fossils, Gozo Heritage: A walkthrough
or by car. Gozo Law Courts, the old Bish- of the island. in Sannat. the Inland Sea, enclosed by cliffs stones and other geological diorama experience.
and connecting to the open specimens from Gozo.
Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs: limits of Sannat Xlendi: Bus Nº 87 sea via a fissure; and the Azure Gozo’s National Folklore GĦARB
Bus Nº 50, 51 (25 minutes walk A narrow creek which devel- Window, carved out of the cliffs Museum: Domestic and old Ta’ Pinu Church: limits of Għarb.
from Sannat) oped from a tiny fishing hamlet by the waves over the millen- industrial tools exhibited in a An impressive neo-classical
A sheer precipice that drops into a fully-fledged seaside nia. Jutting out from the sea at mediaeval house. church and Gozo’s most popu-
straight into the sea below. A resort. The bay is flanked by an a small distance from the rocky St George’s Basilica:  Con- lar place of pilgrimage.
delightful location for bird impressive cliff on one side. coast is Fungus Rock or Ġebla secrated in 1755, the church Għarb Folklore Museum:  Old
watchers. tal-Ġeneral. situated in Rabat centre, is and traditional implements
Marsalforn: Bus Nº 21 impressively covered in marble, are exhibited in an old cottage-
This summer resort enjoys both Qala Belvedere: Bus Nº 42, 43 with a bronze and gilded style house situated in the
a tiny sandy beach as well as an A great location on the out- canopy over the altar. village centre.
interesting rocky coastline dot- skirts of the village of Qala Gozo 360º: a multi-visual show
ted with historic salt pans. The from where one may enjoy a on the history of Gozo. Children’s Attractions
bay is popular with Gozitans and panoramic view of the Gozo- XAGĦRA Pomskizilious Toy Mu-
Maltese for its promenade. Comino-Malta channel. Ġgantija Temples: possibly the seum: Xagħra, Gozo: Bus
oldest free-standing megalithic Nº 64, 65
Xwejni Bay: Bus Nº 21 to Marsal- San Blas Cove: Bus Nº 42, 43 to structures in the world, dating
forn and a 20 minute walk Nadur and a 25 minute walk to around 4000bc. Cinema Multiplex:
This creek is one of those hid- A hidden but charming sloping Ta’ Kola Windmill:  a restored Citadel Cinema: Victoria, Gozo
den charms of Gozo with coral- landscape that leads onto a tiny old windmill, that once served
line cliffs. It can be reached via sandy beach. Best reached on also as a residence and now Theatres
a stretch of salt pans which are foot, some 30 minutes distance exhibiting traditional tools. Astra Theatre: Victoria
still harvested regularly. from Nadur. Ninu’s Cave: Triq Jannar. Aurora Theatre: Victoria
Xerri’s Grotto: Triq l-Għar Ta’
Heritage: Xerri. Both small caves are Promenades
VICTORIA replete with stalactites and Marsalforn seafront
Cathedral and Museum:  The stalagmites.
present cathedral was con- Calypso’s Cave: Xagħra, Bus Comino Island
structed between 1697 and 1711. Nº64, 65. Situated on the This barren island is practically
It is dedicated to the Assump- cliff ’s edge on the outskirts of uninhabited except for a resort
tion of Our Lady. A major Xagħra. According to tradition hotel, but is very popular with
highlight is the trompe l’oeil this tiny cave was reputedly the swimmers and divers. A historic
dome inside the church. place where Homer’s Ulysses watch tower built in the early
Old Prisons:  built by the Knights lived for years with the nymph 17th century once guarded its
of St John and last used by the Calypso. The place serves as a coast.
British. belvedere overlooking Ramla The Blue Lagoon: With its
Archaeology Museum:  Casa l-Ħamra below, a sandy beach silver sandy sea bed, the
Bondi, The Citadel. The that takes its name from the sea gives the illusion of a
museum houses archaeo- reddish colour of the sand. turquoise-silvery swimming
logical artefacts from Gozo, pool set in a natural ambience.
A-Z General Information
Airport
Malta International Airport is
situated at Gudja, served by bus
number 8 to and from Valletta.
Taxi service and car rental avail-
able. Tel: 21249600.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 240
volts, 50 hertz. Three-pin British
Standard plugs are used but, if
required, adapters are easy to
obtain too.
Banks
These are normally open for
business from 8.30am to 12.30pm
Mondays to Saturdays except on
public holidays.
Beaches
Generally speaking, Malta’s
coastline is rocky and steep on
the south side while it is rocky
and low lying on the north and
eastern side. Most of the sandy
beaches are situated either on
the north western side of the is-
land or on Gozo. Malta’s beaches
are small in size, the largest not
bigger than 500 metres, yet many
offer scenic attractions due to
the islands’ rugged landscape.
BEACHES IN MALTA:
Għadira Bay: l/o Mellieħa
Golden Bay: Għajn Tuffieħa,
Ġnejna Bay: l/o Mġarr;
Mġiebaħ: l/o Mellieħa;
Armier Bay: l/o Mellieħa
Paradise Bay: l/o Ċirkewwa
Pretty Bay: Birżebbuġa
St George’s Bay: St Julians
Peter’s Pool: l/o Marsaxlokk
BEACHES IN GOZO:
Ramla l-Ħamra: reachable from
both Xagħra as well as Nadur
Xlendi Bay: via Fontana
Marsalforn Bay: from Rabat
Mġarr ix-Xini: reachable from
Xewkija
Traditional and Local Craft
Centres
Malta:  beforehand whether places of
Crafts Village, Ta’ Qali;
Exhibition Centre, St John’s
Square, Valletta
Gozo:  wheelchair bound persons.
Ta’ Dbieġi, Għarb; Fontana
Cottage Industry - en route to
Xlendi; Victoria Crafts Centre,
Victoria
Communications
POSTAL SERVICES : Post Office
branches are found in most
towns and villages. Opening
hours are from 7.30 – 12.30hrs
from Monday to Saturday. Some
villages have a sub-post office
serviced by certain stationery
shops. The Valletta Post Of-
fice branch situated at Castille
Square is open Monday to Friday
8.15 hrs- 15.45 hrs; Saturday:
8.15 hrs – 12.30 hrs.
Telephone-overseas calls:  Braġjoli: Beef Olives filled with a
Local calls require no prefixes.
Overseas calls from Malta require
the prefix of the country to which
one is phoning. To call overseas
one may also find cheaper rates
by dialing 1021 before the country
code. Malta’s international dial-
ling code is +356.
Internet Cafes: To be found
at various localities including:
Valletta – Sliema – Gozo. Also
available in most 4 & 5 star ac-
commodations.
Disabled persons
Recently built hotels and public
places have ramps and other
amenities such as elevators to
accommodate wheelchair-
bound persons. One must check
interest, due to the nature of
their historic architecture or
surroundings, can accommodate
Eating and drinking
Valletta and all the tourist areas
offer a wide selection of quality
restaurants to suit the budget-
conscious and the gourmand
alike. In fish restaurants, the
menu may vary according to
season and the catch of the day.
It is recommended to ask for
fresh fish which may also be on
display. To experience tradi-
tional Maltese home-cooking,
try dining at the more popular
family restaurants specialising in
local fare.
Some typical Maltese dishes
include:
Rabbit dishes: stewed or fried
mash of spiced Maltese sausage
and eggs
Timpana: macaroni pie
Lampuki: coryphene or dorado
fish
Swordfish: with tomato, olive and
caper sauce
Tuna: with tomato, olive and caper
sauce
A variety of home-made soups
and pasta dishes are popular.
Embassies and consu-
lates
Numerous embassies and
consular representatives are to
be found in Malta. For further
information please contact the
Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Tel:
21242853.
Health
Visitors from eu member states
should ensure they are in posses-
sion of a Health Insurance Card
when requiring medical care
at one of the public hospitals
or clinics. A medical insur-
ance policy is to be presented
when attending a private clinic.
In view of a reciprocal health
agreement between Malta and
Australia, Australian citizens are
entitled to free medical care in
public health care facilities for
the first six months from their
arrival in Malta.
Hospitals:  mation: www.anglicanmalta.
Mater Dei Hospital: Tal-Qroqq,
Malta. Call on: 25450000.
Craig Hospital:  Victoria, Gozo.
Call on 21561600.
Health Clinics: Paola, Mosta,
Floriana, Gżira and Victoria
(Rabat) Gozo. There are also
private hospitals and clinics.
Ask at hotel reception for as-
sistance.
Pharmacies: In general, these
open during normal shop hours.
On Sunday one pharmacy is
open for each of the speci-
fied zones between 08:00 and
12:00hrs according to an
established roster. Please check
Sunday papers for information.
Important telephone
numbers
Ambulance: 196
Cruise Liner Terminal, Flori-
ana: 25673000
Directory enquiries: 1182
Emergency at Sea: 2182 4220,
2123 8797
Fire Brigade: 199
Go Mobile operator: 1187
Government Information
services: 153
Malta International Airport:  chant Street, Valletta
21249600 (Freephone)
Overseas operator: 1152
Police: 191
Sedqa: 151 (addiction related help)
Veterinary Services, emergen-
cy: 5004 3888 (calls €4.66)
Vodaphone operator: 1189
Learning English:
There are some forty English
Language schools in Malta and
Gozo. For more information you
may visit www.feltom.com.
Passport / Visa Require-
ments
European Union citizens require
only an ID card or a passport to
enter Malta. For visa require-
ments, if any, please consult
www.mfa.gov.mt or else contact:
visa.mfa@gov.mt.
Public holidays
1 January- New Year’s Day
10 February- Feast of St Paul’s
Shipwreck
19 March- Feast of St. Joseph
31 March- Freedom Day
March-April- Good Friday
1 May- Workers Day
7 June- Sette Giugno Commemo-
ration
29 June- Feast of St Peter & St
Paul - Imnarja
15 August- Feast of Santa Maria
(Assumption)
8 September- Victory Day
21 September- Independence
Day
8 December- Feast of the Im-
maculate Conception
13 December- Republic Day
25 December- Christmas Day
Religious Feasts (festi)
These are spread throughout the
year, but most take place in be-
tween June and mid-September.
Feasts are more often than not
held over a long weekend.
Religious Services
Church of England: St Paul’s
Anglican Pro-Cathedral,
Independence Square, Valletta);
Holy Trinity Church, Rudolph
Street, Sliema. For more infor-
org.
Church of Scotland: Methodist
and Free Churches. 210 Old
Bakery Street, Valletta.
Evangelical (Lutheran): Protes-
tant Church of Germany
Greek Orthodox: Church of St
George, 83 Merchants Street,
Valletta.
Mosque: Paola. Tel: 21672163,
21697203/5 or www.islam-
icfinder.org for info regarding
time of prayer.
Synagogue: Tel: 7959 5186
Hindu: Maltese-Indian Commu-
nity Centre. Tel: 99493975.
More contacts in Yellow
Pages – look under “Religion –
Places of Worship” in the index.
Catholic Mass (Sundays) in other
languages:
English: St Patrick’s Church,
Sliema; St. Paul’s Bay Parish
Church; St. Barbara Church,
Valletta, St. Anne Church,
Marsascala; Sacred Heart
Sanctuary, Victoria
French: St Barbara Church,
Republic Street, Valletta.
German: St Barbara Church,
Republic Street, Valletta.
Italian: St. James Church, Mer-
Should your denomination
not be included in the above
list, kindly contact one of our
Tourist Information Centres on
21237747.
Open-air markets and flea
markets
There are numerous open-air
markets which sell anything
from plants to fruit, from white
goods to clothes. All these are
open usually between 08.00hrs
and 12.30hrs.
Valletta– Merchants Street. Open
daily.
Victoria– Gozo (It-Tokk). Open
daily.
Vittoriosa (Birgu)– close to bus
terminus. Open on Tuesdays.
Qormi– near St Sebastian Parish
Church. Open on Saturdays.
Valletta– St James Ditch. Open
on Sundays.
Marsaxlokk– along the water-
front. Open on Sundays.
Vittoriosa (Birgu)– flea market
at Fortini Football Ground open
on Sundays.
Marsascala– flea market at
Razzett tal-Ħbiberija. Open on
Sundays.
Useful websites:
Bus transport: www.atp.com.mt
Cultural events: www.maltaculture.com, www.heritagemalta.org,
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, www.sjcav.org
English Language: www.feltom.com
Public Transport
Air travel: www.airmalta.com, www.maltairport.com BUS ROUTES (BY NUMBERS) DESTINATION (ALPHABETICAL)
  &
"5
Gozo: www.gozo.com, www.gozochannel.com 1, 2  Vittoriosa (Birgu)  
3  Senglea (L-Isla) Airport, Gudja: 8  
Malta: www.visitmalta.com, www.gov.mt frequent intervals. Direct is provided according to weather 4  Kalkara Anchor Bay: 441* 

:
(
$*5
Weather: www.maltairport.com, www.maltaweather.com bus services are available conditions.   
6  Vittoriosa (Birgu) Attard: 40 
from various tourist areas to 8  Airport, Gudja Birkirkara: 141, 142   

11, 12, 13  Birżebbuġa Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq: 68 
Rabat, Marsaxlokk, Ċirkewwa Karozzini: Horse drawn cabs 

Sports ferry, Qawra and Buġibba. operating on sight-seeing tours

15 
17 
Santa Lucia
Marsascala (via Żonqor
Balzan: 73, 74, 80, 81
Birgu(Vittoriosa): 1, 2, 4, 6

There are also buses running of the following towns: 
Point) Birkirkara: 42, 71, 141, 142 
Football: National Football Sta- from Buġibba to Golden Bay. Valletta: stationed at City Gate; 18  Żabbar Birżebbuġa: 11, 12, 13, 115 
dium, Ta’ Qali limits of Rabat, Bus adt bus routes information Palace Square; Valletta Water 19, 20  Marsascala Blue Grotto, Żurrieq: 38, 138   
Nº 80, 81 21  Xgħajra Bormla (Cospicua): 1, 2, 3, 4
brochures are obtainable from Front 27  Marsaxlokk Buġibba: 159, 449, 49, 58, 59 
Valletta Bus Terminus or from Sliema: stationed at the Strand 
29, 30  Żejtun Burmarrad: 49, 44, 45 
Golf: Marsa Sports Club – Golf Tourist Information Centres. St Julians: stationed at St Julians 32, 34  Żurrieq Ċirkewwa: 45, 145 
Course, Bus Nº 1 - 34 Gozo: One may catch a bus from Bay 35  Qrendi Cospicua (Bormla): 1, 2, 3, 4
36  Luqa Dingli: 81  
Mġarr Harbour to Victoria Mdina: stationed at Mdina Gate 
38  Wied Iż-Żurrieq Għadira: 44  
Waterpolo: National Swim- (Rabat), where it is possible to 40  Attard Għajn Tuffieħa (Golden Bay):  

ming Pool Complex, University reach most outlying villages. Leisure Boat Trips: Dgħajsa (pro- 42  Birkirkara  47, 52 
 
Grounds, Tal-Qroqq Please note that buses in Gozo nounced dah-i-sah) trips: From 43  Mellieħa Għargħur: 55, 56 
do not run as frequently as in Birgu, Senglea and Cruise-liner 44  Għadira Għar Lapsi: 94, 89    
45  Ċirkewwa Ġnejna Bay (up to Mġarr): 47 
Horse Racing: Marsa, Malta and Malta. Terminal. Call on: 99499219; 47  Għajn Tuffieħa Golden Bay (Għajn Tuffieħa):    
Għajnsielem, Gozo 99893134; 79620034. 49  Buġibba 47, 52 
Taxis: White Taxi Service - call Leisure boat trips providing 52  Mġarr Gudja: 8
Tennis: Kordin, limits of Paola; on 23696071. White taxi are pri- various alternative routes for 55  Naxxar Ħamrun: 71, 88, 89, 91
56  Għargħur Kalkara: 4 Normal fare: 
Marsa Sports Club, Marsa. vately run. Taxis may be found at sight seeing are provided espe- 57  Mosta (Sta. Margherita) Luqa: 36 Zone A:  €0.47 - Lm0.20 
various locations including: cially from the Strand Sliema Zone B:  €0.54 - Lm0.23 
58, 59  Buġibba Marsascala: 17, 19,20 
Tourist Information Valletta: City Gate; St. John’s co- and Buġibba, St. Paul’s Bay 60  Sliema (Savoy) Marsaxlokk: 27, 127, 627 Zone C:  €0.58 - Lm0.25

area. These provide a variety of 62  Paceville Mdina (up to Rabat): 80, 81, 84 
Centres cathedral; Palace Square and
at Sea Terminal sight seeing and leisure trips.
63  Sliema (Savoy) Mellieħa: 43, 44, 45 Day tickets:
1 day:   €3.49 - Lm1.50 
64  Swieqi Mġarr: 47, 52, 54
Malta International Air- Airport: terminal 66, 67  St. Julians Mosta: 158 3 days:  €9.32 - Lm4.00
port: Arrivals Lounge or call Sliema: the Strand Sicily Travel 68  Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq Mqabba: 35, 38, 138 5 days:  €11.65 - Lm5.00
7 days:  €13.98 - Lm6.00
on 23696073, 23696074 St. Julians: Spinola, Paceville Sicily is situated 90 kilometres 71  Birkirkara Mtarfa: 84
73, 74  Balzan Naxxar: 54
Valletta: City Gate or call on Gozo: Mġarr Harbour; bus termi- north of Malta. One may reach 75  Hospital- Mater Dei & Paceville: 62
21237747 nus, Victoria; Marsalforn Bay Sicily either by air or else by sea. University, Tal-Qroqq Qormi: 88, 89, 91 Gozo bus routes:
Victoria, Gozo: Tiġrija Palazz or For further details and schedules 80  Rabat Qrendi: 35
call on 2156 1419 Valletta City Cab: call on please visit: 81  Dingli Rabat: 80, 81 BUS ROUTES (BY NUMBERS) DESTINATION (ALPHABETICAL)
84  Mtarfa Santa Lucia: 15, 115 1, 2, 91  Għarb Sannat, Munxar, Ċawla: 50, 51
Freephone: 80072230 21333321; 79333321. An inner City www.airmalta.com 88  Żebbuġ Savoy: 60, 63, 163 14  Kerċem, Santa Luċija Dwejra: 91
service using small white electric www.virtuferries.com 89  Siġġiewi Senglea: 3 21  Marsalforn Għarb: 1, 2, 91
Time zone cabs. 91  Qormi Siġġiewi: 89 25  Mġarr Harbour (Ferry) Għajnsielem: 42, 43
Malta’s time is set according to 98  Valletta ring road, Floriana St Paul’s Bay: 49, 44, 45 42  Ramla Għasri: 91
115  Birżebbuġa St. Andrews: 66, 67, 68 42, 43  Għajnsielem, Nadur, Kerċem: 14
Central European Time (cet). Gozo Channel ferry: Timetable 127  Marsaxlokk (via Qajjenza) St. Julians: 66, 67  Qala, Xewkija Marsalforn: 21
Summer time starts on the last enquiries: 2158 0435 (Ċirkewwa); 138  Wied Iż-Żurrieq Swieqi: 64 50, 51  Ċawla, Sannat, Munxar Mġarr Harbour (Ferry): 25
Sunday of March and ends on 2156 1622 (Mġarr) 141, 142  Birkirkara Valletta ring road: 98, 198 64, 65  Xagħra Nadur: 42, 43
the last Sunday of October. 145  Ċirkewwa Vittoriosa (Birgu): 1, 2, 4, 6 87  Xlendi Qala: 42, 43
158, 157  Mosta Żejtun: 27, 29, 30 91  Dwejra Ramla: 42
Seaplane: From Valletta Wa- 159  Buġibba Żabbar: 17, 18, 19, 21 91  Għasri San Lawrenz: 91
Transport terfront to Mġarr Gozo. Phone 169  Swatar via Msida Żebbuġ: 88, 89 91  San Lawrenz Santa Luċija: 14
HarbourAir on 21228308 198  Valletta ring road Żurrieq: 32, 34 91  Żebbuġ Xagħra: 64, 65
Public Bus Transport: (via waterfront) Xagħjra: 21 Xewkija: 42, 43
375  Mqabba Xlendi: 87
Malta: The main bus terminus Ferry Boats: The Strand, Sliema 449  Buġibba Żebbuġ: 91
in Valletta provides service to Marsamxett jetty, Valletta. 667  St. Andrews
to all towns and villages at Trip duration 4 minutes. Service 671  Swieqi For more information call the Transport Association on 21231216 or visit ITs website at: www.atp.com.mt
* SUMMER ONLY
 info@visitmalta.com
Freefone: 80072230

some statistics:
Population: 
404,000
Archipelago: 
Malta; Gozo; Comino & Cominotto;
St. Paul’s Islands and Filfla
Area: 
315 square kilometres
Status: 
Republic (member of the European
Union since 2004)
Religion: 
Predominantly Roman Catholic
Official languages: 
Maltese and English
Currency: 
Euro
Time zone: 
Central European Time - CET

High Low
Winter 16º-18º 10º-12º
spring 18º-25º 13º-20º
summer 25º-33º 22º-23º
autumn 22º-30º 12º-19º
Climate temperature averages
according to months in Celsius

please note: whilst every effort has been made to provide timely and accurate information, the purpose of this
booklet is to encourage tourists to enquire further at tourist information offices or other authorities.