Geography
It's such a small place. It is just an archipelago of islands about halfway between
the coasts of Sicily and North Africa. Set in the clear blue Mediterranean Sea,
the Maltese islands are the most southerly European country. The archipelago consists
of five islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, together with two other uninhabited islands
Cominetto and Filfla. The total area is approximately 316 sq kms (Malta 246 sq km,
Gozo 67 sq km, Comino 2.7 sq km). The longest distance in Malta from North West
to South East is about 27 km, with 14.5 kms width in an East - West direction. The
Islands are only 90 km south of Sicily and 290 km from the northern coast of Africa.
History
The strategic position of Malta, Gozo and Comino has made these Mediterranean islands
a crossroad of history and a bone of contention.
The powers of Europe's past knew it well as a stepping-stone between Europe and
North Africa. Involved in Malta's history are the Stone-Age and Bronze-Age people,
Romans and Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans and Carthaginians, Castilians, French and
British; from whom Malta became independent in 1964.
Napoleon Bonaparte did unutterable damage in an only six-day occupation; and Malta
stood firm against Hitler despite massive bombing during World War II, deservedly
earning the nation the George Cross medal from King George VI (April 1942) and depicting.
The Maltese Language
The two official languages are Maltese and English. The English language is a leftover
of about 160 years of British colonisation of Malta.Maltese, whose closest languages
are Lebanese, Hebrew and classic Arabic, is the only Semitic language which is written
in Roman alphabet. Italian, too, is widely spoken among the younger generation,
particularly due to the television programs which are transmitted from nearby Italy.
It is easy to get a language guide and Maltese is interesting enough to make a little
effort very worthwhile a few words taken back with you are a very beautiful 'souvenir'
of your visit.
Tourism
In Malta, you'll explore 7000 years of history yet live passionately in the present.
You'll span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And wherever
you go, the Islands' scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The
colours are striking. Honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean
blues.
But Malta is no regular museum. Here life is lived to the full, so make time for
some living history and action. Visit locations where Oscar-winning blockbusters
were filmed or go off the beaten track into ancient villages. Marvel at the fireworks
and revelry of the summertime festas and enjoy a packed calendar of events all year
round.
What to do
Malta is holidaying as the mood takes you. And with near year-round sun, you can
indulge in outdoor living at its best. In just 48 hours and a kilometer or two,
you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic
sites. And still have time to join in the nightlife. That’s the real advantage of
a stay here.
The Islands offer plenty of specialist holidays for those seeking to learn a new
skill, discover history or get fit. If you’re interested in sports, we cater as
much for the seasoned enthusiast as the casual first-timer. Malta has fitness and
spa facilities at the luxury hotels and club resorts. Sea and land lend themselves
to activities from rock-climbing to gentle rambling. Visit during special times
like summer festa season, Easter and carnival and you’ll never be stuck for what
to do – simply join the crowd for some fun.