Malta Essentials

Malta Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	Euro
Journey Time	Aprox 2H 50 mins approx
Time Zone	GMT = +1 hour
Language	Maltese
Voltage	240 V AC (UK 3-pin plugs)

Malta Tourist Attractions
Malta is an island of myth and legend and possesses some magical medieval buildings and a rich history virtually unmatched for its small size. The 500 year-old Palace of the Grand Master is one of its most endearing sights and is still used as the seat of Government today. It houses wonderful artworks, priceless tapestries, furniture and frescoes and is well worth a visit at just €2. Why not enjoy a day on the ocean with a pleasure cruise or a dolphin spotting expedition. Take in the dramatic and rugged cliff tops and secluded coves that dot the shoreline or spend the day on the sleepy neighbouring island of Gozo which has numerous pretty fishing villages and quaint market towns. Pleasure cruises leaving from Valletta and Sliema start from €7 per person.

Maltese Phrases For Tourists 

Hello	Hawn		Excuse me	Skuzani
Welcome	Merhba		I don't understand	M'inix nifhem
Goodbye	Caw		Please speak slowly	Jekk joghgbok, tkellem iktar bil-mod
Good morning	Bongu		How do you say ... in Maltese?	Kif tghid ... bil-Malti?
Good evening	Bonswa		How much is this?	Kemm jiswa dan?
Have a nice day	Il-gurnata t-tajba		Where's the toilet?	Fejn it-tojlit?

Malta Opening Hours
Like much of Mediterranean Europe, afternoon siestas are the norm across the island and shoppers will find most businesses close between 1pm and 4pm between Mondays and Saturdays. Many tourist orientated shops remain open until around 10pm nightly. The Sunday day of rest is strictly adhered to and virtually no trading takes place on this day although there are a few convenience stores and pharmacies operating reduced hours.

Tipping & Etiquette in Malta
A gratuity of 15% is expected for hotel stays that offer full service facilities such as porterage and room service and for restaurant meals 10% will be sufficient. However the majority of businesses will likely already include a service charge. For all other services such as taxis and tour guides a reward of 10% is considered normal.

Malta Food & Drink
The Maltese diet has been heavily influenced by Italian and especially Sicilian cuisine with familiar dishes such as minestrone soup, cannelloni, ravioli and macaroni found everywhere. It also incorporates many elements from North Africa with dates, vine leaves, olives and spices used extensively to enliven many salads and soups. Uniquely Maltese dishes include marrows stuffed with minced beef and parsley, known as Qargha Baghli Mimli, grilled lampuka fish and Qassatat - pastries filled with ricotta and herbs. Rabbit and pork is extensively used to create exotic dishes and the Maltese are lovers of glutinous Arabic style sweets and desserts such as Makroudh and Kwarezimal.     

Useful Numbers in Malta
• Calling the UK from Malta – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire – 112

Disabled Access in Malta
Some of the best sightseeing in Malta is approached by steep and rocky paths which makes it difficult for wheelchair users to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer. Many of the beaches are difficult to access and attractions such as the old town in Valetta and the silent city of Mdina will require assistance and patience. There are numerous modern hotels and holiday apartment complexes that feature a good range of adapted accommodation for the disabled and many organised guided tours across the island are accessible to those with special needs.   

Malta Embassies
• British High Commission Whitehall Mansions Ta' Xbiex Seafront Valleta XBX 1026 Telephone: (356) 2323 0000
• Maltese Embassy Malta House 36 - 38 Piccadilly London W1V 0PQ Telephone: 020 7292 4821