Malta may only be a small island nation (at 316 square km), but if you look carefully you will note that Malta wears big boots. Learn more about Malta through these quick facts and tips!

Etymology

The name "Malta" is said to have been derived from:

• the Greek word 'meli' ('honey'). The Greeks called the island Μελίτη (Melite) meaning "honey" or "honey-sweet", which could possibly refer to the island's historic production of honey, taken from a specific species of bee which can be found in Malta, or:
• the Phoenician word Maleth meaning "a haven," which refers to the many bays and coves that can be found along Malta's coastline.

Village feasts 

Malta hosts 75 local village feasts (or 'festa') between June and September, which is a festivity in honour of the town's patron saint and is originally a religious celebration. The three words to describe such events are: Fireworks, religious processions and band marches. Some tour operators organise trips to some of the more popularly celebrated feasts or "festa".

The Knights of Malta

The Knights of St John of Jerusalem were given Malta in 1530 by Charles V of Spain, and left their mark on the island, until capitulaing to Napoleon's advancement in 1798. The Knights' are most remembered for successfully defending Malta against the Ottomans during The Great Siege of 1565. The eight point Crusade cross pftem associated with the Knights of Malta later became known as the Maltese Cross.

History

The history of Malta stretches back 7,000 years. Temples here predate the Egyptian pyramids and England’s Stonehenge. While the island does not have any natural inland fresh water source, the geography of the coastline has made it the perfect backdrop for speculation that sister-island Gozo is Calypso's island, from Homer's Odyssee. Read more...

Religion

St Paul and St Luke were shipwrecked here in 60 AD and Christianity has been the reigning religion on the island ever since. There is a church or chapel on practically every corner and 98% of the population follows the Catholic faith. and the capital city is named for a Grand Master of the Knights of St John, Jean Parisot de la Valette.

The University of Malta 

Malta has had a medical school since 1592, making the University of Malta one of the oldest universities in the world.

Grand Harbour

The Grand Harbour of Valletta has served as a British naval base and is one of the world's finest natural deep-water harbours.

Tips to keep in mind when visiting Malta

• Two tips for driving in Malta:
  • First: Driving in Malta is chaotic. Pre-plan your trips to avoid dangerous situations on the road.
  • Second: keep to the left-hand side of the road. (Although the Maltese will tell you they drive on the shaded side of the road)
• If you decide to go for a walk – the RTO signs mean Restricted to Outsiders
• The sea has no tides but carries with it some dangers (undertows in winter, caused by winds)
• Swim where the Maltese do and go with friends.
• Remember to wear sunscreen in summer
• As a courtesy in a predominantly religious country please do not wear beach clothes off the beach. Men - walking around bare chested is considered rude
• When visiting a church, you will be expected to wear tops with sleeves and preferably long trousers as opposed to shorts
• The best (and freshest) fruit and vegetables are sold by hawkers at the side of the road. Beware of hawkers that go around the more touristic villages (Bugibba, Qawra, Sliema and St. Julian's). Some are known to overcharge tourists - which is unfortunate and not very good branding for the country, but it happens everywhere
• When you take a taxi note the following: Black taxis offer fixed prices, while white taxis will charge you their own fees. White taxis are more common, so if you do end up taking one be sure to pre-arrange a price. You can negotiate a fee with them, but really only when other available white taxis are around
• Avoid unfriendly situations when taking the bus by making sure you pay for your fare with small change. Courtesy training is unfortunately wasted on a handful of bus drivers, which menas some aren't always on their best behaviour. Testimony to this is smoking behind the wheel - despite having affixed twenty-odd no smoking signs in the bus.