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

Tourist Guide

The Mediterraneans best kept secret

MALTA GOZO COMINO

Helpful hints
Here are some dos and donts to ensure
that your stay is a pleasant one and free
from unnecessary difficult situations.

Index:
2:Helpful hints
3:Malta: Rabat & Mdina
4:Malta: Grand Harbour
6:Malta: North West
8:Malta: South East
10:Gozo and Comino
12:A-Z General Information
15:Public transport
16:Map of the Maltese
Islands

Adventure sports: including

rock climbing, cycling, trekking
available from various clubs. Best
to enquire at Tourist Information
Centres or at hotel reception.
Car Hire:When driving a hired
car please ensure that you adhere to the driving and parking
regulations of the country. Entering Valletta there is an automatic
CVA operated metre charging by
the hour.
Country walks:There are beautiful 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 diving 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 properly 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 attired. 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

Malta - Rabat & Mdina

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 museum entry fees. Always check
what is included in the price.
Parking attendants:When
parking at designated spots a
small tip to the parker is appropriate (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 possible pay bus driver with exact
change to speed up the process.
Water Sports Centres:are often
based at 4 or 5 star hotels located 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; amrun along High
Street; Mosta around the town
centre; Buibba and St Pauls Bay;
Victoria (Rabat) in Gozo. Shops
are normally open from Monday
to Saturday mornings and evenings. Opening times of shops
are usually between 9.00 12.00
and 16.00 19.00hrs. However,

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 restaurants, buses, cinemas, airport
and other public buildings.
Street salespersons:When approached in the street by salespersons 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 safely:Ensure that you are not conducting any of these activities in
areas exposed to maritime traffic. Some areas may be dangerous 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
Airports arrival lounge or else at
the Floriana Cruise Liner Terminal, one can book at the Taxi
Kiosk prior to boarding a taxi.
Elsewhere, it is advisable to ask
for an approximate fare beforehand.

Mdina:Bus N80, 81, 84

Maltas 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 citys
bastions one can absorb the panoramic view of Maltas north and
eastern landscape.
San Anton Garden:Attard Bus
N40, 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 gardens
inner gate also served as the
residence of the British Governor
and is presently the official residence 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 surrounds the historic Verdala
Castle built by Grand Master Verdalle in 1588. The Palace serves as
the official summer residence of
the President of Malta.

Heritage:
Rabat:Bus N80, 81
St Pauls Catacombs:Triq Sant
Agata
St Agathas Catacombs:
Triq Sant Agata.
St Pauls 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-Wesga
tal-Muew, Rabat. A museum
housing the remains of a Roman town house from the 1st
century BC 1st century AD.
Wignacourt Museum:Triq
il-Kulle. An ecclesiastical
museum related mostly to
objets dart from the Rabat
parish church.
Casa Bernard:Triq San Pawl.
An old house with interesting
antique furniture. Visits by appointment on tel. 21451888.
Mdina:Bus N80, 81
Natural History Museum:
Pjazza San Pubbliju.
Geological, fossil, insect and
animal exhibits housed within
the magnificent and historic
Vilhena Palace.
Palazzo Falson:Triq Villegaignon. 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 dart from the Cathedral while incorporating an
extensive numismatic collection.
Mdina Experience:a multi-visual show recounting the history
of Mdina.
Mdina Dungeons:a diorama
exhibition of prisons through
history.
Knights of Malta:a diorama
exhibition on the Knights of St
John.
Buskett
Cart ruts:Clapham Junction.
Tracks presumably carved out
in pre-history for transportation
purposes.

Gozo

Comino

Malta

Malta Grand Harbour area

Valletta:see bus routes on
page 2;
Maltas capital city is adorned
with beautiful baroque buildings and churches. Being a fortified peninsula, Valletta overlooks 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 Cospicua:Bus N1,2,3,4,6.
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 Maltas
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 Johns 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 Archaeology: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 Masters Palace:Triq irRepubblika. 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 theatre offers guided tours in the
mornings and theatrical performances on most evenings.
Casa Rocca Piccola:Triq irRepubblika. A 17th century
privately owned town house,
with antique furniture.
St. Pauls Church:Triq San
Pawl. Also accessible from Triq
Santa Lucija.
Carmelite Church:Triq itTeatru l-Antik.

The Malta Experience:Triq

il-Mediterran. A 45-minute
multi-visual show about the
story of Malta.
The Wartime Experience:Embassy Cinema Complex, Triq
Santa Lucija. A 45-minute
movie recounting the story of
Malta in World War II.
Knights Hospitallers:Mediterranean Conference Centre.
A walk-through diorama exhibition depicting the Knights
medical role in Malta.
The Great Siege of Malta &
the Knights of St John:Triq
it-Teorerija. A walk-through
diorama-style account of the
Order of St John during the
Great Siege of 1565.
Grand Harbour area:
The Hypogeum:Triq iimiterji, Paola. Bus N8, 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.heritagemaltashop.com.
Tarxien Megalithic Temples:
Triq it-Tempji Neolitici, Tarxien.
Bus N8, 11, 12. 27. Prehistoric
site dating to c. 4,000-2,500bc.
Inquisitors Palace:Triq ilMina il-Kbira, Vittoriosa, Bus
N1,2,4,6. The official residence
and Court of Law of the Inquisitor between 1571-1798.
Maritime Museum:Birgu Marina, Vittoriosa, Bus N1,2,4,6.
Housed inside the old Naval
Bakery built by the British
Military in the 19th century.

Malta At War Air Raid Shelters:Couvre Porte, Vittoriosa.

Bus N 1, 2, 4, 6.
Fort Rinella:Ricasoli, limits of
KalkaraBus N 4. A Victorian
fort animated by re-enactors.
Wickman Maritime Collection:Xgajra, limits of
abbar. Bus N 21. Visits by
appointment tel: 21690254.

Cinema Multiplex:

Theatres

Birgu (Vittoriosa):
Casin di Venezia
St. Julians:
Dragonara Casino,
Portomaso Casino
An id card must be presented.
Admittance for 18 years and over
only.

Manoel Theatre:Valletta
St James Cavalier:Valletta
Old University Theatre
(MITP):Valletta
Mediterranean Conference
Centre:Valletta
Catholic Institute Theatre:
Floriana
Temi Zammit Hall:University of
Malta, Msida

Promenades

Three cities:Vittoriosa and Senglea Marina; Grand Harbour

View
Ta Xbiex:Yacht Marina
Valletta Waterfront:Grand
Harbour view
St Julians to Gira:sea front

Valletta:Embassy Cinema Shopping Complex

St. Julians:Eden Century Cinema
Complex

Childrens Attractions:

Valletta:Toy Museum inRepublic

Street

Casinos

Public Gardens

Upper and Lower Barrakka

Gardens:provide a panoramic
view of the Grand Harbour
and the Cottonera area. Fort St.
Angelo and the Gardjola Bastion spearhead their respective
towns of Vittoriosa on the left

and Senglea on the right. At

noon a re-enactors unit dressed
in Victorian soldier uniforms
fire one of the saluting guns
situated beneath the viewing
gallery.
Hastings Garden:From this garden one gains a panoramic view
of Marsamxett Harbour, Ta
Xbiex Yacht Marina, Manoel
Island and the urban landscape
of Sliema, Floriana and the
hinterland.
Argotti Garden:Floriana.
Discover the different levels of
this garden. The garden at street
level affords a panoramic view
of the island. The lower level
also called St. Philips Garden
offers a serene ambience.
Sa Maison Garden:Floriana.
A perched garden nestled in
the outer fortification walls of
Valletta and Msida and Ta
Xbiex Yacht Marina. It provides
a charming atmosphere reminiscent of 19th century British
Malta.

Gozo

Comino

Malta

Malta north west

Melliea:Bus N43, 44, 45

This once rural village has
become a busy tourist town. Its
parish church, dedicated to our
Lady of Victory, is perched on
top of a hill and commands a
panoramic view of Melliea Bay
below, the island of Comino and
Gozo.
Mieba Bay:Bus N43, 44,
45 (stop outside Melliea 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
Melliea Bus N 441 from
Melliea Bay or walk for about
1 km
A small bay with a tiny sandy
beach and home to the Sweethaven Village set of Robert
Altmans Popeye film (1979). One
may enjoy both a visit to the film
set as well as a swim in the safe
clear waters.
St Pauls Islands:limits of St.
Pauls Bay, Bus N49, 44, 45
(stop at Buibba)
Two small islets situated off
Buibba. A 19th century statue
recalls the traditional belief
of St. Pauls shipwreck on the
island in 60ad. Boat trips to
the islands are available from
Buibba.

Wardija and San Martin

Ridge:Bus N49, 44, 45 (stop at
Burmarrad)
Two hamlets overlooking Burmarrad and St Pauls Bay, with
panoramic views of the countryside of Wardija Valley below.
Accessible by car but best for
trekking enthusiasts.
Golden Bay and Gajn Tuffiea
Bay:Bus N47, 53
Two beautiful sandy beaches,
which are very popular with
swimmers.
Binemma Heights:best
reached from Rabat Bus N80 or
Marr Bus N47
A ridge leading to the Victoria
Lines, built by the British in the
1890s, which offers a panoramic
view of Marr, a small farming
village. The Heights are accessible on foot or else by car.

World War II Air Raid Shelters:situated close to parish

church.
NAXXAR
Palazzo Parisio:a magnificent
Palazzo with beautiful gardens 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.

Childrens Attractions
Splash and Fun Water Park:
Baar i-agaq. Bus N70
Mediterraneo:dolphinarium
Baar i-agaq, Salina
Coast Road. Bus N70
Popeyes Village: limits of
Melliea Bay. Bus N441

nejna Bay:Bus N47 (limits of

Marr)
A sandy beach surrounded by
clay slopes and rocky cliffs. Best
reached by car, or on foot 30
minutes from Marr.

Casinos

Heritage

Gadira Nature Reserve:Melliea. Open

Saturdays and Sundays from
November till May.
Simar Nature Reserve:St.
Pauls Bay. Open Sundays
only from November till May.

MOSTA
The Rotunda Church:Mosta
parish church. Built in between
1833 -1860 in an impressive
neo-classical style inspired by
the Pantheon in Rome.
MARR
Ta arat Megalithic Temple: Marr, open Tuesdays
only, 9.3011.00hrs .
Skorba:prehistoric archaeological site. Open Tuesdays only,
11.3013.00hrs.

The Oracle Casino: Qawra. An

ID card must be presented.
Admittance for 18 years and
over only.

Bird sanctuaries

Cinema multiplexes
Empire Cinema Complex:
Pioneer Road, Buibba

Promenades

Buibba to Qawra seafront

Gozo

Comino

Malta south east

Malta
Birebbua:Bus N11, 13
Situated on the southern side of
Marsaxlokk Harbour, this seaside resort boasts of a beautiful
man-made sandy beach (Pretty
Bay) and a freeport container
terminal zone.
Siiewi:Bus N 89
One of the older villages of
Malta dominated by a beautiful 19th century parish church.
Ideal starting point for country

walks to neighbouring towns

and villages.
ejtun:Bus N 29, 30
The parish church of ejtun is
dedicated to St Catherine. Also
noteworthy is the much smaller
and ancient church known as St
Gregorys.
Marsaxlokk:Bus N 27 (627 from
Sliema Strand)
A quaint and popular fishing village offers picturesque scenery

of fishermens colourful boats

(luzzu pl. luzzijiet) tied to their
moorings in Maltas main fishing village.
Marsascala:Bus N19,17, 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 restaurants to try out.

Wied i-urrieq and Blue

Grotto:Bus N38, 138 (also Bus
N32, 34 up to the village of
urrieq and walk 20 minutes to
Wied i-urrieq)
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.
Gar Lapsi:Bus N 94, (also Bus
no 89 to Siiewi and walk 30
minutes)

A small cove tucked into the

cliffs beneath and west of
Mnajdra Temples. The area is
guarded by an impressive rocky
and hilly landscape.
Dingli Cliffs:Bus N 81
Dingli Cliffs form part of the
dramatic landscape of the southern coast of the Maltese Islands.
This is the highest area of the
Maltese Islands, c. 230 metres
above sea level.

Heritage

Tax-Xarolla Windmill: urrieq,

Bus N 32, 34. An old restored
windmill situated atop early
Christian catacombs. Open
Saturdays and Sundays 8am 12 pm only.
aar Qim Prehistoric
Temple:limits of Qrendi.
Megalithic site. Bus N38, 138
Mnajdra Prehistoric Temple:
A Megalithic site situated
some 500m away from aar
Qim, limits of Qrendi. Bus
N38, 138
Limestone Heritage:An old
quarry in Siiewi turned into
a diorama museum describing
the quality and use of Maltese
geological resources.
Gar Dalam:Bus N11, 12, 13
Limits of Birebbua. A cave
situated in a valley where bone

remains of animals dating

between 250,000- 10,000 years
ago were found.

Childrens Attractions
Playmobil Toy Fun Park:al
Far. Bus N13

Cinema Multiplexes:
Fgura:Tal-Lira Cinema, Gallarija Shopping Complex.

Promenades

Marsascala:sea front
urrieq to Blue Grotto:sea
front

Gozo

Comino

Malta

Gozo & Comino

Victoria:(Rabat) Bus N 25 from
Marr Harbour
This is Gozos commercial and
cultural capital. It is a reference
point for anyone who wants to
explore Gozo, whether on foot
or by car.

The Citadel, Victoria:(Rabat) Bus

N 25 from Marr Harbour
The Citadel is the fortified and
uppermost part of Victoria. This
enclosed fortified part of the
town boasts of a Cathedral, the
Gozo Law Courts, the old Bish-

ops Palace and a small number

of museums displaying various
Gozo related exhibits. Only a
handful of residents live in the
Citadel. From the ramparts one
may enjoy a 360 panoramic view
of the island.

Marr ix-Xini:limits of Xewkija

Bus N50, 51 (25 minutes walk
from Sannat)
A very narrow creek with a
small bay tucked in between the
rocky cliffs below Ta en area
in Sannat.

Ta en Cliffs:limits of Sannat
Bus N50, 51 (25 minutes walk
from Sannat)
A sheer precipice that drops
straight into the sea below. A
delightful location for bird
watchers.

Xlendi:Bus N87
A narrow creek which developed from a tiny fishing hamlet
into a fully-fledged seaside
resort. The bay is flanked by an
impressive cliff on one side.
Marsalforn:Bus N21
This summer resort enjoys both
a tiny sandy beach as well as an
interesting rocky coastline dotted with historic salt pans. The
bay is popular with Gozitans and
Maltese for its promenade.
Xwejni Bay:Bus N21 to Marsalforn and a 20 minute walk
This creek is one of those hidden charms of Gozo with coralline cliffs. It can be reached via
a stretch of salt pans which are
still harvested regularly.

Dwejra Bay:Bus N91 (Bus N1

and 2 up to San Lawrenz with a
20 minute walk)
A quaint and curious coastal
landscape with various interesting geological features such as
the Inland Sea, enclosed by cliffs
and connecting to the open
sea via a fissure; and the Azure
Window, carved out of the cliffs
by the waves over the millennia. Jutting out from the sea at
a small distance from the rocky
coast is Fungus Rock or ebla
tal-eneral.
Qala Belvedere:Bus N42, 43
A great location on the outskirts of the village of Qala
from where one may enjoy a
panoramic view of the GozoComino-Malta channel.
San Blas Cove:Bus N42, 43 to
Nadur and a 25 minute walk
A hidden but charming sloping
landscape that leads onto a tiny
sandy beach. Best reached on
foot, some 30 minutes distance
from Nadur.

Heritage:

VICTORIA
Cathedral and Museum: The
present cathedral was constructed between 1697 and 1711.
It is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady. A major
highlight is the trompe loeil
dome inside the church.
Old Prisons: built by the Knights
of St John and last used by the
British.
Archaeology Museum: Casa
Bondi, The Citadel. The
museum houses archaeological artefacts from Gozo,

amongst which the two famous

Neolithic statuettes found at
Xagra Circle in 1986.
The Natural History Museum:The Citadel. Exhibits
include a range of fossils,
stones and other geological
specimens from Gozo.
Gozos National Folklore
Museum:Domestic and old
industrial tools exhibited in a
mediaeval house.
St Georges Basilica: Consecrated in 1755, the church
situated in Rabat centre, is
impressively covered in marble,
with a bronze and gilded
canopy over the altar.
Gozo 360:a multi-visual show
on the history of Gozo.
XAGRA
gantija Temples:possibly the
oldest free-standing megalithic
structures in the world, dating
to around 4000bc.
Ta Kola Windmill: a restored
old windmill, that once served
also as a residence and now
exhibiting traditional tools.
Ninus Cave:Triq Jannar.
Xerris Grotto:Triq l-Gar Ta
Xerri. Both small caves are
replete with stalactites and
stalagmites.
Calypsos Cave:Xagra, Bus
N64, 65. Situated on the
cliff s edge on the outskirts of
Xagra. According to tradition
this tiny cave was reputedly the
place where Homers Ulysses
lived for years with the nymph
Calypso. The place serves as a
belvedere overlooking Ramla
l-amra below, a sandy beach
that takes its name from the
reddish colour of the sand.

NADUR
Ta Kelinu Grima Maritime
Collection:Nadur.
Gajnsielem
Gozo Heritage:A walkthrough
diorama experience.
GARB
Ta Pinu Church:limits of Garb.
An impressive neo-classical
church and Gozos most popular place of pilgrimage.
Garb Folklore Museum: Old
and traditional implements
are exhibited in an old cottagestyle house situated in the
village centre.

Childrens Attractions
Pomskizilious Toy Museum:Xagra, Gozo: Bus
N64, 65

Cinema Multiplex:

Citadel Cinema:Victoria, Gozo

Theatres

Astra Theatre:Victoria
Aurora Theatre:Victoria

Promenades

Marsalforn seafront

Comino Island

This barren island is practically

uninhabited except for a resort
hotel, but is very popular with
swimmers and divers. A historic
watch tower built in the early
17th century once guarded its
coast.
The Blue Lagoon:With its
silver sandy sea bed, the
sea gives the illusion of a
turquoise-silvery swimming
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 available. Tel: 21249600.

Electricity

BEACHES IN GOZO:
Ramla l-amra:reachable from
both Xagra as well as Nadur
Xlendi Bay:via Fontana
Marsalforn Bay:from Rabat
Marr ix-Xini:reachable from
Xewkija

These are normally open for

business from 8.30am to 12.30pm
Mondays to Saturdays except on
public holidays.

Traditional and Local Craft

Centres
Malta:
Crafts Village, Ta Qali;
Exhibition Centre, St Johns
Square, Valletta
Gozo:
Ta Dbiei, Garb; Fontana
Cottage Industry - en route to
Xlendi; Victoria Crafts Centre,
Victoria

Beaches

Communications

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

Generally speaking, Maltas

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 island or on Gozo. Maltas 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:
Gadira Bay:l/o Melliea
Golden Bay:Gajn Tuffiea,
nejna Bay:l/o Marr;
Mieba:l/o Melliea;
Armier Bay:l/o Melliea
Paradise Bay:l/o irkewwa
Pretty Bay:Birebbua
St Georges Bay:St Julians
Peters Pool:l/o Marsaxlokk

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 Office branch situated at Castille
Square is open Monday to Friday
8.15 hrs- 15.45 hrs; Saturday:
8.15hrs 12.30hrs.
Telephone-overseas calls:
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. Maltas international dialling code is +356.
Internet Cafes:To be found
at various localities including:

Valletta Sliema Gozo. Also

available in most 4 & 5 star accommodations.

Disabled persons

Recently built hotels and public

places have ramps and other
amenities such as elevators to
accommodate wheelchairbound persons. One must check
beforehand whether places of
interest, due to the nature of
their historic architecture or
surroundings, can accommodate
wheelchair bound persons.

Eating and drinking

Valletta and all the tourist areas

offer a wide selection of quality
restaurants to suit the budgetconscious 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 traditional 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
Brajoli:Beef Olives filled with a
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 consulates

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 possession of a Health Insurance Card
when requiring medical care
at one of the public hospitals
or clinics. A medical insurance 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:
Mater Dei Hospital:Tal-Qroqq,
Malta. Call on: 25450000.
Craig Hospital: Victoria, Gozo.
Call on 21561600.
Health Clinics:Paola, Mosta,
Floriana, Gira and Victoria
(Rabat) Gozo. There are also
private hospitals and clinics.
Ask at hotel reception for assistance.
Pharmacies:In general, these
open during normal shop hours.
On Sunday one pharmacy is
open for each of the specified 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, Floriana: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:
21249600 (Freephone)
Overseas operator:1152
Police:191
Sedqa:151 (addiction related help)
Veterinary Services, emergency: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 Requirements

European Union citizens require
only an ID card or a passport to
enter Malta. For visa requirements, if any, please consult
www.mfa.gov.mt or else contact:
visa.mfa@gov.mt.

Public holidays

1 January-New Years Day

10 February-Feast of St Pauls
Shipwreck
19 March-Feast of St. Joseph
31 March-Freedom Day
March-April-Good Friday
1 May-Workers Day

7 June-Sette Giugno Commemoration

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 Immaculate Conception
13 December-Republic Day
25 December-Christmas Day

Religious Feasts (festi)

These are spread throughout the

year, but most take place in between June and mid-September.
Feasts are more often than not
held over a long weekend.

Religious Services

Church of England:St Pauls

Anglican Pro-Cathedral,
Independence Square, Valletta);
Holy Trinity Church, Rudolph
Street, Sliema. For more information: www.anglicanmalta.
org.
Church of Scotland:Methodist
and Free Churches. 210 Old
Bakery Street, Valletta.
Evangelical (Lutheran):Protestant Church of Germany
Greek Orthodox:Church of St
George, 83 Merchants Street,
Valletta.
Mosque:Paola. Tel: 21672163,
21697203/5 or www.islamicfinder.org for info regarding
time of prayer.
Synagogue:Tel: 7959 5186
Hindu:Maltese-Indian Community 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 Patricks Church,
Sliema; St. Pauls 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, Merchant Street, Valletta
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.
VallettaMerchants Street. Open
daily.
VictoriaGozo (It-Tokk). Open
daily.
Vittoriosa (Birgu)close to bus
terminus. Open on Tuesdays.
Qorminear St Sebastian Parish
Church. Open on Saturdays.
VallettaSt James Ditch. Open
on Sundays.
Marsaxlokkalong the waterfront. Open on Sundays.
Vittoriosa (Birgu)flea market
at Fortini Football Ground open
on Sundays.
Marsascalaflea market at
Razzett tal-biberija. 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
Air travel:www.airmalta.com, www.maltairport.com
Gozo:www.gozo.com, www.gozochannel.com
Malta:www.visitmalta.com, www.gov.mt
Weather:www.maltairport.com, www.maltaweather.com

Sports
Football:National Football Stadium, Ta Qali limits of Rabat, Bus
N 80, 81
Golf:Marsa Sports Club Golf
Course, Bus N 1 - 34
Waterpolo:National Swimming Pool Complex, University
Grounds, Tal-Qroqq
Horse Racing:Marsa, Malta and
Gajnsielem, Gozo
Tennis:Kordin, limits of Paola;
Marsa Sports Club, Marsa.

Tourist Information
Centres

Malta International Airport:Arrivals Lounge or call

on 23696073, 23696074
Valletta:City Gate or call on
21237747
Victoria, Gozo:Tirija Palazz or
call on 2156 1419
Freephone:80072230

Time zone

Maltas time is set according to

Central European Time (cet).
Summer time starts on the last
Sunday of March and ends on
the last Sunday of October.

Transport
Public Bus Transport:
Malta:The main bus terminus
in Valletta provides service
to all towns and villages at

Public Transport
BUS ROUTES (BY NUMBERS)
frequent intervals. Direct
bus services are available
from various tourist areas to
Rabat, Marsaxlokk, irkewwa
ferry, Qawra and Buibba.
There are also buses running
from Buibba to Golden Bay.
adt bus routes information
brochures are obtainable from
Valletta Bus Terminus or from
Tourist Information Centres.
Gozo:One may catch a bus from
Marr Harbour to Victoria
(Rabat), where it is possible to
reach most outlying villages.
Please note that buses in Gozo
do not run as frequently as in
Malta.

is provided according to weather

conditions.

Taxis:White Taxi Service - call

on 23696071. White taxi are privately run. Taxis may be found at
various locations including:
Valletta:City Gate; St. Johns cocathedral; Palace Square and
at Sea Terminal
Airport:terminal
Sliema:the Strand
St. Julians:Spinola, Paceville
Gozo:Marr Harbour; bus terminus, Victoria; Marsalforn Bay

Leisure boat trips providing

various alternative routes for
sight seeing are provided especially from the Strand Sliema
and Buibba, St. Pauls Bay
area. These provide a variety of
sight seeing and leisure trips.

Karozzini:Horse drawn cabs

operating on sight-seeing tours
of the following towns:
Valletta:stationed at City Gate;
Palace Square; Valletta Water
Front
Sliema:stationed at the Strand
St Julians:stationed at St Julians
Bay
Mdina:stationed at Mdina Gate
Leisure Boat Trips:Dgajsa (pronounced dah-i-sah) trips: From
Birgu, Senglea and Cruise-liner
Terminal. Call on: 99499219;
99893134; 79620034.

Sicily Travel

Sicily is situated 90 kilometres

north of Malta. One may reach
Sicily either by air or else by sea.
For further details and schedules
please visit:
www.airmalta.com
www.virtuferries.com

1, 2

3

4

6

8
11, 12, 13

15

17

18
19, 20

21

27
29, 30
32, 34

35

36

38

40

42

43

44

45

47

49

52

55

56

57
58, 59

60

62

63

64
66, 67

68

71
73, 74

75

Seaplane:From Valletta Waterfront to Marr Gozo. Phone

HarbourAir on 21228308

80

81

84

88

89

91

98

115

127

138
141, 142

145
158, 157

159
169
198

Ferry Boats:The Strand, Sliema

to Marsamxett jetty, Valletta.
Trip duration 4 minutes. Service

Valletta City Cab:call on

21333321; 79333321. An inner City
service using small white electric
cabs.
Gozo Channel ferry:Timetable
enquiries: 2158 0435 (irkewwa);
2156 1622 (Marr)

375
449
667
671

Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Senglea (L-Isla)
Kalkara
Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Airport, Gudja
Birebbua
Santa Lucia
Marsascala (via onqor
Point)
abbar
Marsascala
Xgajra
Marsaxlokk
ejtun
urrieq
Qrendi
Luqa
Wied I-urrieq
Attard
Birkirkara
Melliea
Gadira
irkewwa
Gajn Tuffiea
Buibba
Marr
Naxxar
Gargur
Mosta (Sta. Margherita)
Buibba
Sliema (Savoy)
Paceville
Sliema (Savoy)
Swieqi
St. Julians
Baar I-agaq
Birkirkara
Balzan
Hospital- Mater Dei &
University, Tal-Qroqq
Rabat
Dingli
Mtarfa
ebbu
Siiewi
Qormi
Valletta ring road, Floriana
Birebbua
Marsaxlokk (via Qajjenza)
Wied I-urrieq
Birkirkara
irkewwa
Mosta
Buibba
Swatar via Msida
Valletta ring road
(via waterfront)
Mqabba
Buibba
St. Andrews
Swieqi

DESTINATION (ALPHABETICAL)
Airport, Gudja:8
Anchor Bay:441*
Attard:40
Birkirkara:141, 142
Baar I-agaq:68
Balzan:73, 74, 80, 81
Birgu(Vittoriosa):1, 2, 4, 6
Birkirkara:42, 71, 141, 142
Birebbua:11, 12, 13, 115
Blue Grotto, urrieq:38, 138
Bormla (Cospicua):1, 2, 3, 4
Buibba:159, 449, 49, 58, 59
Burmarrad:49, 44, 45
irkewwa:45, 145
Cospicua (Bormla):1, 2, 3, 4
Dingli:81
Gadira:44
Gajn Tuffiea (Golden Bay):
47, 52
Gargur:55, 56
Gar Lapsi:94, 89
nejna Bay (up to Marr):47
Golden Bay (Gajn Tuffiea):
47, 52
Gudja:8
amrun:71, 88, 89, 91
Kalkara:4
Luqa:36
Marsascala:17, 19,20
Marsaxlokk:27, 127, 627
Mdina (up to Rabat):80, 81, 84
Melliea:43, 44, 45
Marr:47, 52, 54
Mosta:158
Mqabba:35, 38, 138
Mtarfa:84
Naxxar:54
Paceville:62
Qormi:88, 89, 91
Qrendi:35
Rabat:80, 81
Santa Lucia:15, 115
Savoy:60, 63, 163
Senglea:3
Siiewi:89
St Pauls Bay:49, 44, 45
St. Andrews:66, 67, 68
St. Julians:66, 67
Swieqi:64
Valletta ring road:98, 198
Vittoriosa (Birgu):1, 2, 4, 6
ejtun:27, 29, 30
abbar:17, 18, 19, 21
ebbu:88, 89
urrieq:32, 34
Xagjra:21
















 












$*5

















 


Normal fare:
Zone A: 0.47 - Lm0.20
Zone B: 0.54 - Lm0.23
Zone C: 0.58 - Lm0.25
Day tickets:
1 day: 3.49 - Lm1.50
3 days: 9.32 - Lm4.00
5 days: 11.65 - Lm5.00
7 days: 13.98 - Lm6.00

Gozo bus routes:

BUS ROUTES (BY NUMBERS)

1, 2, 91 Garb

14 Kerem, Santa Luija

21 Marsalforn

25 Marr Harbour (Ferry)

42 Ramla
42, 43 Gajnsielem, Nadur,
Qala, Xewkija
50, 51 awla, Sannat, Munxar
64, 65 Xagra

87 Xlendi

91 Dwejra

91 Gasri

91 San Lawrenz

91 ebbu





&
"5
(


:

 

















DESTINATION (ALPHABETICAL)

Sannat, Munxar, awla:50, 51

Dwejra:91
Garb:1, 2, 91
Gajnsielem:42, 43
Gasri:91
Kerem:14
Marsalforn:21
Marr Harbour (Ferry):25
Nadur:42, 43
Qala:42, 43
Ramla:42
San Lawrenz:91
Santa Luija:14
Xagra:64, 65
Xewkija:42, 43
Xlendi:87
ebbu:91

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. Pauls 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

Winter

High

Low

16-18

10-12

spring 18-25

13-20

summer 25-33

22-23

autumn 22-30

12-19

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.