| The Maltese archipelago lies virtually in the centre of the Mediterranean, consisting of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 420,000 inhabitants covering just over 300km2 in land area. The islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum as both rural and urban areas host the oldest free-standing structures in the world together with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces.
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Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre for the inhabitants. The capital city is Valletta, which was commissioned by Grandmaster La Vallette after the Great Siege of 1565. Gozo and Comino are more rural and characterised by fishing and agriculture.
The national language is Maltese but English is also an official language. The climate is typically Mediterranean, having mild winters and hot summers. Air Malta and other international airlines link Malta to the major European and North African cities with frequent direct flights.
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With superbly sunny weather, a thriving nightlife and intriguing history dating back to thousand of years, there is a always a great deal to see and do.
For further information about Malta click here.
Getting around
Malta is not very large, which makes getting around the island relatively easy.
The public bus service is a good way to go around as it goes practically everywhere at a cheap fare. For more information click
here.
The white taxi service can pick up passengers from anywhere and is based on fixed tariffs. A taxi service from the Malta International Airport to Valletta costs approximately €15. For more information on taxi fares click
here.
Renting a car is also a good option and all road signs are in English. Driving is on the left. Various car hires are available in Malta and tariffs vary from €16 - €28 per day.
18 June 2013
http://www.um.edu.mt/events/emf2012/aboutmalta
