Malta

The Maltese Islands have two official languages, Maltese and English, and both are widely spoken.

As you tour the islands, you will realise that most locals have an excellent grasp of English, as well as Italian, so communicating here is generally very easy for visitors.

Of course, you could always have a go at learning some Maltese vocabulary – although, we warn you, it is a pretty complex language! Developed over hundreds of years, Maltese is a Semitic language written in Latin script. When you listen to someone speaking it you will easily spot the various influences, which include English, Italian, Arabic and French.

Malta is known for its typically-Mediterranean climate and 300 days of glorious sunshine every year.

Throughout the summer months the weather is hot, with temperatures rising well into the 30s and even 40s – so be sure to bring a high-factor sunscreen and loose clothing. In spring and autumn, the island is a little cooler with the odd shower, so it’s best to pack a couple of jumpers and maybe even a rain jacket. Malta’s winter season, which is coolest from December to February, can get a little chilly, so we recommend that you bring a thicker jacket – especially as this will encourage you to get out there and explore the Maltese countryside at its best!

As Malta is a small country, it is very easy to get around. You have lots of options to choose from, namely the public bus system, taxis, rental cars, and even ferries to different parts of the country.

The Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, is located in St Julian’s. Here, numerous buses pass close by, providing easy transport to other parts of the island, including Valletta, Sliema and Cirkewwa (which is where you would catch the ferry to Gozo). If you prefer a more tailored option, you could book a taxi at Reception or hire a car; this will give you complete flexibility to see the islands in your own way and at your own pace.

As for travelling by sea, there are several ferry options. A regular ferry operates from Cirkewwa in the north of Malta to Mgarr in Gozo. Additionally, a ferry runs between Sliema and Valletta (which is ideal for beating the traffic into the city), and from Valletta to the Three Cities.

The Maltese Islands are members of the Eurozone and adopted the Euro as their currency in 2008. The Euro is the only legal tender that can be used here.

Banks in Malta are usually open on Monday-Friday between 8am and 2pm, and on Saturday from 8am-noon, although some branches do stay open longer. ATMs can be found all over the island, while the huge majority of shops, restaurants and commercial outlets accept major credit cards.