With a hot Mediterranean climate and glimmering coastline, Malta is an ideal resort even without its 6,000 years worth of neolithic ruins, ancient temples and medieval churches. Branded as the ‘island of sun and history’, the Republic of Malta is in fact an archipelago of around twenty islands, though only three are inhabited.
They are the last remaining peaks of a former land bridge between Sicily and North Africa. Their steep underwater relief makes them an ideal base for diving, particularly as its past use as a major naval base means there are some superb wrecks to explore from the two world wars. The compact capital Valletta, a UNESCO world heritage site named ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’, is a wonder unto itself, while the sleep sister island of Gozo is a greener, more peaceful answer to the sprawl of resorts along the Maltese coast.
The economy is very much dependent on foreign trade, as the island imports the majority of its food, fresh water and energy to support its 400,000 population. As such, the wheels have been greased to make international business as easy as possible and Maltese people are open to both new ideas and opportunities. It has an expanding financial service sector and is in active discussion about commercial exploration of its submerged continental shelf and foreign businessman are by and large made to feel right at home.
Getting there
Malta International Airport has regular connections to most of Europe and North Africa. There are regular sea links from Italy and a circular route Tunis-Malta-Genoa.
Getting around
Boats and buses link the islands and main population centres. Car hire is cheap but driving can be a stressful experience as Maltese drivers generally don’t respect the rules of the road.
Local information
Language: Maltese, English
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Oceanic Mediterranean. Hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters. Temperature: Max 29°C (August), Min 10°C (January). Rainfall: Max 110mm (December), Min 0mm (July)
Currency: Euro
Business etiquette: Shake hands when greeting or leaving. Dress conservatively; business suits are standard, shirt and tie only in hot weather. Punctuality is expected and appointments should be booked at least a week in advance. English is widely used in business circles.
Tipping: 10-15 percent in restaurants. 10 percent in taxis.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 1l wine; 60ml perfume; 250ml eau de toilette. Prohibited import of animals, birds, transmitting equipment, plants or meat products.
Safety: Crime is low. If travelling to Malta in response to unsolicited business proposals seek legal advice before proceeding.
Laws: Penalties for drug offences are strict and include imprisonment.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus and diphtheria required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Free healthcare for Australians due to reciprocal health agreement. The Maltese authorities actively advertise the island as a medical tourism destination. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.
Socket type: Type G
