A–Z Travel Tips
A
Accommodation (see also Camping and Youth Hostels, and for Recommended Hotels, click here)
There is a full range of accommodation in Malta, from five-star hotels to a wide choice of self-catering options. All establishments offering accommodation are classified by the Maltese Hotel and Catering Establishments Board (HCEB) against a pre-determined set of criteria conforming to international standards. Standards of service are also rated, from De Luxe (the highest standard), to Gold, then Bronze (the lowest). www.visitmalta.com is a useful booking guide.
Hotels. Hotels are classified from one to five stars. Hotels in class one or two may not have rooms with private facilities. Always make enquiries before making a firm booking. Hotels in the higher star ratings will be well-equipped, though the rating does not reflect the quality of the facilities. Prices are normally quoted per person per night. When room rates are quoted, they include continental breakfast. High season, when prices are highest, is from mid-July to the end of September. Low season is from November to the end of March, but prices will rise at Christmas and Easter. Most hotels are available on holiday packages from Europe.
Many hotels offer full-board for relatively little extra cost. However, eating out is inexpensive on the islands and offers more of an experience.
Self-catering options. Self-catering is a popular choice, whether simple studios, apartments in small blocks, apart-hotels (with hotel-style accommodation and some units with kitchens), self-catering holiday complexes with restaurants, pools, etc., or renovated farmhouses in the countryside – a particular favourite on Gozo. Many of these are several hundred years old but renovated to provide spacious rooms, bathrooms and a pool. Most are set in picturesque locations. For farmhouse rentals on Gozo try Gozo Farmhouses (3 Triq i-Imġarr, Għajnsielem, Gozo, tel: 2156 1280, www.gozofarmhouses.com).
Airport
Malta International Airport (MLT, www.maltairport.com) at Gudja, 10km (6 miles) southeast of Valletta, serves the whole of the archipelago. For flight enquiries tel: 5230 2000.
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal; buy a voucher at a desk inside the terminal and present it to the driver. It takes around 10 minute to get to Valletta (€15), 20 minutes to Sliema (€20) and 40 minutes to the Gozo Ferry Terminal (€40). Direct bus routes are available from the airport terminal to most main tourist destinations. For details, see www.maltairport.com.
B
Bicycle Rental
Cycling is an easy and fun way to get around, particularly on Gozo with its quieter roads.
Budgeting for Your Trip
Malta and Gozo are inexpensive by European standards with food, excursions and attractions offering good value for money.
Car rental: (small vehicle) around €200 per week in August.
Entrance fee for state museums: €5–10.
Commercial attractions: around €7–12 for adults.
A three-course dinner for two without drinks in a moderate restaurant: €50.
Room rate during peak season in a moderate hotel, including breakfast, per person per night: €50–115. Full board can be as little as €12 extra.
Alcoholic drinks: €2.50; non-alcoholic drinks: €1.50
Horse and buggy tour: €15 for the first 30 minutes.
Island tour by bus: €20 per person.
Harbour boat tour: around €15 per person.
Open water dive course (five days): €340 for one accompanied diver; €16 for full equipment rental for the day.
There are several websites offering daily deals in Malta, which is ideal for getting money-off vouchers and discounts for meals, tours and even retail. Visit www.deal.com.mt or www.dealtoday.com.mt.
C
Camping
There is only one organised campsite on the Maltese islands, located at L’Aħrax in Mellieħa, one of the remotest and quietest parts of the country. Occupying approximately 12 acres of land, the campsite (www.maltacampsite.com) has numerous facilities, including showers and toilets. There are also dorms (for 6–10 people) that can be rented for around €15 per adult per night (based on 1-2 nights, €10 for longer stays).
Car Hire
Car hire is on par with most other European countries. In August, hiring a small car will cost around €200 per week if rented on arrival at the airport. When booking in advance online, the cost can be around €80. Collision damage waiver is fairly expensive (around €14 per day) but will be worth it for the peace of mind. Road conditions can make driving challenging (for more information, click here), although you will have greater freedom.
All the major car-hire companies have offices on the island. Some have desks at the airport, and it is possible to pick up a car on arrival. A number of the larger companies offer more competitive rates if you reserve from home.
Avis, tel: 2567 7550, www.avis.com.mt
Europcar, tel: 2576 1000, www.europcar.com.mt
Hertz, tel: 2131 4636, www.hertz.com.mt
Percius Car Hire, tel: 2144 2530, www.percius.com
Meli Car Rentals, tel: 2258 0300, www.meligroup.com
Most companies have age limits between 25 and 70. Your national driving licence will be acceptable. If you rent in Malta you can take the car to Gozo on the ferry.
Climate
Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Even winter days may have long bouts of sunshine. The short spring is characterised by sunny days with cool breezes. By May the rain ceases until October and the temperature rises. Summer heat can be exacerbated by warm winds from North Africa, but the situation is mitigated by sea breezes, which cool off the coastal areas.
Clothing
You will obviously need swimwear for the beach or pool, but walking around town in swimwear is unacceptable. In spring or autumn, bring a couple of extra layers – warmer trousers and a sweater or jacket for chillier days (it can be breezy) and to wear in the evenings when it can get cooler. In the winter you need a layer of warm clothing and protection against rain. In the evening, casual clothes are acceptable in most establishments. However, if you intend to eat at some of the finer restaurants, the code words are ‘smart casual’ – a jacket for men (ties are rarely required) and ‘dressy’ ensemble for women is appropriate. Enquire about dress code when you book.
If you intend to visit churches make sure that you are appropriately dressed. This means no swimwear, and both sexes must have their shoulders covered. Men should take off hats when entering a church.
Crime and Safety
Malta is relatively crime-free, but petty crime such as handbag snatching is on the increase in tourist areas and it pays to take precautions. Put your valuables in the hotel safe if there is one. Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and never leave valuables unattended on beaches or visible in a car. Walk only on well-lit streets at night. If you are a victim of crime, report it to the police immediately.
D
Driving
Driving is not for the faint-hearted, but can be rewarding since you can make your own timetable and visit major sites when large tour groups have departed. Points to remember are the general poor driving ability of the nation, and the sheer number of vehicles. Lane discipline is poor; drivers pull out of junctions in front of you or turn off without using indicators; running red lights is common. Vehicles are often in poor condition, resulting in feeble acceleration, noise and belching exhaust fumes. Road signs for major attractions are intermittent, and many streets look identical, which can make map-reading a challenge. However, Malta is such a small island that you are never really lost. Most local people are approachable and happy to point you in the right direction.
If you are bringing in your own car be sure to remember your driving licence, insurance certificates including Green Card and registration documents. Customs make thorough checks of car documents on entering and leaving Malta.
Road Conditions. Drive on the left and overtake on the right. Roads have not yet been given official classifications but on most maps are either red (major), yellow (secondary), or white (country). Road conditions vary widely. Major roads can be good but prone to subsidence in coastal areas. Minor or country roads may be poor, with numerous potholes. Roads in white on maps will be dirt tracks. Drive cautiously and be prepared for the unexpected.
Rules and Regulations. There are speed limits of 80kph (50mph) on highways and 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, although many people drive much faster. Always be prepared to travel much slower on country lanes. Be constantly vigilant. Drivers and all passengers must use seat belts. Motorcycle riders must wear a crash helmet.
In most towns and villages there are one-way systems, making a direct route through town impossible.
If you are involved in an accident, call the police (tel: 112) and traffic wardens (tel: 2132 0202). Do not move your vehicle until they arrive. This causes mayhem for other road users but it is important to obtain a police report to settle any claims that may arise.
Fuel Costs. Petrol costs around €1.40 per litre for unleaded. Fuel stations are open Mon–Sat 7am–6pm. Service stations have automatic pumps that take €5 or €10 notes for petrol service after hours.
Parking. It may be hard to find a space in main tourist resorts and the capital. Street parking is permitted unless there are posted restrictions – these include residents-only parking. A yellow line at the roadside means No Parking. Most new larger hotels have car parks for guests’ use but smaller, older hotels may not. Leaving a car on the street is not a problem as far as security is concerned (don’t leave valuables in your car), but finding a space near your hotel could be.
Parking in Valletta is difficult and controlled by the council through a colour-coded system – it is advisable to pay strict attention to it. Green boxes are purely for residents, while blue boxes can be used by visitors between 7am–7pm. White boxes are usable at all hours. There is an underground car park near the bus station, and parking along the city wall by Marsamxett Harbour. It is best to leave a car at one of these places and enter the city on foot. Most major sites outside Valletta have a parking area, often manned by unofficial parking attendants wearing peaked hats, who orchestrate your arrival and departure for a small sum – €1 is usual. Traffic control and enforcement of parking restrictions are the duties of local wardens, who wear brown uniforms with a yellow reflective sash.
Road Signs. Malta uses international road signs, and many will be instantly understandable. Official signs are in English.
If You Need Help. In the event of a breakdown, there are many mechanics on Malta who will tow your vehicle and make on-the-spot repairs for a reasonable price, but it is advisable to speak to your car rental agency about who you should contact.
E
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts/50 cycles and the British style 3-pin, 13-amp socket is standard.
Embassies and Consulates
Australia: Australian High Commission, Ta’Xbiex Terrace, Ta’Xbiex, tel: 2133 8201, www.malta.embassy.gov.au
New Zealand: Consulate, Villa Hampstead, Oliver Agius Street 16, Attard, tel: 2143 5025, www.nzcmalta.com
United Kingdom: British High Commission, Whitehall Mansions, Ta’Xbiex, tel: 2323 0000, email: bhcvalletta@fco.gov.uk
US: Embassy of the United States, Ta’ Qali National Park, Attard, ATD 4000, tel: 2561 4000
Emergencies
In an emergency, dial 112 for all services and tel: 2132 0202 to report traffic accidents.
G
Gay and Lesbian Travellers
Malta is a conservative Catholic country, and same-sex relationships could be shocking for many residents. However, there is a noticeable gay community, and a small number of gay-friendly bars can be found in the tourist resort areas of Paceville, St Julian’s and Valletta. The Gay Malta website, www.gaymalta.org, carries all of the latest information.
Getting There
By Air. The national carrier is Air Malta (www.airmalta.com). It operates a number of services to Europe and North Africa, and has regular flight connections with the following cities: London Heathrow/Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Manchester in the UK; Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, Rome and Vienna among others. All these connections allow for easy onward travel from destinations in the US (Air Malta has partnership agreements with TWA via London Gatwick or Milan Malpensa), Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The flying time from London is around three hours.
Other airlines that operate scheduled services to Malta include: Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa. Low-cost airlines include Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2 and Thomas Cook.
Gozo has no airport, but a seaplane provides a scheduled service from Valletta’s Grand Harbour to Mġarr harbour, Gozo.
Charter flights. Several operators, including Thompson, fly to Malta from Europe all year round, with extra flights in summer but can be booked only with hotels/self-catering accommodation as part of the package. As subsidiaries of Air Malta, Belleair Holidays (www.belleair.co.uk) and Malta Direct (www.maltadirect.com) offer year-round flights and package holidays to the Maltese islands.
By Sea. Malta is linked by ferry services with mainland Italy and Sicily. The much quicker connection is from Pozzallo (90 minutes) and Catania (2.5 hours) in southern Sicily with a high-speed car/passenger service that sails daily, weather permitting. The service extends to Reggio Calabria, Italy, weekly. It is operated by Virtu Ferries, Malta (tel: 2206 9022, www.virtuferries.com). The car ferry has good facilities, cabins and a restaurant.
A number of cruise lines offer Malta on their Mediterranean itineraries. These include Fred Olsen Lines, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Cunard.
By Car. If you travel with your own vehicle no bond is required as long as you are staying for less than three months. A Green Card is necessary to extend your insurance cover so your vehicle is covered for third party while you are driving overseas. Be prepared for customs to check your documents and insurance cover as you enter the islands.
By Rail. Rail services connect to the ports of ferries (for more information, click here) sailing to Malta from Italy and Sicily (Catania). It is a time-consuming way to travel, although Italian trains always run on schedule.
Guides and Tours
A number of reliable companies offer daily tours around the island or to Gozo. These normally include a guide, but the quality of guides varies. The Malta Tourism Authority licences a number of guides; contact them for more details. Captain Morgan Cruises offer a full programme of tours by air, sea or on land (Dolphin Court, Tigné Seafront, Sliema, tel: 2346 3333, www.captainmorgan.com.mt). Gozo Jeep Tours (45 St Lucy Street, St Lucia, Kercem, Gozo, tel: 9945 6809, www.gozo.com/jeeptours) offer tailor-made tours of the island, catering for specific interests or just general sightseeing.
H
Health and Medical Care
Health concerns. There are no serious health concerns to worry about when you visit Malta. In summer the sun is strong, and even early or late in the season it is sensible to take precautions against sunburn. Limit your time in the sun during your first few days, apply sunscreen regularly, and carry clothing to cover your skin should it begin to burn. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Don’t forget that the effects of the sun can penetrate water – so you still need protection in the pool or the sea. Always make sure that young children are adequately protected while playing. Mosquitoes can be a problem; always carry insect repellent with you.
The standard of general medical facilities is good and all medical personnel speak excellent English. There is one general hospital on Malta and one on Gozo. There are also several health centres open 24 hours a day for minor health problems/accidents. In an emergency dial 196 for medical assistance.
Mater Dei Hospital, B’Kara By-pass, B’Kara MSD 2090, tel: 2545 0000.
Gozo General Hospital, Għajn Qatet Street, Victoria, tel: 2156 1600.
Vaccinations. No vaccinations are normally needed unless you are arriving from a cholera- or yellow fever-infected area and are within six days of leaving that area.
Water. Although it is safe to drink the tap water, it does not always taste pleasant. Bottled mineral water is available everywhere.
Insurance. Nationals of EU countries are entitled to reciprocal health care in public hospitals and from medical practitioners who are part of the national health care service. You need a European Heath Card (EHIC), obtainable online at www.ehic.org.uk, and also from post offices in the UK. However, this does not cover all eventualities and you should also have a comprehensive insurance policy that covers accidents and illness, among other things. Malta also has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.
A range of over-the-counter drugs is available to treat everyday ailments, and pharmacists will be able to advise you about minor ailments. Most prescription drugs are available on the islands. A letter from your doctor will be needed for a prescription to be issued by a Maltese doctor. Pharmacists are open during normal store hours and a few also open on Sunday mornings (for more details, visit http://health.gov.mt).
L
Language
There are two official languages in Malta: Maltese or Malti – the national language, an ancient language that is related to Arabic and written in the Roman script – and English, which is spoken fluently by most of the population.
Many street names and signs in major towns are printed in both Malti and English, but not all, so it helps to have a basic understanding of how certain letters and words are pronounced. This will certainly help you when you need to ask someone for directions, although local people will usually go out of their way to make sure that you are heading in the right direction.
ċ – like ch in child
g – as in good
ġ – like j in job
għ – silent
h – silent, unless at the end of a word (h as in hello)
ħ – h as in have
j – like y in year; aj like igh in high; ej like ay in say
q – almost silent – like a very faint kh-sound; a bit like the Cockney glottal stop in ‘ain’t it’
x – like sh in shop
z – ts
ż – z
Common Town and Site Names
The Maltese like to hear at least the names of their towns and villages pronounced properly. Here is a list of the main sites mentioned in this book.
Birżebbuġa bir-zeb-boo-ja
Borġ in-Nadur borj in nah-dure
Buġibba boo-jib-ba
Ġgantija j’gan-tee-ya
Għadira add-eer-ra
Għajn Tuffieħa ayn tuff-ee-ha
Għar Dalam ar da-lam
Għar Lapsi ar lap-see
Għarb arb
Haġar Qim ha-jar-keem
Marsamxett mar-sam-shet
Marsaxlokk mar-sash-lok
Mdina im-dee-na
Mellieħa mel-lee-ha
Mġarr im-jar
Mnajdra im-niy-dra
Naxxar nash-shar
Qala ah-la
Qawra ow-ra
Qormi or-mee
Siġġiewi sij-jeer-wee
Tarxien tar-sheen
Xagħra sha-ra
Xewkija show-kiya
Xlendi shlen-dee
Żebbuġ zeb-booj
Żejtun zay-toon
A Few Everyday Expressions
Maltese pronunciation
good morning bongu bon-joo
good evening bonswa bon-swa
yes iva ee-va
no le le
please jekk jogħġbok yek yoj-bok
thank you grazzi grat-see
excuse me skużi skoo-zee
Where is...? Fejn hu...? fayn oo
right lemin le meen
left xellug shel-loog
straight ahead dritt il-quddiem drit il ood-deem
How much? Kemm? kemm
Numbers
0 Xejn shayn
1 Wieħed wee-hed
2 Tnejn tnayn
3 Tlieta tl-ear-ta
4 Erbgħa er-ba
5 Ħamsa hum-sa
6 Sitta sit-ta
7 Sebgħa seb-ba
8 Tmienja tmeen-ya
9 Disgħa dis-sa
10 Għaxra arsh ra
M
Maps
The Malta Tourism Authority prints a number of maps and short guides that are perfect for exploring the major towns on foot. If you require a map for touring by car, there is a range available from tourist shops. None of these maps has comprehensive coverage of the one-way systems in each town or village, but they are helpful for getting from place to place.
Media
Newspapers. The main Maltese English-language newspapers are The Times (www.timesofmalta.com) and The Independent (www.independent.com.mt). Both tend to concentrate on local issues, covering international news in brief. Most major hotels and newsagents sell the major British dailies on the evenings of the day they are printed. The International Herald Tribune is also available, but major American newspapers are more difficult to find.
TV. Most hotels offer a satellite service with CNN and the BBC, German, Italian, French and Arabic channels.
Money
Cash. The official currency of Malta and Gozo was the Maltese Lira but on 1 January 2008 changed to the Euro, bringing Malta in line with other European Union countries. Notes are denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100; coins in 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be imported into Malta, provided large sums (over €10,000) are declared on arrival. Customs officials have the right to search and question departing passengers with regard to how much currency they are carrying.
Currency Exchange. Currency can be exchanged at banks, government accredited currency bureaux, hotels and some shops. Banks offer the best exchange rates.
ATMs and credit cards. A large number of banks have ATMs that accept international debit or credit cards – look for the familiar symbols. Some machines impose an extra charge on withdrawals from foreign banks. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. You will even be able to buy goods from some market stalls with them. An increasing number of businesses also accept payment by international debit card (Maestro); you will see signs in the window advertising the facility.
O
Opening Times
Opening hours on the islands can be complicated. Winter hours are longer than those in summer, when the heat becomes oppressive in the afternoon. Longer working days usually begin on 1 October and end on 16 June. If you have any important business to attend to, it would be best to do it in the morning when banks, offices, shops and government buildings are definitely open.
All commercial activity stops at lunchtime at all times of year, so the Maltese can observe the tradition of a substantial midday meal followed by an afternoon siesta.
Banks. Generally Mon–Fri 8.30am–2pm, Sat 8.30–noon.
Bars, cafés and restaurants. Bars open in the evening and, in tourist areas, close around 1am. Cafés open for coffee and snacks around 8am and close between 6pm and 1am. Restaurants open for lunch, generally noon–3pm, and dinner 7–11pm.
Government offices. Open 16 June–30 Sept Mon–Fri 8am–noon-1.30pm; 1 Oct–15 June 8am–3pm.
Museums. Museums are generally open Mon–Sat 8.15am–5pm, Sun 8.30am–1pm.
Shops. Mon–Fri 9am–1pm and 4.30–7pm, Sat 9am–1pm. Many shops in tourist areas do not close for lunch and are open longer hours, especially in summer. The law forbids most Sunday trading except for newsagents, although this law is currently being relaxed with places like Bay Street Shopping Complex (www.baystreet.com.mt) in St Julian’s opening 10am–10pm at weekends as well.
P
Police
The police are friendly and approachable, and will certainly offer assistance if you are lost. They wear blue uniforms in summer, and black (with peaked caps) in winter. Police vehicles are blue and white. Some officers travel by scooter.
There are police stations in each major town but not all are staffed 24 hours a day. In an emergency dial 112.
Report traffic accidents to the police and do not move your vehicle until they arrive (see also Driving). To report traffic accidents, tel: 191 or 2132 0202.
Police headquarters are at St Calcidonius Square, Floriana, Malta, tel: 2122 4001 or 2122 4007 Gozo, tel: 2156 2040.
Post Offices
Malta has a relatively efficient postal system; usual opening hours are Mon–Sat 7.30am–1pm. The post offices at 305 Qormi Road, Qormi, and at the airport are open Mon–Sat until 8pm.
In Gozo the main office is at Triq ir-Repubblika 3, Victoria; opening hours are Mon–Fri 8.15am–4.30pm, Sat 8.15am–12.30pm.
Post boxes are positioned along the sides of the streets and are painted red. They may either be inserted into the wall or round free-standing structures.
Public Holidays
On the public holidays listed below, tourist shops and restaurants will be open, but local shops, some supermarkets, offices and banks will all be closed.
Public holidays in Malta and Gozo are:
1 January New Year’s Day
10 February St Paul’s Shipwreck Day
19 March St Joseph’s Day
31 March Freedom Day
March/April Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
1 May Labour Day
7 June Commemoration of 7 June 1919 (Sette Giugno)
29 June St Peter and St Paul Day (L’Imanarja)
15 August Feast of the Assumption
8 September Victory Day
21 September Independence Day
8 December Feast of the Immaculate Conception
13 December Republic Day
25 December Christmas Day
R
Religion
The Maltese population is predominantly Roman Catholic but there are Anglican, Baptist, Buddhist, Jehovah’s Witness, Jewish, Methodist, Mormon, Muslim and Orthodox places of worship on Malta.
T
Telephones
The international country code for Malta and Gozo is 356 followed by the number. When making an international call always dial 00 before the country code.
Go is the provider of most landline services. Most hotels offer direct-dial facilities, but they are priced at a premium and can be extremely expensive.
Roaming charges are very much in-line with the rest of Europe, and holiday SIM cards are available for short stays. There are three main mobile suppliers in Malta: GO, Vodafone and Melita.
Time Zones
Malta operates on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in winter and two hours ahead from the end of March to the end of October.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is expected. Some restaurants include a service charge on the bill but most do not, in which case a tip of 10–12 percent is usual. For other services:
Taxi driver: no tip; Porters: 40 cents per piece of luggage; Chauffeur: €2; Hairdresser: €2.
Toilets
Public toilets are to be found in most major towns – look for them in market squares, harbours or near bus stations. Standards of cleanliness vary. Malta’s museums and historical sites are all striving to provide facilities even if they are in the form of portable toilets. You can use the facilities in bars. If there is an attendant, a small tip is appropriate.
Tourist Information
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is responsible for tourist information and has a number of excellent leaflets and brochures to help visitors make the most of their trip.
The MTA head office also acts as an information centre: Auberge d’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta CMR 02, Malta, tel: 2291 5440/2, www.mta.com.mt. Local tourist information bureaux are:
Malta: Malta International Airport arrivals lounge, tel: 2369 6073/4; Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, tel: 2122 0633.
Gozo: Independence Square, Victoria, tel: 2291 5452/3.
The mta also has offices in the following countries:
UK: Malta Tourist Office, Unit C Parkhouse, 14 Northfields, London SW18 1DD, tel: (020) 8877 6993, www.visitmalta.com.
US and Canada: c/o Malta Mission to the UN, 249 East 35th Street, New York NY 10016, tel: 212-2130944, www.visitmalta.com.
Transport
Buses. The local bus service on Malta is comprehensive, reliable and relatively cheap – a single ticket costs €1.50 (winter), €2 (summer) and €3 (night service). The company that runs Malta’s public transport is Malta Public Transport (www.publictransport.com.mt; 2122 2000) More than 400 buses run daily, on over 80 routes, between 5.30am and 11pm (there is also a night service Fri–Sat and holidays).
The 7-day Explore Card (€21) offers unlimited travel on Malta and Gozo (day and night). The 12 Single Day Journeys Card offers flexibility with reduced fares for 12 journeys, is valid for a year and can be shared. Tickets can be bought as you board a bus, while travel cards should be purchased online and at selected outlets. Valletta’s bus terminus is just outside the City Gate.
Gozo buses have a terminus at Main Gate Street in Victoria. The buses operate on a circular route. A service connects with the ferry timetable. There are about 15 different routes in Gozo to various localities on the island. For tickets and timetables, see www.publictransport.com.mt.
Taxis. White taxis have meters and should charge the government-controlled rates that should be on display in the cab. If a driver is reluctant to use his meter, agree a price before starting your journey. Many local car hire companies, such as Percius (www.percius.com; tel: 2144 2530) and Wembleys (http://wembleys.com; tel: 2137 4141), have chauffeur-driven black Mercedes that are no more expensive than taxis and can be pre-booked. They are also available for all-day hire, for sightseeing.
Ferry. Marsamxett Steamferry Service (www.vallettaferryservices.com), Dolphin Court, Tigné Sea Front, tel: 2346 3862, runs a passenger-only service between Sliema and Valletta. The service operates daily, every 30 minutes, €1.50 one-way. Service may be reduced on Sundays and public holidays.
Horse drawn buggies (karrozin). These offer tours rather than journeys. Official fares are €7 for 30 minutes and €2 for each subsequent 30 minutes, but these are rarely enforced and a fare should be agreed before you start your journey. You will find them in Valletta, Mdina and Sliema.
Between the islands
Air. There is no direct air link between the islands. A small seaplane flies from the Grand Harbour to Mġarr, Gozo, but does not connect with airline schedules. There is no connection with the airport. It is used by commuters and visitors on excursions.
Sea. The Gozo Channel Company (tel: 2210 9000, www.gozochannel.com) operates passenger and light-vehicle ferries from Ċirkewwa (on the western tip of Malta) to Mġarr on Gozo. The passenger ferry sails at least once every hour, but timetables change with each season. Tickets are purchased on return from Mġarr in Gozo.
The Comino ferries (http://cominoferries.com) provide transport to Malta and Gozo. A number of private boats offer tours of Gozo or the Blue Lagoon on Comino from Ċirkewwa or resorts along the northern coast of Malta, many of them during the summer only.
V
Visa and Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements. The following do not need an entry visa for stays of less than three months: citizens of all European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Israel, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. If you want to extend a trip beyond three months, a written request must be made to the Commissioner of Police, Police Headquarters, Floriana, before the end of the three-month period.
Customs. The same customs regulations apply in Malta as in the rest of the European Union. Check with a Malta Tourism office if you are in doubt about specific items.
W
Websites and Internet Access
Websites are given in the contact details of individual attractions, hotels and restaurants throughout this guide. However, here are a few others that may help you to plan your trip.
Weights and Measures
Malta uses the metric system.
Y
Youth Hostels
You can find a list of the available youth hostels at www.visitmalta.com/en/hostels.