The Maltese language is an exhilarating blend of Italian, Sicilian, Arabic, and English, and as such makes a lively introduction to the tiny but powerful Valletta, the Maltese capital known to its inhabitants simply as Il Belt, or The City. Deservedly listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Valletta is a Mediterranean jewel and one of the most intriguing destinations in Europe.

Getting There
Malta International Airport (356 2124 9600; www.maltairport.com) lies 7km south of Valletta, and is frequented by numerous international airlines and low-cost carriers. There are also regular ferry services from Sicily (www.virtuferries.com) and Salerno in Italy (www.grimaldi-ferries.com). The Malta Maritime Authority (356 2122 2203; www.mma.gov.mt) can provide further information. Royal Caribbean (www.royalcaribbean.com) is one of the many lines cruising the western Mediterranean that dock at Valetta. All visitors require a valid passport. Malta also boasts two ultramodern marinas in Marsamxett and Vittoriosa that offer berthing facilities to those who choose to visit the islands on their own boat.

Weather
Malta's climate is strongly influenced by the sea and has a strong Mediterranean flavour, similar to the weather found in southern Italy or southern Greece.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall. Nearly three-quarters of the total annual rainfall of about 60 centimeters (24 inches) falls between October and March; June, July, and August are normally quite dry.

The temperature is very stable, the annual mean being 18^oC (64^oF)and the monthly averages ranging from 12^oC (54^oF) to 31^oC (88^oF).

Important Numbers

Transportation/Getting Around

*Remarks: The local currency is the EURO "€"

Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.

Business and Finance
Despite its small size, Malta enjoys a dynamic economy based on export, manufacturing, transhipment services, and maritime and financial services - thanks to its central location in the Mediterranean.

Its infrastructure, telecommunications and banking sectors are all well developed, and the workforce is multilingual, highly skilled, and educated, providing a good return on investment due to high productivity and quality results.

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