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Malta Tourist Information

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Where’s Malta?

The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93kms south of Sicily and 288kms north of Africa.

Gibraltar is 1,826kms to the West and Tel Aviv is 1,940kms to the East. Click to see Malta's position in Europe.

Language

The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French. More on the origins of the Maltese Language. If you are interested in Learning English in Malta, see our special section.

Shop Hours

Commercial centres and shops are usually easily accessible by public or private transport. Shops are normally open between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. and between 4.00 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In tourist areas, many shops remain open till 10.00 p.m. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Health

Malta has an excellent health service. Hospitals are modern and supported by a regional network of health centres. Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or insulation to enter the Maltese Islands. It is advisable to take out a personal medical insurance policy. Malta has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries, visiting the Islands for no longer than one month, are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo.
Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines. Tap water is safe to drink.