Malta

Why Malta?

A British colony for 200 years, the Republic of Malta is a friendly, laid-back island in the middle of the Mediterranean where the sea is clear and the climate mild and warm.

Approximately 93km south of Sicily and 350km north of Africa, it is part of an archipelago consisting of five islands: Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla. Malta is the largest of these, the other two inhabited isles being Gozo and Comino.

Surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean, the city of Valletta is one of Europe’s finest historic attractions where sumptuous palaces, theatres, gardens and churches recall the heyday of the Knights of St John. The Knights were founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century as a multi-national Christian medical order, providing assistance to pilgrims.

The Holy Roman Emperor granted the Knights the Maltese archipelago in 1530. Valletta was constructed as a fortified town to deter the Ottomans. It was designed from scratch in an early example of a gridiron street plan. In time the city grew more lavish, with stunning Baroque design embodied in the homes and places of worship of the Knights.

Evidence of its rich history still remains in numerous baroque churches and other historic buildings and sites, including the impressive bastions around the harbour built by the knights.

Remarkably Valletta has hardly been altered since the Order left and is now one of the world’s best- conserved cities. UNESCO recognised it as such in 1980, granting it World Heritage Status.

Tourism and financial services are the two most influential sectors of the economy and English is widely spoken and understood.

Maltese people are friendly, cheerful, opinionated and very family-orientated. They show great respect to their parents and the elderly and adore children – their own and everyone else’s.

The cost of living is comparatively low. Property costs are rising, but are still relatively inexpensive by international standards. Education and health systems are very good and compare well with those of mainland Europe.

Malta is easily accessible – within two to four hours flying time from most European countries and there are daily flights to most European capitals and international hubs.

read more - order your copy today