Travel Info

Things to Know when staying at the Excelsior Hotel

Although small in size Malta has a lot to offer to visitors. To ensure your Malta holiday is most enjoyable, we have specially trained staff to provide you with any assistance you may require. Throughout your stay please feel free to contact Concierge or Front Desk. We can assist you on things to do in Malta during your stay amongst which:

• Malta Excursions
• Malta Flights Information
• Chauffeur Driven Service
• Places of Interest in Malta
• Water sports & Malta Diving Information
• Berthing Facilities at the Hotel
• Courtesy Shuttle service

ABOUT MALTA
We have compiled some helpful tips and information about Malta to assist you in having a perfect Malta holiday.

Facts & Figures
Full country name: Republic of Malta
Area: 320 sq km (124 sq mi)
Population: over 400,000
Capital City: Valletta
Official Languages: Maltese & English
Religion: Roman Catholic
Government: Parliamentary Democracy

Useful Information

Malta Airports
The Malta International Airport is located in Luqa, approximately 15 km away from this Valletta Hotel and can be easily reached by taxi. Should you wish to confirm your flights or claim baggage our Concierge team will be happy to assist you.

Religion & Worship
The Constitution of Malta provides for freedom of religion but establishes Roman Catholicism as the state religion. The Majority of the Maltese are Roman Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented.  Useful tip: Remember, churches are places of worship. When visiting please show respect and dress accordingly. Shoulders must be covered.

Climate
Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean.  The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to around 12 hours in summer.

Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.

Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity.  This is known as the Sirocco, or, in Maltese, the Xlokk – this wind affects Greece and Italy as well; in Malta the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well into the ‘winter’ months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.

Electricity
The electrical supply is 230 volts +/- 10%.  The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. We also provide adapters.

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.  Italian is also widely spoken.

Public Holidays
1st January – New Year’s Day
10th February – St. Paul’s Shipwreck
19th March – St. Joseph
31st March – Freedom Day
March / April (date changes) – Good Friday
1st May – Workers’ Day
7th June – Sette Giugno
29th June – St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja)
15th August – The Assumption (Santa Marija)
8th September – Our Lady of Victories
21st September – Independence Day
8th December – Immaculate Conception
13th December – Republic Day
25th December – Christmas Day

Swimming & Sunbathing
Swimming
The Maltese coastal waters are generally clean and safe for swimming as there are no tides.  Some bays are exposed to north and north-easterly winds which do produce some strong undercurrents at times.

Sun Bathing
The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean and has a latitude more southerly than that of northern Tunisia.  You are therefore advised to take precautions to ensure you avoid over exposure to the sun.  Even in winter it is advisable to wear a suitable factor sunscreen for your skin type. This is important if you are out walking, or taking part in water sports.  A sun hat is a must. Children and especially babies need extra protection from the sun.  If you are sunbathing, it is advisable to avoid the strongest sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm in peak summer months.

Health Service
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 immunisation to enter the Maltese Islands. Visitors from EU member states should make sure that they have a European Health Insurance card. It is advisable that all visitors, irrespective of their nationality, 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.

Pharmacies
Pharmacies are found throughout the Islands and are open during normal shopping hours.  On Sundays, chemists open on a roster from 09.00 until 12.30 in Malta and from 07.30 until 11.00 in Gozo.  See pharmacy roster on local newspapers.
 

Public Hospitals

Malta:
Mater Dei Hospital
‘Kara By-pass
B’Kara MSD 2090
Tel: ( 356) 25450000

Gozo:
Gozo General Hospital,
Victoria.
Tel: ( 356) 21561600
Fax: ( 356) 21560881

Useful Numbers
The following is a list of useful telephone numbers when you are visiting the Maltese Islands:

Visa
It is advisable that you check about visa and entry requirements before making your travel arrangements.  For more information visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact an official Malta diplomatic representative near you.