Discover Malta

Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. In summer temperatures can reach up to 84 degrees fahrenheit (30 degrees celcius) but the heat tends to be tempered by sea breezes. In spring and autumn, a hot wind known as Ix-Xlokk brings high temperatures and humidity. The little rainfall that Malta has usually occurs during autumn and winter. However, Malta never gets any frost or snow.

The following are some of the most interesting and historical places that students can visit either on their own or on the various excursions organized by the school.

Valletta, Malta’s Capital City

The Fortress City, Citta’ Umilissima, “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. Valletta, the capital city of Malta was built by Grand Master Jean de la Vallette after the Great Siege of 1565. It is the “modern” city built by the Knights of St John; a masterpiece of the baroque; a European Art City; and a World Heritage City. Valletta is also a living, working city; the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. The grids of the narrow streets house some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces.

It dominates the island’s Grand Harbour, one of the finest natural ports in Europe and within the boundaries one can appreciate some of Malta’s rich heritage of archaeology, history, architecture, art and culture. One can also visit St John’s Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace and Fort St Elmo.

The Malta Experience

Housed in what used to be the Sacra Infermeria, the Malta Experience is an ideal introduction to the Maltese Islands. Sit back and enjoy a 45 minute multi vision show, which depicts Malta’s history through the ages.

Mdina, Malta’s Old Capital City

Mdina, the old capital city of Malta is a typical medieval town in the centre of the island. It’s cathedral dome and bastion walls are visible from almost everywhere in the region. It was home then, as now, to Malta’s noble families; some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards. Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city, and unusual in it’s mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Beyond the walls, lies Rabat, a large town of Roman origin. It houses fascinating grottos, monasteries and churches. St Paul is said to have stayed in a cave here in A.D.60. Both Mdina and Rabat are characterized by their timeless atmosphere and cultural and religious treasures.

St Paul’s Catacombs

The Maltese Islands are rich in Late Roman and Byzantine burial sites. St Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital of Mdina. St Paul’s Catacombs represent the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. They have been called after St Paul because of their vicinity to St Paul’s church and grotto.

Hagar Qim Temples

The Neolithic Temples of Hagar Qim, were originally built around 2700 BC, although they underwent several modifications during the same period. These Megalithic temples are adorned with sacrificial altars and oracular chambers.

Blue Grotto Caves

Just past Wied iz- Zurrieq, one can take a ride in a typical Maltese fishing boat and enjoy the picturesque Blue Grotto, the underwater flora and neighbouring sea caves.

The Three Cities

The three cities namely Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua offer an intriguing insight into Malta and its history. The three cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history. Vittoriosa and Senglea on rocky promontories jutting into Grand Harbour, and Cospicua at the end of the creek between, have provided a home and fortress to almost every people who settled here.

Gozo

The sister Island of Gozo, is just a half hour ferry ride from the northernmost tip of Malta, and is the perfect place if you want to get away from it all. The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, life in Gozo moves at a leisurely pace. Gozo comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas, plus one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples Ggantija.

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.

Useful Tip: Malta's beaches and seas are safe, however if you are new to the Maltese Islands, swim where the Maltese do.

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.

Do not wear only bathing suits in public areas away from the beach. Beachwear is for beaches only.

The Islands’ cuisine is influenced by the people who made their home here over the centuries, from the Arabs, Italians and Spanish to the French and British. Traditional Maltese cooking has distinct touches of the Sicilian and Moorish. Look out for rich sweets, pastries and deserts of ricotta, almonds and figs as well as tomato and wine sauces with pasta, rabbit and fish.

There are many restaurants and cafes in Sliema that serve traditional Maltese food such as Bragioli (Beef Olives), Fenek (Rabbit) and Timpana (Baked Macaroni). One can also find French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, American, Chinese and Mediterranaen as well as steak or seafood restaurants and a number of international fast food chains. Prices are very reasonable.

The Maltese islands are the 'open air museum of the Mediterranean', offering 7,000 years or more of history to explore with numerous cultural, historical and megalithic sites unique in the world. The islands boast prehistoric ruins older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, and are steeped in the legacy of the medieval order of the Knights of St John, who used the island as their stronghold for defending Christendom.