Identity
Geographical situation
In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, 95 km South of Sicilia and 230 km East of Tunisia.
Area: 316 km², in three inhabited islands: Malte (246 km²), Gozo (67 km²) and Comino (3 km²)
Population: 375,000 inhabitants
Capital: La Valette
Practical informations
Climate: Mediterranean climate, mild in Winter with an average temperature of 17°C, warm in Summer with an average temperature of 30°C.
Official languages: Maltese and English
Currency: euro
Formalities: valid passport or Identity card for EU nationals
Time difference: none with continental Europe
Telephone: from France 00 356 followed by the n° of the correspondent
Health: no vaccination necessary
General informations:
Arrival:
From the N-E: the islands are quite low and difficult to recognize from far. On the other hand, the approach is safe and one generally land at La Valette.
From the S-W: this coast is lined with high cliffs, so a day approach is quite simple. On the other hand, one shall be prudent by night because there is no light on the N-W coast and the Filfla island is not marked.
Weather services:
Weather forecast transmitted daily (local time) by Valletta Harbour Control on VHF 12:
Summer: 09h03, 13h03; 19h03; 00h03
Winter: 08h03; 12h03; 18h03; 23h03
Malta Radio (VHF 04) transmits the same informations 1 hour before Valletta Harbour Control.
Informations by answering machine, T: 220310
Formalities:
Fly the Q flag (yellow) as soon as you enter the Maltese territorial waters. The entry formalities are done only at the Marsamxett harbour (La Valette).
Call the Harbour Control of La Valette on VHF 12 to receive instructions. Moor at the visitors pontoon and present ship documents and ID documents of crew and passengers to the Customs and Immigration authorities (in Ta’ Xbiex). Then contact the Yachting Centre (VHF 09) to have a place.
In Summer (from 1st June to 30th September), it is also possible to land diråctly in the Mgarr harbour (Gozo island). Moor at the F pontoon.
In any case, present oneself to authorities to notify one’s departure.