Malta: all about the country
Malta is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Tourists come to the country to swim in the warm sea, go yachting, learn the history of the state and the English language.
Investors from around the world are granted Maltese citizenship for exceptional merit, to travel visa-free to 185 countries, to conduct international business and to relocate to Europe. It is also possible to obtain a residence permit and a permanent residence permit for investment.
Everything a tourist needs to know about Malta: History, Climate, Leisure and Living in Malta
Where is Malta
The Republic of Malta is located on the archipelago in the central part of Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. The most populated island is Malta. It is home to Valletta, the capital of the country.
Included within Malta are the uninhabited islands of Cominotto, Filfla and St. Paul. These are small rocks, on which only birds live.
Malta has no land borders. Its closest neighbours by sea are the Italian island of Sicily, 93 km away, and Tunisia, 300 km away.
The island of Malta is 27 km long and 15 km wide. The island of Gozo is roughly half the size and Comino is only 2km long
How for a Russian to come to Malta
Transport. Russians can arrive in Malta in two ways: by plane and by ferry.
Direct flights from Russia to Malta are organized by Air Malta and Aeroflot. It is also possible to arrive in the country with connections in European countries.
Malta can be reached by ferry as a hiker or driver with a car. Ferries operate regularly from the island of Sicily – from Catani or Pozzallo. Travel time is 4.5 hours and 2 hours respectively. During summer, the timetable sometimes includes a flight from Salerno.
Visa. Russians can come to Malta with an open Schengen visa. For trips of up to 90 days is enough visa category C. For long-term travels for a period of more than 90 days you will need a national visa category D.
Russians may travel to Malta without a visa if they are granted Maltese citizenship for exceptional merit, residence permit, or permanent residence status for investment. These statuses allow you to visit the country even when the borders are closed and to remain in the country.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for permanent residence in Malta for investment and citizenship for exceptional merit. We offer a status based on the investor’s goals and objectives, accompanying him from the first consultation to obtaining a passport or a residence permit card. And we help after: for example, to replace documents, register a yacht or a car.
Islands, cities and resorts in Malta
Islands. The Archipelago’s largest island, Malta is the country’s cultural, commercial and political centre. The only international airport, Luqa Airport, is found here.
Gozo is the second largest island: a quiet, rural, covered with greenery. Gozo is separated from Malta by a narrow strait and can be reached by ferry or seaplane. Accommodation, food and property are less expensive in Gozo than in Malta.
Comino is a small island of 3.5 km². Formerly a hunting ground for Maltese knights, it is now a sunbathing holiday destination.
Cities. Valletta, the capital of Malta. The area of the city is as small as two Vaticans. Officially it is home to about seven thousand people. The city could be walked around in a couple of hours, but it does not work: almost every house is a landmark.
Mdina was the first capital of Malta and is now an open-air museum. It’s a fortress city with narrow streets, temples and cosy cafes.
Birkirkara and St Paul-il-Bahar are Malta’s most densely populated cities. As of 2019, they have a population of 29,000 and 25,000 respectively.
Resorts. St Julian’s is a resort town with the most modern housing and developed infrastructure. Hotels, boutiques and clubs are concentrated here. St Julian’s is about 10 minutes by taxi from Valletta.
Sliema is a resort town, reached by ferry from Valletta in five minutes by day, and by taxi only at night. The Sliema coastline is lined with hotels, promenades and rocky beaches with natural “baths” – safe to swim in, even in a storm.
Mellieha is the resort of choice for families with children. The town is quiet, and the beaches have white sand and a gentle entrance to the water. The road from Valletta to Mellieha takes half an hour by taxi or bus.
Marsascala is a resort in the south-east of Malta. The trip from Valletta takes about half an hour by car and an hour and a half by bus. The locals in Marsascala are into fishing and tourists appreciate the resort for its seafood restaurants.
Aura and Bujibba are the two towns that make up the resort area. This is a versatile holiday destination with sandy and pebbly beaches, clubs and historical sites, Maltese restaurants and Turkish kebab houses. Aura is situated in the north of the island. It’s about 20 minutes by bus or car from Valletta.
