The Maltese Islands
The Maltese Islands archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta 245sq. km, (95 sq. miles), Gozo 67sq. km, (26sq. miles) and Comino 2.8sq. km, (1.2sq. miles) there are four other uninhabited islands, Filfla, Cominotto, St. Pauls and Fungus Rock.
These Islands lie in the heart of the Mediterranean 93km. (58 miles) south of Sicily and 288km. (180 miles) from the North African coast. The total land area of these Islands is approximately 325sq. km, (125 sq. miles). There is almost 400km. (150 miles) of coastline which has many natural harbours, rugged steep cliffs, bays, creeks, rocky coves and a number of beautiful sandy beaches.
Malta is approximately 28km. (17 miles) in length and 15km. (9 miles), at its widest point, with a maximum height above sea level of 253 meters. The capital city is Valletta which overlooks the stunning Grand Harbour. Malta has a long and varied history, in 1798 the Great Siege, the Maltese people heavily outnumbered, fought back and kept the island from falling under Turkish rule. Malta collapsed to Napoleon during 1800 the French surrendered to British rule, control of the island was ratified in 1814. On the 21st September 1964 the Maltese Islands gained their independence and in 1979 all British Forces withdrew from these islands. The population now stands at about 420,000.
Gozo, the island of the nymph calypso which is much smaller than its sister island Malta and has a quiet distinct character of its own, like stepping back in time. It is only 15km. (9 miles) lon and 7km. (4 miles) at its widest point, the capital is Victoria (Rabat) which sits high on the hillside on the centre of the island. The countryside can be greener and more spectacular, with flat topped hills characterising the landscape, while the coast has rugged cliffs penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays.
Comino lies midway between Malta and Gozo, it is the smallest inhabited islands with an aera of just 2.8sq. km. (1.1sq. mile). Only a handful of farmers live there throughout the year, it has one policeman and one hotel which is only open during the summer. The main attraction is the Blue Lagoon and many Maltese, Gozitans and tourists head for this popular bathing spot especially during the summer months.
The Weather, the Maltese climate is typically Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot dry summers. The wet season lasts from October to March with 85% of rain falling during this period. The period between April and September constitutes the dry season. The temperature averages 14 in winter and 32 during the summer, which of course can be much higher. The water temperature averages 12 in the winter rising to 28 in late summer.
For those wishing to plug any electronic equipment the Maltese system, is similar to the UK system, which is 240 volts. Only a few places now use the two-pin plug.
The following table gives an idea of the typical temperatures on land & sea you could expect around the islands:
| Month | Temperature (in °F/°C) | Sea | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max | Min | |||||
| °F | °C | °F | °C | °F | °C | |
| January | 59 | 15.1 | 49 | 9.5 | 58 | 14.5 |
| February | 60 | 15.3 | 49 | 9.3 | 58 | 14.5 |
| March | 62 | 16.5 | 51 | 10.2 | 58 | 14.5 |
| April | 66 | 18.8 | 54 | 11.9 | 62 | 16.1 |
| May | 71 | 23.1 | 59 | 15.1 | 65 | 18.1 |
| June | 82 | 27.4 | 66 | 18.6 | 70 | 21.1 |
| July | 83 | 30.2 | 70 | 21.2 | 75 | 24.5 |
| August | 84 | 30.6 | 70 | 21.8 | 76 | 24.5 |
| September | 82 | 27.8 | 69 | 20.4 | 77 | 25 |
| October | 67 | 23.8 | 63 | 17.2 | 72 | 22.2 |
| November | 69 | 20 | 57 | 13.9 | 67 | 19.5 |
| December | 63 | 16.6 | 52 | 11.1 | 62 | 16.7 |
