Susan MeierSun, sea, and sand: when people think of Malta, holiday vibes usually spring to mind immediately. Yet, this small Mediterranean island has much more to offer than just picturesque coastlines and 300 days of sunshine a year. From traditions and linguistic skills to unique social dynamics, Malta is full of interesting facts and stories that deepen one's understanding of this charming country.
Here are 40 things you probably didn't know about Malta.
1. Everyone knows everyone
Malta is relatively small, which creates the impression that all residents know each other. While it’s not literally true that everyone knows everyone, the likelihood of having mutual friends or relatives is incredibly high. The close-knit community and the manageable size of the island foster this strong sense of connection.
2. A small island with a big population
With over 520,000 inhabitants, Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its small size, the island offers a high quality of life and rich cultural diversity, reflected in the tight community and vibrant social scene.
3. A hub for expats
Malta isn't just home to the Maltese. A large community of expats from all over the globe lives on the island. They bring new flavours, ideas, and traditions, making Malta a true melting pot of cultures. This international atmosphere is particularly palpable in towns like St. Julian’s and Sliema.
4. Football: Italy or England?
Football fans in Malta are generally divided into two camps: supporters of the Italian national team or the English one. During international tournaments like the World Cup or the Euros, the island effectively splits in two. England fans tend to gather in Bugibba, while Italy supporters head to St. Julian’s to watch the matches.
5. Water bottles vs. dog urine
It is common in Malta to see plastic water bottles filled with water placed against house walls. These aren't refreshments for passers-by; they serve a very specific purpose. They are meant to stop dogs from urinating on the walls. Many houses in Malta are built from sensitive limestone, which is easily damaged by acidity. The theory is that the water reflects sunlight, startling dogs and keeping them away. Locals swear by it, and it has become a fixed part of the streetscape.
6. Maltese: A Semitic language in Latin script
Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet. Unlike Arabic or Hebrew, Maltese uses the same letters as English. An example is the word "tajjeb" (meaning "good"), which clearly shows its Semitic roots but is written in a way that looks familiar to Western eyes.
7. Over 300,000 cars on a rock
Malta has a population of over 500,000, but there are more than 300,000 registered vehicles. Almost every family owns multiple cars, and it is standard for young people to be gifted a car for their 18th birthday. Driving is an essential part of life here, as the public transport network—while extensive—can be prone to delays. This leads to significant traffic, particularly in urban areas.
8. The George Cross: A badge of honour
The Maltese flag features two vertical stripes in white and red, with the George Cross in the top left corner. King George VI of the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to Malta in 1942 in recognition of the island's bravery and heroism during the Second World War.
9. The meaning of the Maltese Cross
The famous Maltese Cross has eight points, symbolizing the eight obligations or aspirations of the Knights. These include faith, forgiveness, and bravery. Historically, these points represented the eight "Langues" (tongues/nationalities) of the Knights of St. John.
10. Part of the Roman Empire
In 218 BC, the Romans took control of Malta, turning the island into a significant power centre. Malta experienced a golden age with imposing walls, temples, and magnificent mosaics. Latin became the dominant language, and the island remained Roman until the 6th century.
11. Arab influence
The Arab invasion in 870 AD left lasting traces on Maltese culture, language, agriculture, and even cuisine. Many place names in Malta date back to this era, bearing witness to the Arab presence on the island.
12. Temples older than the Pyramids
Malta is home to astonishing limestone temples built between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. These structures are older than the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge in England, standing as evidence of a sophisticated early civilization.
13. The Luzzu: Malta’s iconic boat
The "Luzzu" is Malta's traditional fishing boat. The bright colours often indicate where the boat hails from (for example, red for St. Paul’s Bay). Additionally, the Eye of Osiris is painted on the bow—a traditional charm to ward off bad luck at sea.
14. Carnival is serious business
Every February, Malta transforms into a giant party for Carnival. Floats, costumes, and dances fill the streets, especially in Valletta. For a completely different experience, head to Nadur on Gozo, where the carnival takes a more macabre and satirical turn.
15. Eurovision obsession
The Eurovision Song Contest is a cultural imperative in Malta. From children to grandparents, everyone knows the songs. Missing it isn't an option. It unites the nation (and provides plenty of material for water-cooler conversation the next day).
16. House names instead of numbers
While houses officially have numbers, they are rarely used in daily life. Most houses have names, often with personal or historical significance. Since many Maltese emigrated to Australia after WWII, you will often spot house names like "Sydney" or "Perth". This can be confusing for postmen, but it adds a personal touch to the streets.
17. Kinnie: The national soft drink
Malta has its own answer to cola: Kinnie. Made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs, it was originally developed to compete with American soft drinks. It’s an acquired taste—think of it as a non-alcoholic Campari soda—but locals love it. It's perfect on a hot day or as a mixer with spirits.
18. Living with parents until marriage
It is entirely normal in Malta to live with one's parents until marriage. Given the island's small size, moving out for university or work isn't usually geographically necessary. Furthermore, with high property prices, many young people prefer the financial relief and comfort of the family home, even if it means sacrificing some privacy.
19. The "Which Beach" website
Locals use the website whichbeach.com.mt to find the best spot for the day. It shows real-time weather conditions, crowd levels, and water cleanliness. It’s particularly useful for checking for jellyfish or rough currents, ensuring your beach day isn't ruined.
20. Boċċi: The village sport
Boċċi is a traditional Maltese game often considered the national sport. Similar to French boules or petanque, it is played in teams on sand or tarmac courts found in almost every village. It remains a central part of social life, particularly for the older generation.
21. 359 Churches
Malta is a deeply Catholic country, reflected in its architecture. There are roughly 359 churches across the islands—almost one for every day of the year. These aren't just small chapels; many are massive, ornate basilicas that dominate the skyline.
22. The bread vans
In many towns, you will still find traditional vans driving around selling fresh bread, gas cylinders, bigilla (bean paste), doughnuts, and ice cream. You’ll hear them before you see them—they blast their horns or specific tunes at a volume that ensures the entire neighbourhood knows they’ve arrived.
23. Low crime rate
Malta generally enjoys a very low crime rate. Regardless of age or gender, people tend to feel safe walking around the island, day or night. This sense of safety is a major factor in the island's high quality of life.
24. Trilingual population
Due to its history as a British colony and its proximity to Italy, most Maltese are trilingual. They speak Maltese, English, and Italian fluently. Until the 1990s, local TV options were limited, so many Maltese grew up watching Italian broadcast TV, learning the language by osmosis. English is a joint official language alongside Maltese.
25. Volume control? What's that?
The Maltese are known for being loud, much like their Southern European neighbours. People have no qualms about holding a conversation across a street rather than walking over to each other. If you live on the ground floor, expect your wake-up call to be the neighbours chatting outside at 7 AM.
26. The Village Festa
Between June and September, Malta hosts around 75 local village feasts (festas) honouring the patron saint of each town. These involve brass bands, religious processions, and incredible firework displays. It is the heart and soul of Maltese summer culture.
27. A voluntary colony
Malta wasn't forced into the British Empire in the traditional sense. When the Maltese rebelled against the French occupation in 1800, they asked the British for protection and eventually requested to become a British dominion. This choice still shapes many aspects of Maltese law and administration today.
28. Giants built the temples
One of the most fascinating archaeological sites is the Ġgantija Temples on the sister island of Gozo. The name means "Place of Giants," stemming from the local legend that these massive stones were placed there by a race of giants.
29. More Maltese in Australia than in Malta?
It is often said that there are more people of Maltese descent in Australia than there are in Malta itself. While the exact numbers are debated, there is a massive diaspora (around 200,000+) in Australia, maintaining a strong link between the two countries.
30. Tap water: Safe but salty
Tap water in Malta is technically safe to drink and meets EU standards. However, because it is largely desalinated sea water, it has a distinct, slightly salty taste. As a result, almost everyone—locals and tourists alike—drinks bottled water or uses reverse osmosis filtration systems.
31. Siesta hours
Shopping hours can vary. In tourist hubs like Sliema or Valletta, shops stay open all day. However, in smaller villages, the traditional "siesta" still exists, with shops closing between 1 PM and 4 PM. Sunday trading is becoming more common, but don't assume everything will be open.
32. Driving on the left
For our UK clients, this is a home away from home: Malta drives on the left. This is a legacy of British rule. For visitors from the rest of Europe or the US, this requires some adjustment—remember to look right before crossing the road!
33. Maltese hospitality
The Maltese are renowned for their friendliness. If you look lost, someone will likely stop to help you. This hospitality is deeply ingrained in the culture, and in smaller villages, locals are particularly welcoming to foreigners.
34. The Gozo Ferry
Currently, the only way to get a vehicle from Malta to its sister island, Gozo, is the ferry from Ċirkewwa. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and passes the small island of Comino. It’s a lifeline for Gozitans working in Malta and a holiday ritual for the Maltese.
35. Hollywood in the Mediterranean
Malta is a massive filming location. Gladiator, Troy, World War Z, Captain Phillips, and Game of Thrones (Season 1) were all filmed here. The Malta Film Commission offers great incentives, meaning you might just stumble across a film set during your stay.
36. Two-party politics
Politics in Malta is intense. The system is dominated by two major parties: the Nationalist Party (PN) and the Labour Party (PL). Elections are fiercely contested, often with incredibly slim margins, and political allegiance is frequently passed down through families like a football team loyalty.
37. Spring hunting
Malta is the only EU country where spring hunting for certain bird species is still permitted under specific derogations. It is a highly controversial topic that divides the nation, with a strong hunting lobby facing off against conservationists.
38. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For a rock this size, Malta punches above its weight with UNESCO sites. These include the entire capital city of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples, and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Several others, like the Victoria Lines and Mdina, are on the tentative list.
39. Public Holidays galore
With 14 public holidays a year, Malta has one of the highest numbers of days off in the EU. The Maltese take these days seriously, using them for family gatherings, religious observances, or simply hitting the beach.
40. A land bridge to Sicily
Geologically speaking, Malta wasn't always an island. About 17,000 years ago, the Maltese islands were the high points of a land bridge connecting Sicily to North Africa. Rising sea levels eventually isolated Malta, creating the unique archipelago we know today.
Conclusion
The tight-knit community and diverse cultural influences make Malta a fascinating destination and an interesting place to do business. Whether you are interested in history, the strategic location, or simply the lifestyle, there is always something new to discover here.
