No other group of islands can offer as much natural beauty, art and architecture, entertainment and activity as Malta can. Everything in Malta is close and easily accessible. Lifestyle is typically Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters. Thus, one can enjoy the outdoor life 365 days a year.
Living in Malta is a unique experience, especially for those used to hectic city environments and long commutes between work and home. The island’s small size and wealth of entertainment options means that in Malta, it is possible to have it all: work hard, play hard and relax by the sea – all in one day!
There is scarcely another place of its size that offers so many archaeological sites, cultural monuments, architecture, artefacts and other treasures spanning the entire history of mankind. For those who enjoy the night life, Malta offers many bars, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and Casinos while for the sportive visitor, many activities can be enjoyed throughout the year including tennis, golf, sailing, windsurfing, horse riding and paragliding. For lovers of music, theatre and the arts, Malta boasts an abundant calendar of cultural events that are staged throughout the year including operas, plays, exhibitions, classical performances and also rock concerts.
Malta also offers culinary experiences to suit every palate. The food in Malta is mainly European and tends to be based primarily upon Italian tastes. Domestic menus are often set by the food currently in season, particularly in summer with its varieties of fish and fruit. However, one finds numerous restaurants in Malta providing a varied menu including oriental and Asian cuisine.
However, a relaxing haven in which to live and work is not the only benefit Malta has to offer. Residents enjoy an exceptional standard of living with an average living cost substantially lower than that of Mainland Europe. At the same time, the island’s very low crime rate means that Malta is a safe country to live in and is an ideal place to base families if one is engaged in commercial activities within the region. As a business destination Malta has much to offer, and as a home, there can be few places more idyllic.
Of course, the educational system is first rate, offering numerous private, international and public schools, institutes and a university of the highest standards. The Government of Malta has always placed great emphasis on the importance of having an educated workforce, so much so that education is compulsory from age five till sixteen.
In the area of healthcare, Malta boasts first-class facilities available all over the island. One finds Mater Dei hospital, which became operational in November 2007, as well as two private hospitals and a number of privately-owned clinics. The competence of the Maltese medical profession is well known and the island’s hospitals are able to handle even the most complicated surgical interventions. Not without reason is Malta establishing itself as a centre for health, medical and dental tourism.
Business offices are usually open from 08.00hrs to 17.00hrs Monday to Friday while some operate on ‘half-days’ – usually until 14.00 hrs – during July and August. Shops open from 09.00 hrs until 19.00 hrs in the main commercial areas, namely Valletta, Sliema and St Julians. Shops generally remain closed on Sundays and public holidays, however it is becoming more common that they remain open in the main tourist centres. There are open-air markets one day a week in most towns and villages in Malta and Gozo as well as a daily street market in Valletta (Malta).