Malta

At the crossroads of maritime routes, the Maltese Islands have been a point of encounter for a host of people as a home, stronghold, trading post and refuge for over 7000 years. From temple builders, seafaring Phoenicians and the traveller Apostle Paul, to the Knights of St John, Napoleon and British royalty – all have set foot here leaving their imprint for you to discover.
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta is an independent republic consisting of a group of five small islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino, all of which are inhabited, and the smaller and uninhabited islands of Cominotto, Filfla and St. Paul’s Islands, lying about 93 km to the south of Sicily and about 293 km to the North of the African mainland, consisting of 316 km² (121 sq m)
For a venue with a difference, Malta is not just sea and sun, but a tangible history book of landmark events that unfold at every corner. Prehistoric temples, exquisite palaces, impressive fortifications and unique architecture form the exclusive back drop to the events and programmes, designed to create the ultimate event. 
Malta’s state of the art meeting facilities and modern technology are the result of its heavy investment in infrastructure, aiming to attract more business tourism and to continue its long-standing and quality tradition of welcoming and hosting foreigners.

Geography & Climate

Malta has neither mountains nor rivers and the islands are characterised by a series of low hills with terraced fields. The shoreline, which is 137 kilometres long, has many bays and harbours, with a good selection of small sandy beaches and rocky coves. Malta is comparatively low lying, the highest point being about 239 metres above sea level.

 It is the climate that has made Malta an important tourist resort in the centre of the Mediterranean. The total annual rainfall is about 60 cms. With temperatures averaging 14°C in winter and 32°C in the summer months, Malta offers a warm and mild climate throughout most of the year. The hottest months are from the middle of July to the middle of September, but the high temperatures are generally tempered by the cool sea breezes.

Food & Wines

Maltese gastronomy is a fascinating blend of Mediterranean, Sicilian and North African flavours reflecting its history over thousands of years.
Nevertheless, Malta boasts its own and very special dishes. Hearty and rustic is maybe a more appropriate way of describing them. Maybe the most popular snack would be the “pastizzi”, a deliciously flaky pastry parcel filled with ricotta or mashed peas. And if you really want to grab a slice of Maltese life, then treat yourself to a piece of Maltese bread. Made with sour dough and baked in wood ovens, it’s irresistibly crisp and crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Malta’s ancient wine industry, though still relatively unknown outside the island, is beginning to attract international attention as Maltese vintages are more than holding their own at international competitions, winning several accolades in France, Italy and further afield. Malta’s wine industry is undergoing radical change as more vineyards are being planted to be able to satisfy the demand for Maltese quality wine production in line with EU standards.
International grape varieties grown on the Maltese shores include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay to mention a few. Apart from that there are also the indigenous varieties such as Gellewza and Ghirgentina, which produce some excellent wines of distinct body and flavour.

Although your main reason for being on the island may be for a conference, meeting or incentive, enjoying good food while being here in Malta is a must.