PRACTICAL INFORMATION about Malta

• What makes Malta the perfect destination?
  
  • easy access from UK airports
  • beautiful scenery, plenty of local colour
  • an excellent range of hotel accommodation in all categories
  • a dry, warm climate, fascinating history
  • no language barriers
  • unspoiled sea and coastal areas, as well as rocky and sandy beaches
  • fantastic places of entertainment during night and day
  
  Malta has all this and more:
  
  The Maltese Islands have long been a special destination for travellers.  Lying at the centre of the Mediterranean, 120 km south of Sicily, the tiny archipelago was destined to be a meeting place for myriad cultures.  Close to mainland Europe, yet far enough away to provide a real break from the familiar, the Maltese Islands are a natural choice for conference and incentive travel.Blessed with a superb climate all year round, stunning architecture and natural beauty, the Islands offer the ideal location for combining business and leisure.  On Malta, you can enjoy an array of activities in one of the most eclectic destinations in the Mediterranean.  You are assured of a friendly atmosphere among a people renowned for their time - honoured hospitality.
  
  English speaking, yet with a distinct southern exuberance, the Islands are a rare blend of relaxed living and cosmopolitan bustle.  Malta and its sister Islands of Gozo and Comino each have their own charm and character, which means you can combine several choices of venue and entertainment during your stay.  What makes the Maltese Islands distinctive is their rich concentration of natural sites. 
  
  Prehistoric temples rub shoulders with baroque palaces and magnificent fortifications to provide a spectacular backdrop to your hospitality program.  For a splash of live local colour, join the merriment of Malta’s extravagant 'festas'. Pageantry and pre-history with panache: anything is possible during a stay in Malta!

• Climate
  
  Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean.  The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to around 12 hours in summer.
  
  Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well in to the ‘winter’ months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.

• Formalities
  
  European Union residents need a valid identity card or Passport.

• Time difference
  
  Malta is 1 hour ahead of UK time.

• Electricity
  
  The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, similar to that in Britain.  Adapters are very easy to find.

• Religion & Worship
  
  The Majority of the Maltese are Roman Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented. There are small Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodists and Muslim communities.

• Language 
  
  The official languages are Maltese and English.  Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script.  Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French.  Italian is also widely spoken.

• Airport 
  
  Malta International Airport is located between the villages of Luqa and Gudja, 10kms from Valletta.

• Currency and Banks
  
  The official currency in Malta is the Euro.  Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. There are many currency exchange bureaus available. Our recommended one is Fexco (Malta) Ltd. which can be found at O'Casey's Pub, St.Georges Bay, St. Julian's.
  
  
  
  Much information regarding Malta can be found at www.visitmalta.com

FAQs

• Will I be able to take photos or video footage of the events or matches?
  Yes
  
  
• Where will the match be staged and how do I get to the stadium?
  The  friendly  will be played at the Hibernians Stadium, in Paola. For those who book tickets only, you  will have to make your own way to the stadium, however there is also an organised option to choose from should you wish to travel with other Blades fans, details may be found on our booking form
  
  
• What time will the friendly match kick-off?
  The friendly match may be a “standard” 90 minute match or a triangular tournament with 3 teams playing a round-robin format of 45 minute matches. Matches will be played in the evening.
  
  
• What is included in the Beach Barbecue?
  Full standing Buffet BBQ, Cash bar available for drinks
  
  
• Is there a dress code for the beach barbecue?
  Very casual, beach wear ideal
  
  
• Where are the offered hotels situated?
  All of the hotels apart from the Maritim Antonine & Hotel Fortina are in the Paceville District of St Julian's. All hotels are within 10 minutes walk of each other and all functions/ pick-up points. Maritim Antonine is about 45 minutes drive from all functions/ pick-up points, while the Fortina is about 20 mins drive from all functions/pick-up points.
  
  All hotels will have a Blades Hospitality Desk situated in each lobby and representatives on hand to assist all supporters in resort
  
  
• Do discounted child prices for the Packages include the same as the adult prices?
  Yes, the difference in price reflects the lower prices for meals
  
  
• Why do the flight and accommodation packages offered extend until  July 24 when Sheffield  United  leave on July 17?
  Special prices are valid for a period longer than the team's stay so that you can can have up to a 14 night holiday in Malta should you wish
  
  
• If I organise my own flights and/or accommodation, who is my point of contact in Malta for the fan packages?
  Alpine Sterling Travel and Tourism, Naxxar Road, San Gwann - Tel (+356) 2576 6000 or email sheffield@alpinemalta.com