HOMEIntroduction to the
Maltese Archipelago
The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo
and Comino and two other uninhabited islands. They lie in the middle of the
Mediterranean Sea with Malta 58 miles south of Sicily and 163 miles north of
North Africa. The total area of the islands is 196 square miles.
The longest distance in Malta, from the southeast to the northwest, is
about 17 miles and, at its widest point, measures 9 miles. Malta has neither
mountains, nor rivers. The island is characterized by low- lying hills with
terraced fields on the slopes. Malta's
coastline has many natural harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky
coves. The length of Malta's shoreline is 85 miles.
Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso is smaller than Malta, its sister
island, and has a character quite distinct from it. The countryside is greener
and more spectacular, with flat-topped hills characterizing the landscape, while
the coast has rugged cliffs, penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays.
Gozo is more rustic and quieter than Malta. It is 9 miles long and 4.4 miles at
its widest point.
Comino is the smallest island in the Maltese archipelago. Only a handful
of farmers live there and neither cars, nor other noisy activities disturb the
peaceful tranquillity of this little paradise. There is only one cosy beach
hotel. The many bays and rocks in Comino and the crystal-clear waters are ideal
for any kind of water sports, especially snorkelling and scuba diving. There is
regular ferry service to, and from, Malta and Gozo.
The climate in Malta is warm and inviting. There are no biting winds,
fog, snow or frost. Rain falls only for very short periods, averaging about 20
inches annually. The temperature averages 14.2 degrees Celsius in winter and 32
degrees Celsius during the summer. The hottest period is from mid-July through
mid-September. The island is seldom too hot, even at the height of summer, as
hot summer days and nights are regularly tempered by cool sea breezes.