Malta Island

Malta Island is the largest island and main population centre of Malta.

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Cities

• Valletta — the capital, named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, a French nobleman who was Grand Master of the Order of St. John and leader of the defenders during the Turkish siege of Malta in 1565.
• Buġibba A popular tourist resort, with nice beaches, bars and such but no historical and sightseeing attractions.
• Cottonera (Three Cities) — The name used when referring to the three historic and ancient cities of Birgu (aka Vittoriosa), Isla (aka Senglea) and Bormla (aka Cospicua), three towns conglomerated by 16th century fortifications called the Cottonera lines.
• Marsaxlokk — fishing village south of the island
• Mdina — Malta's excellently maintained quiet old capital. pronounced 'im-dina'
• Mġarr
• Mosta — The 3rd largest city (in terms of population) in Malta.
• Rabat (Malta) | Rabat — hosts numerous historical attractions such as St. Paul's catacombs and the Roman Villa
• St. Julian's — perfect area for nightlife & entertainment
• San Ġwann
• Sliema

More Destinations

• Golden Bay (Malta) | Golden Bay – One of Malta's most beautiful sandy beaches, on the northwest coast of the island.

Islam in Malta

Malta - Paola - Triq Kordin - Mosque 07 ies - Malta - Paola - Triq Kordin - Mosque

Islam in Malta has had a historically profound influence upon the nation—especially its language and agriculture—as a consequence of several centuries of control and presence on the islands. Today and the main Muslim organizations represented in Malta are the Libyan World Islamic Call Society and the minority Ahmadiyya.

In modern times, Malta's unique culture has enabled it to serve as Europe's "bridge" to the Arab cultures and economies of North Africa.

After independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, Libya became an important ally of socialist Maltese leader Dom Mintoff. History books were published that began to spread the idea of a disconnection between the Italian and Catholic populations, and instead tried to promote the theory of closer cultural and ethnic ties with North Africa. This new development was noted by Boissevain in 1991:

...the Labour government broke off relations with NATO and sought links with the Arab world. After 900 years of being linked to Europe, Malta began to look southward. Muslims, still remembered in folklore for savage pirate attacks, were redefined as blood brothers.

Malta and Libya also entered into a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, in response to repeated overtures by Gaddafi for a closer, more formal union between the two countries; and, for a brief period, Arabic had become a compulsory subject in Maltese secondary schools.

The Islamic Centre of Paola, was founded in 1978 by the World Islamic Call Society, together with a Muslim school called the Maryam al-Batool school. In 1984 the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque was officially opened by Muammar Gaddafi in Malta, two years after its completion.

Mario Farrugia Borg, later part of the personal office of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, was the first Maltese public officer to take an oath on the Koran when co-opted into the Qormi local council in 1998.

In 2003, of the estimated 3,000 Muslims in Malta, roughly 2,250 were foreigners, roughly 600 were naturalised citizens, and roughly 150 were native-born Maltese.

By 2010 and there were roughly 6,000 Muslims in Malta—most of whom are Sunni and foreigners and it is estimated that by 2022 the number of Muslims increased to around 10,000.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Malta

With over 5,500 Muslims in Malta, Muslims looking for Halal food will be able to locate a variety of restaurants, most of which are located in Valetta. Cuisines ranging from Moroccan, (Turkish), North African, Indian and Italian, to traditional Maltese, can be found at the several Halal restaurants found here. Some of these restaurants include:

• Moo's Kebab Turkish Restaurant Fast Food, Mediterranean
• Ali Baba Lebanese, Mediterranean
• Kebab ji
• Falafel Street - “Great shawarma at a great price”
• Kebab Factory Qawra “Great Take Away experience” “Very decent”
• Nargile Lounge
• Sultan Halal Kebab and pizza “Best Lamb & Chicken Kebab On The Island...”
• House Of Spice “Tasty Indian food - British family from Yorkshire”

Travel to Malta Island

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Malta Island

The sole airport of the nation is on the island.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Malta Island

There are numerous ferries from Gozo and destinations in Italy. Malta is also a popular stop for cruises.

Get Around

The old rattlers of the 1990s were replaced with new air-conditioned coaches. Public transport on Malta covers much of the island and is cheap. It can get crowded in busy times though, with local residents and holiday makers, depending on the route. Fares for non-residents are €2.90 (winter) or €2 (summer) for a 2-hour ticket (but you can buy 12 trips in advance for €15) and €21 for a 7-day ticket; all these permit one to travel any distance on any routes within the validity period, including on Gozo.

What to see in Malta Island

• Hagar Qim and Mnajdra - Two very beautiful stone age temples set on the cliffside of south west Malta and overlooking the nature reserve of Filfla. If you are expecting to see acres of temples, this is not the case, but what you do see is a number of carefully constructed stone rooms and structures which were built around 3000BC. The fact that they have survived all this time is quite amazing. Hagar Qim Temple in the nearest one to the road and access to this site is via a visitor centre. Mnajdra is further down the cliff and there is about a 1-km walk downhill to the temples. This is the older of the two temples with parts dating back to 3600BC. This is a struggle if it is an extremely hot day as there is no shade whatsoever and you can easily get dehydrated. There are some stunning vistas over the ocean and towards the little nature reserve island. Their majesty has now been marred by protective tents and a 2-storey new building nearby. You can get a bus from the bus Terminal in Valletta straight to the Hagar Qim and Mnjdra temples. After travelling through several seemingly deserted villages you kind of have the feeling that you are travelling into the middle of nowhere. The visitor centre also houses a gift shop, a restaurant and other facilities. You can get the bus back to Valletta or attempt to walk down the hill to the Blue Grotto. This is a nice walk with some stunning views, and takes probably about 20 minutes at a good pace. But again and there is no shade, so have a good supply of water with you. You can then get the bus here back to Valletta. Be careful of the taxis as they will tell you buses very rarely come and try to charge you €20 to drive you to the next town - don't be fooled by their helpfulness. During the day, buses go through Hagar Qim Park at least once every hour.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Malta Island

Malta Island has some excellent beaches, perfect for a day of sunbathing or water sports. Fine examples include:

Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa

The Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa are two adjoining bays carved in the coastline of northwestern Malta. Golden Bay is probably the most popular beach in the area and attracts people of all kinds. And for good reason, as you'll find everything you need for a day at the beach: perfect sands, some pleasant beach clubs and a good range of water sports activities. The water is good for swimming, water skiing, banana rides and (when the waves allow) boogie boarding. Red flags will warn you if strong currents are present. Għajn Tuffieħa boasts similar attractions but is slightly less crowded, possibly because of the long stairs leading to its sands. The beaches are easily reachable by vehicle and a parking is a available. Alternatively, regular bus services run to and from towns in the region. Take bus 44 from Valetta or bus 223 and 224 from Bugibba. If you're not on a budget, you can also stay or eat at the beach in the 5-star Radisson Blu hotel, considered one of the best in the nation.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Malta Island

Malta uses the euro.

Stay Safe

There was a little rowdiness in the Street Julians area a few decades ago but Malta is now generally very safe and is a quiet, family destination.

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