Geography
Rresting at the heart of the Mediterranean, South of Sicily and north of North Africa, the Maltese Archipelago consists of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, and two uninhabited ones, Kemmunet and Filfla.
Malta's landscape consists of rocky hearthland, dwarf vegetation and drought-resistant plants. The island is made up of low terrace valleys and is absent of either mountains or rivers. Surrounded by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the coastline contains harbours, sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and coves. The cliffs are the most impressive natural monuments to grace Malta and are amongst the major landmarks in the Mediterranean. The highest rises 250metres above the sea. Dingli Cliffs is the sure place to visit to enjoy cliff-top views.
The North contains some of Malta's most rugged areas, whilst the South is spotted with fishing villages, quiet locations and rural areas. St Julians and Sliema lie on the east coast and boast the latest construction developments in the form of Hotels and modern apartments and luxurious apartment complexes. Shopping, entertainment, cafe and nightlife are synonymous with these areas. The capital city of Valletta houses the administrative and commercial centres together with some of Malta's richest cultural and historical monuments. The medieval capital city of Malta, Mdina, also referred to as 'the Silent City', is perched within its fortifications overlooking Rabat and vast rural areas.
Gozo and Comino are a short ferry ride from Malta's northernmost tip of Cirkewwa. Tranquil in its rural surroundings, Gozo is thought to be the legendary island of Calypso mentioned in Homer's great work the 'Odyssey'. Gozo is also very hilly with three main peaks giving it its title of the island of the Three Hills. Gozo is sprinkled with typical much sought-after Maltese farmhouses and houses of character, historical sites, forts and is the proud location of Ggantija – one of the oldest prehistoric temples in the world.
Comino, rugged and unsheltered, with its beautiful sea and grottos, is a permanent home to only a handful of farmers. A beach hotel offers relaxation, peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the other main Maltese islands. Swimming, snorkeling and diving in the Mediterranean's crystal waters around Comino are an unmissable must.
Climate
Malta enjoys short winter spells and long warm seasons. Rainfall is mainly concentrated from December to February with short rainfall spells in March and April. Beautiful sunny days are not uncommon in winter and become regular occurrences from March onwards.
Temperatures average around 14? Celsius from November to April and 32? Celsius during the summer months. Cold wintry days sometimes witness low temperatures but not below 5? Celsius at night. Summer temperatures sometimes reach the harsh figure of 39? Celsius. Breezes borne from the surrounding Mediterranean Sea often mitigate these high temperatures. Weather in Malta is also very humid.
Sea bathing is enjoyed well into the month of October and from as early as the Spring April/May months.
Shooting in Malta
The 'special light' of the Maltese Islands has attracted numerous artists to our shores throughout the centuries, to witness Malta's immaculate lingering sunrises and sunsets. Thanks to Malta's mild weather and bright sunlight, long shooting hours can be taken advantage of both during the summer and winter seasons.