When sunbathing if you are not used to the strong sun, make sure to use a high SPF factor sun-cream or total sun block for the first few days then change to a lower factor when you have acclimatised. The only real pests in Malta are the mosquitoes so bring plenty of insect repellent creams and sprays. No inoculations are necessary for visitors from Europe, United States, Canada or Australia. A 15-minute drive away from the capital of Valletta is Malta's International Airport. Air Malta the national airline operates regular scheduled flights to many European and North African airports with connections to other European carriers.
Charter flights are available only as part of a package holiday.
Flights to Malta from London Heathrow will take just over 3 hours with up to 14 flights a week and from London Gatwick 13 flights a week. Air Malta also operates regular scheduled flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. The Bureaux de Change at Malta's International Airport open 24 hours and there are several bars, caf s, souvenir shops, newsagents and duty-frees. The main shopping centres are in Valletta the capital and Sliema. Anything from clothes to Italian delicacies can be found however these may be slightly more expensive.