• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Malta

Behavior

The Maltese are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Malta, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Malta Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

The traditional dress of Malta is similar to other historic European styles, with women traditionally wearing dresses and men generally in shirts and pants. The women's dresses were generally loose-fitting, although some had a corset on the top; the most common colors were red and white, but they came in numerous colors and often included a number of colors on a single dress. The men wore loose-fitting pants, shirts, and hats, which were long and again were generally very colorful.

Today this traditional dress is very rarely worn, although for important occasions it is more common and sometimes tourist information workers dress in this manner. Today nearly everyone wears modern western-styled clothing common throughout Europe and the world. Styles of all sorts are common and accepted. As a visitor to Malta, you are welcome to wear any western-styled clothing you desire, but dress for the occasion. Long pants should be worn to churches and to more formal events, including many restaurants in the capital. Shorts and more liberal clothing can be worn throughout the country, but try to remain modest in the cities. Lastly, sunbathing naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so.

This page was last updated: November, 2013