Malta receives large numbers of tourists and foreigners who come to enjoy the summer or to take advantage of the study opportunities the island has to offer, be it in English, undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Similarly, many people from all continents come to Malta attracted by the job opportunities and a Mediterranean lifestyle. One of the main indicators of the quality of life in Malta and one of the aspects most appreciated by foreigners, especially those coming from Latin America and Spain, is the aspect of safety. In fact, in several worldwide and European rankings Malta tops the lists as one of the safest countries, you can see the one by The Insiderand SIGMA's. So let's learn about the characteristics that make Malta one of the safest destinations on the planet. Let's talk about safety in Malta!
Security in urban areas
There is little police presence in the cities. You can easily walk the streets and move around the island at any time of day or night. The feeling of safety is clear. However, we recommend that you try not to leave your things unattended on public roads. One thing we love is that in many cities the sea is very accessible, with areas set up for a dip, which is wonderful, particularly in the heat of the summer. Well, if you like, you can go to the beach on your own, leave your things on the shore, enjoy the water for several hours and when you come back you will find all your things in their place. We have only heard of one situation where a mobile phone/mobile phone was stolen in these circumstances, but the thief (in this case a woman) was caught immediately and the phone/mobile phone was immediately returned to its owner.
Well, if Malta does not have a significant number of police on the streets, then what is the key to it being such a safe country? Well, one of the main ones is that unemployment is virtually non-existent on the island. With a rate of 4.1% in August 2020, even at mid-pandemic, Malta has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe (and even worldwide). Similarly, surveillance camera circuits cover a large area of the island's urban areas, making it easy to monitor, and this is an important deterrent.
Despite the fact that the security situation in Malta is generally very good and crime is relatively low, it is always advisable to take basic precautions in entertainment areas or nightclubs, as well as in areas with a high concentration of tourists. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended for long periods of time and leave important items such as passports or international credit cards that you are not going to use at home, as they can be misplaced if you are not careful.
We recommend that you take extra care when you are in the Paceville area, as it is a busy place with a lot of nightlife and people passing through, so it can be very easy to misplace something, sometimes without realising it. If you're partying, take care of your belongings.
Beach safety
During the summer, many beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and operate safety flag systems. Make sure you understand the system and follow the warnings; red flags indicate dangerous conditions. You should swim within designated swimming zones and take special care if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs. Here are the signs used by lifeguards to familiarise yourself with them:
Before bathing, it is necessary to pay attention to the possible presence of jellyfish on the beaches.
The vast majority of the beaches are limestone. Most of the few sandy beaches are located in the northern part of the island of Malta. These are the widest beaches, but they are also the most crowded and have the most facilities and entertainment. If you decide to do any kind of water sport or activity, it is advisable to reconfirm whether your insurance coverage covers accidents related to this type of activity.
It is advisable to take special care when hiring any water activities, verifying the possession of an official licence authorising the owner to offer such water activities, as well as the compulsory insurance in case of accident. If you have any doubts about a service to hire, you can consult directly with the Boom Malta team, we will be happy to help you. You should also take precautions on beaches where rockslides may occur, such as St. Peter's Pool, Kalanka or Ghar Lapsi.
Security for women
Finally, a fact that we think you should also know about safety in Malta is that it was also recognised for being a very safe destination for women, considering that sometimes travelling alone can be a concern, you can see this in the Ranking Global Wealth Migration Review 2019 in which it ranks 2nd! The report commented: "Women's safety is one of the best measures of potential wealth growth across a country, with a correlation of over 90% between historical wealth growth and levels of women's safety". Malta has everything under control to deliver the best experience.
Our students, particularly those from Latin America, always tell us that one of the things they like most about living in Malta is the possibility of feeling safe and not being afraid on the streets. We really believe that this makes a big difference in everyone's daily life.
Key contact numbers
Keep these numbers handy in case you need them:
Police: (+356) 2122 4001-7
Fire Brigade/Ambulance: 112
Mater Dei Hospital: +356 2545 0000
No doubt the island is full of surprises and adventures to discover, and what better than doing it in a safe environment! For example, here are a few of our posts where we zoom in on the northern part of Malta and the southern part of Malta.
One of the most important aspects of a good quality of life is not to be afraid, to be able to go about our daily lives peacefully, men and women, young and old, all knowing that the levels of security are really excellent. Of course, it is always advisable for all residents to take the necessary care, but those of us who come from the big cities of the Spanish-speaking world know how to take care of ourselves and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
Remember to follow us on our social networks for more information and interesting facts to help you make the most of your stay on the island. Let's go!
