Useful information

Getting to The Notch from Malta International Airport

The airport is approximately 10 km from The Notch, with a journey time of around 15–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

The easiest way to reach The Notch is by taxi.
You can choose from:

  • Official airport taxis (available 24/7 outside Arrivals)
  • Bolt: Bolt operates in Malta for relatively low fares – it is a good option for car pooling in the evening (avoiding the day traffic). It offers electric vehicles options too. You can download the app for free. Payment can be done with a card via the app or in cash.
  • Uber: It operates like Bolt. You can download the app here: https://www.uber.com/mt/en/
  • eCabs: eCabs is the local riding app, and it works well for carpooling and rides from and to the airport –  You can download the app here
    Payment can be done with a card via the app or in cash.

Typical journey time from the airport to The Notch – reservation for early flights is recommended!: 15–20 minutes

Approximate fare: €15–25, depending on the service and time of day.

By Public Transport

A convenient option is to take a bus towards Msida or San Ġwann, then continue on foot or with a short taxi ride if preferred. The fare when purchasing tickets directly on the bus is €2.50 for Day Services, and €3.00 for Night Services. Night Services are identified by the letter N before the route number, like N13, N212, and other similar routes.

Tickets may be purchased when boarding the bus directly from the bus driver. One may pay in cash, ideally paying in exact change, or else by using a contactless credit/debit card and tapping it on the reader next to the driver.

A cash ticket bought directly on the bus may be used for a 2 hour timeframe. Within this time period you may board other buses by validating the ticket on the ticket machine close to the driver.

Journey time: 40–60 minutes, depending on connections and traffic.

Ferry operated by Valletta Ferry Services

Theirs is a catamaran ferry service from The Strand – Sliema to Valletta every day to commute from Gzira to Valletta, the capital city. This service runs daily from early morning to late afternoon.
Adults: Day – Single: €3.00 // Day – Return: €5.00

About the Area

San Ġwann
San Ġwann is a friendly residential town situated between Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, making it an excellent base for exploring Malta.

Within a short walk you’ll find:

  • cafés and restaurants
  • supermarkets
  • pharmacies
  • bakeries
  • banks and ATMs
  • convenience stores

The area is generally quiet while remaining close to Malta’s busiest commercial and entertainment districts.

Wied Għollieqa Nature Reserve
Just a few minutes from The Notch lies Wied Għollieqa, one of Malta’s hidden green valleys.

This protected natural area offers:

  • peaceful walking paths
  • native Mediterranean vegetation
  • birdlife
  • shaded areas ideal for a relaxing stroll

It provides a welcome escape from the city’s bustle and is especially beautiful in spring.

University of Malta
The University of Malta is only a short distance away.

Founded over 250 years ago, it is Malta’s oldest university and one of the island’s most important educational institutions. The attractive campus is open to visitors and features cafés, green spaces and modern facilities. The nearby Msida area is popular with students and offers a lively selection of restaurants and coffee shops.

Emergency numbers and public health system

Emergency numbers
The three most commonly used emergency services in the Maltese Islands are the police, fire service, and emergency medical service.

GENERAL EMERGENCY: 112
If you need to contact any of the services in the case of an emergency, kindly dial 112. These calls can be made from any phone and are free of charge – only use them in a real emergency.

POLICE: 119

Sliema Police Station: +356  22943351, 110 Triq Manwel Dimech, Tas-Sliema

Pulizija

DOCTORS & HEALTH CARE
Malta has a long history of providing publicly funded health care.

Medical care in Malta is available through both public and private hospitals and the quality of medical care in Malta is excellent. Visitors from EU member states should make sure that they have a European Health Insurance card.

Public General Hospitals
Mater Dei Hospital – WF2G+PH6, Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida MSD 2090

Tel: 356 25450000

General Practitioners & Specialists
GP is available at the Gzira Health Centre located in Meme Scicluna Square, Gzira. GZR-1120, Contact number: 21 231 231

For map details please click here.

Other health care services here

GP & specialists are available at the O’Hea Pharmacy. See details & schedule here
You can receive a medical visit by presenting yourself at the pharmacy during visit hours.

Pharmacies 

List of pharmacies & opening hours here

Other info about Malta

Drinking water
Drinking water from plastic bottled water is very common in Malta. People often complain of the chlorine taste in the tap water in Malta more than the slight saltiness. Some people will drink the water straight from the tap and it does depend a little on the area as water taste does differ. The Water Services Corporation in Malta does recognise the issue with taste and over many years of investment they are doing everything they can to improve it. However, surveys conducted by the WSC shows that the preferred source of drinking water is, by far, bottled water.

Much of the tap water comes from desalinisation plants and Malta has four of these in Ghar Lapsi, Pembroke, Cirkewwa and  Hondoq, Gozo. These plants process the water and add chlorine to ensure the safety of the water to EU Standards. According to all the EU and WHO guidelines the tap water in Malta is safe to drink. The supply of tap water in Malta is subject to the Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 which came into force in January 2021.

There are tests done regularly across all locations to ensure that the supply is meeting all the standards and the testing data is available to the general public to view in their area on the WSC Live Portal.

During the event we will provide filtered drinking water.

Payments
In Malta, cash, credit, and debit cards are popular for everyday purchases. Cash is accepted everywhere and is often used for smaller amounts. Cards, including digital wallets, are common but can have a minimum card spend of around €5-10.

Maestro, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Revolut 

Electric plugs
Malta uses Type G electrical sockets, the same three-pin rectangular plug used in the United Kingdom. If you’re travelling from countries that use different plug types (such as most of continental Europe), you’ll need a Type G travel adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers are compatible with Malta’s voltage, but always check your device before plugging it in.

Must-See Places in Malta

Valletta
Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and charming narrow streets.

Mdina
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is Malta’s ancient walled capital, offering spectacular views, elegant palaces and timeless streets.

The Three Cities
Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea and Cospicua showcase Malta’s rich maritime history, picturesque waterfronts and beautiful fortifications.

Marsaxlokk
A traditional fishing village famous for its colourful luzzu boats, seafood restaurants and lively Sunday market.

Blue Grotto
One of Malta’s most famous natural attractions, where boat trips reveal spectacular sea caves and crystal-clear waters.

Dingli Cliffs
The highest point in Malta, perfect for dramatic coastal views and unforgettable sunsets.

Golden Bay & Għajn Tuffieħa
Two of Malta’s most beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and sunset walks.