About Malta – ECCNA 42

ECCNA 42 is hosted by the Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship in Malta.

Malta is a small country with a close-knit NA Fellowship that is proud to welcome members from across Europe and beyond. The ECCNA 42 vision is to create a convention where visitors from different cultures, countries and language communities can experience the spirit of NA Malta.

Valletta and the Grand Harbour

The convention will be held in Valletta at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, with several ECCNA activities centred around the historic Grand Harbour area. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage City — a small, walkable fortress capital built by the Knights of St John, with baroque architecture, limestone bastions and harbour views around almost every corner.

Historical sites to visit

Valletta and the surrounding Harbour area are packed with history. A few highlights members may want to work into their trip:

St John’s Co-Cathedral – one of Europe’s most striking baroque interiors, built by the Knights of St John.
Grand Master’s Palace – the former seat of the Knights, in the heart of Valletta.
Upper Barrakka Gardens – terraced gardens with panoramic views over the Grand Harbour, a short walk from the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
Fort St Elmo & the National War Museum – the star-shaped fortress that anchors the tip of the Valletta peninsula.
The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) – historic waterfront towns just across the Grand Harbour, reachable by traditional dgħajsa water-taxi.
Ħaġar Qim & Tarxien Temples – UNESCO-listed prehistoric temple complexes, among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, a bus or taxi ride away.

Things to do & beaches

Malta is compact, so it’s easy to combine convention time with some downtime by the water. A few options within easy reach of Valletta:

Sliema seafront – rocky bathing spots and lidos along a long promenade, about 15–20 minutes from Valletta by ferry, bus or taxi.
St George’s Bay, St Julian’s – a sandy beach with restaurants and bars nearby, roughly 20–30 minutes away.
Marsaxlokk – a traditional fishing village with colourful luzzu boats and harbourside seafood restaurants, about 30–40 minutes away.
The Valletta Waterfront & Grand Harbour – walkable from the venue, with boat trips, cafés and views across to the Three Cities.
Day trips to Mdina (the “Silent City”), Gozo and the Blue Lagoon (Comino) are popular if you’re staying on a few extra days.

Food to try

Maltese cuisine blends Sicilian, North African and British influences. Worth seeking out during your stay:

Pastizzi – flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, sold everywhere as a snack.
Stuffat tal-Fenek (rabbit stew) – Malta’s national dish, slow-cooked with wine, garlic and herbs.
Ftira – a Maltese flatbread sandwich, traditionally filled with tuna, olives, capers and tomato.
Ħobż biż-Żejt – crusty bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, topped with tuna or capers.
Kannoli & imqaret – crisp pastries filled with sweet ricotta, or with spiced date paste, for something sweet.

Weather in July

ECCNA 42 takes place at the height of the Maltese summer. Expect daytime temperatures around 30–33°C (86–91°F), warm nights, very little rain, and strong sun. Light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended, and it’s worth planning outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening when the heat is lower.

Useful local information

Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; cash is still useful for small vendors and buses.
Languages: Maltese and English are both official languages, and English is spoken very widely.
Electricity: 230V, Type G (UK-style three-pin) sockets.
Emergency number: 112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Getting around: see the Travel to Malta page for airport transfers, buses and taxis, and the Accommodation page for where to stay.

More practical information about Malta will continue to be added here as the convention approaches.