There is nowhere more typically Mediterranean than this small but fascinating country made up of three small islands: Malta itself, its sleepy neighbor Gozo and tiny Comino.
Malta is a place of sunshine, easy living and surprisingly hidden depths. It is a place that the British have cherished for centuries, and although the colonial days are behind us, there is still great affection for the British. It may be small, but it’s like no other place on earth.
Here are 10 great reasons to choose Malta for your next vacation adventure:
The coast: Although Malta isn’t big on sandy beaches, you’ll never be more than a few miles from the sea, so you’ll enjoy great views from the rocky shoreline. The best beaches are at Mellieha Bay on the main island, but also check out Marsalforn on Gozo.
Night life: St Julian’s is where it all happens, with the Paceville district packed with bars and clubs that attract top DJs during the summer. There is also much more cultural entertainment, with art and jazz festivals in July and August.
Food: Fish and shellfish are the specialties, but you’ll find everything from pasta (it’s only 65 miles from Sicily) to fine British cuisine. Typical island dishes include rabbit stew and lampuka (fish) cake.
Activities: Malta is one of the main diving centers in the Mediterranean, with crystal clear waters at least 20 meters deep and more than 30 diving schools to choose from. Horse riding, cycling and rock climbing also help keep fit.
Old history: Malta was a true meeting point for civilizations ranging from the Roman to the Arab. It has temples older than Stonehenge, catacombs and rock tombs.
The Knights: The capital city, Valletta, was built by the crusading Knights of St. John who ruled here from 1530 to 1798. It is a wonderfully preserved ancient city that has been the setting for many movies.
Island visits: No visit to Malta is complete without seeing the lesser known islands. Gozo (20 minutes by ferry) is greener and quieter than the main island, while little Comino is famous for the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Family Attractions: Visit Popeye Village, where the 1980 movie Popeye was filmed, and the Mediterranean Marine Park, where you can swim with dolphins.
Spas: Many of Malta’s hotels have world-class spas, including Le Meridien St Julian’s and Kempinski San Lawrenz in Gozo.
festivals: The Maltese love parades, with Easter, Christmas and Carnival (usually in February) being good times to visit.
There we have it: many good reasons for a holiday in Malta.
