A bit about Malta

A little mid-Mediterranean nation half-way between northern Africa and Sicily, Malta's scenic coasts, warm climate and rich heritage are the main draw for tourists. Along with its sister-islands of Comino and Gozo, Malta is blessed with clear waters the colour of lapis lazuli and dramatically beautiful shores speckled with rocky inlets, caves, lagoons and golden beaches.

The island has an excellent tourism infrastructure making it easy to get around, go sightseeing and find fun things to do from trekking in protected areas to visiting theme parks. The lion's share of Malta's resorts and hotels are clustered around the north of the island close to gorgeous beaches, fantastic facilities and a bevy of places to eat, drink and be merry.

The island is a heavenly destination for a beach escape, but its crystalline seas also make it particularly popular for divers, snorkelers and swimmers, with legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau naming the archipelago amongst his top dive sites. There are plenty of well-equipped dive centres dotted around the island, and you can find the most awe-inspiring diving off the shores of Gozo and Comino just a short ferry ride away.

Travellers who enjoy sightseeing and discovering history and heritage are in for a real treat in Malta, where the past is deep, rich and fascinating, and still very much evident. From the amazing antiquity of its Neolithic temples to the grandiose splendour of Valletta, the island has plenty of man-made marvels. With more than 320 heritage monuments, the honey-hued capital city built by the Knights of St John is simply not to be missed and will become European Capital of Culture in 2018.
 

What is there to see and do in Malta?

The compact trio of islands that make up the Maltese Republic, set squarely in the Mediterranean Sea, are not just a pretty place for a sun-drenched break. The country is both fun and interesting to explore with a real sense of history lent by monuments and landmarks that date from antiquity and the middle ages through to modern times. In fact, the citadels of Valletta and Mdina are so scenic and well-preserved that they have doubled for various locations in top television show Game of Thrones.

Malta's famously vivid blue waters and extraordinary coastal features also make it a popular destination for diving and boat trips, while there are a clutch of golden beaches, flat rocky shores and lagoons that are ideal for swimming. Malta has some classic family attractions to delight little travellers too such as the new national aquarium and a Popeye theme park that was the original set for the 1980s film. It's also easy to explore the islands with a good network of buses, plenty of tours and boat trips available, and regular ferry services.

The islands' strategic mid-Mediterranean position has led to a rich and textured history with wave upon wave of civilizations leaving their marks and creating a unique cultural mosaic. Fragments of two centuries of British rule still remain, such as the familiar red telephone boxes that are hard to find in the UK. Today the islands have a distinctly gentle and peaceful temperament, with little hustle and bustle and a slow pace of life. The Maltese are known for their warm and welcoming spirit and local cuisine includes wonderful sea food, rabbit stew and buttery pastries filled with pea puree or ricotta - the perfect snack if you are on the go.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malta a single island?
Malta is an archipelago made up of a series islands. Only the three largest - Malta, Gozo and Comino - are inhabited. While the majority of tourist attractions are on Malta, there is also plenty to see on the other islands, which can easily be reached by regular ferry services. Gozo is popular for its beach resorts, water sports and the Azure Window, a natural stone arch formed millions of years ago. Comino is much smaller, with a resident population of just four people. It attracts visitors to its sandy beaches and the Blue Lagoon, a magical bay with pristine waters and a sandy-white beach.

Can I combine Malta with Sicily or Tunisia?
Malta is around 60 miles south of Sicily and the Italian island can be reached by ferry or plane. The flight is roughly 40 minutes, while the ferry services, which run to Catania and Pozzallo, take approximately four hours and two hours respectively. Tunisia is roughly 200 miles to the east of the country and flights to Tunis take just over an hour.