Just south of Sicily, Malta is a small archipelago of three islands but packs in prehistoric temples, a thriving capital and turquoise waters flowing onto white-sand beaches. Located on Malta Island, the ancient capital city of Valletta is described by UNESCO as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’. Like a fine wine, the city has improved with age; its Roman Catholic cathedral flanked by an array of museums, shopping areas and 16th-century mansions converted into bars and restaurants. Other must-see attractions include the Hypogeum – a prehistoric burial site unearthed in 1902 – and the Megalithic temples which can be observed on both Malta and Gozo island. Malta’s rural beauty makes it perfect for all sorts of activities, such as hiking along the Gozo coast, sailing past secluded caves or diving amongst shipwrecks. If you’d rather ride a wave than dive below one, then numerous surfing spots are available, including Palm Beach, St. Thomas and Ghallis on the north shores of Malta. Comino is Malta’s smallest island but still worth a visit by any means. Its main draw is the Blue Lagoon – a huge pool of crystal-clear water on the uninhabited islet of Cominotto. A number of hotels, guests houses and apartments are available, with options provided on each of the three islands.
