10 good reasons to visit Malta

There is nowhere more typically Mediterranean than this small but fascinating country made up of three tiny 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 long gone, there is still a great affection for the British. It may be small, but it’s like no other place on earth.

Here are 10 good reasons to choose Malta for your next holiday 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 magnificent views from the rocky coastline. 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 the best DJs during the summer. There’s plenty more cultural entertainment too, with art and jazz festivals in July and August.

Food: Fish and shellfish are the specialities, but you’ll find everything from pasta (it’s only 65 miles from Sicily) to good British cooking. 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, biking and rock climbing also help keep him in shape.

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.

Visits to islands: No visit to Malta is complete without seeing the lesser known islands. Gozo (20 minutes away by ferry) is greener and calmer than the main island, while tiny Comino is famous for the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Family Attractions: Visit Popeye Village, where the movie Popeye was filmed in 1980, 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 on 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.