Just a three-hour flight away from the UK and boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, book your next holiday in Malta.
Valetta: The sunniest city in Europe
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valetta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world with over 320 historical monuments found scattered across the city. Firing off a midday gun display every day; the Saluting Battery is the best place to soak in the pristine panoramic views across Grand Harbour and count the fortified fortresses lining the clifftops.
Following Valletta’s stint as a European Capital of Culture in 2018, the country’s capital is also a re-energised centre of contemporary design and architecture with many of the city’s heritage mansions now showcasing contemporary art. Galleries worth visiting for thought-provoking installations and sculptures include Valletta Contemporary and Blitz, while scheduled to open this year, the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) will take over a restored fort in the historic Floriana precinct.
Historic edge
With over 7,000 years of history on display, Malta’s scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop for visitors to explore megaliths, medieval dungeons, and ancient catacombs. Alongside Valetta, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the subterranean al Saflieni Hypogeum structure and Megalithic Temples all add to Malta’s positively mythic atmosphere.
Elsewhere throughout the islands, smaller prehistoric sites are subtler but just as impressive. Considered as one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, the prehistoric Ggantija Temples on the island of Gozo host a regular roster of theatre and classical music performances which are not to be missed.
Adventures abound
The sparkling Mediterranean Sea provides the perfect environment for snorkellers and divers to explore the stunning reefs, natural caves, and World War Two wrecks found under crystal-clear waters. A simple ferry journey across Grand Harbour in Valletta is a magical experience, but for the stylish or adventurous, the island’s many marinas can also be navigated via a stately yacht or speedboat. Above the water, the view-filled pathways linking isolated coves also provide a playground for hiking, horse riding, and mountain climbing.
Gastronomy for all tastes
The flavour of Maltese cuisine is the
result of a 7,000-year relationship with the many civilisations who have occupied the Maltese Islands. A melting-pot of cultures including the Sicilians, Romans, Spanish, and French influences the unique blend of Maltese cooking while making use of local ingredients such as rabbit and honey.
A walking tour through the plazas and narrow lanes is the best way to sample the classic Maltese flavours and newer culinary directions including artisan chocolate, wine, and craft beer. Seasonal brews include the wheat beer, Flinders Rose made with local caper flowers, a honey winter ale with Gozo carob honey, and a brown ale made with locally foraged wild fennel seeds.
Getting around
With three islands clustered close together, Malta is an easy destination to explore on foot at your own pace, especially along the heritage streets of Valletta and Mdina’s hilltop walled city. There’s plenty of pedal bike and e-bike rentals and sharing schemes for those seeking a low carbon travel option to zip around quickly, while guided bike tours are also available from Eco Bikes Malta based at the northern beach resort of Bugibba.
Several handy passenger ferries can also be used from the southern edge of Valletta’s fortified peninsula with services crossing Grand Harbour to the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. Malta’s traditional hand- rowed water taxi service is a sight not to be missed if not participated in, where 17th century boats guide passengers under the golden walls of Fort St. Angelo.
Find out more at Visitmalta.com/en