Malta holidays

Among the many amazing things to see in Malta are its prehistoric temples. Head to the clifftop where the country’s earliest inhabitants worshipped 5,000 years ago — Ħaġar Qim’s megalithic complex includes stones that stand over five metres tall. Or descend to the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a vast necropolis where an estimated 7,000 people were buried — just remember to book well in advance.

The Knights of St John occupied Malta for over 200 years, leaving an extraordinary legacy of churches, palaces and fortresses. These include the splendidly Baroque St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace, with its 5,000 suits of armour. Don’t miss the Three Cities the Knights fortified — Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua — across from the Grand Harbour.

Built in the 1570s, St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is a must-see, from its marble floor to its famed Caravaggio paintings. The hidden alleys of Mdina transport you to medieval days when monks and nuns inhabited its ‘Silent City’. And tucked between the islands of Comino and Cominotto, the Blue Lagoon is one of the Mediterranean’s most photographed spots.

Carved out of the island’s rock, the beaches in Malta are unforgettable. The clear-blue waters are great for swimming — try the sheltered St Peter’s Pool — and perfect for snorkelling or diving among the reefs and wrecks. You’ll find a couple of big, sandy sweeps, like Golden Bay and Riviera Beach on the northwest coast, and plenty of water sports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Malta’s coastline beckons hikers with its lush countryside on one side and the deep blue Mediterranean on the other. Head west to the Dingli Cliffs, over 250 metres above sea level, or go horseback riding along the golden shores. Boat tours wind through the Blue Grotto’s famous sea caves. The northern nature reserves, like Majjistral Nature and History Park, showcase a rich variety of bird and plant life.

Valletta is the island’s cultural hub, with historic palazzos, art galleries, a magnificent open-air theatre and live music in many of its bars. Other museums in Malta explore the country’s ancient history. The National Museum of Archaeology showcases amulets, tools and figurines that date back 5,000 years, while the Għar Dalam cave holds fossils that are half a million years old.

The flavours of Italy and mainland Europe meet the Middle East here. You’ll find meze-style dishes sitting alongside rustic rabbit stews and flavoursome fish soups. Head to Marsaxlokk for some of the best seafood restaurants in Malta, including the island’s famous octopus and calamari. Or snack on traditional ‘pastizzi’ (crispy pastries filled with ricotta or curried peas) and tangy Ġbejna cheese.