The Europeans know what they’re doing when they take their summer holidays in Malta. This Mediterranean island nation boasts more days of sun than any other European country, and is packed full of history for travelers who want more than just a beach holiday.

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Malta is made up of three larger islands and a collection of smaller ones, most of which earn the title of “island” rather dubiously, being in reality little more than rocks. Only Malta, Gozo, and Comino are inhabited and the capital Valletta is situated on the island of Malta. The country is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, south of Italy, north of Libya, east of Tunisia and west of Greece.

Most tourists arrive by air, and with the relatively recent arrival of budget airlines, this is a lot cheaper and easier than it used to be. It’s also possible to get to and from Malta by ferry from Italy, and quite a lot of sailors make a stop here while sailing the Med.

Although it’s a Mediterranean country, there’s a shortage of sandy beaches on Malta. However, sand is imported from overseas to make up for what is naturally lacking. The landscape is overwhelmingly rocky, dry and relatively flat, but in winter everything turns green after a period of rain.

The country is a haven for those wanting a sun holiday, but more importantly it packs in the history for those with even a glimmer of interest in the subject. From pre-historic temples to the siege of 1565 to its pivotal role in the Second World War – Malta has something from almost every era. Plus there’s more natural rock formations than you can shake a stick at.

City focus: Valletta

It’s stretching things a little to call Valletta a city, given that it’s less than one square kilometer in size and has a population of around 6,000. In fact the population of the whole county is around 400,000 and the land area of Malta is smaller than that of most cities, so the country could be called a city-state. Valletta, however, certainly acts as a central point – many hotels are located here and it’s the hub for the bus network: if you want to get anywhere in Malta, you usually have to go through Valletta.

It’s located in the central north-east of the island of Malta and is named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta who headed the successful resistance against the Ottomans in the Great Siege of 1565. This siege is the reason for all the fortifications you’ll see around the city, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Getting to and from Malta

Most visitors to Malta arrive by plane at the only airport in the country, known variously as Malta International Airport, Luqa Airport, and Valletta Airport. It’s located in Luqa, about 5km from Valletta, and you can reach the capital by public bus or taxi – although hotels often send shuttles to collect guests.

You can also arrive by ferry from Sicily, or limited numbers of charter flights and cruises.

Getting around Malta

Bus

If you have time to spare, the bus network goes almost everywhere you need it to, though you’ll usually have to go through Valletta. The buses are a tourist attraction in their own right, with many dating back to the sixties. The buses come in all shapes and sizes, but are all painted dark yellow with an orange stripe on Malta, and grey with a red stripe on Gozo.

Car and camper rental

Most Maltese have a car for getting around, and you can hire one if you want the freedom, though driving in Malta is an experience. The Maltese drive on the left – most of the time. Taxis can be quite expensive and should be pre-booked – agree on a price when you book.

Cycling and hiking

The small size of Malta makes is it a pleasure to traverse by bike, and you can hire bikes on the island. Just keep out of the way of cars, which are not likely to give you right of way.

Hitch-hiking is common on Gozo, although normal security precautions apply.

Cruise and sail

There are regular ferries between Malta and Gozo, and also between Valletta and Sliema on Malta – an option which makes a nice change from the bus. Day hire and charter vessels are available from several harbours and agencies.

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Top 10 things to do in Malta

• Visit the Hypogeum. This amazing prehistoric underground temple complex is carefully conserved and only 80 people can enter per day – buy your ticket in advance.
• Get some history in Valletta. Malta’s location in the centre of the Mediterranean has made it strategically important for centuries. Wander the capital and soak up some of the history built into its very foundations, or visit a museum to find out more.
• Head to Marsaxlokk markets. The Sunday market is a good excuse for heading to this pretty corner of Malta, plus you can buy really good cheese and as much fresh fish as you can imagine. Of course there’s also the touristy rubbish, but focus on the food and you’ll be fine.
• Celebrate a saint’s day at a local festa. Each district of Malta has a patron saint, which they honour with a large celebration on the saint’s day. There’s food, drink and schoolchildren performing – what more could you want? If you’re around for Easter, each district will put on a procession – definitely worth a watch.
• Eat pastizzi and drink Kinnie. Malta’s traditional snack, pastizzi, comes in two varieties – ricotta or mushy pea. The filling is enclosed in filo pastry and the whole thing is cooked until the pastry is crispy. Wash it down with a can of Kinnie, Malta’s own burnt-orange soft drink.
• Party it up in St Julians. The capital Valletta pretty much closes down at night, but if you’re looking for a place to party, St Julians is that place. Choose from one of the pumping nightclubs off the stairs between the two levels of the suburb, or find a more mellow pub around the corner.
• Explore the narrow and carless streets of Mdina. This stone city sits on a small rise, offering modest views of its surroundings, but the real attraction is the town itself. Have a meal in one of the semi-underground restaurants and soak up the atmosphere.
• Take the ferry to Gozo and explore the capital Victoria/Rabat. The salt pans on the other side of the island are worth a look, and don’t miss the Azure Window. The sapphire-blue of the sea around Malta makes this natural rock formation really striking.
• Visit the Gigantija temples. These stone temples are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, pre-dating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. They’re named after the giants who are thought to have built them.
• Visit tiny Comino between the two larger islands. Dive, swim, fish or relax, it’s up to you.

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