Marvellous Malta is the place to treat yourself to a feast of Mediterranean magic in 2024, whether you crave a fun-packed summer adventure or the chance to wallow in some welcome winter sunshine.
This glorious getaway, which is blessed with great weather all-year-round, has something for everyone, from families seeking beachfront thrills to couples yearning for romantic hours in beautiful surroundings. Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino boast postcard-perfect scenery, pristine beaches, rich history and culture, incredible food and a multitude of fabulous attractions. This glorious destination, located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is also home to lush nature reserves, quaint villages, vibrant nightlife and water sports galore. The capital of Valletta is certain to wow with its grand palaces, regal squares and stunning Baroque architecture, while a myriad of charming coastal resorts offer pleasure, leisure and relaxation, including Bugibba, Sliema, St Paul’s Bay, Mellieha, St Julian’s Bay and Qawra.
Malta has many excellent Blue Flag beaches which are ideal for soaking up the sun and taking to the inviting Mediterranean for water sports action. Mellieha Bay is perfect for families with its golden sands and shallow waters, while Golden Bay will impress beach lovers with its huge dunes and beguiling sunsets. Mistra Bay is surrounded by imposing cliffs and spellbinding scenery, Armier Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and St George’s Bay, in St Julian’s, has a great beach for chilling out in the sunshine. Popular activities in the sea include jet-skiing, water-skiing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, banana boat rides, catamaran cruises and diving to Malta’s many historic shipwrecks. The alluring island of Gozo is also home to heavenly beaches, including the beautiful terracotta-coloured sands of Ramla Bay, while Comino has several secluded coves, incredible dive sites and a famous Blue Lagoon, which is a magnet for snorkelers.
Endless Activities
This sensational destination is brimming with exciting activities and adventures. An exhilarating jeep safari is a popular choice for exploring a multitude of hidden charms, including Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, Dingli Cliffs, the beautiful bay at Fomm ir-Rih and the sea caverns at the renowned Blue Grotto. Film buffs can visit Popeye Village, which was originally built for the Robin Williams movie, golf enthusiasts can practise their swing at the Royal Malta Golf Club and families can get up close to bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and other aquatic creatures at Mediterraneo Marine Park. A boat trip to Gozo to marvel at its ancient caves and old artisan villages is highly recommended. Other popular outdoor activities include ziplining in Rabat, canyoning in the Malta Valley, scuba diving on mysterious wrecks, trekking along the breathtaking coastline from St Julian’s to Sliema and horse-riding on the sands in Golden Bay.
Pulsating Nightlife
You’re spoilt for choice in Malta when the sun goes down and you’re in the mood for some night-time entertainment. Up-beat nightclubs, pulsating beach bars, superb live music venues and chic restaurants are among the delights which await. Paceville in St Julian’s is a high-energy place to party, with plenty of lively bars and trendy clubs, including the Sky Club, a massive indoor venue which stages major events and attracts big-name guests. Bugibba, Qawra and Sliema are also great choices for some fun after dark, while Rabat is home to several open-air clubs. Valletta boasts a vibrant wine bar scene, with everything from centuries-old venues such as Trabuxu to ultra-modern spots including Camerata Wine Bar. The city is also home to dreamy jazz clubs and glitzy casinos, while Sliema, Naxxar and Birgu Waterfront have several top-class restaurants for a romantic dinner with the love of your life.
Cultural Paradise
Malta is steeped in rich history and fascinating culture which spans more than 7,000 years back in time. The UNESCO-listed capital of Valletta is home to many architectural treasures. Prepare to be wowed by St John’s Co-Cathedral which oozes majesty with its stunning Baroque decor, incredible ceiling paintings and beautiful gilded walls. Another major attraction is the Grand Harbour where a firing ceremony is held daily at midday at the world’s oldest operational saluting gun battery. Other cultural joys include the Grandmaster’s Palace, Parliament Building, the domed Carmelite Church, the National Museum of Archaeology and the Royal Opera House. The fortified ‘Silent City’ of Mdina, Malta’s former capital, is home to phenomenal architecture and 4,000-year-old cobbled streets. More must-see ancient attractions in Malta include the Tarxien Temples, the Hagar Qim and the Mnajdra neolithic temples complex, while the megalithic Ggantija Temples on Gozo are also truly impressive.
Culinary Delights
Malta is a foodies’ paradise, with beachfront cafes, bistro bars and gourmet restaurants among the places to savour mouth-watering local flavours. Stuffar tal-Fenek is the island’s national dish which comprises tender cuts of rabbit, cooked with potatoes, red wine, garlic, onions and carrots, while Lampuki fish pie is a scrumptious favourite and Kapunata is a delicious Maltese version of ratatouille. Other superb local dishes include Bragioli (beef olives), Aljotta (fish soup) and spaghetti with sea urchins. Imqaret are tasty deep-fried sweet treats with a date filling, while Torta Tal-Lewz is a much-loved moist and nutty almond cake. Cisk lager is a popular drink brewed in Malta since 1929 and the island also produces several top-quality wines. Valletta boasts many of the island's best restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Under Grain, Noni and ION Harbour. It is also home to the highly-regarded Italian trattoria Rubino which has been in operation since 1906.
Best time to visit
More than 3,000 hours of annual sunshine makes Malta a fabulous choice for an unforgettable holiday experience in the glorious Mediterranean. Whatever time of year you choose to visit you can rely on plenty of wonderful weather for getting out and about, exploring a plethora of attractions on Malta and its lovely sister islands of Gozo and Comino. June to August is a great time to visit, when there is very little rainfall and daily temperatures average around 31°C. This wonderful destination enjoys an average 12 hours of sunshine during the summer months and a delightful five to six hours in the middle of winter. Most of the island's key attractions remain open in winter when the mercury hovers around 15°C to 20°C, making Malta a superb choice if you want to escape the cold days and dark nights in the UK.
“Malta is a fabulous destination where holidaymakers can relax and enjoy everything this Mediterranean gem has to offer in 2024.
“From beautiful beaches and exceptional scenery to fantastic food and amazing year-round sunshine, this is the place to create magical memories which will last a lifetime.
“Malta is only a 3-hour flight away from the UK, so it’s a great choice for enjoying some rejuvenating winter sun, when the cold weather at home is getting you down.
“This appealing getaway, and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino, are also home to incredible natural wonders, warm waters for thrilling aquatic activities, endearing wildlife and a welcome from the locals at every turn.
“The capital city Valletta is definitely worth a visit, with its epic architecture from bygone days, imposing palaces, majestic churches, superb shops and vibrant nightlife.”
Travel expert recommendation
db San Antonio Hotel + Spa
Embrace Mediterranean island bliss at this fabulous family-friendly sanctuary offering gorgeous views across St Paul’s Bay. Here you can enjoy sun-drenched days relaxing by the pool or indulge in rejuvenating pampering sessions at the plush spa. A choice of inviting dining destinations serve up mouthwatering dishes to please all, while the delightful accommodation is perfect for a restful night’s sleep. Other fantastic features include a fitness centre, kids and teens clubs, children’s pools and slides, and show-stopping evening entertainment.
Laid-back days and fun-packed nights are waiting to be enjoyed at this sublime all-inclusive haven sitting within easy reach of the golden sands and glistening waters of Mellieha Beach. Expect a relaxing stay in the light and spacious rooms and suites, while culinary delights from the Mediterranean, Brazil, Asia and America are among the treats on offer in the enticing restaurants. The resort also boasts an array of wonderful leisure amenities, including a spa, fitness centre, a kids club, games arcade and a 4-lane bowling alley.
Embrace days of sunshine and all-inclusive delights at this wonderful retreat looking out over the dazzling blue waters of Salina Bay. Chilled hours poolside, heavenly spa treatments, energetic workouts, friendly rounds of minigolf and exciting water sports are among the activities that can be enjoyed during your stay. A multitude of tantalising flavours and cuisines are on the menu in the superb restaurants and bars, while the tastefully-appointed living spaces offer complete comfort and come equipped with a host of essential holiday amenities.
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