It’s no surprise that many holidaymakers return to Malta year after year– this awe-inspiring Mediterranean getaway is a real gem of a destination.
A feast of relaxation, fun, sun and entertainment in Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino is a mere 3-hour flight away from the UK. These laid-back islands boast stunning coastlines, 7,000 years of captivating history and culture, picturesque scenery and world-class scuba diving opportunities. Shop ‘til you drop at Bay Street Shopping Complex, taste authentic Maltese delicacies and keep the little ones happy with a plethora of fun-packed activities. Malta is a friendly and safe destination with inexpensive transport for solo travellers, a cool hub of lively bars for groups of friends, and a romantic setting for couples to enjoy some quality time. The charming capital city of Valletta is known as the sunniest city in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine every year. Let’s take a look at some of the delights which make Malta a great choice for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Malta is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, including the unspoilt Golden Bay on the north west coastline and Mellieha Beach, the largest sandy expanse on the island which is perfect for families craving outdoor fun. You’ll discover a multitude of sunbathing spots and inviting sapphire waters where you can cool off with a myriad of exhilarating water sports, including snorkelling, windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving. If you are looking for an affordable escape where you can stroll along jaw-dropping beaches and marvel at romantic sunsets, then Malta is the place for you.
Embrace Malta’s Culture
Experience 7,000 years of history in this spellbinding destination which is brimming with magnificent architecture from yesteryear and enthralling cultural traditions. Incredible Maltese artwork and ancient historic sites are among the must-see attractions when you visit the magical capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with hundreds of bewitching monuments. Home to fascinating old free-standing temples, Valletta also features excellent museums, such as the National War Museum or the Lascaris War Rooms, uniquely located in underground tunnels. The delightful old capital of Mdina is a great find for solo culture fiends, where you can stroll along 4,000-year-old cobbled streets. Scenes from the epic fantasy drama series Game of Thrones were filmed on the island and devoted fans can set about trying to recognise Red Keep prison and the Underground Chambers.
Sample Malta’s Nightlife
After the glistening sun has set, Malta offers an impressive choice of evening entertainment, with cool bars, pulsating nightclubs and lively music venues. If having a boogie to classic tunes with your best friends sounds like your kind of night, Paceville, in St Julian’s, has a notoriously wild strip of bars and clubs. You can socialise and make new friends over a refreshing cocktail in popular areas like Sliema, while Bugibba and Qawra also provide options for some fun-packed entertainment after dark. Maybe you would prefer to try your luck at one of the swanky casinos, or enjoy a night of culture at the theatre. The choice is yours. If the opportunity arises, it’s certainly worth attending one of the fantastic summer festivals, which include World Club Dome Malta.
Get Active
Malta is jam-packed with activities for families and adventures for thrill-seekers. Blessed with flat terrain and glorious sunshine, you can take an energetic walk along the scenic coast from St Julian’s to Sliema, stumbling across natural treasures along the way. You can also hire a bicycle to get around the island, enjoy go-karting action with your partner or take the little ones for some healthy trekking in the hills. A day trip to the majestic island of Gozo offers the chance to explore historic caves and discover authentic souvenirs in old artisan villages, or you can don your snorkel and flippers to venture beneath the waves for a spot of snorkelling in the glistening Maltese waters. If you’re feeling more adventurous, scuba diving is a fabulous option, with a number of incredible diving sites on offer and the opportunity to get PADI certification from the age of 10.
Enjoy a Feast of Flavours
Maltese cuisine is a proud feature of this country’s culture with many international influences, fresh seafood and delicious produce to be found everywhere you go. Expert foodies can visit Michelin star restaurants that are sprinkled across the island, including Under Grain, Noni and ION- The Harbour, all in Valletta, and De Mondion, in Mdina. If you are craving South American flavours, Susurrus restaurant has got you covered with flavoursome meals and beautiful views of St George’s Bay. Solo travellers wanting to dive into the local delicacies are welcome to try Lampuki Pie, rabbit stew and Kapunata. The ultimate culinary experience wouldn’t be complete without good wine and Malta excels in top quality produce. Visitors can enjoy wine-tasting tours on the island which include an interesting visit to the award-winning Marsovin Cellars, a producer of fine Maltese wine for over 90 years.
Malta is a brilliant getaway all year round, enjoying a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is a pleasant 18°C, with average temperatures peaking at 30°C in July to August and falling to 12°C in January. During summer, expect warm evenings (temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C) with a welcomed gentle sea breeze. In autumn, temperatures are still pleasing, with late October to November remaining in the mid-20s. January and February, the coolest months of the year, still offer 5 to 6 hours of daily sunshine per day, with temperatures rarely falling below 10°C. These are some of the mildest winter temperatures in Europe. A visit in spring will see low rainfall and comfortable temperatures, while avoiding summer and winter peaks.
"Malta really does have something for every type of traveller – from fun on the sands for families and plenty of nightlife for groups of friends to excellent restaurants for foodies and historical attractions for culture vultures.
“Superb weather all year round makes it a great choice for escaping the winter blues in the UK, plus the island is a mere 3-hour flight away, so you can be lazing in the sun in no time at all.
“The magnificent capital Valletta is bursting with incredible things to see and do, with grand palaces, amazing theatres, excellent museums and fantastic restaurants among the joys you’ll discover. The majestic St John's Co-Cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
“Malta’s sister islands of Gozo and Comino are ideal for days out during your holiday and they have plenty of wonderful attractions including ancient temples, unspoilt beaches, dramatic cliffs, mysterious caves and a famous Blue Lagoon.”
Travel expert recommendation
Canifor Hotel
Bask in blissful Mediterranean sunshine at this delightful and affordable hotel which features serene swimming pools, a plush rooftop jacuzzi and a modern gym. This is a brilliant choice for everyone, whether you are having plenty of family fun or heading out for a night on the town with your friends. This charming getaway is blessed with a fantastic location next to the tourist-friendly St Paul’s Bay, and close to plenty of attractions like the captivating Malta National Aquarium.
Check out the Canifor Hotel
db Seabank Resort & Spa
Get ready for sun-drenched afternoons with ice-cold cocktails next to huge outdoor swimming pools. This wonderful all-inclusive hotel provides a fun-filled activity programme for children, a delicious buffet breakfast and a detoxifying sauna for adults to relax and calm their minds. Think beachfront views, excellent comfort and international dining specialties at your fingertips to conjure up a picture of this dream escape.
Check out db Seabank Resort & Spa
db San Antonio Hotel & Spa
A fantastic all-inclusive holiday experience awaits at this superb retreat overlooking St Paul’s Bay. Several themed restaurants, a classy rooftop bar and an abundance of nightly entertainment are just a few of the delights this fabulous haven of relaxation and pleasure has to offer. An excellent location, terrific ocean views and spacious guest rooms will impress every visitor. Whether you are searching for peace by the beach or some island thrills, this getaway has it all.
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