Malta Regional Information

Three hundred days of sunshine, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, seven thousand years of history, thriving local traditions, a vibrant nightlife and laid-back rural villages – Welcome to Malta!

Malta is actually an archipelago of three islands – Malta (the commercial and cultural centre), Gozo (its more rural sister) and Comino (which is largely uninhabited). Spread over only 316 square kilometres, getting around the many attractions the Maltese islands have to offer couldn't be easier especially if renting a car during your stay. This traveller friendly country is made even more accessible thanks to the bilingual (Maltese and English) nature of the vast majority of its 400,000 inhabitants. It is difficult to comprehend how much is packed in this smallest of the European Union member states.

The capital Valletta, with its fortifications and history-filled streets, is probably the most known place in Malta and gems such as St. John's Co-Cathedral justify its reputation. The picture perfect medieval citadel of Mdina is another great draw and a surreal evening walk round its lamp-lit hidden laneways is a must. Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea (together known as The Three Cities) were home to the first Knights of Malta and their forts are an exquisite sight for the many cruise passengers entering the majestic Grand Harbour throughout the year. If medieval is too recent in your history gauge, then you certainly cannot be disappointed with the exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Megalithic Temples and the Hypogeum subterranean tombs in Southern Malta dating back up to 3,600 B.C.!

Sliema and St.Julian's are the entertainment centres of the islands. This is where the majority of Malta's opulent 5-star hotels are situated, where exquisite restaurants are dishing out local and international gastronomic delights, where the more affluent locals reside and meet up for an early evening stroll along the waterfront promenade and where the young (and young at heart) enjoy the nightlife into the early hours of the morning in Paceville.

Has the mention of such indulgence got your head swirling? Then head out to Northern Malta where you can relax in some of the prettiest beaches in the Mediterranean, set-out on a countryside walk in the unique rugged countryside and feast your eyes on the imposing coastal cliffs. Alternatively, catch the 30-minute ferry to the local's favourite hideaway – Gozo. Renting a converted 400-year old farmhouse in Gozo is the best way to escape the package-holiday crowds and to enjoy the slower pace of rural life in this picturesque island. It also offers the most incredible spots for diving and is only a stone throw away from the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino.