GENERAL

Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a small country bursting with character. Its thriving cities are full of splendid architecture, historic monuments, museums and entertainment. The coastline is rugged and rocky - famously picturesque - while the few sandy beaches are wonderfully golden. Holidays to Malta are popular with families, couples and visitors looking for a colourful, cultured city break.

Historic Malta...

Malta's capital, Valletta is one of the most impressive fortified cities in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a fascinating maze of narrow streets, baroque architecture and open squares. The only way to get around is on foot, although fortunately Valletta is so small you could walk across it in 20 minutes. A must-see is St John's Co-Cathedral, one of Europe's most incredible churches, featuring over 400 marble tombstones spread across the floor in honour of the Knights of St John.

Top of your list on any holiday to Malta should be the Mdina, the country's former capital. It is a fortified medieval town situated high on a hill overlooking the island. It is nicknamed the 'Silent City' and is full of dungeons, cathedrals and other ancient sites.

Seaside retreats...

If you feel like heading out to the Mediterranean coast, St Julian's is perhaps the country's biggest beach resort. Much of Malta's coast is rocky, but several of the beaches at St Julian's are manmade, creating a more traditional sandy bay to sunbathe on. The resort is an ideal choice for family holidays, with top modern attractions including bowling, an IMAX cinema, theme parks and water parks.

Another popular choice for beach breaks is Silema with its vibrant waterfront full of shops, bars and modern hotels. The term 'beach' is used rather loosely in Malta, and Sliema beaches are rocky rather than sandy. They are nevertheless beautiful places to spend the day on the coast. Numerous boat trips and ferries arrive and depart from Sliema, making it a popular choice for a beach trip. Malta is such a small country you can be in Valletta in ten minutes.

Dining & Nightlife...

Malta has a varied and diverse nightlife. There are plenty of theatres and even casinos to visit, and more traditional bars and clubs can be found around St Julian's. The country is renowned for its delicious cuisine; a twist on Mediterranean dishes with influences from neighbouring North Africa and Sicily. There are plenty of restaurants and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, but a traditional local restaurant is a must-visit on Malta holidays. Specialties include rabbit, lampuka fish and Cisk Lager, the country's national beer.

If you like the sound of Malta...

...take a look at holidays to Sardinia here, holidays to Cyprus here and holidays to the Neapolitan Riviera here.