Holidays to Malta

The paradisical island of Malta boasts the highest concentration of historic sights among any country in the world. History and culture buffs who've booked a flight to Malta will be spoilt for choice with temples, medieval towns, and catacombs to visit. Malta's dramatic limestone cliffs, red gold beaches, and sheltered bays make it a perfect getaway for nature-seekers. Make the most of your trip with package holidays to Malta.

The island nation is served by the scenic Malta International Airport. National carrier Air Malta offers connections to numerous European, North African, and Middle Eastern cities. British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malta; however, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Malta is just an hour ahead of the UK. A flight from London to Malta or a flight from Manchester to Malta should take about three hours. These days, you can also take a cruise liner, which will moor at the Valletta Harbour.

The official language is Maltese, but Italian and English are widely spoken. The currency in use is the Euro, and money can be exchanged at the airport itself or taken out at cash points around the island's cities.

With over 300 sunny days a year, Malta has earned a reputation as the ultimate sun and sea destination. City breaks in Malta are a year-round affair. A weekend in Malta during summer will reward you with bright blue skies, and an endless line-up of local parish feasts and festivals, such as the Valletta Carnival, a fiesta of grotesque masks, dance, and floats. Summer heats up with the Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival, Malta Jazz Festival, and Malta Arts Festival all going on at various points. It's also a good time for diving and swimming in the warm Mediterranean waters.

Spring and autumn are a tad cooler, but excellent for exploring the island's secrets at an unhurried pace, minus teeming crowds. Budget conscious travellers will enjoy juicy discounts on a flight and hotel for Malta in winter.

From fortresses, burial chambers, subterranean halls, and megalithic temples to wild beaches, Malta has a little something in store for everyone.

• City breaks in Malta are best kicked off with a harbour tour on the traditional Maltese boat called the 'dghajsa'. Try not to venture into the high seas, though.
• Let your hair down at Paceville, Malta's main night life drag just outside St. Julian's, where parties go on until the wee hours. DJs like Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, and Tiesto have all played here, and most clubs offer free entry.
• A day of sun basking and swimming awaits during your package holidays to Malta. Chill out at the secluded Blue Flag beach of Ghajn Tuffieha, which lies close to the more popular Golden Bay beach. Sea kayaking, water-skiing, and windsurfing are best enjoyed at Mellieha Bay, where you'll find Malta's longest sandy beach. A fantastical underwater maze of caves and wrecks reward impassioned sea divers and snorkellers.
• Shopaholics will love the town of Sliema for the sheer choice it affords. Worth a mention is a detour to Rabat, the capital of Malta's sister island, Gozo. The shopping district is vibrant and varied.
• Plan an excursion to Malta’s first capital, the medieval citadel city of Mdina and finish with an intimate dinner at Medina Restaurant. Maltese and Mediterranean flavours await in a sensuous ambiance. Your weekend in Malta is complete!

Don't make the cardinal mistake of skimming past capital city Valletta, where you'll probably land. Built by the Knights of St John in a fascinating grid-like pattern, the city is easily explorable on foot as large parts are pedestrianized. Must-see attractions in the Old City include the Knights of Malta’s Baroque Auberge de Castille and the 16th century bastion walls at City Gate, which afford sweeping views across Grand Harbour. The Knight's primary church, St John’s Co-Cathedral, dazzles with its marble and Baroque gold interiors, as well as a signed painting of Caravaggio's 'Beheading of St. John'.

A short ride from Valletta lie the cliff-side stone age temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, built in 3600 B.C. Another must-see attraction is the burial complex of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 5000-year-old necropolis was built from living rock.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Malta.

What to Eat in Malta

Maltese dishes represent a marriage of cuisines from across the Mediterranean region, Sicily, and the Middle East. Do tuck into luscious Lampuki fish pie, Bragioli beef olives, rabbit stew, and sheep or goat's cheese dishes. Widow's Soup, locally known as 'Is-soppa tal-armla', features generous portions of veggies and ?bejna (a small Maltese cheese). For a tasty local snack, bite into bigilla paté, made from broad beans and garlic.

Saunter through the atmospheric Sunday fish market in Marsaxlokk for a peek at the diversity of Maltese seafood. Try the Aljotta fish soup here. Indulge a sweet tooth with helwa tat-tork, made of sugar and almonds, and luscious Sicilian-style semifreddo desserts. Maltese vintage wines are a must for wine connoisseurs.

What to Bring Home From Malta

Capital city Valletta buzzes with popular European high street chains, as well as indie shops where you can find more traditional souvenirs and crafts. A popular takeaway is the Maltese cross in silver filigree, as well as jewellery, lace, replicas of cathedrals, and Maltese door knockers. Don't miss the hand-made glass pieces made by artisans using local glass-blowing techniques. Foodies might want to take home fig or pear honey, Maltese nougat (quabbajt), antipasti, olive oil, and mini-cheeses.