This article contains links from which we may earn revenue. These links are signposted with an asterisk. More information here.

Malta has 300 days of sunshine a year, as well as gin-clear seas, lip-smacking Mediterranean food and the greatest density of historic sights of any nation — what more could you want?

Malta and its sister island Gozo have recently upped their game with a raft of new hotels and attractions to complement the huge variety of natural and historical wonders that have previously gone untapped.

The mini archipelago is simple to reach, with a flight time of less than three hours and direct routes from most regions in the UK. Travelling around Malta is easy too. It’s not much more than an hour’s drive to anywhere on the main island, and only half an hour on the ferry to more rural getaways in Gozo or tiny Comino.

See the latest rules and restrictions for visiting Malta

Main photo: Valletta, Malta (Visit Malta)

Malta is studded with traditional fortified towns. Its 16th-century capital Valletta, built by the Knights of St John, is adorned with intricately painted wooden balconies, and from here you can venture to the Three Cities* (the tiny towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) on the opposite bank of the Grand Harbour.

Don’t miss the ancient Mdina*, nicknamed “The Silent City”, and Gozo’s charming centre, Victoria, dominated by its towering citadel. Make time for the much-embellished baroque churches (several dedicated to the nation’s patron saint, St Paul, who was shipwrecked here in AD60), historic palazzi, castles, museums and public gardens.

16th-century capital Valletta, built by the Knights of St John, is adorned with intricately painted wooden balconies

You can get your history fix in Malta’s unique megalithic temples. The underground catacombs are a legacy of Roman and Byzantine times and are older than Stonehenge. Stay subterranean and you’ll also discover the secret tunnels that played a crucial role in the Allies beating the Axis powers in the Second World War.

Head to the coast and take your pick of sun and swim spots: secluded Peter’s Pool; the bustling Sliema waterfront; or Comino’s luminous Blue Lagoon*. Malta’s bath-warm, wildlife-rich waters are popular with divers, and the islands offer plenty of spots for keen beginners.

When you’ve worked up an appetite you’ll be pleased to discover that the Maltese love to eat — so expect huge portions. From Michelin-starred to local favourites, Malta’s Mediterranean restaurants, often with an international twist, are making the island a go-to for in-the-know gourmets.

Valletta is the perfect base for a sightseeing trip, and everything inside its impressive bastion walls is within easy walking distance. Make your way to City Gate, originally a drawbridge, to find the nation’s main bus station and taxi stand, where you can be whisked off to almost every corner of the island.

If you are after a resort experience, look to St Julian’s*, where four and five-star hotels abound, alongside a good selection of all-inclusive Malta hotels. Be warned: while the water is clear and inviting, most of the coast is rocky, so plump for Golden Bay or Mellieha* if you want soft, family-friendly sands.

A more cultural Maltese experience is on offer in the ancient capital Mdina and surrounding Rabat, as well as in nearby Naxxar. Mdina has one hotel — a historical five-star option — but in Naxxar* and Rabat* you’ll find plenty of stylish B&Bs in upmarket residential areas.

The perfect place to relax is the pint-sized island of Gozo, which has a couple of four to five-star hotels, two resort villages, and village farmhouses, with pools, where you can live like a local.

St John’s Co-Cathedral. It’s arguably Europe’s most extravagant baroque church and was built as an impregnable citadel by an order of warrior monks (the Knights of St John). While plain on the outside, its inside was dramatically embellished by those very same knights, becoming a cacophony of gold paint and coloured marble. Climb to the gallery for a spectacular view along the barrel-vaulted nave and explore the Oratory — home to two Caravaggio paintings including his largest and only signed work, The Beheading of St John the Baptist.

Summer is best for long days at the beach, although the water stays warm well into the autumn. Spring and autumn are perfect for sightseeing. This is comfortable in winter too, with temperatures in January reaching highs of 16C and competitive prices as the reward for travelling out of season.

How many days do you need to see Malta?
You could squeeze the main sights into a week, but give yourself time to bask in the Mediterranean sun on Malta’s red and golden-sand beaches if you can.

Is it worth hiring a car in Malta?
Buses go almost everywhere on the main island and they’re cheap and reasonably regular. There are plenty of taxis too, so hiring a car is by no means essential and parking can be a pain. Your own car does of course give you extra flexibility and can be useful on Gozo where buses are less frequent (especially in winter) and parking less problematic. If you want to cross over to Gozo, check your hire company’s rules — and note that you can’t take a car to Comino.

How expensive is Malta?
Sights and museums are cheaper than in the UK, as is food and drink. Accommodation varies vastly across the year. Predictably, summer months see significant hikes in prices, but head out of season and you’ll be able to bag a great deal.

Currency
Euro

Take me there

Inspired to visit Malta but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui Holidays* and British Airways*.

• Discover holiday packages to Valletta*
• Discover holiday packages to Gozo*
• Discover holiday packages to Mdina*
• Discover holiday packages to Mellieha*
• Discover tours in Malta*