Malta

A tantalising mix of old and new worlds, Malta is a country of vast variety, with close historical and cultural connections to both Europe and North Africa.

The small archipelago is home to limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and bright golden beaches, that lead into crystal clear waters. The crisp sea sways with bobbing yachts in the island’s many marinas, while below the surface, snorkellers and divers are treated to an underwater world of caves and shipwrecks. On land, you will find many vestiges of the past, from hilltop towns like Mdina and Rabat, to impressive temples, and sculptures, and even the underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 5000-year-old necropolis carved from rock. Step from the past into the present, as 16th-century baroque architecture meets 21st-century sophistication in the country’s capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will find fascinating museums and galleries, theatre performances, fine hotels, and a vibrant restaurant and café scene. Embrace the charm of Malta’s smaller and more rural sister island, Gozo, which boasts a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline. Malta and Gozo are notorious diving destinations, and offer an incredible range of diving experiences to suit all abilities, with underwater attractions including WWII bombers and Gozo’s Azure Window, teeming with marine life. Both islands also offer plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities, plus many exciting tours and adventures.