Malta Holidays

IT’S not difficult to understand why the Knights of St John defended the island of Malta for centuries.
Mellow, honey-coloured limestone architecture surrounded by the irresistibly clear waters of the Mediterranean and mild winters and hot summers, makes Malta one of Europe’s top holiday destinations.



Located south of the Italian island of Sicily between Europe and North Africa. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and latterly France and Britain have occupied Malta, creating an astonishing mix of cultural influences.

The islander’s philosophy of enjoying life to the full means there are plenty of vibrant clubs, restaurants and bars in the main resort areas of Sliema, St Julian's, St George's Bay and Bugibba. Nightlife in Malta is always bustling – from cultural and musical events to a thriving club scene – with internationally renowned DJ’s making guest appearances throughout the year.

Also unique to the islands are the lively summer village parish fiestas. Saints, fireworks, food and fun are all part of its cultural phenomenon.

But while Malta enjoys an exciting social scene, it is its spectacular history that draws tends of thousands of tourists to the island each year.

“Everywhere you go in Malta a unique historical site awaits", says a spokesperson for the Maltese Tourist Board: “Temples, palaces, cathedrals and forts provide a living history you can almost touch. “The sheer number of archaeological sites on the islands sets their history apart from that of many Mediterranean destinations. There are megalithic monuments, Bronze Age dolmens, Punic tombs, and remains of Roman Villas and traces of prehistoric man. For three millennia, the archipelago was home to a unique, temple building civilisations – believed to be the oldest free-standing buildings known to man.”

Gaynor Pengelly is a business and travel journalist who writes for The Mail on Sunday, Independent, CityAM, Yorkshire Post and various glossy magazines. Previously, Gaynor worked as business travel editor at The Mail on Sunday and was also interviewer on The Mail on Sunday’s Rich Report, a glossy dossier on Britain's wealthy. In 2000 she was nominated for a British Press Award.