Holidays in Malta

An introduction to Malta

Malta – the very name conjures up thoughts of the George Cross and enough historical sights to keep you busy for a month. But there’s so much more to this little beauty than a fascinating past. These days you’re just as likely to hear about its film locations and nightlife as you are its history and culture. The Hollywood swords ‘n’ sandals epics Troy, Gladiator and Alexander were all filmed on the island’s sunny shores. And world famous DJs are flocking here to spin some discs at the up-and-coming hotspots. In fact, Malta’s the destination du jour for the Isle of MTV party – one of the biggest free music festivals on the block. Performers who've previously rocked out in Floriana, a town that's 5 minute's walk from the capital, include The Kooks, Lady GaGa and N.E.R.D. But festivals aside, Paceville in St Julians is Malta’s party Mecca. It’s full to bursting with bars, clubs and restaurants and is fast earning a reputation as the island’s answer to Ibiza. So it’s fair to say Malta’s image is changing fast. But it’s still its breathtaking beauty that draws people back year after year. Wherever you go, the island’s easy-on-the-eye scenery provides a sigh-inducing backdrop. Nowhere more so than below the waves. Malta is blessed with an underwater garden of rocky reefs, shipwrecks and grottos that recently saw it voted as the third best scuba spot in the world by readers of Diver Magazine. Plus there’s plenty of sealife around, too. Barracuda, squid and scorpion fish are just some of the creatures you can expect to see. Diving isn’t the only water-based action on offer. Sailing, windsurfing and kite-surfing are all on the menu, too, as well as the usual white-knuckle wave riders like banana boats and jet-skis. As for all that history, with so much of the past still visible today, there’s no wonder it’s known as an open-air museum. Travel back in time to discover Malta’s mysterious prehistory at the island’s megalithic temples. Retrace the footsteps of St Paul in Rabat’s catacombs. Or see where the Knights of St John defended Christendom at Valletta’s Fort St Elmo. But Malta is no regular museum. Here life is lived to the full, so be prepared to get stuck into the Mediterranean way of life. Throw yourself into carnivals and make the most of the island’s packed calendar of events. If you’re looking for a destination that offers more than just a suntan, Malta’s a first class choice.

Find the cheapest late deals to Malta leaving in the next six weeks.