IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISIT MALTA
For those craving warmth, culture, and a sense of escape without a long-haul flight, the Maltese Islands are a sun-drenched revelation …
Just three and a half hours from Ireland, this Mediterranean archipelago blends ancient history with modern charm, offering an irresistible mix of experiences for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Malta, Gozo, and Comino provide a welcome contrast to Ireland’s greyer skies – whether you’re seeking a short break or an extended holiday in the sun. Compact but rich in character, the islands are easy to explore yet endlessly rewarding.
A Living Museum
Malta’s long and storied past spans over 7,000 years, with a cultural heritage that places it among the most fascinating destinations in Europe. The capital city of Valletta – small in size but vast in significance – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with grand Baroque architecture, palatial auberges, and atmospheric cafés. It’s a city built by the Knights of St. John, with every street revealing another layer of the island’s layered past.
Beyond Valletta, visitors can explore the silent city of Mdina, where honey-hued walls and narrow, winding alleys evoke a cinematic stillness. Across the harbour, The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – offer an authentic glimpse into local life, while the island of Gozo, Malta’s greener, quieter sister, invites travellers to slow down and soak in rural vistas.
Malta is home to not one but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Valletta itself; the subterranean Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a Neolithic burial site that must be booked in advance; and the Megalithic Temples, some of which predate the pyramids of Egypt.
Beaches And Blue Horizons
For many, the pull of the sea is undeniable. The Maltese Islands offer a beach for every mood – from secluded coves to family-friendly stretches. Thirteen beaches have earned Blue Flag status, a mark of environmental excellence. Among them is Gozo’s Ramla Bay, instantly recognisable for its striking red sand, while Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha attract swimmers, sun-seekers, and sunset photographers alike.
Adventurous travellers will be equally captivated by the range of water sports on offer. Malta is a diver’s paradise with over 120 dive sites, including submerged caves, coral reefs, and haunting World War II wrecks. Above water, you can kayak along limestone cliffs, sail between islands, or simply float in the famously clear turquoise waters.
Flavours Of The Mediterranean
A stay in Malta is as much a culinary adventure as a cultural one. Maltese cuisine is a flavourful fusion of Sicilian, Arabic, French and British influences – rich, rustic, and often surprising. Pastizzi, the beloved savoury pastries filled with creamy ricotta or spiced peas, are a must-try, as is the national dish fenek (rabbit stew), best enjoyed in a village restaurant with a glass of local wine.
Seafood, unsurprisingly, features heavily on menus across the islands. Expect to find the day’s catch served simply – tuna, swordfish, octopus, and lampuki (dorado) are local favourites. Thanks to the warm climate, alfresco dining is a year-round delight, whether you’re enjoying a casual meal in a harbour-side eatery or savouring a tasting menu in a boutique hotel.
Malta is also home to a burgeoning wine scene. While limited production means you won’t find Maltese wines abroad, that exclusivity only adds to their appeal. Look out for indigenous grape varieties like Girgentina and Gellewza, or sample one of the many excellent rosés made for sipping in the sun.
A Journey For Every Traveller
Whether your ideal holiday involves long lunches, architectural discoveries, outdoor adventure or quiet reflection, the Maltese Islands deliver it all with charm and ease. Gozo is especially suited to those in search of nature and tranquility – its rolling hills, ancient churches, and traditional farmhouses offering a slower, more soulful pace of life.
From luxury stays to boutique escapes, and historic towns to unspoiled countryside, Malta is a destination that punches well above its weight. And with English widely spoken, the islands feel welcoming from the moment you arrive.
For a summer escape that offers something truly special – sunshine, stories, and sea – look no further than the Maltese Islands. For more information visit visitmalta.com.
