The Mediterranean islands with 300 days of sunshine where almost everyone speaks English – just 3 hours from the UK
YOU WANT a dreamy beach holiday combined with a top city break, culture, history and incredible food. Sounds impossible? Not on Malta.
This island nation, pitched between Sicily and North Africa, is an incredible mix of Mediterranean magic that’s been 8,000 years in the making.
With a unique culture and heritage, plus spectacular beaches, swimming and diving spots, it is a place like no other.
And yet it’s one of the easiest destinations for Britons in Europe.
It’s just a three-hour hop from the UK, English is one of two official languages, it uses the euro, and people even drive on the left.
A first-class (and affordable) public transport system of buses and boats whisks you around the three main islands: , and , where cars are banned.
One destination, three islands
You get three holidays in one when you visit Malta.
That’s because Malta the nation isn’t just Malta the island. Gozo and Comino, its sister islands, also make up the Maltese archipelago – all 122 square miles of it.
Malta is the largest – if you’re looking for culture, history or Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll want to centre yourselves here.
Rural Gozo has more of a typical island feel, with agriculture and fishing at its heart, alongside tourism.
One thing that doesn’t change around the coastline is the clear Mediterranean water – there are 12 Blue Flag beaches on the islands.
And there is modern culture, too. Throughout the year, you’ll stumble on village festas, fireworks displays and dedicated “artisan villages” (try Ta’ Dbiegi, on Gozo).
It’s not all about tradition – Valletta was European Capital of Culture in 2018.
And if the scenery around the islands looks familiar, that’s because Malta has been a popular filming location for the likes of Game of Thrones, Jurassic World and Gladiator.
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The set for 1980s film Popeye was never dismantled – today, it’s a theme park, Popeye Village.
Seven nights all-inclusive from £421pp (based on two adults and two kids sharing). Fly direct from London Heathrow with Air Malta. Depart on April 20, 2023.
Seven nights from £592pp (based on two adults sharing) – was from £634pp. Fly direct from London Heathrow with Air Malta. Depart on May 13, 2023.
Seven nights from £701pp (based on two adults sharing). Fly direct from London Gatwick with easyJet. Depart on September 17, 2023.
Seven nights half board from £339pp (based on two adults sharing) – was from £371pp. Fly direct from London Gatwick with easyJet. Depart on October 11, 2023.
Prices are subject to change. Correct at time of publication.
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