Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum.

The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo).

Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited.

With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified – the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few.

The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.

Island Attractions

Malta has had such a rich history that the country is practically saturated with attractions and places of interest.

The capital city of Valletta host to regular plays and concerts, as well as scores of exhibitions and street events. The Museum of Archaeology in Valletta houses an exceptionally rich collection of prehistoric artefacts. The War Museum at Fort St. Elmo is home to a Sunday military parade in period costumes re-enactment and the capital also possesses the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-cathedral.

With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless – the Megalithic Temples (including Ggantija, the oldest freestanding temple in the world), the underground St Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs, The Knights of St. John’s significant sites, such as Fort St Angelo and Fort Rinella (home to the world’s largest canon). WWII significant sites, such as the Mgarr war shelter, Mtarfa ex-British military buildings, The Armoury and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa are not to be missed.

Look out for the Alarme and In Guardia Historical re-enactments, as well as interactive walkthrough and multimedia attractions that offer an overview of Malta’s history in under an hour. They’re interesting and a great way to learn the significance of what visitors will later be looking at.

The Museum of Roman Antiquities (commonly referred to as “The Roman Villa”) and various catacombs are to be found in Rabat. In the fortified medieval city of Mdina, visitors will come across everything from Napoleonic troops to flower festivals. The Cathedral and its museum are not to be missed, as well as the torturous Mdina dungeons and the Mdina Experience. For a romantic stroll like no other, wander the lamp lit streets of Mdina at night. Don’t miss the renowned chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea rooms, situated right on the bastion with a spectacular view.

For those who love art, the possibilities are endless – visit the impressive artistic collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, see the Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John at St. John’s co-Cathedral and visit medieval Palazzo Falzon, which houses a large collection of antiques, in Mdina. To view more contemporary work, walk around the exhibits at the St Johns Cavalier Art Centre.

For fanciful fun, highlights are the passionate carnival and open-air concerts. Not to be missed is the Nadur carnival in Gozo and the parade in Valletta. Children will enjoy activity and fun parks, which include the old film set of Popeye Village.

For those who love the water, scuba diving is an avid sport on the Islands. A harbour cruise, swimming at Blue Lagoon in Comino and St Peters Pool in Marsascala, renting a jet-ski, chartering a yacht, visiting Mgarr Ix-Xini cove in Gozo and par kiting from one of the sandy beaches to get a birds eye view of Malta are all absolute water lover must-do’s.

The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages & captivating folklore. With 365 spectacular churches, there are more than a few highlights - visit the Mosta church famous for its large dome (third largest dome in Europe). Visit the church of St. Nicholas in the village of Siggiewi.

Visit the three cities in Cottonera, have an evening walk on the Sliema or Bugibba promenade and visit the fortified Citadel in Gozo.

On Sunday morning go to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk market, the open-air market outside Valletta or the It-Tokk Victoria market in Gozo.

The Islands must be visited at festa-time (usually in summer) for an insight into local life with all its colour and passions.

Beaches and Bays

Malta has beaches for everyone, from windsurfers to sunbathers. Choose from golden sand, red sand, rocks, blue lagoons and even inland seas. Some beaches and rocky shores are off the beaten track, but worth seeking out for their seclusion. Do not miss a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for the ultimate in azure water. On larger beaches, you will find cafes or snack bars open during the summer season. With Malta’s climate, beach life lasts well into October. Enjoy water sports and activities like windsurfing, jet and water skiing, parakiting and fun rides. You can hire equipment from beach cafes or shops nearby.

The main coastal resorts and larger sandy beaches are in northern part of Malta. Malta’s most popular beaches are Mellieha Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay. For smaller, quieter beaches, try those at the tip of Malta, overlooking Gozo – Paradise Bay and Armier. In Gozo, the most beautiful beach is Ramla I-Hamra, a large beach of unusual red sand nestling by countryside. Gozo and Comino offer plenty of out-of-the-way rocky inlets with clear waters and perfect snorkelling.

For more information about Malta visit: www.visitmalta.com