Malta is a small island state in Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean and is a popular holiday destination for many Europeans, mostly from the U.K., Germany, Italy, France and Holland. Tourists visit the island for various reasons and the island offers a variety of facets that will be of interest for most types of travellers. This article provides you with the top 10 reasons why booking Malta holidays is a great idea, not only for next summer’s holiday season but all year round!

10. The Maltese have their own language (‘Maltese’) but the country has two official languages, with the second official language being English. Malta was under British rule for 160 years, gaining independence in 1964, but leaving the Maltese with a relatively strong knowledge of the English language, although Maltese is much more widely spoken and is the mother tongue for the vast majority of Maltese. For English speaking tourists this means that communication is almost no problem, which is definitely a benefit when on holiday. Although at the moment the Maltese Lira is still the only valid currency, the Euro will be introduced on January 1st, 2008 and many retailers in tourist areas already accept Euros for cash payment.

9. Sports and leisure activities

Malta is a great location for a variety of sports, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, para gliding, wind surfing and yachting. Plenty of activities to keep you entertained, no matter the time of year. Most materials needed for these sports are available for low-priced rent and there are various locations on the islands where these sports can be exercised. Gozo is a particularly popular location for rock climbing, thanks to its steep cliffs, and mountain biking thanks to its quiet roads and excellent hill climbs.

Events, such as pop concerts and theatre shows, but also historical re-enactments such as In Guardia are popular among both tourists and locals and provide great entertainment for the whole family. Are you a fan of watching sports? Don’t worry about missing any big matches or events, satellite reception is widely used by the more popular pubs and there are plenty of appetizers and beer around to enjoy your favourite sports.

8. Getting around in Malta is easy and cheap!

Don’t you hate it when you go for a holiday and it takes you ages to get to the beach or to visit a few cities, museums? Don’t you hate it when it takes a whole day to take one excursion, when you waste so much time on travelling from place to place which makes you wonder whether it was even worth the hassle? If your answer is yes, then Malta is definitely the holiday destination for you. It takes less than an hour to get from one side to the island to the other and there’s such a high concentration of places of interest, beaches, holiday resorts and places for entertainment (restaurants, clubs, cinemas etc.), you’ll wish you’d have known about Malta earlier!
A lot of tourists decide to visit Malta a second time and sometimes more, simply for the reason that there’s just so much to do and to see, and it takes so little money and time to get around and spend quality holiday time.

7. Gozo offers a peaceful setting for your Malta holidays

Malta is not just about Malta. Yes, that’s right, The Republic of Malta also covers Gozo, which is Malta’s sister island and is said to be the island that Malta used to be a long time ago: rural, quiet and untouched. Gozo is a great place for a peaceful (family or couples) holidays, with beautiful beaches and countryside views. Visit the capital Victoria, with its Citadel in the centre: a fortified part of the village which used to offer the inhabitants of Gozo shelter against foreign invaders, similar to Mdina’s surrounding walls on the main island Malta. The seaside town of Xlendi is a popular tourist destination, offering a beautiful view of its bay surrounded by high cliffs. Ramla l-Hamla and San Blas Bay are beautiful beaches to go for a swim, one being larger and busier, the other being more secluded and more difficult to get to (steep hill descent) but much worth the effort.

As of recent, a shuttle bus service is available, taking you straight from the airport to the ferries in the Northern most tip of the island of Malta, making arrangements for a Gozo holiday a little easier to plan for.

6. Malta has a rich culture and heritage

Throughout the ages, the Maltese islands have seen various foreign rulers coming and going, and leaving behind their stamps on Maltese culture. As a result, Malta is soaked in culture and heritage and offers a large number of cultural and historical sites in very short distances from each other, making Malta a unique place in the world map of culture and heritage. Both in the Maltese language and culture remnants of Phoenician, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, French and English invaders can still be found today and this melting pot of cultures is of interest to many tourists visiting the Maltese islands on holiday.

5. Good quality hotels and accommodation

Good quality hotels and self-catering apartments are widely available at very reasonable prices. Package deals are usually the way to go, but booked separately the cost versus quality of accommodation is very good. The main areas for holiday resorts are St. Julian’s, Bugibba/Qawra, and Sliema, which are all situated in the Northern part of Malta. Accommodation in St. Julian’s is recommended if you enjoy spending your nights going out but, being close to the nightlife hub of Malta, is not advisable for couples and family who are looking for peace and serenity. For those travellers, places like Mellieha and St. Paul’s Bay are much better places to stay.

4. Malta is an all year round destination

A flight from London to Malta takes less than three hours, but the difference in climate is huge. Mild winters and warm summers with an average temperature of 32C means excellent weather for both hot summer holidays as well as great holiday weather in winter, to escape from the cold back home. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained all year round and for example hiking is a popular way of spending days out in the countryside in winter, enjoying the scenery and serenity. Most cultural and historical hotspots are open all year round, and although open air clubs don’t open during the winter months, nightlife in Malta goes on throughout the whole year.

3. Malta offers a great nightlife to complement your daily activities

Nights out on the town are a ton of fun, since Malta hosts a true clubbing hub that goes by the name of Paceville (St. Julian’s) and which offers a large number of clubs which are situated literally door to door and which play different genres of music to suit everyone’s tastes. Open air clubs, however, are what makes clubbing in Malta rather special. Spending your warm summer nights dancing to the latest club and trance anthems or smooth R&B and hiphop beats under the stars is just something else and a must do on your holiday to Malta.

2. Malta holidays now come with cheap flights

That’s right! Low cost airlines have found Malta and offer dirt cheap flights to the island outside of the high season and regular cheap flights in summer. These airlines offer flights departing from a select number of places in Europe, such as London, Dublin, Barcelona, Oslo, Stockholm, Pisa (Italy) and Bremen (Germany). Look for airlines the likes of Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Clickair, but don’t forget to check Malta’s national airline Air Malta, which regularly offers low cost flights to a much larger number of European destinations.

1. Malta holidays offer more than any other Mediterranean destination

You could say that the top reason for visiting Malta is a combination of all other reasons listed above: There are a lot of different things you can do during your holiday in Malta and you’ll never be bored if you get the right info. Baking in the sun on the beach is great for relaxation after a long year of work or school, but most people would prefer adding a little variety to the time they spend on holiday. So if you’d like to go somewhere else besides the beach, why not visit on the many places of interest around the island? Visit the old capital city of Mdina, for example, surrounded by bastions and oozing with history and an ambiance you’ll never forget. Why not take a trip to sister island Gozo, with its serene country views and attractions such as the Azure Window, a rock formation sculpted by the sea.

Evenings will never be boring when you know where to go. There is plenty of choice when it comes to dining out, as quality restaurants can be found in most parts of the island. Wine bars and pubs are also popular in Malta and provide quality wines and both local and international lagers, beers and various popular brands of liquor. There’s plenty of opportunity for clubbing and open air clubs and parties are a must see if clubbing is your ideal night out.

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Holiday destinations are the perfect boiling point; visited by tourists from all corners of the world, who flock a common spot to make the most of the fun activities. However, sometimes the smaller the crowd, the better! Don’t you just hate crowded beaches, waiting hours to be served in a bursting restaurant or having to queue just to access the washrooms? It really does rob you of the fun you came to have. Fortunately, there are some hidden cities that will allow you to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about people invading your personal space.

The following are low-key holiday spots in the Mediterranean where you can escape the crowds.

Bozcaada, Turkey

This little-famed Aegean outpost makes for the perfect destination for those trying to avoid the hassle in the more crowded Istanbul. Resit Soley, the famous architect owns a world-class winery here.

Bozcaada offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, defined by a rich shade of beautiful bougainvillaea trees, with the opportunity to enjoy a sip of tasty Turkish coffee on the cobbled streets. You can bask on the clear pebble beaches or explore the well maintained Bozcaada Castle during the day as you indulge in the local wine bars at night.

Formentera, Spain

Formentera is a nice alternative to its noisy, party-ready neighbour, Ibiza. This desert island was for centuries deserted by Spain due to the frequent pirate raids but later on became a key region on the hippie trail during the 60s. Famous for having the clearest waters in the Mediterranean surrounding it, you can have this serene gem all for yourself once the day-trippers depart. Located just 30 minutes from Ibiza, visitors can explore Saint Francesc, the island’s capital village or find a natural mud bath at the heart of the island. On Formentera, you must see under water. All of the waters are perfectly transparent, and with goggles and a snorkel you can see all the beautiful fish and the bottom of the waters

Vis, Croatia

This is the furthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland and was preserved for the military up until 1989. The island features a small marina that gets a bit of yacht traffic during summer, although it is generally a peaceful escape.

Its Old Town is defined by a scenic seaside walkway from the main centre and it is just across Komiza, arguably one of the most beautiful towns in the Adriatic. There are a number of serene hotels and villas to cater for your accommodation, that offers utmost privacy. Explore the stunning beaches that line the coastline or go on a boat trip to the nearby island, Bisevo, where you will see Blue Grotto, an amazing cave that glows aquamarine when exposed to certain light. Tasty the homemade cuisine and try the vugava (or bugava), white wine from the protected high white grape variety.
From tiny taverns to cozy country houses and prestigious restaurants, you will not be hungry or thirsty on Vis.

Massif des Calanques, France

This amazing destination allows you to escape the boozy crowds of Southern France through a quick boat ride from Marseille or Cassis.

You will be impressed by the virgin inlets that feature crystal clear water and the imposing hiking terrain to keep you active. The Calanque d’En Vau is the most famous inlet here and gets a fair share of crowds during summer. Other than that, you can enjoy the privacy or seek even more alone time by going to Morgiou or Sugiton as you further explore the Calanques. Discover the hidden beach along Calanque de Sugiton, explore the underwater cave inscriptions near Calanque de Morgiou or head inland and challenge yourself to a hike up Mont Puget, the massif’s highest point at 563 m.

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunisia’s capital city is the perfect destination for those looking to get a feel of ancient history; boasting the well-maintained ruins of Carthage for a start. The port hub in the Gulf of Tunis has a history that dates back to 814 B.C and receives minimal crowds.

Visitors can view some of the infrastructure built by the Phoenicians and Romans such as an amphitheatre and huge public baths. Tunis’s central medina is a UNESCO world heritage site where you can find stalls stocked with intricate art pieces like glass lamps, handmade pottery, woven rugs, etc which you can buy as souvenirs. During the summer visitors can retreat to nearby beaches in La Marsa and Garta, visit the zoo in the Belvedere park, or the park of an unusual name – the Park of Human Rights.
The ruins of Carthage are 15 km north of Tunis.

Ithaca, Greece

If you are interested in the legend of Odyssey’s return to Ithaca, you now have the opportunity to experience part of that legend and spend your vacation in Ithaca as this small and diverse island is known as the Homeland of Odyssey.

Ithaca has a sweet natural appeal with untouched physical features that make for the ideal heavenly getaway. Visitors can explore the clear, quiet beaches or sample the rich culinary culture that includes an assortment of delicious seafood sold in taverns by the locals. You can also go for a walk around the luxurious green islands or enjoy the breathtaking views from a deserted monastery above the village of Exogi.

In towns such as Vathy, all buildings, even newer buildings, must be stylishly arranged, as this is exactly what gives the town and island a special charm.

Naxos, Greece

The island’s main town is one of the most beautiful places on the Cyclades Islands because of its beautiful Venetian-style buildings. Portara is the most famous monument in Naxos with the huge gates and remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo, built in the 6th century BC. It is located in the northern part and can be seen from ships that approach Naxos.

The Naxos Castle is the next attraction that does not circumvent, built during the Venetian rule. The castle is an impressive monument located on Mount Chora or Chora and from its walls is a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings. The whole area represents the former medieval settlement with its original forms. Nearby is Glezos, a tower that stands as a guard. The main town beach is especially safe for small children because of the shallows.

Naxos is particularly popular among nature lovers, hiking and other sports activities, but also to all who want a quiet holiday with long sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.

Bosa

It is located in a north-central of the coast of Sardinia in Italy. It is a small village with numerous ancient origins with typical colourful houses and wrought balconies. This magical look makes Bosa as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The must-see attractions in Bosa are numerous but marina stands out. It is a 1km long sandy beach with shallow water, food courts, water sports and facilities.

Ischia and Procida, Italy

Ischia and Procida are the islands situated in the bay of Naples and are full of untouched, amazing nature and the remains of a luxuriant past. The islands are a great destination for people who want peace and tranquillity while spending their vacation without worry.

Ischia is the volcanic island and has many hot water springs and spa that can be located in both public baths and dripping from sprouts throughout the beach. Around 28 km of attractive sandy beaches encircle their way around mountains and volcanoes with magnificent sights above oak and beech forests. The lush woods are ideally enjoyed on horseback during the course of the pleasant afternoons.

The most famous beach and resort Sant’Angelo can be dotted with black volcanic sand, and it is especially decorated in colourful background houses that create the extra cheerful atmosphere of this island.

Procida is the smallest island in that part of the Naples Bay, famous for lush gardens and fragrant lemons. The island of Procida, unlike the other, is not so flooded with tourist amenities but offers everything you need from restaurants, cafes and souvenirs. The whole tourist offer of the island is more directed towards the fact that every guest can get acquainted with the way of life of the local population and their culture.

Unlike Capri, where pebbly beaches dominate, idyllic sand beaches dominate here, which are the true paradise for your feet.

Procide’s greatest treasure is the marina Corricella, which impresses with its beauty and uniqueness. On the beaches of this island, numerous films have been filmed, most notably the “Postmaster” telling about the friendship of the postman and writer Pable Nerude, and this romantic natural scenes also served for the action of the cult film “Talented Mr. Ripley”. Far from the glittering shore resorts this island offers unforgettable moments to all its visitors.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage since the 80’s. If you go walking through its historic streets it will become clear to you and why. Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John also known as Knights Hospitaller. The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas

The sights of exceptional historical importance are drawn for each other. St. John’s Concert Hall, the Manoel Theater as one of the oldest operative theatres in Europe, the Great Masters Palace, the National Museum of Art, the Auberge de Castille et Leon Palace, the fortress made up of bastions and walls. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are the favourite place for the visitors of Valletta. The picturesque park with fountains, alcoves, blooming trees and flowers, sculptures and monuments cannot leave indifferent. The park is equipped with observation decks so that every visitor to the park had the opportunity to contemplate the beauty of The Great Harbour and the Three cities.

The next time you want to go on a vacation, don’t let it be a struggle! Try the above undiscovered yet amazing locations and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the crowd

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Looking for the perfect places to rest your soul in the Mediterranean this autumn? Well, look no farther. We have laid down a list of some of our favourite destinations that we are sure you will absolutely love. Just make sure to carry your camera with you as to capture the special moments you are certainly going to encounter on the go.

Italy

Straddling the Mediterranean is the vast country that is Italy. This nation is predominantly Mediterranean and has a wide array of destinations as well as a wealth of culture to discover. During winter make sure to visit the following places in Italy:

Venice

Dubbed the city built on water, Venice is not your typical city. Located on the Venetian lagoon, this great city is made up of 118 miniature islands separated by canals. Make sure to visit Venice and enjoy a ride on a barge through the canals.

Tuscany

This wonderful region of Italy has some of the most scenic landscapes, amazing architecture and unforgettable culture. Visit the cities of Florence, Pisa, Ravenna, and Siena to discover their hidden treasures such as cathedrals, breathtaking architecture and unforgettable memories.

Greece

One of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Greece is undoubtedly a paradise on earth. Apart from the refreshing weather during autumn, Greece has some of the worlds most beautiful islands you must visit:

Crete Island

So full of attractions and historical, Crete can be likened to a treasure chest waiting to be uncovered. From picturesque mountains, sandy beaches, and Mediterranean flora and fauna, Crete has everything you can simply imagine. Visit Crete if you are looking for an explosive mix of adventure, luxury, and cultural experience. Places to visit: Chania

Zakynthos Island

Zakynthos island while not as popular as its aforementioned counterpart, has some of the most iconic scenery you can hope to see anywhere. From the stunning Shipwreck beach to turtle nesting spots, Zakynthos has it all. You can also enjoy various watersports activities too while at it.

Corfu Island

This greek island with its lush vegetation is one of the most visited in the archipelago. We would recommend that you visit the northern part of the island which offers an unparalleled vista of the sea, glamorous rock formations, and pristine beaches.

Spain

Spain is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. If you are looking to spend time in Spain during the autumn, you won’t regret spending time in Andulasia.
Andulasia

Taking pride in being the sunniest and warmest region in the whole of Europe, Andulasia has a special place in our adventurous hearts. From olive orchards, awesome landscapes, Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the famous Costa del Sol to elaborate Moorish palaces and mosques, Andulasia is unlike none other. Other places to place in your itinerary include the steep El Tajo gorge, Nerja caves which houses the world largest stalagmite as well as the architecturally rich cities of Granada, Malaga, Cordoba, and Gibraltar.

Morocco

Beautiful, warm, spicy and enveloping. Morocco is one of the prime Mediterranean destinations you need to visit this summer. Nestled in North Africa in the Islamic Maghreb, Morocco is a hotbed of culture complete with Arabian, European, and African influences. You don’t have to worry about travel logistics since Morrocan cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat are well connected to Europe via cheap flights.

Tourist destinations are also not in short supply. From the rolling Atlas mountain ranges, the Sahara desert, pristine beaches at Essaouira and the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen. Do not miss the warmth and hospitality of the local Berber people as well as their succulent Cuisine.

Malta

Located at the centre of the Meditteranean sea and nestled between North Africa and Sicily is the amazing Island archipelago of Malta. This gem of offers a truly unspoiled feel of Mediterranean climate for you during the autumn. Littered with various historical sites, Malta is best known for its monuments that display its long history of conquest by Roman, Moors, French, and Britain. One particular island, however, stands out.

Gozo Island

Sitting Northwest of the Malta mainland is the island of Gozo. Littered with sleepy villages it houses some of the most amazing historic structures in the whole of Malta such as 17th-century fortifications and ancient temples. Apart from this, visitors can also visit the various sand beaches to swim and sunbathe or visit the pristine salt pans. Gozo also offers a wide selection of wine and food that you can sample in its numerous quirky restaurants.

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