•  Islands -

There are five islands in the Maltese Archipelago - Malta, Gozo, Comino, Kemmunett and Filfla. The last two are uninhabited and Comino only has one family living on it. It lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. Much of the coastlines are made up of steep limestone cliffs indented by bays, inlets and coves which make swimming possible. 

Malta -

is 27 km long and 14.5 km wide. Valletta - the Fortress City - is the capital. It has 11 cities and 44 towns. Roman Catholicism is the official religion.

Gozo - 

Means Joy in Castilian. Only 5 km away from Malta it is quite different and has more of an Italian influence. It is also a lot more rural and tranquil than its big sister. It is13 km long and 6 km wide it has14 towns and 46 churches. It is an excellent diving location. Billy Connolly and Pamela Stephenson  divide their time between here and the Florida Keys.

Comino -

In its past has been a cholera isolation zone and a prison camp. It is the third largest island and has an area of 3 square km. The Knights of St. John had a fortress here but only the tower (St. Mary's) survives. It is a paradise for divers, snorkelers and wind surfers. At one time it's population peaked at 80 people but is now down to 3 elderly siblings.

· Famous -

• UNESCO Heritage Listed Site - City of Valletta

• UNESCO Heritage Listed Site - the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

• UNESCO Heritage Listed Site - the Megalithic Temples

• "Olly's Last Pub" - Site of Oliver Reeds last drinks

• The Knights of St. John

• Popeye Village

• Blue Lagoon

• WWII Wreck Diving

• Scenes from The Game of Thrones were shot here

• Numerous movies including Popeye, Gladiator, Troy, Battle of Britain, Never say never again, Clash of the Titans, World War Z, U-571, the Count of Monte Cristo, Munich, the Spy who loved me, Kon-Tiki, Captain Phillips, Midnight Express and many others were shot here

· Highlights -

People - the nicest and kindest you will ever meet especially in the smaller villages. They are noted for their warmth, hospitality and generosity to stragers.

Food - Excellent restaurants and delicious food

Nightlife - Paceville is the epicentre for the club and party scene that is famous. There's not much going on at night in the quieter villages but you will find plenty of entertainment around the tourist towns.

Weather - 300 days of sunshine per year

· Visa -

• Malta is part of the Schengen Area, allowing for visa-free entry for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for certain nationalities, such as those from the US, UK, NZ, Australia and Canada for tourism or business. Click here for more information.

• You will have to fill out an online ETIAS ( European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa waiver form however. There is a fee for this and you will need to have a valid passport, a working email address, and a valid credit or debit card at the time of their application.

• When you arrive you may need to show

1. A return plane ticket

2. Evidence of onward travel

3. Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

4. Appropriate health insurance coverage

· Budget -

It is sort of mid range European. Cheaper than many Western European destinations but more expensive than the cheaper Eastern European places like Bulgaria. Goods still have to be shipped to the islands. Accommodation prices are reasonable and there are cheaper options for food and drink. Nicer restaurants can be expensive. Be prepared to skimp at times and lash out when it's worthwhile.

• Population -

Malta - 502,653

Gozo - 32,723

Comino - 3

• AKA -

Malta - Melite

Gozo - Island of the Three Hills - Ghawdex - Gaulos - the Eco Island

Comino - Kemmuna - Ephaestia

• Itinerary -

Valletta 3N - St Georges Bay 3N - Mellieha 3N - Mgarr 2N - Xlendi Bay 2N - Gharb 1N - Marsalforn Bay 2N = 16N

• About -

Fly into Malta or sail in by ferry from Sicily. Malta is a tiny island that is crammed with attractions. So start off with a few days staying inside the ancient fortifications of Valletta which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll be able to walk to everything here.

Move just around the coast to the nightlife capital of St Julian. It's not that far so a taxi would be the easiest way. You can catch a ferry from Valletta to Sliema then take a cab from there for a more scenic and cheaper transfer. While you are here hire a moped, quad bike, car, or driver to take you around on a sightseeing tour of the southern half of the island. Spend a day on the beach and looking around locally. Enjoy the night life at the premier location for it on the archipelago.

Mellieha will be your base to explore the northern end of the island. Catch a bus there and choose to stay up the hill in the village or down by the beach. Once again spend a day locally and a day looking around the northern end of the island.

Gozo is the island where Billy Connolly and is wife Pamela Stephenson decided would be a good place to live when told sunshine and warmth would be good for his condition. You may even bump into them. 

Catch the ferry over and spend a couple of nights near the port. Before you walk up the hill try to book an outside table at Tmun Restaurant in the harbour. Take a day trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon the next day.

Also organise your transport to get around the island. Quad bike will be the most fun and prctical way to get around. Roads get narrow and once you get off of the main ones they get a bit rough. Distances aren't long and two of you can fit on one bike. They come with a storage box. If you're not comfortable with this get a car. But make it a small one. Or mopeds will be fine too. The traffic drives on the left like in England and Australia.

Enroute to Xlendi - stop in at the capital Victoria / Rabat for lunch - a wander round and check out the Citedella. 

While you're in Xlendi it's so beautiful you probably won't want to leave. But you might as well make use of that quad bike you're paying for. Have lunch and a swim where Brad and Angelina filmed "By the Sea" in 2015. There are some great sunset cliff walks near Xlendi and it's worth heading the other direction to Dwejra Bay as well. You won't have to travel too far for the best sunset. You can see it sitting on your balcony.

Enroute to Gharb - you could have another look at Victoria, Dwerja Bay, swim in the Inland Sea or go wine tasting at the local winery. Have a look at the Ta'Dbiegi Crafts Village where you can see glass blowing, as well as lace, pottery and filigree being made. Pick up some souvenirs at a good price.

When you arrive have a wander around this typical Gozitan village. It is the second oldest village (1679) and is renowned for its skilled artisans and craftsmen. A good place to see all of this is the Gharb Folklore Museum.

Enroute to Marsalforn Bay - you could go via Victoria again or head to the coast and take in the salt pans. 

Marsalforn Bay is one of the most popular resorts and gets pretty lively in the summer. Spend some time at the beach, enjoy the harbour side restaurants and bars, swim, snorkel and dive, catch a few sunsets and relax a little at the end of your trip.

Enroute to the Ferry -

Maxokk - stop in and pick up some of their specialty Gozitan Ftira (sort of rustic pizza with capers, olives, anchovies and local cheese) to fuel your journey. Drop the Quaddy off, catch the ferry over and make your way to the airport. Or if you're lucky you'll be catching the ferry over to Sicily.

• Go -

With 300 days of sunshine anytime of the year is ok for a visit. Most of the few rainy days occur between December and February.

Spring to early Summer - April, May, June -  is the best time for warm weather and fewer crowds. The island is in full bloom in April and May.

July and August in the middle of Summer are peak tourist season and get very crowded.

• Airports -

Malta International Airport (MLA) - (Luca Airport) - has direct flights to 95 cities in 36 countries mainly in Europe. New York, Ammam and Tel Aviv also have direct flights.

• Ferry -

There are weekly ferries from Salerno and Catania in Sicily.

There is a cheap reliable car ferry from Cirkewwa, Malta to Gozo every 45 mins all year round. There are also 2 fast ferries from Valletta.

There is a ferry every 3 hours from Cirkewwa (Malta) to Blue Lagoon (Comino) every 3 hours.

Gozo has hourly ferries to Blue Lagoon (Comino).

• Stay - all on Booking.com

Valletta - "A city built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen"

Osborne Hotel *** - set inside Valletta's ancient fortifications, Rooftop pool, sun loungers, sea views, bar, fitness centre, sun terrace, Coffee House, no parking, 24 hour desk, safety box, laptop safe

Grand Harbour Hotel ** - roof terrace with spectacular views, free parking, bar, safety box, laptop safe

Casa Asti - bar

St Georges Bay -

be.HOTEL **** - great location - the beach and hundreds of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, soundproofing, panoramic rooftop terrace pool and bar with beautiful views, sun loungers, Restaurant - buffet and a la carte, ATM, sun terrace, Coffee house, safety box, mini-mart, Laptop safe, packed lunches

Holiday Inn Express *** - 120m from the beach, Spa and Wellness centre, Fitness centre - Hammam, sauna, massage, beauty, Bar - Happy Hour, sun terrace, tours and classes, Coffee house, safety box

Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel **** - 2 pools - Rooftop pool with panoramic views and sun loungers, all rooms have balconies and most have sea views, Newtones Leisure Club - indoor pool - sauna - steam room, Hammam, Jacuzzi, massage and gym, 2 restaurants - one open air with pizza, BBQ and sea views, Rhapsody Bar, Coffee house, safety box

Mellieha -

Solana Hotel & Spa **** - Rooftop pool and bar - Happy Hour - with sun loungers and a beautiful view over the bay, indoor pool with hydro-massage corner, Spa and Wellness centre, Fitness centre, 3 Restaurants with live music and themed dinner nights, Coffee house, sun terrace, activities tours and classes, close to restaurants and bars, 10 minute walk to the beach or a couple of bus stops, safety box

IF YOU WANT TO STAY NEAR THE BEACH

Luna Holiday Complex *** - 5 minute walk to the beach, 3 swimming pools - 1 rooftop with terrace and bar - 1 shaded - 1 indoor, Restaurant, Coffee shop, Gift shop, Fitness centre, Jacuzzi, Private beach area, ATM, bus stop outside, kitchenette, sun terrace, activities and tours, mini-mart, diving centre, close to restaurants and bars,

Mgarr -

Grand Hotel Gozo **** - 2 night minimum, 2 Restaurants, 2 swimming pools - Rooftop dining at Mediterranean Breeze BBQ with an outdoor pool and uninterrupted views over Malta, most rooms have sea or country views - remember to book a sea view, buffet breakfast in the Migiarro Restaurant + Mediterranean dishes for dinner, ATM, Spa and Wellness centre - indoor heated pool - massage - beauty - Jacuzzi - Sauna, activities including diving, safety box

Xlendi Bay - One of the prettiest places on the island

St. Patrick's Hotel **** - on the seafront with magic views, make sure you book a room with sea views, surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, English breakfast, Italian Restaurant with a sea view terrace, rooftop terrace with sun loungers and parasols, small swimming pool, free parking, bus stop outside hotel, bar - Happy Hour, tours and activities, safety box

Hotel San Andrea *** - on the seafront with magic views, make sure you book a room with sea views, surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, genuine Mediterranean Zafiro Restaurant which extends on to the waterfront, free parking, Bar, sun terrace, tours and activities, hot tub, mini-mart, packed lunches

Gharb -

Mood Farmhouse B&B - outdoor pool with good sized deck area and sun loungers, restaurant, garden, BBQ, terrace, Free Parking, 4 Restaurants - Malaysian, Mediterranean, Italian and local cuisines, Cocktail Hour, garden, sun terrace, activities, tours and classes, massage

Mood Farmhouse Mythology - beautifully restored 400 year old mill, outdoor pool and hot tub, garden, buffet or Italian breakfast, sun terrace, BBQ, classes, tours and activities, massage, diving, Free Parking, Tour desk

Grotto's Paradise B&B - outdoor pool with terrace and sun loungers, open air bath, Free Parking, mini-mart

Marsalforn Bay -

Hotel Calypso **** - on the seafront with magic views, make sure you book a room with sea views, surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, rooftop swimming pool with sun deck and cocktail bar, 2 restaurants serving Italian, Mediterranean and local cuisines, Sunset Bar, Free Parking, Live music, activities, diving, Concierge service, packed lunches

• Features -

Views - for 3 small islands Malta really packs a punch with attractions and wonderful views where ever you go

Diving - Europe's best diving location with an abundance of wrecks and marine life.

History - Settled nearly 8,000 years ago with 3 UNESCO Sites and the most densely pack historical area on the planet there are plenty of stories to learn here.

Swimming - beautiful beaches, inlets, lagoons, coves holes and more.

• History -

Malta was originally settled around 5,900 BC probably with immigrants from Sicily. Due to its location it was a prized asset for anyone in the trading business. The people have been moulded by centuries of foreign rulers. Including the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, the Knights Hospitaller, the French and the British.

The Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta or as they are more commonly known the Knights Hospitaller were an order formed in Jerusalem in the 11th century. They cared for sick pilgrims. After the Holy Land was captured by the Crusaders the order began to flourish. As did their rivals the Knights Templar.

When the forces of Islam conquered Jerusalem they fled to the island of Cyprus.Then they bought Rhodes in 1309. Their harassment of Muslim merchants from there ended in getting cast out of Rhodes.

This was when Emperor Charles V of Sicily offered them Malta for the annual rent of one Maltese falcon. In 1565 40,000 Turkish troops sailed up and attacked the 700 Knights of St. John and 8,000 Maltese back up troops. This became known as the Great Siege of Malta and it still resonates today. The siege lasted 3 months and 3 days and at the end of it the Turks left not in victory but in shame. They still celebrate Victory Day on 8th September today. Jean Parisot de Valette was the Grand Master at the time and the capital is named after him.

In 1798 Napoleon took the islands but the French rule only lasted 2 years. They were unpopular rulers due to their predilection for ransacking churches. The Maltese wrote to the English asking for help. Lord Nelson blockaded the French and Malta became a British Protectorate. In 1813 a devastating plague wiped out a third of the population.

In WWII it was a strategic base for the Allies and came under heavy bombardment from the German and Italian Air forces. In 1942 the island of Malta was presented with the George Cross for the bravery of its people. This now features proudly on the Maltese flag. By the end of the war the island was devastated.

It became independent of Britain in 1964 and was declared a republic in 1974. It joined the EU in 2004.

.See -

Valletta - Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

3 Cities Tour

Take the lift down at the Upper Barrakka Gardens down to the boats that take you over to the 3 cities - if you don't feel like walking there is a 3 cities tour by golf cart that is guided by GPS, it is called The Rolling Geeks tour -

1. Vittoriosa (the most spectacular - Fort St. Angelo played a major role in the Great Siege of Malta - home of the Knights of Malta - ancient streets and stunning views - 

2. The Inquisitor's Palace - Maritime Museum (have lunch here for a feast of what the Knights of St. John actually ate in the old Naval Bakery - St. Lawrence's Church - Notre Dame Gate)

3. Senglea (Gardjola Gardens - Main Gate - Fort St. Michael - St. Julians Church) and

4. Cospicua ( 2 major churches - Our Lady and St. Pauls) -

5. UNESCO Tarxien Temples (the largest temple complex on Malta from 3,300 BC) -

6. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (you need to book 3 months ahead online - underground necropolis around 5,500 years old.

St George's Bay -

Have a nice long walk along the promenade - have coffee, ice cream, lunch, beer etc

Mellieha -

See the view from St Agatha's Tower - built in 1649 to keep an eye on the area towards 

Gozo

Mgarr -

Stroll along the promenade and see some of the monuments and have a swim at the end in Iz-Zewwieqa Bay

Xlendi Bay -

Mgarr ix-Xini - the small beach that was the location for the scenic 2015 Brangelina movie "By the Sea"

Gharb -

Ta'Dbiegi Crafts Village - en-route from Xlendi to Gharb

Gharb Folklore Museum - in a historic house in the heart of the village. 28 rooms showcasing the local talents and curiosities associated with daily life in the village.

Marsalforn Bay -

Ta' Kola Windmill - and museum

Marsalforn salt pans - operating for 350 years and stretching out 3 km along the coast

Ggantija Temples - UNESCO Listed and older than the pyramids

· Do -

Valletta - An open air Museum

1. A walking tour - starting at the Triton Fountain - 

2. Upper Barrakka Gardens (a cannon salvo is fired everyday by costumed people at 12 noon - Lascaris War Rooms) -

3. Have Lunch at the Museum Cafe on Melita St or have a coffee and head down to the old market after St. John's for lunch, see EAT-

4. St. Johns Co-Cathedral (one of the prettiest churches in Europe and the site of La Valette's Monument) -

5. The Grand Masters Palace (one time residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St John) -

6. The Malta Experience - an audio visual presentation of 7,000 years of Maltese history

7. Fort St. Elmo (focal point of the Great Siege of Malta and contains the National War Museum)

Sunday morning sees a big local market in Republic Street

Get lost in the back streets

Boat cruises around the harbour

St George's Bay -

1. Southern Island day Trip (Anti-clockwise) - Ta' Qali Craft Village (watch craftsmen at work and buy the results) - 

2. Mdina (the Silent City and ancient capital a pedestrian only area - St Paul's Cathedral - Fontanella Tea Garden for morning smoko) -

3. Hagar Qim (ancient UNESCO temples from 3600 BC) - 

4. Seafood lunch at Marsaxlokk fishing village (try the six course seafood degustation at Terrones or the Fish Snacks menu at Tartarun for something lighter)- 

5. St. Peter's Pool (for a dip after lunch, don't forget to wait half an hour :-)

Mellieha -

1. Northern Island Daytrip (Clockwise) - Golden Bay (the best beach on Malta) -

2. Popeye Village (the film set from the movie and now an unusual theme park / wedding site) - 

3. Coral Lagoon (kayaking, snorkelling, sunset)

Mellieha Beach is the longest one on Malta

Segway Malta - try out one of the many tours - on and off-road

Mgarr -

Comino Island Blue Lagoon Day Trip (and Crystal Lagoon) - go early to avoid the crowds - there are some food trucks nearby, can see the island by 4WD or boat tour, climb St. Mary's Tower for the views, go kayaking, there are various tours available so ask at the hotel for advice or just take the shuttle boat and do your own thing - Comino is the best place if you're interested in Cave or Reef Diving

Xlendi Bay -

En-route - wander around the capital Victoria aka Rabat (the Citadella, the Old Prison, Independence Square, have lunch

Lots of walking routes around the area

Go diving in the Blue Hole

Gharb -

Tal - Massar Vineyards - tastings come with local treats like dips, crackers, sheep's cheese, homemade bread and sun dries tomatoes

Cooking Classes at the farm

Marsalforn Bay -

Wander along the promenade around the bay watching the fishermen going about their day

Ramla Bay - best beach on the island

Wied il-Għasri - magic spot for a swim and a snorkel in a narrrow cliff bound inlet with a tiny beach - but not in rough weather

Go diving

Boat cruises

• Eat -

• Stuffat Tal-Fenek - the National dish - Rabbit Stew - La Pira Maltese Kitchen in Merchant St has a good one - the stew was introduced in the same era as the Knights of St. John

• Stuffat Tal - Qarnita - Octopus Stew, octopus is a common ingredient in Maltese cuisine

• Torta tal -Lampuki - Fish pie - Lampuki is a type of fish

• Platt Malti - Maltese Platter - similar to antipasto and quite large and filling

• Bragioli - stuffed beef rolls along the lines of the German Rouladen

• Timpana - need some carbs? - baked macaroni in pastry with a bolognaise sauce

• Maltese Ftira - like a Maltese sandwich containing tuna, capers and anchovies

• Pastizzi - pastries filled with ricotta, mushy peas or chicken

• Kannoli - just like the Italian Cannoli

• Pudina tal-Hobz- Bread Pudding from the 18th century

Valletta -

Caffe Cordina (since 1837) - a celebrated Maltese icon for breakfast, lunch or early dinner and Maltese treats

Museum Cafe - on Melita Street since 1921 try the signature Imqarrun Il-forn, a Maltese baked macaroni dish - not open Sunday

Nenu the Artisan Baker - for the best "Maltese pizza" - very busy on weekends

Is-Suq Tal-Belt - Valetta's old market - has been turned into a food hub with a wide variety ofstyles

Maritime Museum - the curator of the museum has researched an authentic menu of what the Knights of St. John used to eat in the day - treat yourself to an ancient feast in the old Naval Bakery

Cockneys - a local institution - traditional dishes and an outdoor terrace

Amorino - for when it's ice cream o'clock - a much loved brand in Europe - on Republic St

Sottozero - "the best ice cream / gelato in Malta" with 115 flavours - it's in Sliema so pick one up when you're over that way

Rampila - a unique restaurant in the historic bastions of Malta. It has a restaurant, a vault, a terrace and an exhibition. Built by the knights of St. John in the 16th century you will find great food and wine combined with a spectacular Baroque backdrop.

Pinto Wharf - Valletta Waterfront and promenade is full of restaurants, cafes and shops

St George's Bay -

Shoreditch - for hangover brunch on the terrace - "Malta's best Eggs Benedict", a Maltesers Shake and maybe a hair of the dog

Crust - more hangover recovery - rooftop terrace - healthy and unhealthy options - Acai bowls and cocktails

Gululu - overlooking Spinola Bay - popular with locals and tourists alike - traditional Maltese dishes - book ahead

Paranga - open air restaurant right by the beach

Mellieha -

Sea View Cafe Bar - great views and good for a few heart starters in the early evening. Closes at 8pm.

Commando - set in a 300 year old building with indoor / outdoor dining - specialising in slow cooked stews and braises

one80 Kitchen & Lounge - for 180 degree views of the bay - order various sharing plates - also a good spot for a sundowner

Il Mithna - set in a 17th century windmill also with an outdoor terrace - French and Mediterranean influences

BEACH

Munchies - down on the waterfront (literally) at Mellieha Bay - Mediterranean fare

Mgarr -

Tmun Restaurant - try the Bouillabaisse soup with no less than 7 types of fish

Bancino - Mediterranean flavours with good seafood dishes

Xlendi Bay -

Ta' Karolina Restaurant - outdoor terrace by the seashore and specialising in seafood - watch the fishermen bring in their catch

Head over to Billy Connolly country - Sannat and have a spectacular seafood lunch at Ta' Cenc Il Kantra or Restaurante Gozo (aka Rew Rew) at the little beach that featured in the movie "By the Sea" with Brad and Ange in happier days.

Gharb -

Salvina Restaurant - family run in a beautiful old stone house with a garden courtyard and outdoor space - some classics like Prawn Cocktail and Chicken Kiev amongst the more traditional dishes

Marsalforn Bay -

Otters Bistro & Lounge - order your seafood right on the water's edge - or maybe it will be the Duck in Chocolate and Port -  daily specials - fantastic al fresco experience

Arzella - a favourite of the locals - fresh seafood and great views - close to the Calypso

Qbajjar - in the next bay heading north a pleasant 15 minute walk away - delicious seafood and matching views

La Stanza - just outside of the capital in a 17th century converted farmhouse - traditional local fare sourced locally - try the Linguine with Sea Urchin Sauce

• Drink -

Italian Coffee and British Tea

Kinnie - the National soft drink with a bitter orange flavour and extract of wormwood the illegal ingredient in Absinthe. Not sure if it's the same active ingredients though.

Cisk (pronounced Chisk) - Iconic local beer and a National Treasure - also comes in fruity flavours

Bajtra - liqueur produced from prickly pear

Valletta -

The Pub at 136 Archbishop Street - Oliver Reed died here of a heart attack while filming Gladiator - his chair in the corner has been turned into a shrine to remember the popular hell-raiser

The Bridge - Friday nights live Jazz on the bridge - good prices and popular with Grand Harbour views

Carcass City Bar - handed down through four generations - Maltese hospitality in Strait Street

Cheeky Monkey Gastro Pub - heavenly cocktails and pub grub

The Beer Cave - live music and cold beer in a 450 year old cave

Pinto Wharf - Valletta Waterfront has a lot of nightclubs

Manoel Theatre - see a show

St George's Bay -

Broadside Terrace - Happy Hour - The View - Signature Cocktails - Expert Mixologists

Paceville - is the premier nightlife neighbourhood filled with restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, discos, cinemas, casinos, Gentlemen's Clubs and a whole lot more. Most clubs are free entry and open until the early morning hours.

Paceville Pub Crawl / Boat Party

Mellieha -

Square - on the square - outdoor seating with the lit up church as your spectacular backdrop

120 Bar - outdoor terrace - live music Saturday nights

Charlie's Cavern - English Pub with Happy Hour

Mgarr -

Gleneagles Bar - in the harbour decorated in a nautical theme and a terrace with a nautical view

Xlendi Bay - Plenty of bars and restaurants around the bay

Front Bar - great music, views, food, atmosphere and "the best cocktails on Gozo"

Gharb -

In one of the restaurants or back at the farmhouse

Visit Tal-Massar Winery

Marsalforn Bay - plenty of bars and restaurants around the bay

Your hotel has a rooftop bar - the perfect spot for a few sundowners

Traffic Lights Bar - Happy Hour

Il Gabbiano - for a drink by the water's edge

Piùtrentanove Bar and Lounge - cocktails, shots and pizza - 3pm till late

• Sundowners - You are never too far from a wonderful Sunset

Various sunset cruises around

Valletta -

If you're an early riser head down to the Grand Harbour for a majestic sunrise

Panorama - watch the sun set over the Grand Harbour as you sip your cocktail. It is worth hanging around to see the harbour lights coming on.

Upper Barrakka Gardens - the views are great and even better at sun set. It is also the perfect spot for sunrises.

St George's Bay -

Go for a sunset cruise

Mellieha -

Golden Bay - one of the best sunsets on an island full of them

Coral Lagoon - also a good spot for kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Could be a good way to finish off your day trip around the northern end of the island.

Popeye Village - also a prime sunset location

Mgarr -

There is a sunset cruise to the Blue Lagoon

Xlendi Bay -

Anywhere along the seafront. Find a table , chair and a cocktail and you'll be set for a while.

Have a few cocktails on your balcony and take advantage of the best view in town.

Dwejra Bay - magical spot for sunset and close to the inland sea for a dip beforehand - climb up the tower

Sanap Cliffs - breathtaking walk

Sanat Sunset Viewpoint - amazing coastal views

Gharb -

Ta’ Pinu Basilica- a stunning sight at sunset

Marsalforn Bay -

The rooftop bar at your Calypso Hotel

Il-Mixta Cave - a hidden gem overlooking the beach and a great place to watch the sunset

• Souvenirs -

Malta - Valetta is the most expensive place for souvenirs

Qubbjajt- Maltese Nougat / Limestone objects / Maltese Wine / Bajtra - liqueur produced from prickly pear

Republic and Merchant streets are the 2 main shopping streets in Valetta / Have a look in Cordina Cafe / at The Malta Experience / Ta'Qali Craft Village on the day tour

Gozo -

Salt from the 350 year old salt pans at Marsalform

Ta'Mena Winery Farm Shop for honey, chutney, sun dries tomatoes, olive oil etc (Chutney was brought by the British from India)

Ta'Dbiegi Crafts Village - for handicrafts like blown glass, pottery, filigree jewellery and lace

• Specialties -

Malta -

Gold and silver filigree

Gozo -

Ftira Għawdxija - Gozitan Pizza, very popular with visitors from neighbouring Malta

L-Gharb Blade - famous in the area - a traditional sharp blade popularly known as the "Sikkina ta' l-Gharb"

Gozo Cheese - the best is made by Gharb shepherds

• Tips -

· You might want to pick up a book about The Great Siege of Malta such as the one written by Ernle Bradford.

· Book all of your hotels as early as possible especially if you're going in summer.

· Book the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum online at least 3 months before you go

· Take an International Drivers License with you

· Try to watch "By the Sea" before you go. It is a 2015 movie made by Brad and Angelina. You'll be having lunch in the scenic location where it was filmed.

· Festivals -

The Malta Carnival in February is celebrated on both islands

Malta -

The Isle of MTV - in July featuring acts like Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas. Outdoor concerts with 50,000 people.

BirguFest - in October where the ancient streets of Vittoriosa are lit up by candle light

Gozo -

There are a large number of community festivals commemorating Saints. Each weekend through summer sees a different village having a celebration.

• Extra -

You could catch the ferry to Sicily and continue on with your Shengen visa. See Southern Italy in Countries, the Campanian Archipelago (Italy) and Corsica (France) in Islands.