Malta’s charming Unesco world heritage capital city is both a 16th-century citadel and a vibrant 21st-century town. Built by the Knights of St John after they nearly lost Malta to the Ottoman Turks in 1565, this grid of glowing stone alleys is less than one square kilometre, the perfect size to wander. Start at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour before taking in the Grandmaster Palace, fountain-cooled central square, streets of steps, Knights auberges, striking modern parliament, and much more. If you prefer to have information provided as you go, there are plenty of guided tours.

The outside of St John’s is almost dour in its military-style plainness, but inside is one of Europe’s most dazzling displays of baroque excess — a symphony of gold, paint and coloured marble. This is the church of the Knights of St John (who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798); the Order’s Grand Masters are buried in its crypt, and the oratory is home to two spectacular paintings by Caravaggio (including his largest and only signed work). There’s an excellent audio guide, or book a Valletta tour that includes a guided visit.

Take a boat trip to Comino, a protected stretch of luminous blue water flanked by caves on the tiny island, this is the nation’s top spot to swim and snorkel on a hot summer’s day. It gets crowded and there is little space and no shade on land, so a boat that stays with you all day, offering a deck to laze on and liquid refreshment, is definitely a plus. Unless of course you choose to stay the night at the only accommodation on the island, the Comino Hotel.

Walk into the world’s oldest stone architecture, Malta’s extraordinary Neolithic Temples of which all are Unesco world heritage sites. Predating both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, the temples are proper buildings with monumental doorways, curved rooms (once decorated with plaster and ochre paint), stone furniture and statues (originals now in the National Museum of Archaeology). Best preserved are Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, followed by Tarxien, and Ggantija on Gozo. And there’s more to wonder at underground at the unique Hal Saflieni Hypogeum — a triple-layered tomb complex of rock-cut chambers, some immaculately carved to look like the above-ground temples.

Circumnavigate Gozo and Comino exploring their picturesque coasts, stopping to swim, sunbathe and snorkel (equipment provided) — a great trip for all the family. Starting at Bugibba the boat cruises over to the Blue Lagoon for its first stop. The afternoon includes anchoring at Comino’s much less crowded Crystal Lagoon, and a couple of Gozo’s most scenic swimming spots as well as steaming past towering cliffs and historic towers.

If you are interested in Malta’s history or want to visit its second-most impressive city, the ancient city of Mdina is bound to impress. The fortified city used to be Malta’s capital, and within its walls hides some of the most admirable art and architecture.

Malta’s sister island, Gozo, is definitely worth a visit, either as a stand-alone destination or else for a day trip, using one of the ferry-boats connecting the islands. Definitely a quieter alternative to the mainland, with more green areas, Gozo is more sparsely populated and yet offers a myriad of attractions for the young and young at heart!

A 25-minute ferry trip from the Cirkewwa terminal, found in the North of Malta, or a 45-minute ferry from the capital city Valletta, provides visitors and locals alike an experience of a more rural way of life.

If you want some ideas of how you can spend your visit have a look into the website below.

An island in the middle of the Mediterranean can’t go without a fishing hotspot, and Malta’s famous fishers’ village is Marsaxlokk, in the south of the island.

With picturesque, colourful luzzu (traditional Maltese fishing boats) all around the harbour and some of the island’s best seafood, you can have an amazing time in this tiny fishing village.

On Sunday mornings, there’s a famous fish market, selling anything from seafood and fresh produce to souvenirs and clothes.

Feeling like a child at heart or may be a former Popeye fan?

The colourful village was built up against the cliffs in Mellieħa in 1980 as a set for the iconic Popeye film starring Robin Williams, so you might recognise it if you’re a bit of a movie buff.

Feeling adventurous? Why not explore Malta’s underwater life where you'll find caves, reefs, and wrecks dotted all around the islands.

Some of Europe’s most impressive dive sites are located in Malta, Gozo and Comino, and with plenty of Mediterranean wildlife, there is always something interesting to see.

Gozo’s Blue Hole is one of the most stunning dive sites around the island, as you descend into a natural swimming pool and find yourself between caves and rock formations.