Malta is known for its friendly locals and terrific beaches and sights, and visitors can soak up the sun in St. Juliens, visit the Blue Grotto or explore historical attractions in Valletta.
Though Malta's peak holiday season is from April to October when hot, dry, sunny days make it perfect for beach fans, it has much to offer at other times despite its wet, windy winters. Malta is a Catholic country, and Christian festivals such as Easter and Christmas attract lots of visitors. Many villages also have festivals to honour their patron saints throughout the year, and the Mnjarna harvest festival at the end of June is a great choice for sun lovers.
Malta is the largest of a group of three Mediterranean islands that includes the quieter island of Gozo and the small island of Comino which is mainly a nature reserve. Valletta, Malta's capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the official languages of the country are Maltese and English.
Visitors will find that the cost of basics like food and transport is lower in Malta than in most other countries in Europe. Expect to pay around €10 for a tasty meal in an inexpensive restaurant.
It's approximately 3 miles or 5km from the airport to the centre of Valletta, and there are regular public transport connections including night buses. All airport bus services are prefixed by the letter X, and X4, X5 and X7 serve Valletta. Those wishing to take an official white taxi from the airport may pay €10 to €30 depending on their final destination.
There is accommodation to suit any budget and a hostel in Malta during off-peak periods is about €15 for one person in a shared room. A double room in a 3 star hotel is likely to cost around €70 per night.
Malta has good public transport, and handy Arriva bus tickets that are valid for 2 hours can be purchased directly from drivers. They cost around €1.50 in winter, €2 in summer and about €3 for night buses. A 7 day prepaid card for approximately €21 per adult is also available.
White taxis are readily available and cost approximately €15 for short trips, while car hire is another excellent way to see more of Malta.