Comino

 The name Blue Lagoon is actually a divine conglomeration of not only varying shades of blue but also emerald, aquamarine, cerulean and indigo. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the azure sky above, pure white sands at its bottom are so clearly visible you can almost count the grains. In fact, Comino and its Blue Lagoon are so beautiful that they have been chosen as backdrops for such films as Helen of Troy, Swept Away and The Count of Monte Cristo. Children can play safely in its warm shallow waters, older family members can bask in the Maltese sun, partake of a wide range of non-motorised water sports inside the lagoon or water ski in the deeper waters nearby.

Away from this gorgeous rocky bay, nature rules on the 3.5 square kilometre Comino island (named after the cumin seed that could once be found everywhere in Malta). The peaceful landscape less than 10 people actually inhabit the island, encompasses cliffs, two sandy beaches, coves and creeks, the perfect setting for a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. With no roads or cars here, winding pathways invite you to ramble, hike or ride to the 13th century Chapel of Our Lady's Return from Egypt or to the ancient St Mary's Tower, a fortification built by the Knights of Malta in 1618 to keep pirates away. Alternatively, you can spend long, hot summer days in, on or under the incredible Mediterranean waters all around. Situated between Malta and Gozo, Comino is a paradise for snorkellers, windsurdfers and divers. 

Mdina

The walled town of Mdina is a hilltop treasure trove of medieval mansions and baraoque churches. Known as the 'Silent City', its narrow winding streets are largely car-free and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and wonderful views from the Fontenella tea garden on the city walls.

Valetta

Valetta, Malta's capital is a fortress city built in the sixteenth century by the Knights of St John. From the Upper Barakka Gardens you can marvel at the bastions, churches and palaces around the magnificent Grand Harbour. Don't miss beautiful St John's Cathedral or the sumptuous interior of the Grand Master's Palace.

Rabat

A flea market  is set up every Sunday morning in front of St Paul's Parish Chuch in the heart of Rabat. Alongside clothing and accessories, you will find a range of traditional souvenirs and foods on sale.

Head to Tal-Virtu, on the outskirts of Rabat. Built on top of the peninsula is a small palace and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Virtue. It is privately owned, but the surrounding countryside is breathtaking. Also dug into the hill are a number of tombs, dating back to the Norman occupations of the island.

Day trip

Mdina. Next to Rabat is Mdina, the former capital of Malta, also known as the Silent City. Walk over its bridge and through the main gate then go down the weathered stairs to the city's dungeons, or simply wander its narrow winding streets.

Mnajdra

The temple of Mnajdra was created 3400 years before Jesus Christ, and 800 years before the great pyramid and Stonehenge. Mnajdra and the other Maltese temples can be considered the most ancient stone temples in the world. Almost nothing is known about the civilisation that built these temples. Having come from Sicily about 3500 BC, this population mysteriously "disappeared" around 2500BC. They did not know iron. The size of the stone blocks and the beautiful decorations with simple tools in flint make it all the more remarkable.

general information

Malta and its islands (Gozo and Comino), just south of Sicily, are home to heavenly landscapes and quiet corners.

Republic

capital: Valette

surface area: 316km2

population: 0,4 millions

population density/km2: 1291

member of the EU since 2004

national day: 21 September

• Malta was used as an English base during the Second World War (it was heavily bombarded)

• The Maltese language has Semitic and Latin origins.

• Between 1580 and 1798, Malta was given to the knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the "Knights of Malta". There are still some French expressions left over from this era, such as Bongu (bonjour=hello) and bonswa (bonsoir=good evening)

• Malta has been subject to a strong Arabic influence (language and architecture)

• The name Malta appears to come from the word "melitta" meaning honey, referring to the pale yellow. golden appearance of the stone with which its palaces and churches have been built.

• Malta's megalithic temples date from about 3200BC.

• Malta has the highest density of churches (400 in total)

• Founded in 1592, the University of Malta is one the oldest in the world.

From the airport

Bus: bus number 8 takes about 30 minutes to Valletta.

Marsascala is not a prime tourist area, so you can take advantage of the fantastic value markets with street vendors selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, homemade preserves and wine.

There is no tourist office in Marsascala but if you need to know anything about the local area or attractions, you can pop into the local council building at Ann Triq Il-Qaliet.

Marsascala Bay is awash with bars and restaurants and very popular in the summer months.

Marsaxlokk. In the past, the southern coastal towns and villages were fishing villages. Today, Malta's prime fishing village is Marsaxlokk, beside Marsascala. Apart from the occasional fish stall, numerous restaurants specialise in seafood, mostly serving the catch of the day.

Malta's idyllic climate, spectacular coastline and warm blue waters have attracted visitors for millennia, leaving a rich and varied history. Beyond the beaches you will find a feast of ancient temples, medieval fortresses and baroque treasures.

Malta has sunshine all year. The most popular beach is Mellieha Bay and there are two beautiful sandy stretches right next to each other at Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay. The crystal-clear waters make Malta ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Built 1000 years before the Pyramids, the island's 25 Neolithic temples are as mysterious and awe-inspiring as Stonehenge. Hypogeum, with its underground tomb, is one of the best sites, but you will need to book ahead. Find out more at the Archaeology Museum in Valetta

Gozo

Leave the crowds behind and take the ferry to Malta's sister island of Gozo. Tourism has not made much impact and the rural pace of life is blissfully relaxed. The craggy coastline is beautiful too, with secluded coves, including the lovely red-sand beach at Ramla Bay. 

What's to love: Short-haul but far enough south for guaranteed sun. It is the prettier and more chilled-out of the three Maltese islands.

Best beach: Ramla Bay is an unspoilt and not too touristy, and the clear water is ideal for snorkelling. Head up to the coastal path for stunning views.

See & do: Marvel at the ancient Ggantija Temples at Xaghra, swim in the lagoon at Dwerja, or travel to mainland Malta and go bar-hopping on the Valetta Waterfront.

Ramla Bay