For the perfect get away, the Maltese archipelago promises sun, sand, sea and so much to do…
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Nestled in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea just south of Sicily, Malta forms an archipelago of islands with Gozo and Comino. If youve never been, nows the time to put it on your holiday to-do list.
Apart from picturesque coves and beautiful beaches, it has impressive architecture, fantastic water sports and great festivals that will hit the right note with every member of the family – including teenagers.
Its capital, Valletta, also happens to be this years European Capital of Culture, so there are heaps of extra cultural events planned in and around the ancient city.
Heres just a taster of what you could be enjoying this summer…
Discover the charming Silent City of Mdina
Mdina, the medieval capital of Malta, is a fantastic example of an ancient walled city and a must for anyone who loves history. Also known as the Silent City, this fairytale town – with its mass of medieval, maze-like narrow streets, flanked by limestone buildings and fortress-like walls – is captivating.
The best way to get around? A guided horse and carriage tour is a treat – ask your driver to take you to the neighbouring village of Rabat, where youll find narrow stone paved streets, elegant churches and palaces galore. Youll feel like youve stepped back in time!
Explore the Maltese archipelago
Fancy an island-hopping adventure? Catch a 25-minute ferry from the harbour of Cirkewwa to laid-back Gozo. Only eight miles long and filled with picture-postcard villages, its simply charming.
Youll find, as everyone does, that all roads in Gozo lead to Victoria, the capital. It boasts breathtaking architecture and theres a bustling local market that shares the square with several open-air cafes.
Or try the tranquil island of Comino where the wild terrain acts as natures own playground. Want to get teens off their screens and back to nature? Picnic around the beautiful coves that dot the landscape or snorkel and dive in the famous warm waters of the Blue Lagoon.
The whole island only takes a couple of hours to hike and being only a 20 minute boat trip away from mainland Malta, its the perfect spot to spend quality family time together.
Head to Bugibba for some beach time
You wont find a dreamier family-friendly destination than Bugibba. The sheltered Blue Flag beach makes it a perfect choice for a day out and there are plenty of lidos along the coastline, plus a promenade packed with bustling cafes and fairground-style attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Take the plunge and try the paragliding, jet skiing and windsurfing activities on offer. Theres horse riding nearby and a brilliant local aquarium. For a day out to remember, try the Splash and Fun Waterpark.
Explore the capital, Valletta
Maltas capital is having its moment of glory as 2018s European Capital of Culture. So, as well as a packed line-up of events including contemporary live art, music festivals and water-borne carnival floats, youll discover a beautifully picturesque city with an abundance of stunning palazzos, Baroque palaces and decorative churches.
The stunningly remodelled City Gate, created by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano, elegant Grand Harbour and St Johns Co-Cathedral are all must-see attractions.
If youre feeling adventurous, take to the air on a helicopter ride for an incredible birds eye view of Valletta and the Grand Harbour. Film fanatics will be in their element flying over the stunning film locations of Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Troy and more recently Assassins Creed, and get to see a different side of Malta from above.
Enjoy a music festival
Theres something special about going to a festival in Malta, and there really is something for everyone. Whether its the International Jazz Festival set against the backdrop of Vallettas Grand Harbour, Lost and Found or Rock N Malta – celebrating local rock bands – music is high on the agenda. And with over 300 days of sunshine, there really is no better way to enjoy live music…
Get going…
Full of delights, Malta is just over a 3 hour flight away with Jet2holidays, which offers a choice of 2-5* hotels, reps to help you along the way, a 22kg baggage allowance, and flights from Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, East Midlands and London Stansted with hotel transfers included.
The post Looking for holiday inspiration? Lets talk about the magic of Malta… appeared first on Woman Magazine.