Basking in sunshine for 3,000 hours every year, Malta is the perfect short-haul winter break to escape the mercury falling.
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the island merges 7,000 years of fascinating historic sights with alfresco restaurants, buzzing nightlife and glorious food.
Whats more, its just three hours and 20 minutes from Gatwick Airport with British Airways – and its incredibly friendly locals are all fluent in English.
From colourful festivals and scenic cycle trails, to vibrant Valletta and island hopping to Comino and Gozo, you wont be short of things to do!
Here are seven great reasons why Malta is winters hottest destination…
- Valletta – the jewel in Maltas crown
Maltas crown jewel may be Europes smallest capital, but Valletta is an ancient gem immersed in 7,000 years of history, culture and Baroque architecture – with plenty to explore.
Step back in time along the honey-coloured cobbled streets and admire more than 320 historical monuments – theyll be quieter in winter.
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Marvel at Girolamo Cassars masterpiece and visit the Grand Harbours stunning waterfront of this stunning fortress city.
Wander inside a glittering box of historical treasure at the jaw-dropping St Johns Co-Cathedral and swing by Barrakka Gardens for a spectacular winter sunset.
Then take time to relax and enjoy a unique dining experience – there are many choices, from fine-dining to casual cafes, but the food is all first-class, so its impossible to go wrong.
- 300 days of sunshine EVERY year
With warm weather all-year-round, Maltas climate makes it the perfect short-haul winter escape.
Land in this magical island and be greeted by idyllic blue skies and none of the hectic summer crowds.
The guaranteed 300 days of sunshine per year mean you can enjoy an authentic Maltese experience all year round.
Make the most of the spring-like weather and visit Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha or Qawra coastline for sandy strolls and travel with ease on the discounted buses
Malta bursts into life with fantastic colours throughout the low season, so pack a pair of walking shoes to explore on foot.
- Food glorious food
Malta offers some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine with a rustic twist and a sprinkling of North African seasoning.
Seafood lovers will be in heaven at Marsaxlokk Fishing Villages Sunday market, where you can tuck into a lunch of just-caught fresh fish.
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Adventurous foodies will love the cultural richness of Maltas warming national dish – rabbit stew, served in many of the local restaurants.
There is nothing better to accompany Maltese dishes than a glass of wine produced on the Islands. The oldest wine maker in Malta, Delicata, welcomes visitors from November to May.
- Cycle routes with a sea view
Cycling across Malta is a great way to explore the Islands treasures in the cooler months.
Embark on the Valletta fortification route to take in the capitals imposing walled cities, citadels, forts and towers.
Or enjoy a scenic winter ride along the Coast Roads bike lane – with Instagram-worth views of the sea.
For an adventurous cycle, take on the Dwejra bike route – a mountainous ride alongside Gozos oldest chapels.
- The locals are incredibly friendly
Maltese locals are renowned for their friendliness and easy-going nature – with holidaymakers complimenting them as the most gracious hosts in the Mediterranean. They are incredibly welcoming
The island has pledged its commitment to LGBTQ rights and same sex marriage, and has featured on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index for four years in a row.
Whats more, the locals are fluent in English. Youll end up falling in love with the island just like so many others before you – thats why theres also a high-expat culture.
- You can island hop to Comino and Gozo
To fully immerse in the dazzling trio of islands, visit Comino and Gozo.
In former pirate hideout Comino, youll find the sheltered Blue Lagoon – one of the most beautiful places in the Maltese Islands, with water so blue, even in real life, it looks as though its been Photoshopped. Winter is the perfect time to escape the crowds.
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At historic Saint Marys Tower, built in 1618, you can climb the look-out post for spectacular winter views.
Meanwhile, a walk along Maltas Dingli Cliffs offers blazing sunseRead More – Source