Malta

Its strategic position right in the centre of the Mediterranean has lead to many civilisations including the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Byzantines fighting to control Malta. Even as late as the Second World War the islands were attacked by Italian and German forces earning it the George Cross for the bravery of the Maltese people.

More recently the archipelago's reputation is far more peaceful and, for the English, distinctly familiar with driving on the left, red telephone boxes on street corners and English widley spoken.

The islands of Malta together with its smaller neighbours, Gozo and Comino, has a rich history dating back over 7000 years. It has often been described as an open air museum, overflowing with churches, monuments, palaces and works of art. The famously good local bus service covers all the main towns and resorts and ferries run frequently to the smaller islands.

The coastline is mainly rocky, dotted with harbours full of brightly painted fishing boats and sun worshippers are well catered for with a selection of smaller beaches and smooth rock sunbathing platforms. Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular as the waters are clear and rich in colourful marine life.

Inland Malta is a mix of pretty towns and villages and fertile valleys of wild herbs, citrus and olive groves. The towns bustle with markets selling locally made artisan goods such as gold, silver, glassware and lace.

Eating out is a pleasure with wide range of options from informal taverns offering traditional local dishes to grand restaurants renowned for the fine dining and international cuisine.

For nightlife, Paceville, a suburb of St. Julian's is known for its many bars and clubs but otherwise nightlife across the islands is pleasantly low key. Village fiestas are a great way to take in some local flavour, they are frequent occurrences featuring fireworks and plenty of revelry.