Malta musts
Like Valletta, Mdina is a city of churches. The island’s rigorous Catholic tradition – divorce was legalised a mere four years ago – dates back to 60CE, when St Paul was shipwrecked here and converted the population, making it one of the oldest Christian countries in the world.
Many churches are dedicated to local saints, including the beloved St Agatha. This third century saint fled to Malta from her home in Sicily to escape the amorous advances of the local governor. She eventually returned to Sicily, where she was imprisoned and tortured before being burnt at the stake.
Maltese artists revel in depicting her story in all its gruesome details, including the moment when her breasts are removed with shears.
With only one-fifth of the country urbanised, there is much to explore beyond the two main cities. The coast swoops down from soaring cliffs to sheltered bays; the interior is rich in hiking trails, which are particularly inviting in spring, when the dry plains come alive with wildflowers. Hardcore trekkers will be drawn by the 115km coastal walk that circumnavigates the island; the rest of us, however, have plenty of shorter hikes to choose from, winding past terraced fields and citrus orchards.
Popular options include the Xemxjia heritage trail, which follows an ancient Roman road; and the Victoria Lines, a series of British fortifications across the width of the island. Malta played a vital role in Britain’s World War II campaign, functioning as a fortified naval base that secured the Allied supply lines
Wander the sloping streets of Valletta. Stop in at St John’s CoCathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace.
Lose yourself in the medieval streets of Mdina, the Silent City.
Visit at least one of Malta’s prehistoric sites, such as the necropolis at Hal Saflieni.
Dive into the turquoise waters of the Blue Hole, one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful swimming spots.
Take a day trip to the tiny island of Gozo.