MALTESE MARVELS
If you’re planning a trip to Malta, be sure to factor in a visit to its magical sister isles
With its gastronomic delights, crystal clear seas and incredible architecture, it’s no wonder that thousands of Brits head to Malta each year.
Just a three-hour hop from the UK, with year-round sunshine, this predominantly English-speaking resort is a haven for those wanting a holiday packed with culture and picture-perfect beaches.
Families are as comfortable here as LGBT travellers thanks to the warmth of the isle’s welcoming locals as well as the range of activities on offer.
And its exceptional culture landed Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage capital Valletta the European Capital of Culture title for 2018.
However, to truly appreciate the magic of the Maltese Archipelago, visitors should take a short ferry ride to its sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Step on to either of these isles and you’ll immediately notice a slower pace of life.
VIBRANT
It’s on Gozo that you’ll find quaint villages, picturesque walking routes and historical sites such as the ancient Ggantija Temples punctuating the unspoilt landscape.
But if thrill-seeking is more your thing, you (and the kids) can find it in the form of mountain biking, abseiling, rock climbing and worldclass diving. The marineprotected area of Dwejra was already a draw for divers but the collapse of the famous Azure Window in March 2017 has added to its underwater charms, with divers keen to see the chunks of stone now scattered across the seabed.
PARADISE
The accommodation on Gozo is equally impressive with high-end spa hotels such as the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz as well as familyrun guesthouses and boutique B&Bs. But if all this sounds like more hustle and bustle than you can cope with, you may find your spiritual home on Malta’s other sister island, Comino. Just 10 minutes from Gozo by boat, and 20 minutes from Malta, this island really is a Paradise Found. Virtually uninhabited, this 3.5 metre-squared island has no urban areas or cars, no pollution, just peace and tranquillity. Let the children create their own Robinson Crusoe world on Comino’s coastline while you relax in the sun or swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. With direct flights costing as little as £29* isn’t it time you set off to discover your own little piece of paradise?