MALTA

ALL YEAR ROUND The Maltese archipelago has sunshine, history and enough events and adventures to keep you busy 365 days a year…

There’s treasure to be had in the heart of the Med. The trio of islands that make up the Maltese archipelago might just be a three-hour flight, but the short-haul destination offers sunshine all year around. Regardless of season, you’ll find adventure, history and an events calendar that barely pauses for breath.

Travellers in the know rave about everything from its food, history and sculpted bays to the gin-clear waters and culture. Oh, and about that sunshine: there are over 300 days of it annually. Year-round destinations don’t come more perfectly formed.

Unesco-listed Valletta might have almost half a millennium of history under its belt – and streets full of grand period buildings to show for it – but it’s buzzy, explorable and as cultured a European capital as you’ll find. Winter is a fine time to explore the city and adjacent Grand Harbour. Valletta itself is enjoyably undulating, so you’ll definitely have earned those extra imqaret (delicious, date-filled Maltese pastries), and the city has a thunderously dramatic waterfront setting.

Events-wise, winter finds Malta hotting up. The fortnightlong Valletta International Baroque Festival is the perfect fit for a country that blends classicism and modernity, although it plays second fiddle – if you’ll pardon the pun – to the all-action razzmatazz of Carnival Week (28 February-5 March 2019). Expect costumed