Malta has a significant cultural heritage taking into account its small size. It has several spots that are considered World Heritage by Unesco: the city of La Valletta, Hipogeo in Hal Saflieni and the Megalythical temples of Gjantija, Hagar Qim, Tarxien, Mnajdra and Ta'hagrat & Skorba.

The centenary architecture, product of its history's cultural mosaic will surprise you: Mdina fortress, Roman remains, St. Paul and St Agatha catacombs or the endless palaces and palazzos that cover the capital's streets.

Malta summarises a large part of the European cultural past and what best summarises the archipelago's history are its over 300 churches. The oldest  is St Paul's, built in the year 60 AD, and the most important is St John's cathedral, in La Valletta.

A part from the monuments, Malta is also a country with many cultural events and festivities: the arts, culture, sports and enterainment are an important part of the island's lifestyle. During the summer the fireworks will guide you to the places where festivities are being celebrated in Malta and Gozo. 

Malta is a privileged destination for many reasons, one of them being a small archipelago where there is always a beach nearby. The climate, mild during most part of the year, and the dreamy coastline will make you want to come back.

It has a great variety of options to choose from: comfortable, sandy beches or wild, isolated beaches. Don't forget the amazing cliffs or the areas to practice your favourite sports.

UNIQUE BEACHES

• Tas-Sliema and St. Julians. The two main tourist centres of the island have rocky beaches where you can relax, not far from the hotel are.
• Mellieha Bay: Golden-sanded beach and shallow waters you can enjoy with your family.
• Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Golden Bay. Two of the most beautiful Maltese beaches. They are connected by a beautiful and arduous path. Golden Bay is more accessible but with less charm.
• Ramla Bay. Highly recommend visiting the most beautiful beach in Gozo, especially at mid-season (May/June-September/October). The golden sand and the crystal-clear water, the natural environment and the beach clubs make it a very good option.
• Blue Lagoon: Comino's most known places, its turquoise water will dazzle you. Even though it is a rocky beach, it is very busy in the summer. This place is one of the best for snorkelling and scuba diving.
• Santa Marija Bay. Beautiful, sandy bay.

If you are an adventurous person, Malta is a great place to enjoy many outdoor activities in its exceptional climate.

Diving: natural ports, bays, reefs and caves make it one of the best Mediterranean destinations for all sorts of diving.

Sailing: Malta is an island with a nautical tradition that has many options for you. The Marsamxett Harbour is one of the most popular areas. There are also many boat excursions around the islands.

Water sports:sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, paragliding, windsurfing... The majority of hotels have equipment to hire. If you prefer windsurfing the best areas are Il-Mellieha and Bahar Ic-Cagnaq.

Hiking: Malta and Gozo both offer a wide network of hiking routes you can follow on a bicycle, riding a horse or by foot. Gozo provides a more relaxed atmosphere.

Climbing: Malta's marvellous coast with cliffs provides an exciting challange for climbing enthusiasts. There over 1200 climbing routes awaiting, whichever your level. If you wish to learn you can do so with Malta Rock Climbing

Malta and Gozo are a diving sanctuary in the Mediterranean sea: 35.000 divers choose this location every year. The priviliged climates of ths islands allows diving all year round. The crystal-clear water, even in the deeper end, allows a vision of over 30 metres deep that, together with the wildlife and plantlife conservation, make it an extraordinary destination.

Plato described Atlantis as an island inhabited by a more advanced civilisation and numerous archaeological sites like Janet-Johann indicate that Malta could have been part of this mythical underwater continent.

The islands offer divers a great infrastructure as well as network of quality services at a very reasonable price. If you are going on a short trip do not worry, you can hire equipment at a reasonable price. If you are travelling alone or in a group, there are many tourist information desks to prepare your dives.

Places that are a must:

• Rozi port, at 36 metres deep you will find Marfa, one of the most beautiful shipwrecks in the world
• Marsamxett port hides underneath the surface World War II shipwrecks Maori and Carolita Barge
• Wied iz-Zurrieq. You can access several underwater caves and the oil tanker Um El Faroud, sunk at 35 metres, from the beach
• Dwejra, in Gozo. Don't miss the Inland Sea tunnel and the Blue Hole, in the top ten best European beaches for diving.
• Irqiega, in the southeastern cornet of Comino, there is a spectacular underwater cliff where you will find an abundant wildlife.

Malta is an ideal destination for a family holiday. It has a wide variety of activities available like water parks, excursions by boat, seeing real World War II planes or the Popeye Village. Don't forget about the island's comfortable and fun beaches.

SOME OF THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY WITH THE FAMILY

• Beach for the whole family in Meliena Bay, with crystal clear water, sand and shallow waters, it is highly recommended for families with small children. Make your day complete with Underwater Safari: an excursion by boat where you will learn about the underwater species.
• If you are looking for a fun day you must visit Splash & FunWater Park. It has water slides, man-made waves and games for everyone. If you prefer seeing dolphins, visit Mediterranean Marine Park.
• Vist Malta Experience (La Valleta) if you wish to learn a little about Malta's history. If you want to see planes from World War II, visit the Aviation Museum.
• Playmobil Fun Park is the second biggest toy factory in the world (we recommend you book it in advance, it is very popular). A very fun option is Popeye Village, where the famous film was shot.

The Maltese gastronomy is a relfection of the cultures that impregnate its history: wide and rich. Even though all restaurants serve international dishes, especially French and Italian, it is worth trying the local cuisine.

Amongst the maltese specialties is the national dish, Stuffat Tal-Fenek, a rabbit meat stew. As well as the rabbit meat, the widow's soup is typical in the winter, made with vegetables, eggs and noodles. The most popular fish dish is lampuki with vegetables but it is also a good place to eat seafood, especially La Valletta. Accompany your dishes, especially in summer, with the typical Cisk Lager, the best known Maltese beer.

Due to its geographical proximity to Italy, the influence is noticeable due to the great variety of pizza and pasta found on the island. There is also a significant Turkish influence in the pastizzi, puff pastry with ricotta cheese, to eat with a cup of coffee.

Shopping in Malta means shopping in the street markets. If you wish to blend into the Maltese daily life there is nothing better than the busy and colourful street markets. You will find a great variety of craftsmanship objects such as glass and gold and silversmithing.

Shopping around Malta you can sit down at a cafè to get to know its inhabitants and customs. The countless shops offer gourmet products such as olives, wines, Gozo honey, sun-dried tomatoes, figs and Gbejniet, an exquisite goat's cheese with pepper. Many of the tourists that visit Malta choose Pastizzi, pastries made with dates.

If you are interested in art you can buy pieces in St. James Cavalier Creativity Centre. You can also visit many of the art galleries found in the city's streets.