The Maltese Islands

Malta is my home country - I was born and raised here until the age of 13 - so I’m obviously very biased about its charms! It is a very family friendly island and english is widely spoken. Where Malta lacks in sandy beaches, it makes up for in other areas and is, of cours, steeped in history.

With a flight time of only three and a half hours an plenty of local departure points, including Bristol and Birmingham, Malta is a very accessible holiday destination. Out of all the islands only Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited; Malta is the largest of the three but it takes under an hour to travel from north to south. It has very picturesque harbours and a few sandy beaches and is a very cosmopolitan destination, offering everything from friendly people, abundant history, shopping, leisure activities and an eclectic mix of entertainment. St Julians and Paceville are Malta's main nightspots and on Gozo there are open-air bars, some of which are actually built into the cliff face.

Malta is set adrift in the centre of the Mediterranean and lies just south of Sicily and north of Africa. Very strategically positioned, the seven islands served as a bridge between Europe and Africa and this is why and how Malta has inherited its colourful and varied history. The narrow cobblestone streets often lead to a baroque palace or a cathedral and are home to many open air cafes and bars.

The neighbouring island of Gozo has a distinct character all of its own. The colourful countryside is prettier, the pace is far slower and there are fewer tourists. It also has its own fair share of medieval architecture and prehistoric temples.

No matter where you are, whether it be Malta or Gozo, you are never far from one of the many beaches or secluded little coves. So, in conclusion, whether you're of a discerning age and would like a peaceful holiday, a family or young group wanting nightlife or a couple wanting a romantic retreat, then my native Malta has something for all of you.