JUST three hours from the UK, there’s an island where the sun doesn’t stop shining for more than 300 days a year.

Malta has become increasingly popular with Brits over the past few years – and with good reason, as the destination offers cheap holiday packages with direct flights.

Why Malta?

Malta gives you three holidays in one, as three islands comprise the country: Comino, Gozo, and Malta.

With its serene towns and stunning beaches, the island of Gozo is considered the most gorgeous of the three and is the ideal place to explore Malta.

The primary point of interest in Victoria is the Citadella. Renovated lately, the walled city provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, towns, and the sea.

The historic capital of Mdina, also called the ‘silent city,’ is a maze of palazzos built in Italian style and Baroque architecture.

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The new capital, Valletta, a Unesco World Heritage site, is utterly unspoiled.

Not to mention contemporary culture – travellers can explore the stylish rooftop garden reminiscent of New York at Valletta Design Cluster.

And if the surroundings start to look familiar, it’s because Malta is a famous filming destination for films such as Gladiator, Jurassic World, and Game of Thrones.

What is it like in Malta?

Malta has it all – watersports, diving, cycling routes, 12 Blue Flag beaches, and more than 300 days of sunshine yearly.

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With more than 100 diving sites spread over the islands, it’s one of the top locations in Europe.

The Archipelago’s diving trails are for every skill level, from novice to expert.

Divers may also go up close to a 2,700-year-old shipwreck and many plane crash sites, in addition to the many species to observe.

The Blue Lagoon, situated in the channel between Comino and Cominotto, is a pristine blue lagoon surrounded by white sand beaches, and it’s one of tourists’ favourite activities.

Day boat tours are available, the ferry crossing from Malta takes 25 minutes, and the warm and calm water is perfect to swim in – even for kids.

The island is filled with restaurants and bars, and according to a local holiday company, local beers are available for £4, while imported pints are slightly pricier at around £5.

When is the best time to visit Malta?

Although the sun shines most of the year in Malta, the best time to visit is late spring (April to June) and late summer-autumn (September to October).

These times of year have temperatures between 20C and 25C, perfect for touring Malta’s ancient landmarks, quaint villages, and scenery without the oppressive summer heat.

Holiday packages are typically less expensive than during the busiest summer months.

That being said, Malta is a year-round destination, so those wishing to enjoy the heat will love to visit during the peak summer months.

Winter is also an excellent time to visit if you’re not too fussed about the temperatures, as they can dip below 20C.

What are the best holiday deals to visit Malta?

The deals come from holiday companies like loveholidays, Jet2holidays, On the Beach, and TUI.

One of the best deals we’ve found with loveholidays is a three-night stay at Canifor Hotel – a four-star hotel in St Paul’s Bay on the island.

Stays start from £155 per person, including return flights from London Gatwick.

There’s also a three-night stay at the QAWRA Palace Resort & SPA Qawra. Stays at the B&B start from £186 per person.

Here are some more deals:

• 4 nights all-inclusive at db Seabank Resort + Spa in Malta – from £268pp
• 3 nights at Topaz Hotel Bugibba in Malta – from £146pp
• 3 nights at Radisson Blu Golden Sands Resort & Spa in Mellieha, Malta – from £233pp
• 7 nights at Sunseeker Holiday Complex in Bugibba, Malta – from £285pp
• 7 nights b&b at LABRANDA Riviera Hotel & Spa in Marfa Bay, Malta – from £585pp

What else do I need to know about Malta?

Malta has two official languages: Maltese, the national language, and  English.

Malta is currently one hour ahead of the UK, and the local currency is the Euro.

There are no restrictions for Brits, and they can stay in Malta for up to 90 days without a visa.

However, your passport will need to have a ‘date of issue’ less than ten years before the date you land and an ‘expiry date’ that’s at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

For more holiday destinations, Benidorm has 87p pints and cheap holiday packages from £242pp in 2024.

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