Holidays in Malta, just 3 hours way

Blissfully relax on the many beaches and coves that have refuelled people over the thousands of years of Maltese history. Enjoy dining al fresco at one of the piazza restaurants and cafes that dot the islands, offering a unique mix of Maltese cuisine and natural beauty.

A short ferry ride of 25 minutes from mainland Malta, more than 60% of the accommodation available on Gozo is self catering farmhouses, fully refurbished to include all the necessary mod-cons and the old courtyard, reworked to include a swimming pool. Here tranquility and calm dominate.

The world on land is no less beautiful than the waters below Malta. There is a quality that everything filters through which is uniquely Maltese; 7,000 years of history – the oldest standing temples in the world are in Malta -  and the humming life of  the islands today combine to let you know there is no other place in the world quite like this place.

Explore the labyrinthine streets of UNESCO World Heritage site Valletta and the fortifications of the Grand Master's Palace. A trip out to the spectaular hill top town of Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, is highly recommended.

If you're interested in diving, the lack of tides and currents, combined with exceptional underwater visibility and warm water, makes for ideal conditions. Whatever your level of experience, you will find top quality dive sites in Malta. Dive in the azure sea, where you'll marvel at the colours of the flora and fauna seen through crystal clear water, which provides a spectacular backdrop to more species of small fish than you could count; stone fish, cuttlefish, urchins, octopi, scorpion fish, parrot fish, moray eels; the list goes on. Experienced divers can explore impressive caves, or wrecks like the ocean tug Rozi and HMS Maori. The islands of Gozo and Comino are hugely popular for their huge well lit caverns, fish feeding dives and spectacular lagoons. 

If you'd like to explore the world underwater, but perhaps a little closer to the surface, then snorkelling is for you. Small and well camouflaged sea horses are often spotted by slow moving, patient snorkelers. And on a good day, you may also see turtles a bit off shore.

For adrenaline junkies there is an abundance of activities available - with stunning backdrops, cycling, climbing and paragliding allow visitors to explore the islands and take in the scenery from the ground or above.

What better way to absorb the Maltese experience than cycling in the temperate Maltese climate, stopping as the mood takes you at historical and cultural places of interest along your route; whatever your route, you will find them. Distances between towns and villages are short, and are reached with little effort. And don't forget about those piazza restaurants and cafes dotted around the islands that offer a unique mix of Maltese cuisine and natural beauty to be enjoyed al fresco.

Malta is a night owl's dream, playing host to a number of top music events and festivals throughout the year- it attracts top DJs including Calvin Harris, David Guetta and Eric Prydz. Malta hosts the hottest festival in the sun: the Isle of MTV – Malta Special, and this year's Malta Music Week is rumoured to be hosting huge nights from recognised favourites – more details on the way soon.

Open air parties and sand covered dance floors at Paceville and the superclub Gianpula - home of the Ministry of Sound's festival - guarantee the ultimate night out. In-house gardens and swimming pools have attracted the likes of Sasha and Timo Maas. Party goers looking for a hidden night under the stars can head to Numero Uno - the largest open air venue on the island, it's surrounded by Ta' Qali National Park ensuring an undisturbed night of vibrant tones from world class DJs.