If you’ve never been to Malta, Valletta should be your first port of call. Officially the sunniest city in Europe, exploring the Maltese capital is like wandering through an open-air museum. Among its 320 monuments, the most famous is Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, which is home to the only signed Caravaggio painting in the world. And if that doesn’t impress you, its gold archways certainly will. 

Then, there’s the Grand Harbour, which is exactly as impressive as its name suggests. Appreciate this magnificent structure from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and if you time your visit for 12pm or 4pm you may just witness cannons being fired as part of the daily Saluting Battery.

In the evening, enjoy DJ sets on the waterfront at Q Bar or make a beeline for the city’s only British bar, The Pub. Famous for its naval memorabilia, this spot is known for being the place where actor Oliver Reed sipped his final drink. If it’s nightlife you’re after, look no further than The George in St Julian’s whose swanky rooftop bar is only open to hotel guests.

After all that exploring, it’s time to take it down a notch and relax on Gozo’s beautiful beaches. Ramla Bay is a top choice for families with its sloping rosy sands, while Wied il-Għasri is ideal for some under-the-radar sunbathing. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the water too, like paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skiing. 

But by far, Gozo’s biggest draw is its dive sites, which have been voted the 2nd best in the world for their high visibility and amazing underwater scenery. Just a short ferry ride away is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, whose clear waters are a snorkeler’s dream. Those who prefer to keep their heads above water can take a boat trip around its Blue Grotto, a cave complex made up of incredible limestone arches. And no self-respecting guide to Malta would fail to mention the Blue Hole in Dwejra.