Malta

Small in size but enormous in ambition, Malta is one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding destinations for the discerning traveller. This sun-drenched archipelago has been coveted and colonised by everyone from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Knights of St John and the British, and every chapter of that extraordinary history has left its mark on the landscape, the architecture and the culture.<br /> <br /> At the heart of it all sits Valletta, Europe's smallest capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of remarkable density – honey-coloured Baroque palaces, hidden piazzas and a fine dining scene that punches well above its weight, including seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Beyond the capital, medieval Mdina broods on its hilltop, the sister island of Gozo offers a quieter, greener escape, and crystal-clear waters make this one of the finest diving destinations in the Mediterranean.<br />

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CAPITAL CITY | Valetta
TIME DIFFERENCE | GMT +1 hour
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Apr-Jun
CURRENCY | Euro
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | Visa, Passport, Health