Merhba! Welcome to Malta!

The Megalithic Temples are a sight to behold, especially the one at Ggantija, which is said to be world's oldest freestanding temple. Other must-see sights on a tour in Malta are the underground catacombs of St. Paul's and St Agatha's, Fort St. Angelo, Fort Rinella, where you can see the world's largest canon, the ex-British military buildings at Mtarfa, Vittoriosa's Armoury and Maritime Museum, and the Mgarr war shelter.

Live performances that you should include in your Malta tour itinerary are the historical Guardia and Alarme re-enactments. There are also some multimedia and interactive exhibits that give you an understanding of Maltese history in just one hour. This will help put the rest of your sightseeing in perspective, so it is a good idea to do this at the start of your holiday.

Malta's capital Valletta is so packed with heritage that it's like a living museum, offering plenty of unique places to stay in Malta. Listed as a World Heritage Site, it has fine examples of Baroque architecture, including the imposing St John's Co-Cathedral, built by the knights of St John some five centuries ago. Size-wise, Valletta, also known as the City of Knights, is quite small. It measures less than 1 sq km (0.4 sq miles), and you could walk across the widest part in less than 20 minutes. Tiny though it may be, Valletta is packed with alleyways, grand squares and splendid baroque architecture.

Clearly one of the key tourist attractions of Malta, Valletta is full of lovely cafes, stylish bars and traditional Valletta hotels. It is also home to the picturesque Grand Harbour, voted as the most attractive harbour in the whole of the Mediterranean. For a top view of the city, start from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Valletta's Museum of Archaeology has a fabulous collection of relics from prehistoric times, while Fort St. Elmo's War Museum is where the buzz is every Sunday at the military parade. People dress up in costumes and bring the past to life - a real treat for the visitor. When you have had your fill of history, you can enjoy a stroll down to the interesting Malta shops in the old part of Valletta and check out the Government Crafts Centre for local handicrafts which are attractively displayed there.

Valletta takes on a milder pace by evening, perfect after a busy day spent on a tour in Malta. You can take a gentle stroll by evening and enjoy the magical lighting across the city. The silent fort walls, old limestone buildings, magnificent churches and timber balconies all tell a fantastic story of the days gone by.

The walled city of Mdina in Malta is where you can catch a spot of history as you see sites dating back to Napoleonic times side by side with newer flower festival celebrations! The museum, cathedral, Mdina Experience and Mdina dungeons are a great way to complete your exploration of the fortified city. Stay the night in a traditional Malta hotel and take in the charms of this medieval city by night as you stroll through lamp lit streets. If you must leave earlier, don't do it before trying a slice of the famous chocolate cake of the Fontanella Tea rooms. The tearoom's splendid location on the bastion will make it a slice with a view!

Art lovers will be spoilt for choice in Malta. The National Museum of Fine Arts has a divine collection of some of the finest work in the world, while the medieval era Palazzo Falzon has a vast array of antiques. Caravaggio's work at St. John's Co-cathedral - The Beheading of St. John, is also a must-see, along with the Museum of Roman Antiquities, in Rabat. If more recent or modern styles appeal to you, then head for St. John's Cavalier Art Centre where there are regular exhibits by contemporary artists.

Village life in Malta is just as mesmerising, and with as many as 365 churches, you will have plenty to see. The village of Siggiewi is renowned for its Church of St. Nicholas, while Mosta's Church will have you spellbound with its huge dome - Europe's third largest. Take time to speak to the friendly locals and listen to their fascinating folklore on an interesting Malta tour.

There is plenty of things to see and do in Malta, and walks around the islands never fail to surprise and delight. An evening stroll on a promenade, a walk through a fortified medieval city, or an exploration of the three cities of Cottonera is a great way to get started. If you're in Malta on a Sunday, head to the open air Marsaxlokk market in the morning or to Gozo's It-Tokk Victoria market for a taste of local island life.

In the midst of all the culture and history, though, don't miss out on the adventure sports options and the sandy beaches gleaming in the Mediterranean sun. There's no better way to cool off than a splash in the crystal clear waters that surround the islands. You could swim out into the clear waters of the Blue Grotto at Comino or Marsascala's St. Peters Pool or hire a jet-ski and speed away. If leisurely sailing is more to your liking, go on a harbour cruise or charter a yacht to sail into the sunset. You can also try para-kiting or visit places like the scenic Mgarr Ix-Xini cove at Gozo.

Finding a place to stay in Malta won't be a problem as there are a number of welcoming guesthouses and hotels in Malta. Many of the Malta hotels offer amenities, facilities and views which you'd expect to pay a lot more for, allowing your travel dollars to go further. You can also use our Malta map to choose your hotel in Malta based on its location.