Malta and Gozo

This new, thoroughly updated fifth edition of Bradt’s Malta remains the most detailed guide to the country. Written by the author, broadsheet ’destination expert’ and tour leader who wrote the original guide and has updated every edition since, Bradt’s Malta has built a reputation as the go-to resource for getting beneath the surface of this island nation. With this guidebook in hand, discover cultural and other delights that lie beyond the island’s famed beaches.

The deeper you delve, the more you will uncover of the varied riches of Malta and the adjacent islands of Gozo and Comino. Malta has a greater density of historic sights than any country, the result of a unique cultural heritage that fuses Neolithic, Roman, medieval, Arab, Punic, French and British influences.

On one day, you might visit what is arguably the world’s oldest accessible stone architecture - UNESCO-listed temples that are more ancient even than Egypt’s great pyramids and Britain’s Stonehenge. Devote other days to unusual Roman catacombs, medieval citadels or the baroque legacy of the Knights of St John. Alternatively, visit the Lascaris War Rooms, deep beneath Valletta from where General Eisenhower (whose jeep is still in the National War Museum) commanded the World War II invasion of Sicily, then call in at the Aviation Museum (home to key planes flown by American pilots), and the Xara Palace Hotel (where US flyers were billeted). For modern history, visit the traditional fishing harbour of Marsaxlokk where Presidents Bush senior and Gorbachev declared the end of the Cold War.

For something different, gawp at Caravaggio’s largest (and only signed) painting, visit one of Malta’s 300-odd village churches, enjoy world-class diving on Gozo, or make merry in colourful parish festas, where parades and fireworks are complemented by music and food. Or treat yourself to one of Malta’s six Michelin-starred restaurants, the zenith of the island’s recent gastronomic surge. For downtime, relax on beaches that enjoy 300 days of sun each year and take a dip in clear blue seas that are delightfully warm from June to November. Whatever your holiday needs, Bradt’s Malta has you covered.

Juliet Rix (julietrix.com) is an award-winning travel writer, journalist, author, editor and broadcaster for British national and international media in print, audio and online. She started her career at the BBC, working in television then radio, including as a foreign correspondent, before going freelance. Travel - for pleasure and for work - has always played an important part in her life so travel writing was a natural development. Rix has been visiting Malta and Gozo regularly for many years - still discovering something new every time. She is the author of all five editions of Bradt’s guide to Malta (first published in 2010), is The Daily Telegraph’s Malta ’destination expert’ and writes extensively about the country for countless other publications, from The Times to BBC Radio 4. She shares insights about Malta in person as well as in print, being a lecturer for cultural tour operator Martin Randall Travel and leading tours for Kirker.