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Diane Geddie, Product & Short Break Specialist

"The islands of Malta and Gozo are brimming with unspoiled coastlines, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a thriving nightlife and food scene. Go on a scuba diving adventure at one of Gozo’s famous underwater caves or visit Ggantija, the world’s oldest freestanding temple. A short boat ride away you can stop at one of Malta’s many wineries for a guided tour and tasting or head to the popular club hub of St Julians for some live music and dancing."

Malta & Gozo at a glance

Blessed with a mild climate, Malta and its sister island of Gozo have an intriguing landscape packed full of historic ruins, regal palaces, Baroque cathedrals and a fantastic crystal water sea offering a memorable year-round short break experience.

Both islands occupied an important strategic location and were ruled by a succession of powers including the Phoenicians, Romans, French and British. In 1964 Malta and Gozo gained a republic status within the British Commonwealth. Both islands boast a number of well-preserved historical sites including the Megalithic Temples, which are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures, and the prehistoric Hypogeum, a well preserved underground burial site.

A number of popular seaside resorts and beaches can be found on Malta and Gozo, but the atmosphere of a quiet paradise remains intact on many of the islands’ uncrowded sandy shorelines. Popular seaside attractions include the Alabaster Caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and Gozo’s Calypso Cave, long associated with Homer’s Odyssey as the location in which Calypso held Odysseus captive.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • A peaceful short break
  • Historic attractions
  • Picturesque setting

Getting around

Due to their small size and natural beauty, cycling and walking around Malta and Gozo is a great way to see the sights and take in the scenery. A public bus network is also in operation on both islands and hiring a car is a good value option.

A regular ferry service links Malta to Gozo with a crossing time of about 20 minutes. 

Dining in Malta & Gozo

The cuisine of Malta and Gozo shows heavy influence from Italy with a twist of Provencal flavours and unique native tastes, offering special dishes in each region.

Must-try local dishes:

  • Fenkata – stewed rabbit often served with vegetables
  • Ross il-forn – a tomato based baked rice most often containing pork and cheese
  • Maqrut – a diamond shaped date pastry that is deep fried

Shopping in Malta & Gozo

Good shopping can be found in all the major towns and villages, however there are a handful of open air markets which are synonymous to Maltese village life, these are great for the mingling of locals and international visitors.

Osprey Holidays Top Tips

Comino is a small island, just 3.5 square kilometres in total, located between Malta and Gozo. There is just one hotel on the island and it is otherwise uninhabited. One of the most beautiful spots in these islands, The Blue Lagoon, is located in Comino. A crystal clear, azure inlet of water, it is extremely popular with day trippers during the summer months.

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Malta designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Malta hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population Malta: 418,366 Gozo: 31,053
Languages Maltese, English
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Sip the local Cisk lager and enjoy an imqaret - a deep fried pastry parcel filled with a date mixture.

Distance from airports
Malta International

Things to do in Malta

  • Valletta: Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • St John’s Co-Cathedral: Completed in 1577, the cathedral is full of artistic treasures.
  • Mdina: An ancient walled medieval city famed for its art glass.
  • Ggantija Temples of Gozo: The oldest freestanding structures in the World.
  • The Rotunda of Mosta: An impressive church boasting the third largest dome in the world.
  • Casa Bernard: A medieval palazzo in Rabat with wonderful architecture and beautiful furnishings.

Tours and Excursions

Gozo and Ggantija Temples

Departing from a number of locations in Malta, this full-day tour takes you to the picturesque island of Gozo where you will visit the Ggantija temples, built over 5,550 years ago during the Neolithic Age. Other highlights include a scenic journey on the trackless train that passes Qbajjar Bay, Xwejni Bay and the Salt Pans, and a tour of the capital city of Victoria. A buffet lunch is also included.

Valletta Walking Tour

Discover the main sights of Malta’s capital city during a leisurely walking tour. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens that boast panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and old cities of Senglea and Vittorioso, admire the Baroque architecture and Italian artworks in St John’s Co-Cathedral, and see the Grandmaster’s Palace and recently restored St George’s Square.  

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.