Once reported a hideout of pirates, the Blue Lagoon is a long, narrow bay cut into Comino. It's floor is absolutely pure white sand and the water is crystal clear, thereby giving the appearance of a humungous swimming pool and there are even local dolphins to complete the picture perfect setting.

Named after the famous 17th century Maltese architect, Tommaso Dingli, Dingli lies on a plateau some 250 metres above sea level. Named after the famous 17th-century Maltese architect, Tommaso Dingli, the spectacular Dingli cliffs afford wonderful coastal views. From the cliffs there are views inland of nearby Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace. The countryside here is ideal for walking.

Gozo, also called the 'Island of Calypso' according to Greek legend, enjoys warm summers and mild winters. The countryside is very pretty, and the island is dotted with places of medieval architecture and prehistoric temples.

Dating from as early as 3600 BC, Ħaġar Qim and the other Neolithic temples on the archipelago are the oldest known human structures in the world. Giant limestone slabs form a series of ovals laid out in a pattern that some archaeologists have compared to Mother Goddess figurines found on the site. The view of the Mediterranean and the nearby island of Filfla is one of the best in Malta. This megalithic temple complex was adorned with carved animals and idols, sacrificial altars and oracular chambers, all executed with nothing more than flint and obsidian tools. Statuettes and carvings found in the temple are on display in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

Discovered during building work in 1902, the Hypogeum is now one of the most fascinating of Malta's many temples. The entire temple was dug from the rock in around 3,000 BC by people using flint and hard rocks. They created a network of corridors and deep chambers on three levels. Pre-booking is essential, at least two weeks beforehand, or up to a month in advance for busy periods.

Mdina is also known as the 'Silent City', as its allows limited traffic access. Mdina is one of the world's finest examples of a medieval walled city that is still inhabited. Its unobstructed bastions, elegant palaces and quaint, narrow streets are a vivid reminder of its historic past and legends. The striking profile of the old city's skyline is one of the island's most famous silhouettes.

Sliema has developed from being a resort for the rich to Malta's main coastal resort. The seaside promenade is great for walking or running and has also become a central meeting spot. The promenade spans the coastline from Gzira to St. Julians, the center of nightlife on the island. The seafront buzzes with cafés serving snacks like pastizzi or timpana, cream cakes, ice cream, cold drinks and cappuccino.

On his tour through the Mediterranean, Sir Walter Scott called Valletta 'the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen'. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. Valletta's 320 monuments make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.