Tiny European island less than 4 hours from the UK boasts 300 days of sunshine
Looking down is never a good thing to do when you're standing on an elevated glass viewing platform – but it's an even worse idea while you're on top of the tallest building in Malta.
Thankfully, there's little downward temptation when you're looking out from the 397ft-tall Mercury Tower, captivated by the glittering Mediterranean Sea and the island's dramatic skyline.
And as more and more Brits are discovering – with searches here for Malta rising by 120% in 2025 – the archipelago boasts three UNESCO world heritage sites and more Blue Flag beaches than there are days in a week, meaning there's lots to explore. And, of course, there's 300 days of sunshine to factor in too...
From the beautiful capital Valletta to the ancient city of Mdina, instantly recognisable to Game of Thrones fans, the island has something for everyone, as we found out on a five-day break via the new easyJet route from Southend airport.
Our visit certainly got off to a flying start at Odyssey Malta, inside Mercury Tower. The 35-minute immersive experience culminates in a 5D flying theatre ride (£21 for adults). It's a great introduction to the island's rich history, and we couldn't wait to see the sights for ourselves when our feet were back on firm ground.
There were more thrills ahead when we arrived in Vittoriosa (Birgu) for a 'Rolling Geeks' tour of Malta's historic fortified cities, also including Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). The Geeks were self-drive electric cars like golf buggies – much, much faster than walking the hills on foot and more fun too.
We wound through the narrow streets lined by beautiful churches, piazzas, and museums. No directions were needed thanks to onboard GPS and there's an audio guide too.
One of our top stops was Gardjola Gardens, which overlooks Valletta and the Grand Harbour. The two-and-a-half-hour tour (from £82 per car) is fine for adults and kids. Just remember the driver needs their licence.
When it comes to exploring Valletta, you'll need a couple of days to make the most of the picture-perfect capital city. If, like us, you're there for a few days, you might hear one of its most famous attractions before you see it – Valletta is home to one of the oldest operational saluting batteries, with daily gun salutes.
Another attraction we visited was just as impressive, though you'd be forgiven for questioning it at first glance. From the outside, St John's Co-Cathedral (£12 for adults) looks more like a fortress than a church, but inside you'll find breathtaking frescoes and gilded arches.
Art-lovers can't miss Caravaggio's masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. After walking the streets of Valletta, it was time to descend beneath them. Underground Valletta (£13 for adults) takes visitors into the city's subterranean tunnels, where families sheltered from bombers in the Second World War. The tunnels are dark, and eerie, but incredible to see, dimly illuminated by your head torch.
For a more relaxed excursion, try car-free Mdina, known as the "Silent City". It was appointed as the first capital by the Knights of Malta, and you can still walk the winding, cobbled streets behind its fortified walls. Passing under the Main Gate, flanked by stone-carved lions, felt like stepping back in time, or on to a film set. The city served as a backdrop for King's Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones. History buffs will love the mix of baroque and medieval architecture. At night Mdina is illuminated and well worth an evening stroll.
Our tour guide's best tip was to escape the crowds and head to Gozo where the locals holiday. Malta's second-largest island is only a 25-minute ferry ride (£4) from the Cirkewwa terminal, and our day trip was a highlight. We explored Ir-Rabat, Gozo's capital, and the Citadel, an ancient fortified city. And we learned how to prepare traditional Gozitan cheese at Il-Wile Restaurant.
As for food and drink? Malta's offering is so impressive you could spend most of your visit touring restaurants and leave happy. Picture hunks of bread dipped in homemade olive oil, traditional pizzas, and fresh seafood, paired with crisp wine. The focus is on meat and fish, but I never felt left out with vegetarian alternatives even at The Chophouse, a steakhouse that has earned rave reviews.
The Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant near Valletta has a lovely waterfront view, best enjoyed in the evening. Another restaurant with the same accolade, 59 Republic, was so impressive I'll be talking about it for years. Located in the heart of Valletta, the chic bistro overlooks the Grand Master's Palace. This is not the place to skip dessert as the strawberry cheesecake was the nicest I've ever tried.
In Mdina, Trattoria AD 1530 is a must-try – book an outdoor table if you can. Elsewhere on the island, Madliena Lodge is ideal for couples, and we loved the dinner at Kempinski Hotel's L-Istorja when we visited Gozo.
The charm of Malta is you're never far from a sun-dappled courtyard, so see what you can discover.
Book the holiday
The Hyatt Regency Malta, a five-star hotel in St Julian's, was the perfect base for our trip. The hotel is within walking distance of beaches, bars, shopping, and nightlife – if you can pull yourself away from the spa, fitness centre and rooftop pool. It was while floating under the blue sky, with my happy-hour cocktails waiting for me, that I promised myself my first visit to Malta would definitely not be my last. Rooms start at around £180 a night.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
26 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 21 best things to do in Northern Ireland
It doesn't matter how you like to spend your time – birdwatching on a rugged island, pottering around a food market or getting active on a coastal hike – chances are, there's something that'll fit the bill in Northern Ireland. There are art galleries and unique museums, points of historical interest and a gorgeous coastline peppered with interesting landmarks. And alongside the more visited sights, there are the quirkier activities, like food tours and peaceful lake districts, as well as the attractions that don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon – the Game of Thrones filming locations. Here are some activities to add to your list. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best for being outdoors Best free things to do Best for culture Best for food and drink experiences Best for families Titanic Belfast Step back in time Set on the very spot where the famous ship was built, this museum is a flashy, high-tech ode to all things Titanic. You walk through the journey of the liner, from construction to the sinking; the stories told both through interactive exhibits and personal stories. And it's all suitable for kids. Insider tip: If you're up anyway, book the early riser ticket, which offers a discount for the first time slot of the day. This includes entry to the restored SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last remaining ship from the White Star Line. The MAC Let their imaginations run wild At The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), you'll find a rotating series of exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, but there is also a whole heap of theatre performances, workshops and a schedule of specialised family activities, like baby time, drawing and crafts. These activities are mainly in the school holidays, but outside of those periods there are creativity stations and activity sheets for kids. Insider tip: While some of the specialised workshops are free and available on a drop-in basis, others have a fee and should be booked in advance – check the schedule ahead of time. Giant's Causeway Uncover mythical landscapes and wild climbs Depending on whose story you believe, the hexagonal basalt columns on the County Antrim shore were created by volcanic activity or an angry giant. But either way, these rock formations – perfectly symmetrical shapes stacked up against the wild coastline – are almost beggar belief. While you're free to roam the columns, you'll need to keep a close eye on the kids, as rogue waves are far from a rarity. Insider tip: If your kids aren't averse to a longer walk, the hike along the two-mile Red Trail gives you a great vantage point of the Unesco World Heritage site from the cliffs above. Crawfordsburn Country Park Explore a fairytale woodland There's a definite fairytale feel to this park, with thick woodland, winding pathways and a huge waterfall. It's an easy stroll with little kids, plus there's a picnic area and a woodland café. Walk the full trail and you'll end up at the beach, or you can stick to the wildflower meadows closer to the village. Insider tip: Pop into the thatched Old Inn afterwards, right by the entrance to the park – it dates back to 1614 and has plenty of cosy tables next to roaring fireplaces, and a bigger restaurant if you're looking for lunch. Best for being outdoors Rathlin Island Take a boat trip to a rugged island It's only a short hop from Ballycastle over to Rathlin and, as there are residents on the island, the ferry runs throughout the year. However, if you can time a visit to fall between April to July, you can see the resident colony of puffins. Stop by the seabird centre in the working lighthouse between April and August, while at other times, you hike around the island or pop into the craft shop. Insider tip: During the summer, there are minibus tours of the island available, if you'd rather not hike. Alternatively, you can rent a bike 15 minutes' walk from the ferry port. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Get a shot of adrenaline Gently swinging almost 100 feet above the sea, this rope bridge over to Carrick-a-Rede Island was first built back in 1755 – but don't worry, it's been upgraded since. The crossing itself doesn't take too long, but it's a thrill ride even for those who aren't scared of heights, with the waves crashing into the craggy, rocky shore below. Insider tip: You need to pre-book your tickets online, but bear in mind the bridge can close at short notice due to weather conditions, so don't be disappointed if your slot is cancelled. The Gobbins Walk a Victorian cliff-side trail Forget about your average walk by the sea. This trail clings to the edge of the cliffs on the Causeway Coast, taking you along a suspension bridge, through tunnels and under sections carved from the rock, with the sea to your side. The only way you could get closer to the cliffs is if you were rock climbing. Be warned that The Gobbins is periodically closed after storms or rockfall; check the website for more information. Insider tip: There are usually a few pairs of binoculars shared with your tour group, but bring your own if you want to get a closer glimpse at the seabirds. Fermanagh Lakelands Visit a romantic lake district This understated region to the west doesn't get too much attention, but that means you have more space to explore the calm, reed-lined lakes and tiny islands. Take a boat trip out on Lough Erne to see the 6th-century monastic ruins on Devenish Island, or walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, a raised pathway known as the Stairway to Heaven. Insider tip: Book a night in one of the swish bubble domes in Finn Lough, where you can drink in the night skies from a four-poster bed or a roll-top bath. Strangford Lough Explore the lakeside mansions Considering it's so close to Belfast, Strangford Lough feels like a secluded paradise. There's plenty of interesting birdlife, but also two historic National Trust estates on its shoreline – Mount Stewart has impressive gardens and lavish interiors, and Castle Ward (better known by many as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) has a beautiful estate for walking. Insider tip: If you want to pop from one side of the lake to the other, take the ferry between Portaferry and Strangford to save driving all the way around. Best free things to do The Causeway Coast Embark on a road trip of epic proportions The Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way may get more attention, but the Causeway Coast, stretching 120 miles from Belfast over to Derry-Londonderry, is every bit as impressive. There are wild, wind-battered cliffs, sweeping white sand beaches and pretty harbours, and you don't need to drive the whole thing to get the full effect – just pick a section and follow the coastal road. Insider tip: If you want to see the coastline from a different perspective, book in for a kayaking tour with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, which runs trips from Ballintoy and under the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Belfast's street art Walk between impressive murals There are incredible pieces of street art around Belfast, with some of the best-known works found in and around the Cathedral Quarter. These range from giant, lifelike portraits that look like large-scale sketches, to multi-colour three-dimensional pieces reminiscent of the old Magic Eye books. There's even an annual street art festival, Hit the North, held each May. Insider tip: If you want a little more insight, take a guided street art walking tour with Seedhead Arts, whose artist guides know the stories behind each piece. Mourne Mountains Hike the peaks that inspired CS Lewis Whether you want to take a scenic road trip or lace up your hiking boots, the Mournes are home to some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The roads around the foothills are winding and narrow, and the gentle curve of the peaks is romantic, whatever the weather. Insider tip: The hiking trails in Tollymore Forest Park are ideal on more inclement days, as the majority of the walking is sheltered by the ancient trees. When you emerge, you get a killer view of the mountain range and the old Mourne Wall. Slieve Gullion Scenic Forest Drive Tick off some epic scenery on a quick spin It may only take you 20 minutes, but this linear, narrow mountain drive is one of the most scenic in the country. In the summer months, the undulating plains are thick with purple heather, and you get a great view down to Carlingford Lough, too. Plus, there are plenty of lookout points along the way where you can pull over to take in the views. Insider tip: If you don't want to see all the sights cooped up in the car, you can also cycle or walk the forest drive – it's just over six miles one way and a steep climb in places. Best for culture Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Overlook the sea from a clifftop landmark It's one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, despite the fact you can't even go inside. Modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, this domed temple is right on the edge of the cliffs, built as a library for the Earl Bishop – or his niece, if you believe the scandalous rumours. It's occasionally open to the public for events, and is just as striking on the inside. Insider tip: There are plenty of walking trails on site and a great coffee shack in the car park, where you can pick up a flat white and a slice of Guinness cake. Game of Thrones Discover all the filming locations from the hit show You can't swing a dire wolf in Northern Ireland without hitting a Game of Thrones filming location. From tiny harbours and forests to coastal caves and the tree-lined Dark Hedges, numerous places doubled up as Westeros, particularly in the early seasons of the show. Take a self-guided drive using the free Game of Thrones Locations app, or go on a guided bus tour that departs from Belfast. Insider tip: Real fans will want to pay a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you can see the sets, costumes and props up close. Traditional Music Trail Drift between pubs on a musical pub crawl There's loads of live music around Northern Ireland, but if you want a guided experience, then the Traditional Music Trail is a great option. You'll be led between traditional pubs in the pretty village of Ballycastle, catching various musicians playing the fiddle, tin whistle and Uilleann pipe in each cosy, fire-warmed space. Insider tip: Wherever you are, remember that an Irish trad session is something of a sacred space, so resist the urge to join in, unless asked, and avoid loudly chatting near a musicians' circle. Dunluce Castle Visit a striking clifftop ruin Sitting precariously on the edge of the cliffs, Dunluce Castle is a skeletal ruin but impressive nonetheless. Walk around what remains of this medieval structure and you can see remnants of its former life, like giant fireplaces and tall arched windows, as the waves batter below. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the tiny wildflowers that grow in the grasses and around the old stone – there are several rare varieties, including the 'blue flower of Dunluce', which only grows between Dunluce and Ballintoy. Black Cab Tour Hear the stories of Belfast from the people who know it best The best way to get a handle on Belfast's history is to take a tour led by a chatty cabbie who knows the stories inside and out – because they lived through them. These casual tours take you around the city sights, the geographic tales peppered with snippets of gossip and historical tidbits, before ending up at the Peace Wall. Insider tip: You can fit up to six people in a cab, but most tours are based on a per person rate, so it's not that much more to go as a twosome. Return to index Best for food and drink experiences Old Bushmills Distillery Go behind the scenes at a historic distillery The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, this riverside spot is home to one of the best-known whiskeys on the planet. On a guided tour, you'll learn about how the whiskey is made, but the best part comes in the cosy old tasting room, where you'll get a taste of three of their single malts – book the premium tour for a taste of the good stuff. Insider tip: Head for a drink (or stay the night) at the nearby, but not affiliated, Bushmills Inn – the bar is lit by gas lamps and, unsurprisingly, there's a great selection of Bushmills on offer. St George's Market Wander around a historic marketplace This redbrick building is a cornerstone of Belfast life, and one of the last Victorian covered markets left in the country. There are stalls selling classic local fare like 'fifteens' (dense, sweet tray bakes made with 15 of each ingredient) and baps filled with all the components of an Ulster Fry. You can pick up fantastic regional produce, too. Insider tip: You can take a guided tour of the market every weekend to learn more about the history of the building, including its use as a morgue during the Second World War. Bear in mind the market is only open Friday to Sunday. Taste and Tour Delve into the Belfast food (and drink) scene Food tours can be hit or miss, but when you get good guides then you're onto a winner. The folks leading these Belfast and Holywood tours know every inch of the city and its food scene, with general tours leading you to all the best places to eat, with a few pubs thrown in the mix too. Insider tip: If you're more about drink than food, they also run specialised gin, craft beer and whiskey tours (not all at once), where you'll sample the best Irish artisanal tipples in different bars. Return to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Horror moment American Airlines plane bursts into flames as passengers flee
Passengers abandoned the American Airlines plane via an inflatable emergency slide amid chaotic scenes at Denver International Airport, with some needing hospital treatment This is the horrifying moment an American Airlines plane burst into flames as passengers fled the aircraft. At least one person is understood to have been injured when a plane was forced to abort its take-off from Denver Airport, in Colorado, due to landing gear failure. Passengers fled the smoking aircraft with an inflatable emergency slide being deployed in the chaotic scenes on Saturday. Video showed passengers frantically sliding down as thick black smoke billowed from the back left side of the plane. The Denver Fire Department said in a social media post at 5:10pm local time that it had extinguished the fire. American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a landing gear incident as it took off for Miami at about 2:45pm, the Federal Aviation Administration said. According to 9News, an air traffic controller could be heard telling the pilot in cockpit audio: "Flight 3023, you got a lot of smoke. The airline added all 173 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated from the plane. Six people were checked for minor injuries with one being transported to a local hospital after getting off the plane. "All customers and crew deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team," an American Airlines spokesperson said. "We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience." Denver International Airport said: "This afternoon, DEN First Responders and the Denver Fire Department responded to a reported issue with an American Airlines flight (AA3023, DEN-MIA) on a runway. Those on board are now off the aircraft." In another post, it added: "Update: Five people were evaluated on scene and not transported. One person was evaluated at a gate and was transported." It comes after an easyJet flight leaving Gatwick Airport was forced to divert back to the airport after take off yesterday. Shortly before 4.30pm an easyJet flight bound for Bastia, on the French island of Corsica was forced to return to Gatwick, a spokesperson for the airport confirmed. An easyJet spokesperson said: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY8461 from Gatwick to Bastia today (26 July) returned to Gatwick and requested a priority landing on arrival into London Gatwick due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed normally and was met by emergency services purely as a precautionary measure in line with procedures, and all passengers disembarked normally. "A replacement aircraft and crew has been arranged for passengers to continue their journey to Bastia today. The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
First tourists visit North Korea's ghostly ‘Benidorm' resort where ‘minders' follow visitors & phones are ‘bugged'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NORTH Korea has welcomed its first tourists to its ghostly new "Benidorm" beach resort. But the initial batch of visitors have reported that they are followed everywhere and their phones are likely bugged. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 The newly built resort, called Wonsan‑Kalma, has opened for Russian tourists on package tours Credit: East2West 10 A group of 13 inaugural guests went to the resort Credit: East2West 10 Russian tourists watched 24/7 on a rare trip inside the repressive state Credit: East2West The newly built resort, called Wonsan‑Kalma, has opened for Russian tourists on package tours. It features a a giant artificial white sand beach - once a missile test site - on the Sea of Japan, and was opened by dictator Kim Jong Un himself. But Russian guests say the experience is very different inside a state even more repressive than their own. "You are accompanied everywhere… even on the beach someone walked with us," according to blogger Daria Zubkova. read more in world news VLAD'S U-TURN Putin suddenly cancels Russia's naval parade after huge losses in Ukraine war Yet this was as "sweet concern" for guests rather than more ominous snooping, she added. "They are walking [with you]. "[If] you want, they chat with you, [if not] they just walk behind you." Daria added that the minders "argue that they worry about us getting lost or something else". But the veterinary therapist added: "What many people are afraid of….is some kind of wiretapping everywhere and so on. "Most likely, I think that there is probably all of this, but we just weren't afraid, because we have nothing to say that would make someone scold us for it." North Korea's 'Benidorm' to FINALLY open next week as tyrant Kim Jong-Un cuts ribbon - and Brits have signed up to visit The resort can accommodate up to 20,000 people, according to reports, and has jet-skis. Russian tourists holidaying there must make their own way to the eastern city of Vladivostok. From there they are flown into North Korea - to the capital city of Pyongyang. But once in the country, the group of 13 inaugural guests had their short flight from Pyongyang to Wonsan was suddenly cancelled - and a train arranged instead. "An entire train for just 13 people is simply unthinkable," said Daria. "It was new, very comfortable, with air conditioning." 10 The resort has opened for its first guests Credit: East2West 10 North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un opens Wonsan-Kalma pet project beach resort Credit: East2West 10 Russian tourist Daria Zubkova shows an empty beach in Wonsan-Kalma resort Credit: East2West 10 The resort can accommodate up to 20,000 people, according to reports Credit: East2West She added: "I saw villages [from the windows of the train]….people are working in the fields, not very rich people." Another tourist Lyudmila said: "I was even interested in riding the train, because for the first time I saw that the mountains they paint in their pictures really exist. "It is also very interesting to see the country from the train." But once they got to Wonsan, their hotel was full with visiting officials and journalists accompanying Putin's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. The tourists were then moved to inferior accommodation. Tourists were also told that sending emails cost £1.65 each. The tour company made clear that the secret police would have the opportunity to monitor their messages. "Please note that the email will be sent from the hotel's email box, not yours. "Therefore, to make it easier to find a reply addressed to you, we recommend that you include your room number in the subject line." Tourists were also told in advance: "We recommend taking tea, coffee, sugar with you!!! Fruits are not served." But Daria added: "There were a lot of types of meat, duck, rabbit, different types of fish. They really tried to please us." The basic cost of this tour for Russians is £1,360 - once they have made their way to Vladivostok. All but £325 of this has to be paid in cash. "We like everything," said tourist Pavla Gambal. "The sea is warm, the beach is clean, they keep order. "The territory is well-kept. The food is very tasty, you can eat it." It comes at a time when when North Korea has sent soldiers to die for "ally" Vladimir Putin, along with ship loads of military equipment and ammunition. 10 Russian guests say the experience is very different inside a state even more repressive than their own Credit: East2West 10 The basic cost of this tour for Russians is £1,360 Credit: East2West
