00:00I'm ready for this, I'll need you all in. I'm ready for this, so darling hold my hand.
00:12Structures older than the pyramids, clear Mediterranean waters, near enough guaranteed
00:18sunshine all year long, and all within an island smaller than the Isle of Wight.
00:25In this episode of Travel Smart, we're exploring the beauty of Malta.
00:31It's one of our favourite destinations for sunshine, culture and incredible food.
00:36We'll be sharing some of the spots and experiences you won't want to miss.
00:46Malta sits in the heart of the Mediterranean, between Europe and North Africa, and you can
00:50see the mix of influences everywhere.
00:52From the architecture, to the food, to the languages spoken on the islands, with Maltese
00:57and English widely used.
00:58The country is made up of several islands, but most visitors will spend their time on
01:02the main island of Malta, where historic cities, coastal views and outdoor adventures are all
01:07within easy reach.
01:08You can also take a short ferry trip over to Gozo, where things feel a little quieter, with
01:13rolling landscapes and a slower pace of life.
01:15Watch our previous Travel Smart episode on Gozo if you want to explore more.
01:19Malta packs a huge amount into a small space, and because everything is so close together,
01:25getting around is a breeze.
01:26The island is only around 95 square miles, so most journeys between sites take well under
01:31an hour, whether you're travelling by hire car, taxi or the island's bus network.
01:36That ease carries through to getting here too.
01:38Flights from the UK take just over three hours from several UK airports, making it a straightforward
01:43Mediterranean escape.
01:45Jet 2 holidays can also take care of the full trip, with flights, transfers and 22 kilograms
01:50of baggage included, along with flexible trip lengths, meaning you can visit for a quick escape
01:55or a longer break.
01:56And if you book ahead, low deposits and free child places on selected holidays can make it
02:01even easier to plan your trip.
02:03It's also a really welcoming destination, whether you're travelling as a couple, with family
02:08or just looking for somewhere open and inclusive to explore.
02:11And with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it's the perfect place to escape to whenever
02:17you're craving an idyllic island break.
02:22Malta has an extraordinary depth of history.
02:26In fact, some of the structures here are among the oldest surviving buildings in the world.
02:32Begin your trip in the capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
02:38Wrapped within its walls are all manner of landmarks, palaces and churches.
02:44Among the most striking monuments, St. John's Coe Cathedral.
02:50From the outside, it might look fairly understated, but once inside, you discover lavish Baroque decoration,
02:59marble floors and all manner of dramatic artworks.
03:04A short walk away, you'll find one of my favourite viewpoints, the Upper Baraka Gardens, with sweeping
03:11views across the Grand Harbour and to the historic three cities on the opposite shore.
03:19Beyond Valletta, make sure you visit Mdina, the former capital.
03:24It's a beautifully preserved walled city with narrow streets, quiet courtyards and yet more churches.
03:32Wherever you explore in Malta, you will find ancient temples and historic sites dating back thousands of years,
03:42offering glimpses into the island's deep and complex past.
03:50While Malta's history is a huge draw, the island is also a great destination for outdoor activities.
03:56The clear waters surrounding Malta make it one of Europe's top diving destinations, with shipwrecks, caves and underwater rock formations
04:03to explore.
04:04Head around Maleha Bay's wide open shoreline, or St. Paul's Bay, where the water is calm and easy to access,
04:11and you'll find some of the best spots to get out on the water on the island.
04:14Snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking are all popular ways to experience the coastline, especially those quieter bays and coves.
04:21Meanwhile on land, there are plenty of walking trails across the island.
04:25The coastal trails offer wide views across the Mediterranean, while inland paths take you through countryside, villages and archaeological sites.
04:33Cycling, boat trips and guided excursions are also all super easy to organise, giving you time to explore different parts
04:40of the island, all at your own pace.
04:42If you're staying around Salima or St. Julian's, these are great bases for that perfect balance of being by the
04:47water,
04:48while still having easy access to explore the rest of the island.
04:54After spending the day exploring, you'll probably have worked up an appetite,
04:58and the good news is that food is a real highlight of any visit to Malta.
05:03The island's cuisine reflects its history and location, combining Mediterranean ingredients with influences from Italy, North Africa and beyond.
05:15Seafood, as you might imagine, is a staple.
05:18It's often prepared simply using olive oil, herbs and fresh vegetables.
05:24Local ingredients also feature strongly on the island's menus.
05:30In particular, cheese and honey are absolutely delicious, and you'll find them in many of the island's dishes.
05:38My favourites start with Hobser, Maltese bread served with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, cracked black pepper and locally sourced sea
05:48salt.
05:49I also love pastizzi, flaky pastry parcels filled with ricotta or peas and served everywhere from street stores to cafes.
06:00Alongside casual dining, Malta also boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing modern Maltese cuisine.
06:11And there's plenty to explore when it comes to wine as well.
06:15The sunny climate suits winemaking, with everything from crisp whites and roses to fuller reds, often from smaller local vineyards.
06:30Malta may be small, but that's all part of the appeal.
06:34Whether you're coming for the sunshine, for the history or for the outdoor adventure, there's a huge amount here to
06:42discover.
06:43And you can book your whole trip with Jet2 Holidays if you want to experience Malta for yourself.
06:47For more travel inspiration and expert tips, go to independent.co.uk forward slash travel.
06:54See you next time!
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