A picture is worth a thousand words. Let these stunning postcards from the Maltese Islands inspire your next holiday destination.
We all want to travel to that destination that always seems postcard perfect, and well, some of us are lucky to live there too! Thinking of travelling to the Maltese Islands? Here's what you can expect to find here, as told in 10 postcards from Malta.
1. Dreaming of paradise?
"This is just the Blue Lagoon in Comino. Comino is almost uninhabited and we've been enjoying our quiet stay at the solitary hotel. We've mostly met divers, climbers and campers. We go to the Blue Lagoon early morning or late evening when the day-trippers have gone and it's absolute paradise!"
2. Relish culture?
"The famous skyline of Valletta further embellished with fireworks - the Maltese sure love their fireworks! We've been interested in the varied cultural events of Valletta 2018 and always find something entertaining to do. There is really a lot to see and do in Malta if you enjoy history and culture."
3. Intrigued by the people's traditions and local life?
"Here's a scene that we've been told has not changed in decades – men gathering outside their favourite kazin having tea in a glass and a good gossip about village happenings. A kazin is a village club that ranges from the local football club to the band club for the village feast. We find it amusing to join them for a chat and learn about the local customs."
4. Fascinated by colourful old seaside villages?
"Here's a scene from Birzebbugia. It comes complete with a promenade, Miami-style palm trees lining the beach and beach volley. The Freeport outside the bay is quite a spectacle when lit up at night. We also liked Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village, and its famous fish market. We bought everything but fish though - we have gifts for you!"
5. Get away from it all?
"We have been really enjoying losing ourselves in the many pretty secluded coves and remote areas of the islands. We were worried that the Maltese Islands are somewhat densely populated, yet it seems to be concentrated in the centre, south and east of the island, leaving the north-west all natural. We absolutely love Gozo, which still enjoys plenty of open space."
6. How about a spot of sailing?
"We've just treated ourselves to a yacht charter in Malta! You can have it all here, from a luxury yacht with a skipper to a traditional luzzu for deep sea fishing. We also plan on trying a jet-ski for some thrills and a kayak for coastal exploration. The Maltese Islands are a real boating heaven!"
7. Wondering where the action is?
"We like a bit of action and this local merry-making at a Maltese festa must be the most fascinating ever. There's at least one village festa dedicated to the patron saint each week throughout the summer, sometimes more, and each one has its own character. We enjoyed the brass band, traditional sweets and the revelry with the statue of the patron saint out in the streets."
8. Tempted for the real nightlife?
"We went clubbing in Paceville in St Julians, what a night! The place is a concentration of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and gentlemen's clubs reminiscent of London's Soho. We discovered that there is much more though. We've found events all over the island from open-air theatre to music festivals. Our only concern is where to go when there's so much happening."
9. Love sunrise and sunset?
"Wow! We were not prepared for this daily spectacle of colour complete with stunning coastal backdrops. And the island is so small that we have been able to enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the horizon on the same day! Here is the site of the famous Blue Grotto, which we visited on a boat trip from Zurrieq. We also saw the 5,000-year-old megalithic temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim here."
10. Enjoy variety?
"We are amazed by just how much variety there is when it comes to what to see and do. And, better still, each of the Maltese Islands has a unique character. In the background here is Gozo, Malta's laid back, quainter and greener little sister. The scattering of islands includes idyllic Comino and Cominotto."
Okay, we understand, you need to run to buy your flights and pack that suitcase. See you soon!