Malta lends itself to a stretching of the legs.
1. Island-hop the archipelago
With Malta, you get three for the price of one! Take a journey around all three of the islands to discover the lagoons, caves and glorious hidden secrets from one of the multitude of boats, yachts and cabin cruisers offering the service. If you have the money to splash, opt for a sailing boat or a motor yacht, replete with all the mod-cons, and including steward, a fresh summer’s lunch as well as the most Instagrammable-angles imaginable! Make sure to make it to the caves of Comino, the Crystal Lagoon and San Blas in Gozo, for a bluer taste of the Med.
2. Take to the skies
The islands are incredibly photogenic – especially from above! Scenic flights are a big thing, and these give you the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of some of the islands’ most stunning spots. Operators tend to take off from Malta International Airport in a small plane and circle the island, with views to the green coasts near the megalithic temples, Dingli Cliffs, Popeye’s Village (in Anchor Bay), as well as the Blue Lagoon – and don’t forget your camera.
3. Or take a closer look
Day trips to Gozo or Comino are probably the most common – and sought after – experiences for those wishing to experience something off the main island. But, if you’re looking for a unique taste and feel of one of Malta’s sister islands, choose your itinerary carefully. Don’t pack too much into the day and leave space for a drink and a spot of lunch. If Gozo rocks your boat, take a walk in the centre of Victoria, the capital, in the morning, followed by a dip in the afternoon. Comino day trips usually centre around swimming in the blue lagoon – a spectacular spot – but be ready for some crowds.
4. Explore the beneath
Divers travel from all over the globe to explore the wonders of Malta’s seascapes. And, frequently, much time can be spent underwater exploring the wrecks and reefs of the islands. The Blue Hole in Gozo – just underneath what remains of the Azure Window – is not only a rare geological site, but now also hosts the remains of the infamous Gozitan landmark. One of the easier, shallower dives is the World War II HMS Maori wreck, located at the tip of Valletta, just in front of the eponymous bar. And, don’t worry if you don’t have your own kit – most diving centres rent equipment out and, for those with little experience, a guide or instructor can also be booked.
5. Travel further afield
And, if you have the time to spare, you can take a journey – to another, larger, island, in another country. Sicily is easily accessible from the mainland of Malta – it’s only an hour and a half by ferry, weather-permitting, and 20 mins to Catania by flight (you literally take off… and then land). One day is not a lot of time – by any stretch of the imagination – to savour every taste the island has to offer, but we recommend making sure you fit in a visit to Etna or Taormina while you’re there. And don’t leave Sicily without trying their granitas!
Main image: viewingmalta.com