Looking for somewhere with guaranteed summer warmth (more than 300 days of sunshine, if we’re counting), fabulous food, and fascinating culture? Then Malta might just be the answer to your holiday prayers. With a flight time of just over three hours from the UK, this charming, historic country packs a lot into its 120 square miles.
From beautiful bays to grand cathedrals, megalithic temples and Michelin-starred restaurants, we can guarantee that no two days spent in this year-round destination will be the same. Below is our guide to the best things to do on the island; let Jet2holidays whisk you there in style (with a generous 22kg baggage inclusion, return flights and transfers* included), and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Bask in the sun at Paradise Bay
Malta and its sister island Gozo have over 30 stretches of coastline between them. If you’re looking for a simple, yet stunning, patch of sand to lay your stripey towel on, head to family-friendly Mellieħa Bay on the island’s northern tip, or the stunning Paradise and Golden Bays — both lapped by turquoise waters. Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — with its idyllic setting surrounded by cliffs, forest and clay slopes — draws those looking for more seclusion.
For something a little livelier, St George’s Bay is lined with a cluster of alfresco bars, restaurants and bistros. Don’t miss the incredible views and scenery at some of the alluring towns and villages that line the coast: head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta for a spectacular panorama of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, while Dingli Cliffs is Malta’s highest point, offering incredible views of the coastline.
Explore the ancient walled city of Mdina
Malta’s rich history reflects centuries of foreign rule — from Romans and Greeks to the Knights Hospitaller and the British — each leaving a legacy in its architecture, culture and religion. Start in UNESCO World Heritage Site Valletta, at the ornate St John’s Co-Cathedral that was built by the Knights, and the nearby Grand Master’s Palace. For sweeping views of the Grand Harbour, head across the water to the fortified Three Cities, where Fort St Angelo stands guard.
WIN A HOLIDAY FOR FOUR: Unwind in style with the chance to win a seven-night stay at the four-star-plus Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands in Mellieha. Enjoy breakfast, return Jet2 UK flights, transfers and 22kg of baggage each – for two adults and two children. Click here to enter^^.
Wander the medieval streets of Mdina, the island’s former capital, with its fortress walls and grand city gate. Malta’s prehistoric roots are revealed by its megalithic temples — Haġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ħal Tarxien on Malta, and the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo. Modern Malta is just as vibrant, hosting the colourful Malta Carnival in February and the Isle of MTV festival in summer. It also ranks as Europe’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly nation.
Enjoy traditional Maltese pastries, like pastizzi
Perhaps one of the best things about Malta is the food — whether you’re after traditional dishes, Michelin-starred dining, or something in between. Look out for local food such as pastizzi (pastries filled with ricotta or peas) and the simple hobż biż-zejt (bread with olive oil).
Of course, being an island, fresh fish and seafood dishes are abundant — particularly if you hop on a Luzzu boat to the family-friendly fishing village of Marsaxlokk for the day. Taste traditional dishes like aljotta (fish soup made with tomatoes and garlic) and pixxispad mixwi (marinated and grilled swordfish fillets), along with Maltese olive oil, local honey, sea salt harvested in local salt pans, and cheese such as ġbejna, known for its fresh, creamy, slightly tangy flavour.
The activities
Go diving or snorkelling at the Blue Grotto
Spend the day seeing the P29 shipwreck in Cirkewwa, the Cathedral Cave in Gozo and Dwejra Bay (also in Gozo). Or, snorkel around Malta’s Blue Grotto, as well as paddleboard and kayak in multiple locations. Boat tours are also popular, which let you see more of Malta’s magnificent coastline from the water.
There are plenty of walking and hiking trails too, if you prefer being on land. From the Xemxija Heritage Trail, which follows an old Roman road, to the Watch Towers Walk, which starts and ends at Għadira Bay. Cycling and horse riding are popular activities, but if you’re after something more adrenaline-fuelled, tourists can go quad-biking, too. There truly is something for everyone in Malta.
Plus, you can still enjoy a last-minute summer holiday. And you can even spread the cost of a trip over three interest-free payments if you’re going within ten weeks, with PayPal Pay in 3‡.
For more Malta travel inspiration, and to find and book your ultimate getaway, visit Jet2holidays.com
T&Cs: *Unless otherwise stated. ^^Winner will be contacted after competition closes on 27 August 2025. ‡Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within 10 weeks.