Summer in Malta can be said to reflect the character of Mediterranean people; exotically attractive, warm & full of colour. The Maltese Islands have been blessed by the gods with more than three months of celestial magic and glorious sunshine. Rich in Millennial history, Malta has been the melting pot for civilizations for over 7,000 years. It comes as no surprise to see how the major Cruise Line Companies find the Islands Mediterranean positioning to be appealing. With MSC, Costa, TUI’s Mein Schiff, Disney, Aida, Celebrity, Sea Cloud, Club Med and so many others visiting the impressive Grand Harbour, the streets of Valletta are filled with laughter, smiles and the loud local greeting of ‘Sahha’ (Health!) from locals. Together with other visitors from across the globe, the Maltese Islands have perfected hospitality to a fine art – but then, this comes naturally to a people who are genetically already extraordinarily friendly.

Summertime in Malta is all about sun & fun, beach and lots of socializing. With so many ‘al fresco’ cafeteria’s and restaurants open till very late, the Islands come alive after the sun has sunk beneath the horizon’s blue and with it Villages in full festival mode until late September, making this a perfect hub for singles, couples or families in general. Maltese ‘festas’ are celebrations that commemorate each towns’ patron saint. Complete with colourful street decorations, lights and food & beverage stalls with delectable local produce, the towns people get together in festivities that build up to a religious procession, where a statue of the patron saint is carried through the village streets, accompanied by amazing brass bands and devotees. Complete with firework displays & ground displays set against the starlit indigo night sky, this unique experience is bound to delight young & old.

Boat trips are the way to go at this time of the year since the sea is immaculately calm and serene, allowing you to sail or cruise into one of the countless romantic coves in Malta, Gozo or Comino. A day spent in the renowned turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon can be enjoyed complete with snorkeling, diving, sailing or slow motoring in & out of the wonderful sea-caves along its coastline. Several Day Boat Charters are available from local Operators. Diving too is at its wonderful peak in summertime and with so many interesting wrecks, caves and areas to experience here, it is no wonder that Malta’s sea reigns as one of the top Dive Spots in the world. www.visitmalta.com/diving-malta

For the young at heart, the partying scene is at its peak in the Summer months with Top DJ’s playing at countless Clubs across the Islands, such as Gianpula (Rabat, Malta), La Grotta (Gozo), Popeye’s Village and more. ‘Sunset Sundays’ at Numero Uno Club shall be the 10th edition of the legendary summer clubbing party, which carries on each Sunday until 18th September. Concerts by your favourite artists such as Carlos Santana (July), Zucchero (July), Wine Festivals, Arts Festivals, Jazz Festivals and any reason to celebrate is vibrantly alive this year in Malta. The Malta Tourism Authority’s Event page has a complete listing of all events being held across the Maltese Islands all year round.

With all this in mind, it’s easy to hop down to the Maltese Islands when frequent and direct flights from key European Cities are only an average of 2.5hours.

Malta Tourism Authority, www.visitmalta.com