Malta is an island country near the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, about 95 kilometres south of Sicily. It is an archipelago (group of islands). It contains three inhabited islands viz Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and three uninhabited islets viz Cominotto, Filfla, and Selmunett (St. Paul’s Isle).

Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Low hills with slopes cut by terraced fields make much of Malta resemble a series of giant steps. The balmy Mediterranean climate attracts many visitors.

Tourists also come to Malta to see the remains of some of the world’s oldest Neolithic temples, as well as some of the world’s finest examples of Baroque and Renaissance art and architecture. Malta was once a British crown colony. In 1964, Malta became an independent country.

Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso’s Cave - Malta is positively mythic. The narrow cobblestone streets of its towns are crowded with Norman cathedrals and baroque palaces. The countryside is littered with the oldest known human structures in the world.

Malta is very good at selling its romantic past of Copper Age temple builders and crusading celibate knights, and it has used this image to crank up a formidable tourism industry. Not that the islands are overrun with highrise resorts - yet.

In the face of modernisation, the archipelago’s staunchly Roman Catholic culture has helped the Maltese maintain a tight-knit community and keep a lid on runaway development.

The upshot of this is that travellers can enjoy a refreshing balance of convenience and unvarnished local charm, and can get comfort for considerably less than at many comparable Mediterranean destinations.

The religious festival season is six months long - ending just in time for the holidays. If you overdose on nougat and wine, you can slip off to the tiny neighbouring islands of Gozo or Comino for some serious peace and quiet.