 Malta is an archipelago, located centrally in the Mediterranean Sea. There are three inhabited islands; Malta, Gozo and Comina. Due to their strategic value, the Maltese islands were a coveted prize by the various regional powers throughout the past few millennia, with each leaving its own impact on the islands and their inhabitants.
 Due to its proximity to Italy, much of the language and cuisine has been strongly influenced by the mainland nation, while the Arabs, Knights of St John and British have all left both tangible and intangible traces of their occupation. The Maltese are strongly Roman Catholic, with around 90 per cent of the population practising the religion devoutly.
 The islands of Malta are relatively flat, with most of the cities and large towns located on the coastline. Valletta, the capital, is located midway along the northeast coastline of Malta, and is very much the centre of business, commerce and politics. Inland, the ancient city of Medina and its suburb Rabat are delightful places, seemingly lost in time. To the northwest of Malta Island lies Gozo, famed for its medieval Citadel at Victoria and Neolithic archaeological sites at Xaghra. Located between Malta and Gozo is delightful Comina, a mecca for water sports enthusiasts.
Although Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, there are extremely frequent and convenient air transportation links to major European and UK cities, while there are regular ferries plying routes between Malta and Sicily and Salerno.
 Valletta, the capital, is a fabulous fortified coastal city that was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. Though the city is ancient, modern Valletta has tastefully integrated world-class institutions, facilities and amenities, including excellent healthcare services. The people have a reputation for kindness and are very friendly and helpful, though can be easily offended, particularly in matters of religion. Life on Malta proceeds at a relaxed pace, with great emphasis placed on enjoyment.
Quality hotels are concentrated in Malta’s larger cities and resort areas. The St George’s Bay and St Julian’s districts have the pick of the luxury hotels, while the resort of Bugibba has some excellent lodgings. Gozo has some superb hotels at Mgarr, Sannat and San Lawrenz, while Comina has recently attracted some high end developers.
Weather
 Malta enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, and the lack of any high areas of elevation means that the weather is usually the same no matter which island or part you happen to be on.
Summers in Malta can be scorching, particularly with the prevailing onshore winds that blow heated air along the coast. Even so, this is the most popular time for tourists to visit the islands, with almost no chance of rain, clear blue skies and wonderfully warm seas. With the heat and dryness, care should be taken to keep in the shade and to drink plenty of fluids between June and September, as sunstroke and dehydration are dangers that can easily ruin your holiday.
The late spring and early autumn months are when the climate in Malta is at its best. Days are warm, nights are cool and the sea is still comfortably tepid. In winter, temperatures in Malta are very mild, with the skies often cloudy and overcast. Between November and March, there is the possibility of rain showers.
History
Lying in the middle of the Mediterranean and between southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East, Malta occupies an enviable strategic position that has unfortunately seen the islands continually subject to wars and struggles between great empires throughout the ages.
 Malta boasts one of the most ancient civilisations in the Mediterranean region, with ruins dating back to the Neolithic period still. Ancient Malta was a centre of maritime trade and had an important influence on neighbouring states, both island nations and those on the mainland.
 Not surprisingly, the more militant empires of the time viewed Malta as a prize, and the islands were conquered by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and the Greeks before the Romans took over and provided a relatively long period of stability, and during their reign, Saint Paul visited the islands and converted many to the new religion of Christianity.
 After the Roman era, which left a lasting architectural legacy, Malta was occupied by the Byzantines from the 4th to the 9th century. The Arabs then had their turn and left their mark on the Maltese language, which combines Latin and Arabic influences. The Normans took over from the Arabs in 1091, and the islands remained under Christian rule and a local nobility was established.
 One of the most significant events in Malta’s long history came about in 1530, when Spain gave administration of the islands to the Order of the Knights of St John, who had been forced to retreat from the nearby island of Rhodes after attacks by the Ottoman Turks. The Turks laid siege to Malta in 1565, and were repelled by the Knights in one of the most impressive defensive battles in history. The Knights built many fortifications around the islands, most of which are still intact.
The British took over control of Malta in 1800 following a brief rule by France, when Napoleon deposed the Knights as the rulers of the islands. During WWII, the Axis powers of Germany and Italy tried to capture Malta; however, once again, the island proved to be a match to the most determined of besiegers and the ancient Knight fortifications proved to be the key to the defence once again, with the thick stone walls withstanding heavy bombardments.
 Following the war, Malta pushed for independence from Britain, which was granted in 1964. Malta remained a member of the Commonwealth however, and joined the European Union in 2004.
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