Malta

The Phoenicians were the first to arrive some 3,000 years ago. Then came the Romans, Byzantines, Carthaginians, Arabs, Vikings, Angevins, Normans, Crusaders, Castilians, Sicilians, French and British. Each subsequent wave of arrivals added yet another element to the cultural and architectural mosaic that is modern-day Malta. It is a destination that is sure to delight history buffs, who can stroll medieval-era streets, visit Baroque-era cathedrals, tour the remains of a Bronze-age fortress explore a subterranean labyrinth of tombs, chambers, and passageways created by a dozen cultures.

Heritage is just one of the island’s many attractions. With an average of 300 days of clear skies a year, it is one of Europe’s sunniest destinations. Shores washed by the translucent waters of the Mediterranean Sea offer golden-sand beaches wrapped in sheltering headlands that create calm coves. Waterfront cafes encourage lingering relaxation, chefs transform the catch of the day into savory specialties and sunset is just the beginning of pulsating celebrations that fill clubs until the late hours.