Malta : what are the cultural particularities?

It may have been part of the British Empire, and the official language may be English, but the local Maltese language is a truly astounding mix of cultures and influences. Almost Arabic in sound, if you listen closely you'll also hear flickers of English, French, Italian. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, including hotels, lounges and restaurants. It is still possible to smoke at outside tables in restaurants and bars. The country is firmly Roman Catholic, with spectacular churches to visit in each and every village, as well as those in the larger towns. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees before entering. Be warned also that you'll find a conservative attitude to beachwear, with a ban on nudity.

Malta is famous for its bobbin or crocheted lace, a tradition dating back to the 17th century. The most common design is definitely the eight-spiked Cross of Malta, but woollen pullovers and scarves, often white in colour, make great souvenirs. Blown glass is also a speciality of the island; the most renowned workshops are located in the village of Ta'Qali, north of Rabat.

Malta's cuisine is quite rustic and blends in European influences. 'Widow's soup' is a dish of diced vegetables, cooked with slices of bacon and eggs. The Maltese often prepare fish - grilled or in pies - such as lampuki (bream), the dotte (scorpion fish) or the cerna (grouper). Local beer, including the Cisk Lager, is excellent and fairly cheap, whilst coffee is highly reputed even by Italian standards. Don't miss the markets which take place in all the main cities and villages and provide a chance sample the enticing aniseed-stuffed 'qaghaq tal-ghasel' biscuits, goat's cheese and locally-made wines.

Malta : Expert advice to help prepare you for your holiday

Small but mighty

Crammed into a surface area of just a few square miles, you'll find unique archaeological sites, white-rock creeks and coasts with golden sand and wind-chiselled faces. Island-hop from the pristine blue waters of Gozo to the cove-riddled coastline of Comino, before ending up surrounded by centuries of history in the show-stopping capital of Valletta.

Village culture

It's impossible not to stop and appreciate Malta's myriad of small villages and towns, filled to bursting with architectural and historic sites which tell the story of an island so often forced to defend itself from attack. To the north, you'll find the quaint village of Mellieha, whilst in the centre await the elegant historic towns of Rabat and Mdina and the prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim et Mnajdra.

The Fortress City

At the head of it all sits Valletta, the Fortress City and historic home of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. Though almost intimidating from without, once inside you'll find a surprisingly small warren of historic must-sees flanked by bars and restaurants. It may be the capital but once darkness has fallen, the city becomes remarkably quiet and locals head ten minutes along the coast to St Julian's or Paceville, both with great restaurants and buzzing bars competing for space down narrow streets.

Malta on the water

You'll find history to fill one hundred holidays on this little island, but if you're looking for beaches Malta is not the destination for you. Few and far between, you'll be hard-pushed to find even a square foot of free sand. Instead, most of the coast is devoted to rocky beaches and beautifully clear Mediterranean waters. No surprise then that diving brings many a visitor to the island's door, in search of WWII wreck dives and impressive underwater caves.

A Maltese adventure

All three of the Maltese islands are worth discovering, whether you prefer to cycle them, hike them or even climb them. From the village-addled countryside and rocky coasts of the mainland, to the wide green pastures of Gozo, the distances are small enough that you can leave the car behind. Take time to stop at the tiny island of Camino too, nestled between the two bigger islands and virtually uninhabited save for one hotel and a smattering of snorkelling or diving day-trippers.