Malta: Europe's Hidden Gem for Premium Holidays
Malta, a Mediterranean gem, is gaining traction as a premium holiday destination. With average overnight rates of $161 and daily meal costs of $63, it's far from a budget getaway. Despite the price, the island nation packs a punch with its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture.
At the heart of Malta lies La Valletta, the smallest EU capital by area at just 0.24 square miles. It's home to St. John's Co-Cathedral, a lavish 16th-century masterpiece adorned with gold and frescoes, including Caravaggio's 'The Beheading of St. John the Baptist'. The city's fortifications, built by the Knights Hospitaller after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, were designed by Italian military engineers like Francesco Laparelli and Girolamo Cassar.
Malta's beaches cater to all tastes, from lively nightlife spots to secluded paradises. The island is also one big conurbation, with places like the Three Cities and Mdina & Rabat blending into one another. Despite its size, Malta is packed with history, spanning millennia and including UNESCO-listed La Valletta. Its smaller sisters, Comino and Gozo, offer unique attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Ġgantija Temples.
Malta, one of Europe's hottest destinations literally and figuratively, is a premium getaway. With no direct flights from the US, it's best reached via European hubs, particularly in summer and fall. Despite its size, this tiny nation punches above its weight with a rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture.
