Malta

Dive in clear waters with colourful sealife. Follow in the footsteps of the crusading Knights of St John. See some of the oldest archaeological wonders of the word. Laze on unspoilt sandy beaches. Go clubbing until daybreak. A group of islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is something of a lively, open–air museum, dotted with ancient ruins, forts and churches. The island of Malta itself includes the 3800BC complex of Hagar Qim, and the cobblestone streets of Mdina. Valletta, the atmospheric capital, offers intriguing sights around nearly every corner as well as a vibrant nightlife. The green and rural island of Gozo features the extraordinary Neolithic temples of Ggantija. Tiny Comino island is a traffic–free haven for watersports, with particularly good snorkelling around the aquamarine waters of the Blue Lagoon. Malta's hostels provide easy access to some of the highlights of these sun–drenched islands.