Christmas is over and now all British winter has to offer us is short, gloomy days, frosty temperatures and trips to and from the office in the rain. Sigh.
Do you know where doesn't have this problem, though?
Malta. This sun-drenched archipelago has warm weather all year round, making it the ideal place to escape to whether you need to lift your mood, top up your tan or simply get away from it all.
In fact, there are a whole host of reasons why you're going to want to book a getaway to this gorgeous country ASAP, but here are 10 of the best to whet your appetite with…
1: Easy travels
From the hustle and bustle of pretty Valletta to amazing beaches, Malta has something for every kind of traveller all year round
A key aspect of any holiday is ease.
After all, what's the point in a stressful vacation?
Malta is a timeless destination for Brits as it's only a three-hour flight away. That means you could leave our shores and land in the sunny isles just in time for a spot of lunch on the marina, or go for a last-minute weekend break.
You're also guaranteed a warm welcome.
The Maltese are renowned for their generous hospitality and will go to great lengths to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your visit, no matter how long you're staying for.
It's also LGBTQ+ friendly, so you can enjoy Malta's 300 days of annual sunshine without judgement - just as it should be.
2: Unmissable events
Malta's annual International Fireworks Festival will dazzle and amaze the entire family - not to mention loved-up couples
No matter what time of year you visit Malta, you're bound to stumble across an event to get involved in.
Kicking off the new year is the Valletta Baroque Festival, where you can tour across 18 of the city's most magnificent architectural venues and listen to 36 classical concerts - a must for music aficionados.
After this, the events just keep on coming.
From the L.O.L Dolls L.O.L SURPRISE! VIP Party for little ones to the world-famous International Fireworks Festival, not forgetting a vibrant roster of music festivals throughout the summer months and the annual Malta Film Awards, you'll have plenty to keep yourself occupied whenever you visit.
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3: World-class diving
Beneath the waves, Malta has breathtaking experiences to offer including the chance to swim with vast schools of fish and explore shipwrecks
Not satisfied with simply sunbathing on all these wonderful beaches? Luckily for you, the Maltese coast is ripe for diving sites.
In fact, both Malta and Gozo are consistently ranked 2nd in the Best Dive Destination category at the Diver Magazine Awards. What's more, anyone over the age of 10 can earn their PADI qualification while they're here, so you and the family can experience Malta's breathtaking underworlds together safely.
The Coral Lagoon, just north of Mellieha, is a great spot for beginners, offering twisting caves and tunnels packed with weird and wonderful marine life, including colourful anemones, octopuses and more.
Or, for the most experienced, check out Malta's wealth of sea wrecks. From the Blenheim Bomber to the Carolita Barge, not forgetting the country's heritage wrecks sites such as HMS Southwold, a British WWII destroyer that's now a home to moray eels and schools of rainbow-coloured fish, the world beneath the seas is as vibrant as that on land here.
4: Surround yourself with history
History jumps out at you at every turn in Mdina, The Silent City, which is bursting with architecture from across the ages
Back on dry land, Malta's diverse history makes it a fascinating place to explore on foot.
From the Phoenicians and Romans to the Knights of St John, 7,000 years has seen a plethora of different cultures leave their mark on these little islands, many of which you can still see today.
Wander through the cobbled streets of Mdina, Malta's Old Capital, where you'll find the extravagant Baroque cathedral, which dates back to the 1700s, and Roman ruins with intact mosaics.
Alternatively, back in Valletta, take shelter from the sunshine and check out some of the island's amazing museums, such as the National War Museum or Lascaris War Rooms, or indulge in more cultural history with an afternoon at the National Museum of Fine Arts, home to European masters such as Maratta, Strozzi and Turner.
5: Natural beauty
Set sail with some Champers and prepare for a laid back day chilling at the gorgeous Blue Lagoon, Comino
For those who seek solace in wilderness, you'll never find yourself far from untouched landscapes.
Comino is the obvious first port of call. Join a private boat tour to visit this uninhabited island and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore while you sit among the wildflowers.
In Dwejra, Gozo, meanwhile, The Blue Hole offers a peaceful sanctuary with the opportunity to stay cool in the sun too. Float and chill or take a dip into this underwater cave to see the stunning coral garden and meet the resident parrot fish.
Wherever you go, make sure you're back in Malta for sundown, ideally by the Dingli Cliffs. As Malta's highest point, there's no better place to watch the sunset with a loved one.
6: Gourmet dining
Freshly caught seafood is essentially always on the menu in Malta - along with locally grown vegetables and fine local vinos
Besides being surrounded by natural resources, from amazing fish to fruits, vegetables and wines grown in the Maltese sun, Malta is also home to five Michelin-starred and Michelin-plate restaurants.
59 Republic, a Michelin-plate destination, offers a delicious menu that combines French and English cuisine with Mediterranean flavours. Expect creamy white truffle and lobster risottos and fresh sea bass served with plump, roasted artichoke hearts. Yum!
Or for fine dining with more authentic Maltese vibes, look no further than Bahia. Situated in the pretty Corinthia Palace Attard Hotel, Valletta, makes the finest heroes of Maltese cuisine, such as oh-so-tender saddle of rabbit, ‘nduja-baked buttery buns and plenty of roasted and delicately spiced vegetable dishes.
7: UNESCO sites abound
Test the accoustics of the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum - a prehistoric temple
Malta may be small, but it's home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites - one of which, Valletta, boasts over 320 sites of historical interest for history buffs to get lost in.
This capital city was founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St John, and offers amazing sights at every turn. From the dramatic Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens to the majesty of the Grand Master's Palace Courtyard, it's worth dedicating a day or two of your trip so you don't miss all the treasures Valletta has to offer.
Beyond the city, other UNESCO sites include the imposing megalithic Ħaġar Qim temples which have overlooked the sea for 5,000 years, as well as the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the only prehistoric, underground temple of its kind in the world.
8: Endless adventures
Strap in for some abseiling off the dramatic cliffs and caves along Malta's coastline - spectacular sea views included
Once you've feasted on Malta's fine cuisine and visited all its vineyards, it's time to get the blood pumping.
Get that hit of adrenaline with rock climbing and abseiling on the cliffs overhanging Malta's stunning coastline, or tour the perimeter of the different islands with some trail running. Then, cool off with some kayaking, so you can explore the myriad of sea caves along the shore line and maybe meet the odd dolphin or two.
Or, for an experience you'll never forget, feel the wind in your hair with a spot of parasailing, so you can enjoy the fresh sea air and views of the islands all in one go.
9: Fun for all ages
Aye aye, Popeye Village! This colourful wonderland is a must for families and movie buffs
Malta sounds wonderful, doesn't it? But if you're travelling with children, keeping them entertained can seem daunting.
Fortunately, you needn't worry while you're here. This family-centric island has lots of interesting activities to keep littles ones of all ages occupied and happy during their stay.
Tour the towns on a fun train, where you can learn about the major sites without little feet getting too worn out. Have a ball at Splash & Fun water park, where you'll find age-appropriate pools, lazy rivers and slides for water-based fun.
Or, for an experience they'll never forget, visit Popeye Village - the set of the original 1979 film. Adults will love exploring the multi-coloured houses here, while kids can play on trampolines and in the lido of this surreal village on stilts.
10: Sustainable holidays
Malta is making it easier than ever to experience sun, sea and fun the sustainable way
Whatever you decide to get up to in Malta, you can find ways to ensure your carbon footprint stays minimal - so you and future generations can fall in love with everything this island has to offer.
Walks and swims in nature are obviously a great way to holiday responsibly, but there are also activities you can get involved in that help support vital causes too.
Marine reserves, such as Marine Park in Ċirkewwa, seek to protect and rescue marine life while cutting down on illegal behaviours such as harpoon fishing. Spend a day here meeting the rescue animals for a rare opportunity to see them up close and support this fantastic work.
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