DK Eyewitness - Top 10 Malta and Gozo.

Clockwise from top: Blue Lagoon in Comino, Popeye Village in Anchor Bay, Valletta skyline with the dome of Carmelite Church, Mnajdra temple, decorative detail at St Johns Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Gadira Nature Reserve, Mdina Citadel

Enclosed by the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean, the tiny nation of Malta packs an extraordinary amount into three compact, easily visited, islands sight-rich Malta, restful Gozo and tiny Comino. The sun shines 300 days of the year and the sea is warm from early summer to well into autumn. But it isnt just about sun and sea: Malta boasts 7,000 years of history, culture and world-class architecture. With Eyewitness Top 10 Malta and Gozo, they are yours to explore.

Maltese sights range from unique, ancient stone temples, like Mnajdra and aar Qim, to iconic 21st-century structures at Vallettas City Gate. The nations position at the heart of the Mediterranean and its vast natural harbours have attracted every power in the region. The Phoenicians came first, leaving their legacy in the form of Maltas traditional boats, seen in glorious technicolour in Marsaxlokk Harbour. The Romans, Arabs, medieval Christians, Ottoman Turks, French and British all left their mark, as did World War II and above all the Knights of Malta.

The Knights built Maltas delightful little capital, Valletta, its 16th-century bastion walls towering dramatically over the Grand Harbour and its narrow streets of honeyed limestone glowing in the Mediterranean sun. Many of the Knights buildings have survived along with their art, including St Johns Co-Cathedral, which features perhaps Europes most dazzling Baroque interior.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Malta and Gozo have to offer, from castles and catacombs to culinary delectations. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus eight easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Malta and Gozo.

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Two Days in Malta

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Day 1

Morning

Enter .

St Johns Co-Cathedral has a dazzling interior and holds many treasures.

Afternoon

Hop on a bus (or drive) to a perfect place to stroll as afternoon turns to evening and dinner time.

Day 2

Morning

Visit the prehistoric for a fish lunch on the harbour.

Afternoon

Explore the deeply historic streets of . Enjoy panoramic views before wandering into Valletta for supper.

Valletta is a hub of ancient artifacts, many displayed in the Museum of Archaeology.

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Seven Days in Malta and Gozo

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Day 1

Spend the morning as per day one of the two-day itinerary. Take your time in the before deciding on a restaurant for a leisurely Valletta dinner.

Day 2

Take some time to wander the narrow streets of .

One of the best views of Birgu is from Valletta looking back across the Grand Harbour.

Day 3

Arrive early at Maltas unique .

Day 4

Stroll through .

Day 5

Take a tour of to relax and swim. Stay over on Gozo for a couple of nights.

Day 6

Take a boat trip around the coast and over to where you can swim and snorkel in the beguiling Blue Lagoon.

Day 7

During your last day on Gozo, visit before heading to the ferry to return to Malta.

Fungus Rock is a notable landmark in Dwejra Bay off Gozo.

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Top 10 Malta and Gozo Highlights

Colourful fishing boats in the pretty harbour at Marsaxlokk

TOP 10 MALTA AND GOZO HIGHLIGHTS

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GRAND MASTERS PALACE, VALLETTA

This handsome palace was built between 1573 and 1578 by the celebrated Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar (152086). Today it is the office of the president, but for over 200 years it was home to the Grand Master, supreme head of the Order of the Knights of St John. Here, the Grand Master would greet foreign envoys and important guests, and the State Apartments are suitably crammed with reminders of the Orders fabulous wealth and influence.

NEED TO KNOW

Triq Ir-Repubblika 2124 9349 www.heritagemalta.org (armoury and state rooms) Open palace: 10am4pm MonFri, 9am4pm Sat & Sun; armoury: 9am5pm daily; closed 24, 25, 31 Dec, 1 Jan & Good Friday Adm 10, concessions 7, under-11s 5; audio-guide free with admission ticket

Google Map

• The palace may be closed for official duties; check with the tourist office in advance; if closed, entrance price for just the armoury will be 6, concessions 4.50, under-11s 3.