Malta lies at the heart of the Mediterranean, about 100 kilometres south of Sicily and almost 300 kilometres from North Africa, a location that ensures year-round sunshine.
Before arriving in the country it helps to cram up a little on its eventful past. Over the last 2,000 years Malta has been colonized by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Spanish, French and British and the island is packed full of museums that should delight the history buff.
It gained independence in 1964 but evidence of its conquered past remains - from the similarities between the national language Malti and Arabic, to the status of English as an official language.
Sightseeing starts in the capital Valletta, a walled city founded by the Knights of St. John, a military order who ruled Malta from 1530-1798. Their history is preserved in Valletta's churches and Auberger - the inns that housed the knights - and their story is presented in a host of museums.
Auberge de Castille et Leon, an impressive building overlooking the harbour, is the grandest of the Auberge buildings, many of which are now used as government ministries. Once home to the Spanish and Portuguese knights it now houses the offices of the prime minister and is said to be the most photographed building in Valletta.
Also worth a visit are the art gallery and the armoury at the Grand Master's Palace, the Malta Experience - a 45 minute multimedia presentation - and St. Paul's Shipwreck Church, named after the apostle Paul who is reputed to have brought Christianity to Malta after shipwrecking his vessel off the coast in 60 A.D.
The main shopping strip on Republic Street has some familiar brand names and a few decent cafes. But really there isn't enough in Valletta to entertain for more than an afternoon. The city's population, now less than 10,000, has been falling since World War II and the streets are noticeably quiet.
But tourists don't come to Malta for the bustling crowds or the hectic nightlife. In fact many of them hop on a boat to neighbouring Gozo - one of just three inhabited islands making up the Maltese island chain - to sample a quieter way of life.
The third and smallest of the inhabited islands is Comino, which is worth visiting for its Blue Lagoon. The inlet's crystal clear, turquoise water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, but get here early if you want to bag a good sunbathing spot. The rocky strand is small and fills up quickly.
Boat companies organize trips to the Blue Lagoon from the tourist resorts around St. Paul's Bay and St. Julian's Bay. Many trips also take in the Santa Maria caves and St. Paul's island, where the apostle is reputed to have first come ashore.
Back on dry land Malta's ageing fleet of yellow buses will take you to Imdina, a medieval city that served as Malta's ancient capital.
Imdina is picturesque and full of history, but again it is compact and its attractions limited, so don't plan on spending more than an afternoon here.
Highlights of the town, which can be circled on foot in a few minutes, are the dungeon museum and the natural history museum.
Nightlife is centred on the tourist resorts in St. Paul's, St. Julian's and St. George's but even in these supposed hotspots don't expect too much, especially out of season.
Lacking big city nightlife and package resort style partying, nightlife is timid.
A good bet is to head to a restaurant and while away the evening drinking the local Marsovin wine, which is sually cheaper than the cost of the meal itself and very drinkable. Accompany with a traditional Maltese dish such as rabbit stew or Bragioli - spicy beef rolls - for the complete Malta experience.
