Malta

About as near as Brits can get to home-from-home abroad; they drive on the left and know how to build a British pub!

Italian and African influences have also been thrown into the mix. Beach lovers will find their choice limited to Melleiha, Golden Bay and Gozo, while those seeking culture will find an abundance of historic sites and religion.

Some of the larger resorts remain working towns - bustling, noisy and tatty in places, they may not suit quiet-seekers.

Ancient history isn't the only thing the Maltese have preserved ... spot the old 70's vehicles on the roads.

Weather: Summer: hot and sunny. Winter: mild, slightly cooler than Spanish costas. Most rainfall occurs in November and December.

Valleta offers wall-to-wall history dating back more than 500 years although, surprisingly it's the more modern architecture that is beginning to look shoddy.

The city's Grand Harbour fronts a wealth of ancient palaces and chapels among the narrow crowded streets.

Many tourists have complained to us about pot holes and slippery pavements in some of Valetta's shopping streets so care is needed.

TIPS: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches. Driving around Valletta is a logistical nightmare ... parking is even worse.

Inland is the medieval town and old capital of Mdina (pron: Im Deena) where time has stood still ... apart from the swarms of day trippers. Another popular excursion is the site where Hollywood left it's mark - the Popeye village set.

Sightseers wanting natural history should head for the catacombs, take a boat trip along the coast to the Blue Grotto or to the island of Gozo

For additional information on Malta visit Everything Malta

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