Discover Malta's hidden treasures

This inclusivity comes most vibrantly to life each September when the streets of the UNESCO-listed capital Valletta are the setting for the exuberant revelry of Malta Pride – a week-long affair culminating in a weekend embracing the Pride March, a concert, an After-Pride party, and even a Pride Regatta, when charming local wooden taxi boats are dressed up with unicorns, balloons, and tinsel to do a tour of the spectacular harbour.

Malta Pride began in 2004 with just 100 or so participants – a number that grew to thousands in 2023, when the island played host, for the first time, to EuroPride – a pan-European event hosted each year by a different European city - the event was headlined by the amazing Christina Aguilera.

Malta is just a three-hour flight from the UK but really is another world, with a huge amount to see and do. There are several historic cities to explore, from the current capital Valletta to the ancient capital and ‘Silent City’ of Mdina (especially lovely at night, when it’s lit by lanterns). Also unmissable is the UNESCO-listed ancient Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, a mysterious underground burial chamber, and, on neighbouring Gozo, the enigmatic, UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples – one of the world’s oldest free-standing structures, pre-dating Egypt’s Pyramids.

Private boat tours of the coast of Malta and those of sister islands Gozo and Comino reveal hidden caves and delightful snorkelling spots, as well as offering you the chance to watch the sun set from the deck. The islands also have an array of gorgeous beaches. Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay, is in a peaceful spot in the north of the island, but even more tranquil are remote Għajn Tuffieħa Bay with its reddish-golden sand and St Peter’s natural rock pool in Delimara – superb for secluded swimming and sunbathing.

On Gozo, Ramla il-Ħamra (‘Red Sandy Beach’) has great swimming and snorkelling, plus protected dunes believed to conceal Roman ruins. From Dwejra Bay, you can take boat trips to the Blue Hole and Fungus Rock, while at the bottom of the cliffs at Daħlet Qorrot, a small bay in the north, you can see unique boathouses converted from natural caves and ledges.

To book your Malta holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Two Rixos resorts, two very different ways to switch off

29 December 2025

For guests who like their holidays easy but still want quality, variety, and a bit of personality, Rixos delivers a refreshing take on the all-inclusive concept. In the UAE, two standout properties show just how different that experience can be. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island leans into polished beachfront living with a strong focus on food, wellbeing, and family-friendly design, while Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah offers a more expansive, activity-led escape with space to spread out and a packed entertainment calendar. Choosing between them really comes down to how you like to holiday.

Luxury made easy: A closer look at Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica

29 December 2025

All-inclusive doesn’t have to mean predictable, and Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica is proof of that. Sitting on Corfu’s northern coast, this resort is designed for guests who want everything taken care of without losing personality or choice. Part of Grecotel’s LUXME collection, short for Luxury Made Easy, it blends high-end dining, thoughtful design, and family-friendly experiences into one seamless stay. The idea is simple: remove the hassle, keep the quality, and let your holiday unfold at your own pace.

The top 5 food markets around the world

29 December 2025

There’s nothing quite like exploring the world through your taste buds. From dawn-till-dusk markets where locals haggle over spices to late-night stalls pouring steaming bowls of noodles, food markets give travellers a delicious shortcut into the heart of a destination. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or planning that first big trip, these five global markets offer flavours and experiences that make the journey as exciting as the destination itself.