Sun-soaked island with 27C weather in September is just 3.5 hours from the UK

An island destination where English is the official language and temperatures regularly hit 27C in September

Just over three hours from the UK and with direct flights from 18 regional airports, Malta is the year-round Mediterranean destination that delivers. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere in Europe and a calendar packed with world-class festivals and events, it's the kind of place that'll keep you coming back over and over again.

Situated just off the coast of Sicily, Malta enjoys a prime position in the heart of the Mediterranean. It has around 200km of stunning coastline and is home to no fewer than 12 Blue Flag beaches, meaning you'll never have to travel far to find a picture-perfect spot to roll out your beach towel.

The 800m-long Mellieħa Bay on Malta's northwest coast is ideal for families and watersports enthusiasts, while those seeking an inviting cove to snooze the afternoon away should head to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. Simply put, there's a stretch of sand for almost every type of holidaymaker.

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With Europe's warmest average temperatures, gentle winter weather and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, beach visits are always an option, whenever you visit. History and heritage Malta's captivating past has transformed the archipelago into a living museum, boasting ancient temples, historic alleyways and Medieval fortresses ready for exploration.

A more contemporary oddity is the distinctive red telephone boxes dotted across the islands, amongst the few remnants of British rule. The entire capital of Valletta, constructed by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the "Silent City" of Mdina – vehicle-free and housing merely 240 inhabitants – offers the ideal spot to uncover millennia of heritage.

Visit St John's Co-Cathedral to admire the dazzling golden interior and Caravaggio's masterwork, The Beheading of John the Baptist. Measuring over 5m in width, it represented the largest canvas he ever created. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the ruins of the stunning Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum (advance booking essential) and the Megalithic temple complex at Ġgantija in Gozo.

Malta enjoys recognition as one of Europe's finest diving locations. The destination boasts over 120 underwater sites that are prime for aquatic discovery, featuring shipwrecks, remnants of a WWII submarine, and spectacular reefs.

Culture Malta boasts a bustling cultural calendar brimming with festivals, exhibitions and local celebrations, even drawing international artists to join the fun. From May to September, the village festas season is in full swing, with local communities hosting public feasts and extravagant fireworks displays in honour of patron saints.

Pop by for the Isle of MTV Malta Music Festival, Europe's largest free music festival, held in June or July. Visit in October and witness Notte Bianca, when Valletta's streets, squares, churches, palaces and museums transform into venues for complimentary live performances and concerts.

In December, the island morphs into a magical wonderland teeming with festive events, including children's workshops, dance performances and captivating Christmas lights illuminating Valletta's streets.

With an impressive seven Michelin-starred restaurants, Malta has cemented its status as a culinary capital. Traditional fare includes rustic pastizzi – flaky filo-style pastry stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas – alongside hearty stews and pies.

If you don't fancy spending too much time hanging out on the beach, then there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer on the island. Malta is known as 'The Rock' due to the dramatic coastal cliffs, deeply carved valleys and towering ridges that thrill climbers.

Over 50 hiking and cycling routes across Malta, Gozo, and Camino guide you along the clifftops, through country lanes and past charming villages. Alternatively, take on the Xterra Gozo Trail Run, which follows a coastline-hugging 50km route that circles the entire island.

Right now, there are plenty of cheap flights on offer from UK airports to Malta. Leaving as early as this Saturday, you can bag return flights from Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow and Bristol for just over £100.