The Maltese archipelago lies in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, between Sicily, to the north, and Libya to the south. It is made up of three islands, collectively known as the Republic of Malta, which cover an area of 316 sq km. Malta is by far the largest of the islands with a relatively flat limestone terrain and a coastline indented with numerous bays and harbours. Gozo is altogether more rugged than Malta, and greener, with a spectacular coastline of rocky inlets and red sand beaches. Between Malta and Gozo lies Comino, a truly peaceful island with its Blue Lagoon offering safe bathing in azure waters. The Maltese population of roughly 400,000 maintain a tight-knit sense of community fuelled by a staunch Roman Catholic faith, which has served to protect this largely unadulterated country rich in natural history from over-development.

The climate in Malta is excellent all year round with temperatures rarely falling below 15 degrees Centigrade even in mid-winter. The rainfall is heaviest between November and February, but even that is fairly low, and the most pleasant time to visit Malta is before the hot Mediterranean summer kicks in around June. Holiday homes in Malta and Gozo are available at any time of the year and to suit any type of vacation requirements - from traditional farmhouses in Gozo to villas in Malta; from a romantic, hideaway holiday for two, to a full-blown, action-packed family affair.

Malta is a mythical, mystical place whose countryside is dotted with Baroque churches, stone cottages and some of the world's oldest human structures. The towns are filled with cobble-stone streets and Norman churches, and Gozo is home to Ggantija, one of the country's best preserved, prehistoric temples, along with many other historical sites. Maltese culture is greatly influenced by its Mediterranean situation, and the cuisine is strongly Sicilian, although 150 years of British rule has left its mark, with English commonly spoken alongside native Maltese. Traditions are kept alive in folk music and fine crafts, such as hand woven fabrics and lace, and silver and glass-ware; popular mementoes taken home by the many tourist visitors to Malta.

Holiday apartments in Malta can make the ideal base for a vacation that is as lively or as serene as you want, with some of the medieval towns in central Malta, like Valletta, the capital, or Medina, providing a dramatic location from which to explore the coasts and monuments of the main island. For a complete contrast in tempo and scenery, the tiny island of Comino is a paradise for divers, windsurfers and snorkellers. Equally, Gozo provides the perfect haven of tranquillity; its charm and leisurely pace obvious from the moment you arrive. Its breathtaking landscape and stunning beaches are steeped in legend, and the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern living would be a holiday villa in Gozo from where you could spend time exploring all that the magical islands of Malta have to offer.

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