Malta

The island's virtually unparalleled history has created an extraordinarily rich cultural blend (the Maltese language, for example, is part Arabic, part medieval Sicilian Italian and part English) which is especially prominent in the capital city Valletta, a World Heritage site described by UNESCO as 'one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.'

Away from the capital, the other key attractions are fossil-filled cliffs, some of the world's oldest temples (dating as far back as 3600 BC), stunning churches and fantastic diving off Malta's small sister island of Gozo. Across these two islands (and small but perfectly formed Comino island between the two) life moves at a leisurely pace where the friendly locals inhabit pavement cafes and family-run restaurants, and this is somewhere to enjoy the delicious, fresh flavours of the Mediterranean, with Malta's cuisine - much like the language - influenced by neighbouring Sicily and Middle Eastern flavours.

More active pursuits include renting a boat to explore the many peaceful coves hidden around the islands that cannot be reached on foot, and diving in some of the best visibility in the Mediterranean. Visit in summer and you are all but guaranteed to coincide with one of the many patron saints festivals that see the local towns transformed into party towns complete with medieval pageantry and enormous fireworks displays.